Introduction

India’s food business is growing every day. From street vendors to cloud kitchens, from homemade snacks to packaged goods – everyone wants a slice of the food market. But before you start selling food items legally in India, there’s one important thing you must have – an FSSAI registration or license. In this simple guide by Online Digital India, we’ll explain what FSSAI is, why it’s necessary, how you can get it, and how it helps you start a packaged food business legally and successfully.

What is FSSAI?

FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is a government body that ensures the food we eat is safe and hygienic. If you're planning to manufacture, package, store, distribute, or sell food products, you need approval from FSSAI. FSSAI license is, in essence, authorization to lawfully sell food.

Why Do You Need an FSSAI License?

Whether you are making cookies at home, running a bakery, or packaging pickles and snacks for sale, FSSAI license is a legal requirement.

Here’s why it’s important:

• Legal Compliance: Without it, your business is illegal.
• Building Trust: Consumers are more likely to trust food bearing an FSSAI number.
• Market Access: You can sell online or in stores easily.
• Avoid Penalties: Without FSSAI, you may be fined ₹5 lakh or jailed.
• Export Support: Required for sending food items abroad.
• Brand Value: Shows your product is quality-checked.

Who Needs FSSAI Registration?

If you’re doing any of the following, you need FSSAI:

• Selling homemade snacks or sweets
• Running a cloud kitchen or tiffin service
• Owning a restaurant, cafe, or bakery
• Operating a food truck or stall
• Manufacturing packaged foods like chips, pickles, jam, etc.
• Selling through online platforms.

Even small food startups and home-based food businesses need FSSAI registration.

Types of FSSAI Licenses

Depending on the size and scope of your company, there are three different kinds of FSSAI licenses:

• FSSAI Basic Registration: For home-based businesses and small sellers | Annual Turnover: Less than ₹12 lakh
• FSSAI State License – For medium businesses, restaurants, and small manufacturers | Annual Turnover: ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore
• FSSAI Central License – For large food chains, exporters, and importers | Annual Turnover: Above ₹20 crore or interstate operations

Online Digital India helps you choose the correct license based on your business size and plan.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

To register your food business with FSSAI, you’ll need some basic documents. Don’t worry – Online Digital India will help you collect and prepare all of them.

For FSSAI Basic Registration:

• Aadhar card of business owner
• Passport size photo
• Address proof (Electricity Bill/Rent Agreement)
• Business name & nature
• Email ID & mobile number

For State/Central License (Extra Documents):

• Business registration (if available)
• Product list to be manufactured or sold
• Food safety management plan (FSMS)
• Blueprint or layout of kitchen/factory (for manufacturers)
• Water quality report (if using water)
• NOC from municipality or local authority (if needed)

Step-by-Step Process to Get FSSAI with Online Digital India

Step 1: visit our site

visit our website Online Digital India. We’ll ask a few simple questions like:

• What food you’re selling?
• Is it homemade or factory-made?
• How much is your yearly sale?
• Do you sell online or offline?

This helps us choose the right license type for you.

Step 2: Collect Documents

Our team helps you gather the required documents. Even if you’re not registered as a company, we’ll guide you with the minimum requirements.

Step 3: Fill the Application

We fill out your FSSAI application on the official portal and upload all documents. We also pay the government fee on your behalf.

Step 4: Follow-up & Approval

We track your application status, talk to FSSAI officials if required, and keep you updated. Basic registration takes 5–7 working days, while state/central licenses may take up to 30 days.

Step 5: Receive Your FSSAI Certificate

Once approved, we send your FSSAI certificate to your email. You can now legally sell food under your own brand name.

What Takes Place If an FSSAI License Is Not Obtained?

It is illegal to operate a food business without FSSAI. You can be fined or even imprisoned. Here's what could happen:

• Penalty up to ₹5 lakh
• Seizure of your products
• Your shop or factory may be sealed
• Banned from online platforms
• Loss of trust and customers

Why take the risk when you can register with Online Digital India in just a few days?

Benefits of Having an FSSAI License

Let’s look at the clear advantages:

1. Sell with Confidence

You can print your FSSAI number on your label or packaging. It builds instant trust.

2. Expand Easily

You can tie up with online marketplaces, grocery shops, or restaurants.

3. Government Support

You become eligible for MSME schemes, bank loans, and subsidies.

4. Legal Protection

Even if someone files a complaint, you are safe because you are registered.

5. Business Growth

Your food business can expand without facing legal obstacles after you have your license.

Common Questions People Ask

I only sell pickles from home. Do I need FSSAI?

Yes, even home-based food sellers need FSSAI Basic Registration.

Can I apply if I don’t have a shop?

Yes. You can register using your home address.

Do I need a company to apply?

No. You can apply as an individual or sole proprietor.

How long is the license valid?

The FSSAI license has a one to five-year validity period. You can renew it before expiry.

Can I sell on Zomato or Amazon with this?

Yes! Most platforms ask for FSSAI license before onboarding you.

How You Can Benefit from Online Digital India

When it comes to business registration services, we are a reputable name. Our FSSAI services include:

• Quick Online Application
• Document Assistance
• Expert Guidance
• Lowest Price Guarantee
• 100% Customer Satisfaction

Our goal is to help small food businesses like yours become legal, visible, and profitable.

Note: You can also get your FSSAI Licence through the Online Digital India

Conclusion

Starting a packaged food business is exciting. But it comes with responsibility. With Online Digital India, you don’t have to worry about legal documents and confusing forms. We make the process of getting your FSSAI license easy, fast, and affordable. Whether you sell snacks, juices, bakery items, or any kind of packaged food – do it the right way.