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.

Selling Food Online India — Legal Requirements 2026

Selling food online in India — whether through Zomato, Swiggy, Amazon, your own website, or Instagram — requires proper legal compliance. The online food market in India is heavily regulated, and non-compliant sellers face platform bans, FSSAI notices, and financial penalties.

Mandatory Legal Requirements for Online Food Sellers

FSSAI Registration/License: Mandatory for ALL online food sellers, regardless of platform or order volume
Proper Food Labeling: All packaged foods must carry FSSAI number, ingredients, best-before date, and allergens
Food Safety Standards Compliance: Products must comply with FSSAI quality standards for the specific food category
GST Registration: Required if turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh (or voluntary for B2B credibility)
Business Registration: At minimum, proprietorship — LLP or Pvt Ltd recommended for scale

FSSAI Requirements by Platform

Zomato / Swiggy

Valid FSSAI registration number mandatory for onboarding
FSSAI number displayed on your restaurant/store page
Regular compliance checks by platforms

Amazon / Flipkart

FSSAI license required in seller account
Product listings must include FSSAI number
Packaged products must comply with all labeling requirements

Instagram / Facebook / WhatsApp

No platform enforcement — but FSSAI compliance is legally required
FSSAI actively monitors social media food sellers
Display FSSAI number in your bio and on product photos

Packaging Requirements for Online Food Sales

Use food-grade, tamper-evident packaging
Ensure packaging can withstand delivery conditions
Label all packages with FSSAI number, ingredients, and shelf life
Use insulated packaging for hot/cold items

FSSAI 2026 E-Commerce Food Regulations

The 2026 FSSAI draft regulations for e-commerce food platforms include:

All platforms must display FSSAI numbers of listed sellers
Home-based sellers above ₹1.5 crore turnover must upgrade to State License
Platforms must verify FSSAI compliance during onboarding
Platforms are jointly liable for non-compliant sellers listed on their platform

Conclusion

Starting an online food business in India has never been more accessible — but legal compliance is non-negotiable. Get your FSSAI registration first, then focus on product quality, packaging, and platform listings. Velco Legal India handles all FSSAI compliance for online food sellers starting ₹999.

How to Sell Food Online in India: Legal Requirements 2026