Introduction: Rise of Packaged Food in India
India’s food consumption habits have undergone a major transformation over the last decade. Rapid urbanization, demanding work schedules, long commuting hours, and changing lifestyles have significantly reduced the time people can devote to home cooking FSSAI & Legal Compliance for Packaged Food Businesses in India. As a result, packaged and ready-to-eat food has become an essential part of everyday life, particularly in urban and semi-urban regions. Studies indicate that nearly 79% of the urban population now includes packaged or ready-to-eat food in their regular diet. Rural markets are also emerging as strong growth drivers. Better infrastructure, rising wages, and increasing purchasing power have expanded access to packaged food in villages and small towns.
Role of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
FSSAI is the central authority responsible for regulating food safety and standards across India. Functioning under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, it ensures that food products sold in the country meet prescribed quality, hygiene, and safety norms. FSSAI regulates every stage of the food supply chain—from manufacturing and processing to packaging, storage, distribution, and sale. Any individual or entity involved in food-related activities is legally required to obtain FSSAI registration or a licence before commencing operations.
FSSAI Registration and Licensing Framework
Every Food Business Operator (FBO), including manufacturers, processors, packagers, traders, distributors, transporters, storage operators, and retailers, must be registered with FSSAI. Based on the size and scale of operations, FSSAI approvals are divided into three categories:
1. Basic FSSAI Registration
This is applicable to small or petty food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh. It includes street vendors, small retailers, home-based food businesses, food hawkers, and temporary stallholders. Even at a small scale, registration is mandatory to ensure basic food safety and hygiene standards.
2. FSSAI State Licence
A State Licence is required for medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore. This category covers restaurants, packaged food manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and storage units operating within a single state.
3. FSSAI Central License
The Central Licence is mandatory for large food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore. It is also required for importers, exporters, large manufacturers, central warehouses, and businesses operating in multiple states. Certain businesses must obtain a Central Licence based on production or storage capacity, even if turnover thresholds are not crossed.
Once approved, FSSAI issues a unique 14-digit licence or registration number, which must be printed on all food packages and labels.
Step-by-Step Process for FSSAI Registration via FoSCoS
(FoSCoS) is the official online portal for FSSAI registration and licensing.
- Visit the FoSCoS portal and create a new user account using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Log in on official portal and “Apply for New Licence/Registration.”
- Choose the appropriate category—Basic, State, or Central—based on turnover and operations.
- Enter accurate business details, including address, nature of food activity, and turnover.
- Pay the applicable government fee and apply.
- If required, facilitate inspection by food safety officers.
- Download the FSSAI certificate and use the 14-digit number on packaging and business documents.
Packaging and Labelling Compliance for Packaged Food
Packaging plays a crucial role in food safety and legal compliance. FSSAI has laid down strict labeling and packaging requirements to ensure transparency and consumer protection. Every packaged food product must clearly display the following information:
- Name of the food product
- Complete list of ingredients, arranged in descending order of weight
- Nutritional information, including energy value, protein, carbohydrates, sugars, fats, and salt
- Veg or non-veg declaration, with the prescribed symbol
- Net quantity (weight or volume)
- Date of manufacture and expiry / best before date
- Batch number or lot code for traceability
- Details of the manufacturer, packer, or marketer
- Country of origin, in case of imported food
- FSSAI logo and 14-digit licence number
- Allergen declaration, where applicable
The packaging material itself must be food-grade, non-toxic, and suitable for contact with food. It should not transfer harmful substances, odours, or flavours to the product. Improper or misleading labelling can attract heavy penalties, product recalls, and even suspension of the FSSAI licence.
Documents Required for FSSAI Licence
Common documents include PAN card, Aadhaar or ID proof of the proprietor or authorised signatory, passport-size photographs, proof of business address, business registration documents (GST, incorporation certificate, trade licence), list of food products, food safety management plan, bank details, and layout plan of the premises for manufacturers.
Other Legal and Regulatory Compliances
Environmental Compliance & EPR Food packaging companies using plastic, paper, or multilayered packaging must comply with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) norms. This requires businesses to manage the collection, recycling, and disposal of packaging waste in an environmentally responsible manner.
GST Compliance All eligible food businesses must register under GST, issue proper tax invoices, and file regular returns. GST compliance is essential for lawful operations and smooth supply chain management.
Import–Export Regulations Businesses engaged in importing or exporting packaged food must obtain an Importer Exporter Code (IEC), comply with customs regulations, and secure FSSAI clearance for imported food consignments.
Conclusion
India’s packaged food sector offers immense growth opportunities, but regulatory compliance is the foundation of sustainable success. From obtaining the correct FSSAI registration to adhering to detailed packaging and labelling norms, every food business must operate within the legal framework designed to protect consumers and ensure food safety.
Packaging is no longer just about aesthetics—it is a critical compliance tool that ensures traceability, transparency, and consumer confidence. By following FSSAI regulations, FoSCoS procedures, EPR guidelines, and tax and trade laws, packaged food businesses can avoid legal risks, strengthen brand credibility, and scale confidently in India’s rapidly expanding food market.
A well-compliant food packaging business not only meets legal obligations but also builds long-term trust, attracts investors, and gains a competitive edge in one of India’s most dynamic industries.
Q. 1. What is FSSAI compliance and why is it mandatory for packaged food businesses in India?
Answer: FSSAI compliance refers to adhering to the regulations set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is mandatory because it ensures that packaged food products are safe, hygienic, and fit for human consumption. Without FSSAI compliance, selling packaged food in India is illegal and can lead to penalties or business closure.
Q. 2. Which type of FSSAI license is required for packaged food manufacturers?
Answer: Packaged food manufacturers generally require a State FSSAI License or Central FSSAI License, depending on production capacity, turnover, and scale of operations. Businesses involved in imports or large-scale manufacturing must obtain a Central License, while smaller units usually need a State License.
Q. 3. Is FSSAI registration different from an FSSAI license?
Answer: Yes. FSSAI Registration is meant for small food businesses with limited turnover, while an FSSAI License is required for medium and large packaged food businesses. Manufacturing packaged food typically requires a license, not just basic registration.
Q. 4. What legal compliances are required along with FSSAI for packaged food businesses?
Answer: In addition to FSSAI, packaged food businesses must comply with:
- Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities Rules)
- GST registration
- Company or MSME registration
- Trade license
Environmental and labor compliances (if applicable)
These ensure full legal and operational compliance in India.
Q. 5. What are the mandatory labeling requirements for packaged food in India?
Answer:
- Mandatory labeling includes:
- Product name and description
- Ingredient list and allergen declaration
- FSSAI license number and logo
- Net quantity and nutritional information
- Manufacturer details and expiry/best before date
- Non-compliant labels can lead to product recalls and penalties.
Q. 6. How often does an FSSAI license need to be renewed?
Answer: An FSSAI license must be renewed before expiry, which can be valid for 1 to 5 years depending on the chosen tenure. Late renewal attracts penalties of ₹100 per day, and prolonged delays may result in license cancellation.
Q. 7. What are the penalties for non-compliance with FSSAI regulations?
Answer: Penalties vary based on the violation and can range from ₹25,000 to ₹10 lakh, including product seizure, suspension of license, or imprisonment in severe cases. Non-compliance also damages brand reputation and consumer trust.
Q. 8. Do online packaged food sellers also need FSSAI compliance?
Answer: Yes. Businesses selling packaged food through e-commerce platforms must have a valid FSSAI license. Online marketplaces often require sellers to upload FSSAI details before listing food products.
Q. 9. How does FSSAI compliance help build consumer trust?
Answer: FSSAI compliance signals that the food product meets government safety standards. Displaying the FSSAI logo and license number on packaging reassures consumers about quality, safety, and authenticity, directly influencing purchase decisions.
Q. 10. Can a packaged food business operate pan-India with one FSSAI license?
Answer: Only a Central FSSAI License allows pan-India operations. If a business has multiple manufacturing units or warehouses across states, separate licenses may be required for each location, depending on the business structure.
