Due to the increased production of healthy drinks, a number of entrepreneurs are launching home-based Ready-to-Drink (RTD) juice companies. Under the Indian food safety laws, it is a requirement that you have FSSAI License in case you intend to manufacture, pack, or sell RTD juices on your own. This paper describes the process of obtaining an FSSAI License to operate a home-based RTD juice business, the eligibility, the documents, fees, and the whole process.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates food businesses in India to ensure food safety and quality. Any business involved in food manufacturing, processing, packaging, or distribution must obtain an FSSAI Registration or License, depending on its scale of operations.
For a home-based RTD juice unit, FSSAI approval is compulsory even if sales are small or limited to local customers.
Yes. RTDs juices are classified under manufactured and processed food products. As you are making beverages to be sold, you must comply with FSSAI regardless of whether the business is at home or commercial unit.
Selling RTD juices without an FSSAI License can lead to penalties, business closure, and legal action.
The type of FSSAI approval depends on your annual turnover:
Annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh
Suitable for small home-based RTD juice sellers
Issued by the State FSSAI Department
Annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore
Required if you expand production or supply across districts
In most cases, a Basic FSSAI Registration is sufficient for home-based RTD juice businesses at the initial stage.
To apply for an FSSAI License, you must meet the following conditions:
Clean and hygienic food preparation area at home
Safe drinking water source
Proper waste disposal system
Use of permitted food additives only
Compliance with FSSAI hygiene and safety standards
Here is a list of commonly required documents:
Aadhaar Card or PAN Card of the applicant
Passport-size photograph
Address proof of home kitchen
List of RTD juice products
Food safety management plan (basic)
Declaration form (Form A or B)
Rent agreement or ownership proof (if applicable)
Additional documents may be requested during inspection.
Assess your expected turnover and select Basic Registration or State License accordingly.
Visit the official FSSAI FoSCoS portal and create an account. Fill in the application form with business and personal details.
Upload scanned copies of required documents and submit the application.
Pay the applicable government fee online.
For RTD juice manufacturing, the food safety officer may inspect your home kitchen to verify hygiene standards.
Once approved, the FSSAI Registration Certificate is issued with a unique 14-digit FSSAI number.
Basic Registration: ₹100 per year
State License: ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per year (depending on category)
The license can be taken for 1 to 5 years, with fees payable accordingly.
FSSAI has strict labeling norms for packaged beverages. Your RTD juice label must include:
Product name
FSSAI License
FSSAI logo and license number
Ingredients list
Net quantity
Manufacturing and expiry date
Nutritional information
Manufacturer’s address
Incorrect labeling can lead to license suspension.
FSSAI License must be renewed before expiry
Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
Maintain hygiene and quality records
Avoid using banned colors or preservatives
Failure to comply may attract heavy penalties.
Legal authorization to sell RTD juices
Builds customer trust and brand credibility
Enables online and retail sales
Helps in business expansion
Avoids legal penalties
The business of home-based RTD juice is a good business opportunity but it requires one to have an FSSAI License to operate the business smoothly and legally. Your FSSAI Registration is simple to obtain with adequate documentation, compliance to hygiene, and through online application, and you can successfully expand your beverage business.