Who Needs an FSSAI License? Complete Guide by BizFormation India

FSSAI Applicability

Imagine opening a cozy cloud kitchen serving artisanal biryanis or any food item you love. Orders flow in from Swiggy and Zomato, and customers enjoy your food. Then one day, a food safety inspector arrives, and you realize you do not have an FSSAI license. Suddenly, your business faces fines, closure, and legal trouble.This situation is more common than you think. Across India, thousands of food entrepreneurs, street vendors, home bakers, cloud kitchens, and large manufacturers operate without realizing that FSSAI registration is mandatory under Indian law. Established in 2006, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) ensures safe, hygienic, and quality food for consumers. Today, no food business can legally operate without proper registration or licensing.

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    What Is FSSAI Applicability

    FSSAI applicability refers to the requirement of FSSAI Registration or License for any business involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage, packaging, transportation, or distribution of food products. The type of license required depends on the size, nature, and turnover of the food business.
    Whether you operate from home, a commercial kitchen, or a retail outlet, understanding food license applicability is crucial for staying compliant under FSSAI regulations.

    FSSAI Applicability in India – Who Needs an FSSAI License

    FSSAI regulations are mandatory for a wide range of businesses. Here’s a clear overview of who needs FSSAI registration:

    1. Food Manufacturers
    All units involved in food manufacturing big or small must obtain the required FSSAI License.

    2. Food Repackaging and Processing Units
    Businesses involved in processing, repacking, marketing, or relabeling food products fall under FSSAI registration applicability.

    3. Retailers and Wholesalers
    Supermarkets, grocery stores, departmental stores, and wholesalers must follow FSSAI applicability rules.

    4. Restaurants, Cafes and Eateries
    Every commercial food-serving outlet requires an FSSAI License based on turnover and scale.

    5. Cloud Kitchens and Online Food Sellers
    With increasing demand for online food delivery, FSSAI applicability for cloud kitchens has become compulsory, regardless of business size.

    6. Home-Based Food Businesses
    Homemade food sellers, tiffin services, bakers, and small-scale food producers fall under FSSAI applicability for home-based food business and must register.

    7. Transporters and Distributors
    Businesses engaged in the storage and transportation of food must apply for the appropriate FSSAI license.

    8. Importers and Exporters
    Any business importing or exporting food requires a Central FSSAI License.

    At BizFormation India, we assess your business model and guide you on the exact FSSAI license required.

    Types of FSSAI Registration Based on Applicability

    To understand FSSAI license required for which businesses, here’s a quick breakdown:

    • Basic FSSAI Registration

      For small businesses and startups with turnover up to ₹12 lakhs.
      Applicable for:

    • Home-based food sellers

    • Small retailers

    • Small-scale food producers

    • State FSSAI License

      For medium-sized businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
      Applicable for:

    • Restaurants

    • Mid-sized manufacturers

    • Distributors & wholesalers

    • Central FSSAI License
      For large units and businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore.
      Applicable for:
    • Large manufacturers

    • Importers and exporters

    • Big retail chains

    BizFormation India helps you determine the correct category based on your turnover and operations.

    Why Is FSSAI Registration Mandatory

    Understanding FSSAI registration mandatory for whom helps avoid compliance issues. FSSAI License is essential for:

    • Ensuring food safety and hygiene

    • Protecting consumer health

    • Legal approval to operate a food business

    • Avoiding penalties and legal actions

    • Building credibility and trust

    • Meeting FSSAI compliance requirements

    From small home businesses to large manufacturers, FSSAI licensing is a legal necessity in India.

    FSSAI Regulations for Food Businesses

    Every business involved in handling food must follow FSSAI regulations for food business, including:

    • Maintaining hygiene standards

    • Using proper packaging and labeling

    • Ensuring safe storage and distribution

    • Keeping accurate records

    • Renewal of FSSAI license before expiry

    At BizFormation India, we ensure complete compliance and smooth documentation.

    FSSAI Applicability for Small Businesses

    Many small or local businesses believe they do not require an FSSAI license. However, FSSAI registration is mandatory even for small-scale activities such as:

    • Home kitchens

    • Tiffin services

    • Small snack shops

    • Pickle, bakery, papad, or homemade product sellers

    Under FSSAI applicability for small businesses, they must obtain Basic Registration to legally operate.

    How BizFormation India Helps

    At https://bizformationindia.com/, we offer:

    • Free consultation on FSSAI applicability

    • Assistance with documentation & eligibility check

    • Filing for FSSAI Registration & License

    • Support for renewals and annual compliance

    • Guidance for cloud kitchens, home-based food sellers and restaurants

      We streamline the entire FSSAI licensing process, ensuring smooth compliance so you can focus confidently on expanding and managing your food business without any stress.

    Clients Love

    Testimonial

    BizFormation India made the franchise registration process seamless and hassle-free. Their expert guidance and professional approach helped us set up our business quickly. Highly recommend their services!

    Mohan Director: Serve Infosoft Private Limited

    Excellent service and knowledgeable team! BizFormation India provided end-to-end support for our franchise setup, ensuring compliance and smooth operations. Truly a reliable partner for business growth!

    Shashikant Director: Refresh Technology Private limited

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