If you touch food with the intent to sell it, the answer is a resounding YES. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, every 'Food Business Operator' (FBO) in India must be registered or licensed with FSSAI.
The definition is broad and includes:
Technically, the only people exempted are those cooking for their own families for private consumption. Even if you sell food for only 2 hours a day, or only on Saturdays, you are legally an FBO and need registration.
Don't stay in the dark. Pragati Services provides a quick checkup to see if your current setup is legally compliant with FSSAI mandates.
Discover detailed compliance guides specifically for your industry.
Still Confused? Talk to an Expert
Get a free consultation for your food business.
Login to your account or create a new one on the Citizen Portal.
Browse services and select 'FSSAI Registration' from the list.
Make a secure online payment of the service fee.
Your application is submitted instantly to our team.
• An invoice is automatically generated and available for your records.
• You can track the live status of your application in the 'My Applications' section.
• Our dedicated Pragati support team will contact you within 4–5 hours to collect the required documents and complete the processing.
Everything you need to know about FSSAI registration in India
Do I need FSSAI for selling sealed grocery items?
Yes, even if you don't manufacture the food, a grocery retailer needs an FSSAI 'Retailer' registration.
Is FSSAI mandatory for a small farm selling vegetables?
Direct farmers selling their own produce at a mandi or farm gate are generally exempted, but once processing (like juicing or drying) begins, FSSAI applies.
How much is the fine for an expired license?
FSSAI charges a late fee of ₹100 per day after the expiry date. If you continue to operate long after expiry, it is treated as operating without a license.