FSSAI License
for Every Food
Business Type
Different food businesses need different FSSAI licenses — the right type, the right documents, the right authority. TaxClue guides importers, e-commerce FBOs, cloud kitchens, restaurants, transporters, and distributors through the exact correct path.
Get the Right FSSAI License
Expert calls within ✅ 30 minutes
Which FSSAI Does Your Food Business Need?
Click your business type below for the exact license type, documents, timeline, and compliance requirements specific to your operations.
FSSAI Registration for Food Importers
Every food importer in India must hold a valid Central FSSAI License — regardless of company size, turnover, or import volume. Without it, customs authorities will reject your shipment at the port of entry.
- ✓Central FSSAI License required even for first-time, small importers
- ✓Must be obtained before placing first import order
- ✓Required for customs clearance — no license = shipment returned
- ✓IEC Code from DGFT required alongside FSSAI
- ✓FSSAI prior intimation must be filed before each consignment arrives
- ✓Products must meet Indian FSSAI standards or get prior approval
Key Documents
Timeline & Type
Even if you import just one small consignment per year, Central FSSAI is mandatory. State or Basic will not be accepted at customs.
Ready to import food into India? Get your Central FSSAI first.
Food Import Clearance System (FICS) Support
Having a Central FSSAI License is step one. For each shipment that arrives at an Indian port, you must also file prior intimation through FSSAI's Food Import Clearance System (FICS) — before the goods arrive. TaxClue files FICS for every consignment.
- ✓FICS prior intimation must be filed before every import consignment
- ✓FSSAI inspects random samples at port — we track clearance status
- ✓Non-compliant products flagged — we assist with reprocessing or return
- ✓FICS No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued after clearance
- ✓NABL lab testing arranged for sample testing if required
- ✓Coordination with PGA (FSSAI) at Customs for expedited clearance
Per Shipment — Documents
FICS Process
Your Central FSSAI License is a one-time registration. FICS prior intimation must be filed separately for every single shipment — even if you import weekly.
Shipment arriving soon? File FICS prior intimation immediately.
FSSAI License for E-commerce Food Business
Whether you sell homemade food on Instagram, run a brand on Amazon/Flipkart, or operate a multi-state food delivery platform — every e-commerce food seller needs a valid FSSAI. Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato, and ONDC all mandate FSSAI verification before listing.
- ✓Instagram, WhatsApp, website food sellers need Basic or State FSSAI
- ✓Amazon & Flipkart food category listing requires valid FSSAI number
- ✓Multi-state e-commerce platforms (turnover >₹20Cr) need Central License
- ✓FSSAI number must appear on all product labels / packaging
- ✓E-commerce platforms are FBOs themselves — platform operators also need FSSAI
- ✓ONDC sellers require FSSAI for food category activation
Documents Needed
Which License?
Your 14-digit FSSAI number must be printed on every product label before dispatch — this is mandatory under FSSAI labelling regulations for e-commerce food sales.
Selling food online? Get FSSAI before Amazon or Flipkart rejects you.
FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchen
Cloud kitchens (dark kitchens / ghost kitchens) prepare food only for delivery — with no dine-in. Swiggy and Zomato require a valid FSSAI license before onboarding any cloud kitchen partner. Without FSSAI, your kitchen cannot go live on delivery platforms.
- ✓Swiggy and Zomato mandate FSSAI before restaurant onboarding
- ✓Kitchen premises address must match FSSAI certificate
- ✓Each cloud kitchen location needs a separate FSSAI
- ✓Multi-brand cloud kitchens (multiple menus, one kitchen) need one FSSAI
- ✓Home kitchen / residential cloud kitchen eligible for Basic FSSAI
- ✓Third-party cloud kitchen providers need FSSAI for each facility
Documents Needed
Platform Requirements
Running a cloud kitchen from your home? You qualify for Basic FSSAI Registration (₹100/year) if your annual turnover is below ₹12 lakh. TaxClue gets it done in 7 days.
Go live on Swiggy & Zomato faster. Get FSSAI in 7 days.
FSSAI License for Restaurant & Food Manufacturer
Restaurants, QSR chains, tiffin services, catering companies, and food manufacturers need FSSAI — and the exact license type depends on your annual turnover. Get it right the first time to avoid upgrading mid-operations.
- ✓Small eateries and tiffin services (<₹12L) — Basic Registration
- ✓Restaurants and cafés (₹12L–₹20Cr) — State License
- ✓QSR chains, large manufacturers (>₹20Cr or multi-state) — Central License
- ✓Separate FSSAI required for each manufacturing unit / restaurant location
- ✓Food label compliance required for packaged / branded food products
- ✓Modern trade vendors (BigBazaar, DMart) require State/Central License
Documents (State License)
Which License?
Get a State License even if currently under ₹12L if you plan to grow. This avoids the upgrade process mid-year and keeps you ready for modern trade partnerships.
Open legally. Get FSSAI before your restaurant or factory goes live.
FSSAI License for Transporter, Cold Storage & Warehouse
Transporters, refrigerated fleet operators, cold chain logistics companies, and food warehouses / cold storage facilities are classified as FBOs under the FSS Act and require their own FSSAI license — separate from the food manufacturer or retailer they serve.
- ✓All food transporters — truck, van, refrigerated vehicle operators
- ✓Cold storage / refrigerated warehouses must hold FSSAI
- ✓Public and private cold chain logistics operators
- ✓Food warehouse / godown operators handling food products
- ✓3PL logistics companies operating food supply chains
- ✓Vehicle list and storage facility address required in application
Documents Needed
Which License?
Your client's FSSAI does not cover your transport or storage business. You need your own FSSAI as a separate FBO — even if you transport exclusively for one manufacturer.
Operating cold chain or food logistics? You need your own FSSAI.
FSSAI License for Wholesaler & Food Distributor
Wholesale food traders, distributors, C&F agents, and super-stockists must hold their own FSSAI license. Selling or distributing food without FSSAI — even B2B — is a violation. Retailers and modern trade also require their distributor to have a valid FSSAI.
- ✓Wholesale food traders (kirana wholesale, supermarket suppliers)
- ✓C&F Agents and super-stockists for FMCG food brands
- ✓Food distributors supplying to retailers, hotels, hospitals
- ✓Modern trade vendors — DMart, Reliance, BigBazaar mandate FSSAI
- ✓B2B bulk food sellers (raw materials, spices, grains, oils)
- ✓Export distributors (separate from importers — different Annexure)
Documents Needed
Which License?
If you operate as a C&F agent for multiple food brands, each principal's products you store or distribute must fall within your own FSSAI product category list.
Supply food B2B? Modern trade and retailers require your FSSAI.
FSSAI License by Business Type — At a Glance
Use this table to instantly identify the right license type, govt. fee, and processing time for your food business.
| Business Type | License Required | Govt. Fee | Processing | Inspection? | Special Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚢 Importer | Central — mandatory | ₹7,500/yr | 30–60 days | DO Inspection | IEC + FICS per shipment |
| 📋 Food Import (FICS) | Central + FICS filing | Per shipment | 24–72 hrs | FSSAI sample check | Prior intimation before arrival |
| 🛒 E-commerce FBO | Basic / State / Central | ₹100–₹7,500 | 7–30 days | Not usually | FSSAI no. on every product label |
| ☁️ Cloud Kitchen | Basic / State | ₹100–₹5,000 | 7–15 days | No | Kitchen address must match FSSAI |
| 🍽️ Restaurant / Mfr. | Basic / State / Central | ₹100–₹7,500 | 7–45 days | Central only | Per location / unit |
| 🚛 Transporter / Storage | State / Central | ₹2,000–₹7,500 | 15–30 days | Possible | Vehicle list + facility address |
| 🏪 Wholesaler / Distributor | Basic / State / Central | ₹100–₹7,500 | 7–30 days | No | Separate FSSAI per warehouse |
Get the Right FSSAI in 4 Steps
One process covers all business types — we identify the right license for you and handle everything.
Free Consultation
Tell us your business type, turnover, and states of operation. Our expert recommends Basic, State, or Central in 15 minutes.
Documents Collected
We send you an exact, business-specific document checklist. Share via WhatsApp or email — we verify every document before filing.
Application Filed
We file on FoSCoS portal — correct form, correct annexure, correct fee. For Central License importers, we prepare FSMS plan and coordinate DO inspection.
Certificate Issued
FSSAI certificate delivered digitally. We help you upload it to Amazon, Swiggy, Customs, or wherever it's needed — same day.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — without exception. Even if you import a single small consignment of food products, Central FSSAI is mandatory. There is no turnover threshold or size exemption for importers. Customs authorities are directed by FSSAI to reject clearance for any food consignment without a valid Central License. State or Basic FSSAI will not be accepted at any Indian port or airport.
Yes — if your annual turnover is below ₹12 lakh, a home-based cloud kitchen qualifies for Basic FSSAI Registration at just ₹100/year. The kitchen's residential address becomes your FSSAI address. Both Swiggy and Zomato accept Basic FSSAI for home kitchen onboarding. TaxClue gets Basic FSSAI done in 7 working days.
Yes — the ₹12 lakh threshold only determines whether you need Basic or State FSSAI, not whether you need it at all. Any person engaged in selling food — even on Instagram or WhatsApp — must have at minimum a Basic FSSAI Registration. Amazon, Flipkart, and Meesho reject food product listings without FSSAI verification.
Yes — each food premises (kitchen, manufacturing unit, warehouse) requires its own FSSAI license or registration tied to that specific address. If you operate three cloud kitchen locations, you need three FSSAI certificates. However, if all locations are within the same state and owned by the same entity, TaxClue can often file for multiple premises under a single State License application to reduce costs.
Yes — they're two completely different things. Your Central FSSAI License is your permanent authorization to operate as a food importer in India (valid 1–5 years). FICS (Food Import Clearance System) is a shipment-level clearance you must file before every single import consignment arrives at an Indian port — even if you import weekly. TaxClue handles both: we obtain your Central License and file FICS prior intimation for every shipment you receive.
No — this is a very common and dangerous misconception. Every FBO in the food supply chain must hold their own FSSAI license for their specific business activity and premises. A manufacturer's FSSAI covers only their manufacturing unit. Your warehouse, godown, or distribution centre needs its own FSSAI — completely separate from your suppliers or clients. Operating without one exposes you to ₹5 lakh penalties even if all the products you store have valid FSSAI from their manufacturers.
⚠️ Top Mistakes by Business Type
These errors cost businesses weeks of delays and license rejections:
- Importers: Applying for State FSSAI instead of Central — customs will reject clearance regardless
- FICS: Filing prior intimation after the shipment arrives — goods get detained until re-filed
- E-commerce: Not printing FSSAI number on product labels before listing — leads to Amazon/Flipkart delisting
- Cloud Kitchen: Using delivery address or registered office — kitchen premises address is what FSSAI requires
- Restaurant: Applying for Basic even when turnover is ₹15L — inspection forces upgrade, causing operational gap
- Transporter: Assuming client's FSSAI covers transport — it does not; you need your own vehicle-list FSSAI
- Distributor: Operating one FSSAI for multiple godowns in different cities — each warehouse needs its own
Food Business FSSAI Experts Across Every Vertical
Right License, Right Form
Each business type requires a different FSSAI form and annexure — wrong form means rejection. We know every variation across all 7 types.
End-to-End Importer Support
IEC registration, Central FSSAI License, FICS prior intimation per shipment, NABL lab coordination — complete importer compliance in one place.
7-Day Cloud Kitchen FSSAI
Go live on Swiggy and Zomato fast. Basic FSSAI for home kitchens in 7 working days — complete process via WhatsApp.
Label & Platform Compliance
We advise on FSSAI label requirements for e-commerce sellers and guide you through Amazon, Flipkart, and ONDC FSSAI verification.
FSMS & Inspection-Ready
For Central License applicants — restaurants, manufacturers, importers — we prepare the complete FSMS plan and conduct mock DO inspection walkthrough.
10,000+ FBOs Registered
Importers, cloud kitchens, distributors, cold chain operators — we've handled FSSAI registration for every food business type across all 28 states.
Complete FSSAI Compliance by TaxClue
IEC Registration
Import Export Code from DGFT. Mandatory for all importers alongside Central FSSAI.
Learn More →Get the Right FSSAI for Your Food Business — First Time
Importer, cloud kitchen, e-commerce, restaurant, distributor — one expert team handles every FSSAI type across all 7 verticals and all 28 states.
🔒 Confidential · 4.9★ Google Rating · 10,000+ FBOs Registered · All License Types · All States