Starting a food business in Faridabad is exciting, but one of the very first legal requirements you must understand is the FSSAI License. Whether you’re launching a café, a cloud kitchen, a bakery, a food processing unit, or selling packaged food online, compliance with food safety regulations is mandatory under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) governs this licensing, ensuring that all food businesses meet prescribed hygiene and safety standards. Without proper licensing, you could face heavy penalties or even business closure, which is why understanding how to get your FSSAI license in Faridabad is crucial.
To get an FSSAI License in Faridabad, you need to apply online through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS), the official FSSAI portal for registrations and licensing. The process begins by determining which category of license applies to your business. There are three main types: Basic Registration, State License, and Central License. Basic Registration is meant for small food businesses or startups with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh; State License is suitable for medium businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore; and Central License is required for large enterprises, multi-state operations, import/export food businesses, or those with an annual turnover above ₹20 crore.
Once you know the correct license type, you must register or log in on the FoSCoS portal. The application requires detailed information like your business name, owners or directors’ details, business address, and the nature of food products involved. After entering these details, you upload the required documents and pay the applicable government fees. Once submitted, the food safety authority will review your application and may sometimes inspect certain categories. On successful approval, you receive a 14-digit FSSAI license number, which you must display on your product packaging and business premises.
The documents you need for obtaining an FSSAI food license vary depending on the license category, but some essentials are common across most applications. First, identity and address proofs of the proprietor or authorised signatory, such as PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, or voter ID, must be submitted. You also need proof of business premises, which could be a rental agreement, electricity bill, or property deed showing your business address. Additionally, details of the food products you intend to sell or manufacture must be listed.
For State and Central Licenses, several additional documents are usually required. These include business registration proof like a Partnership Deed or Certificate of Incorporation if you operate under a company, a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan, and often a water testing report confirming the quality of water used in food preparation. State license applications may require a blueprint or layout plan and a list of the machinery or equipment you use. Central licenses might also need import/export codes and documentation supporting turnover figures.
Even though these documents might seem numerous, preparing them carefully before applying ensures a smooth process and minimises delays or rejections. Some applicants opt for professional help to avoid common pitfalls during preparation and submission.
Yes, FSSAI registration or licensing is compulsory for all food business operators (FBOs) in Faridabad, including startups. Whether you are running a home-based bakery, a catering service, a packaged snacks business, or an online food delivery brand, being compliant with FSSAI norms is not optional. Exceptions are rare and generally limited to very small businesses with negligible food handling, but in most cases, any business engaged in food manufacture, distribution, storage, or sale must register or obtain a license before commencing operations.
Operating without FSSAI registration can lead to stiff penalties. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, food businesses found functioning without proper licensing can face fines of up to ₹5 lakh and possible imprisonment, depending on the violation severity. These regulations are in place to protect consumers and ensure that food products meet safety and quality standards consistently.
The cost of an FSSAI license has two primary components: the government fee set by the authority and the optional professional fee charged by consultants if you choose to get expert help. The government fee itself varies based on the type of license. Basic registrations carry a nominal government fee of ₹100 per year. State licenses, intended for medium-sized operations, attract fees typically ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per year, depending on the exact nature of your business. Central licenses for large enterprises are set at around ₹7,500 per year.
Additionally, when applying, you can select the validity period for 1 to 5 years, which affects the overall cost. Professional consultation charges differ among service providers, but can be a worthwhile investment for first-time applicants to ensure accurate form filling and document submission.
If you’re planning to apply for your FSSAI License in Faridabad, need help preparing documents, or want expert guidance through the process, Shugam Consultants is here to assist you. Our team helps food startups and established food businesses meet all compliance requirements smoothly so you can focus on growing your brand with confidence.