Tiffin services are among India's most popular home-based food businesses, catering to students, working professionals, and families. Whether you deliver 10 tiffins a day or 500, the law requires you to have a valid FSSAI registration to operate legally. This guide covers everything from eligibility to application, specifically tailored for tiffin service operators.
Yes, absolutely. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, any person or entity involved in the preparation, packaging, or distribution of food for commercial purposes must obtain FSSAI registration. This includes home-based tiffin services, cloud kitchens preparing tiffins, and catering companies offering subscription meal plans.
| License Type | Turnover Criteria | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Up to ₹12 Lakh/year | Home tiffin services, small operators |
| State License | ₹12 Lakh – ₹20 Crore/year | Large-scale tiffin businesses, multiple kitchens |
Most tiffin service operators qualify for Basic Registration, which is the simplest and most affordable option.
FSSAI mandates specific hygiene practices for food preparation and delivery:
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| FSSAI Government Fee (1 year) | ₹100 |
| Pragati Service Fee | ₹690 |
| Total | ₹850 |
Don't let compliance be a roadblock to your tiffin business. Apply through Pragati Services and get your FSSAI registration in the simplest way possible.
Discover detailed compliance guides specifically for your industry.
Still Confused? Talk to an Expert
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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
Can I run a tiffin service from my home kitchen?
Yes, you can operate a tiffin service from home. You just need FSSAI Basic Registration and must follow the prescribed hygiene standards.
How many tiffins can I deliver without a full license?
There is no specific tiffin count limit. The license type depends on your annual turnover. Below ₹12 lakh, Basic Registration is sufficient.
Do I need a separate GST registration?
GST registration is required if your turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh for NE states). FSSAI and GST are separate registrations.
Can I hire staff with a Basic Registration?
Yes, you can hire staff. However, all food handlers should have basic food safety awareness training.
What if I serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food?
You must mention all food categories in your application. There is no extra fee for multiple categories under the same registration.
Is the FSSAI number displayed on tiffin boxes?
Yes, FSSAI mandates that the license number be displayed on all packaging material, including tiffin boxes and bags.