What is FSSAI and why do I need a license?

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is the statutory food regulatory body of India. Any business involved in manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, or sale of food must obtain FSSAI license/registration. Operating without one risks penalties up to ₹5 lakh and imprisonment.

What are the FSSAI license types in India?

There are 3 types: (1) Basic Registration — turnover up to ₹1.5 Crore/year; (2) State License — turnover ₹1.5 Crore to ₹50 Crore/year; (3) Central License — turnover above ₹50 Crore or multi-state/importer/exporter operations.

How long does FSSAI registration take?

FSSAI Basic Registration takes 7–10 working days. State License takes 30–45 days. Central License takes 45–60 days. With Velco Legal India, we prepare and submit your application within 24 hours.

What is the cost of FSSAI license in India?

Government fees: Basic Registration ₹100/year, State License ₹2,000–₹5,000/year, Central License ₹7,500/year. Velco Legal India professional service fees start at ₹999 for Basic Registration.

What documents are required for FSSAI registration?

For Basic Registration: Photo ID proof, address proof of business, passport size photo. For State/Central License: additionally business registration certificate, rental agreement/ownership proof, food safety management plan, list of food categories.

Can I get FSSAI license online?

Yes. FSSAI licenses are applied 100% online through the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in). Velco Legal India provides complete online assistance — no physical office visit needed anywhere in India.

What is the penalty for operating without FSSAI license?

Operating a food business without FSSAI license attracts imprisonment up to 6 months and/or fine up to ₹5 lakh under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

How to renew FSSAI license?

FSSAI license must be renewed 30 days before expiry through FoSCoS portal. Late renewal attracts a penalty of ₹100/day. Velco Legal India handles renewal for ₹999 onwards with 24-hour application submission.

FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchen 2026

Cloud kitchens — also called dark kitchens, ghost kitchens, or virtual restaurants — have exploded in popularity across India. Whether you are operating a single-brand cloud kitchen from a rented space or running multiple food brands from one kitchen, FSSAI license is mandatory before you start taking orders.

What FSSAI License Does a Cloud Kitchen Need?

The required FSSAI license depends on your annual turnover:

Basic Registration: Annual turnover up to ₹1.5 crore — for small cloud kitchens just starting out
State License: Annual turnover ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore — for established cloud kitchen businesses
Central License: Annual turnover above ₹50 crore — for large cloud kitchen chains

Multiple Brands, One Kitchen: If you run multiple food brands (e.g., "Biryani House" and "Pizza Corner") from the same kitchen, you need only ONE FSSAI license for that kitchen address. All brands can operate under a single license.

FSSAI Kind of Business for Cloud Kitchens

When applying on FoSCoS, select the Kind of Business (KOB) as "Restaurant / Food Service Establishment" or "Caterer" depending on your operations.

Can You Apply for FSSAI with a Shared Kitchen?

Yes. If you operate from a shared commercial kitchen (like cloud kitchen hubs offered by Zomato Hyperpure, Swiggy Access, etc.), you can use that address for your FSSAI registration. You will need an NOC or agreement from the shared kitchen owner.

Zomato and Swiggy FSSAI Requirements

Both Zomato and Swiggy require a valid FSSAI license/registration number during onboarding. They will not activate your restaurant listing without it. Additionally, Zomato and Swiggy are now required to display your FSSAI number on your restaurant page as per the 2026 e-commerce food platform regulations.

Documents Required

Identity proof of owner (Aadhaar / PAN)
Proof of kitchen address (rent agreement / NOC from building owner)
List of food items being prepared
Kitchen layout plan (for State License)
GST registration (if applicable)

How Long Does It Take?

Basic Registration: 2–3 working days. State License: 7–14 working days. Velco Legal India handles the entire application so you can focus on setting up your kitchen and menu.

Conclusion

Getting your FSSAI license before launching your cloud kitchen ensures smooth onboarding on Zomato, Swiggy, Zepto, and other platforms. Don't delay — FSSAI compliance is the first step to a successful cloud kitchen business. Apply with Velco Legal India starting ₹999.

FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchen & Dark Kitchen: Complete Guide