Selling food online has become mainstream in India — from Instagram bakers to full-fledged food e-commerce stores. Whether you sell homemade snacks on WhatsApp, operate a food subscription box, or run a full e-commerce food brand, FSSAI registration is mandatory for all online food businesses.
| License Type | Turnover | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Up to ₹12 Lakh | Home-based sellers, small online stores |
| State License | ₹12 Lakh – ₹20 Crore | Growing e-commerce food brands |
| Central License | Above ₹20 Crore | National/international online food brands |
When selling food online, FSSAI mandates specific information on packaging:
| Platform | FSSAI Required? | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Yes, mandatory | FSSAI number on product listing + packaging |
| Flipkart | Yes, mandatory | FSSAI certificate upload during seller registration |
| Swiggy/Zomato | Yes, mandatory | FSSAI number verified before restaurant goes live |
| Own Website | Yes, mandatory | FSSAI number displayed on website footer |
| Instagram/WhatsApp | Yes, mandatory | FSSAI number on bio/product images |
Take your online food business to the next level with proper FSSAI compliance. Apply through Pragati Services today →
Discover detailed compliance guides specifically for your industry.
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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 to sell food on Instagram?
Yes, any commercial food sale — including through Instagram, WhatsApp, or Facebook — requires valid FSSAI registration.
Can I sell homemade food online without FSSAI?
No, all food sold for commercial purposes must have FSSAI registration, even if prepared at home.
Do I need to display FSSAI on my website?
Yes, FSSAI regulations require food businesses to display their license number on their website, app, and all product packaging.
What if I sell both food and non-food products online?
You need FSSAI registration only for the food products. Non-food items are not covered under FSSAI.
Can I ship food products across states with Basic Registration?
Basic Registration is sufficient for small-scale operations. If you're doing significant interstate sales, a Central License may be required.
How do I handle returns of perishable food items?
FSSAI doesn't specifically regulate returns, but you must ensure returned food is not resold if it has been opened or its cold chain broken.