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 Food Labeling Requirements 2026 — Mandatory Information

Every packaged food product sold in India must comply with FSSAI's Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations. Non-compliance can result in product seizure, fines up to ₹3 lakh, and even criminal prosecution. Here is the complete 2026 checklist of what must appear on your food label.

Mandatory Information on Every Food Label

Name of Food Product — as per FSSAI standards definition; must be the standard/common name
List of Ingredients — in descending order of weight; allergens must be highlighted in bold
Nutritional Information — per 100g/100ml; energy (kcal), protein, carbohydrate, sugars, fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium
Net Quantity — in metric units (grams, kilograms, millilitres, litres)
FSSAI License/Registration Number — 14-digit number starting with 1 or 2
Manufacturer Details — name and full address of manufacturer
Best Before / Expiry Date — "Best Before" for products with shelf life over 3 months; "Use By" for perishables
Batch/Lot Number — for product traceability
Country of Origin — mandatory for imported products
Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian Symbol — green dot for veg, brown/red dot for non-veg

Additional Requirements for Specific Products

Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals

"Not to be used as a substitute for varied diet"
Recommended daily intake
Warning for specific age groups

Genetically Modified (GM) Foods

Must declare "Contains Genetically Modified [ingredient]"

Irradiated Foods

Must declare "Processed by Irradiation"

Font Size Requirements

Declarations on labels must be in a minimum 1.5 mm font size
Net quantity must be in minimum 2 mm font for packages above 200g/ml
No part of the label should be false, misleading, or deceptive

Common Labeling Mistakes: Missing FSSAI number, incorrect veg/non-veg symbol, no allergen declaration, wrong date format, and missing nutritional information are the most common causes of FSSAI notices to food businesses.

Penalty for Non-Compliant Labels

Misleading labels: Fine up to ₹3 lakh
Missing FSSAI number: Fine and product seizure
Missing date markings: Product destruction and fine

Conclusion

FSSAI labeling compliance is non-negotiable. Before launching any packaged food product, get your label reviewed by a food safety expert. Velco Legal India offers food label compliance review services to ensure your product passes FSSAI inspection.

FSSAI Food Labeling Requirements 2026: Complete Checklist