Food License in Delhi



✅ What is a Food License

A Food License—commonly known as an FSSAI License—is a legal document issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). It authorizes food businesses to operate while ensuring the safety and quality of food products.

The license is issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and aims to protect public health by regulating the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food.

🚨 Why is a Food License Mandatory in India?

Obtaining a food license is mandatory for all food-related businesses across India, including in Delhi, for the following reasons:

1. Legal Requirement

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, mandates all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to obtain an FSSAI license to legally operate in India.

2. Consumer Safety

The license ensures that food served or sold to the public meets hygiene and safety standards.

3. Trust & Brand Image

A licensed food business is more trustworthy. Displaying your FSSAI number on packaging and marketing materials builds customer confidence.

4. Business Expansion

FSSAI registration makes it easier to expand your food business, especially if you plan to supply to major retailers or enter the online food delivery space.

5. Avoid Legal Penalties

Operating without a valid food license can result in heavy penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

📍 Who Needs a Food License in Delhi?

Whether you're an individual running a home-based tiffin service or a large food manufacturing company, if you're involved in any of the following activities in Delhi, you need a food license:

  • Restaurants & cafes

  • Hotels & food courts

  • Food processing units

  • Food packaging businesses

  • Online food delivery services (e.g., Swiggy, Zomato)

  • Cloud kitchens and dark kitchens

  • Catering services

  • Grocery stores and food retailers

  • Importers and exporters of food items

Even small food vendors and home-based food sellers must register under the Basic Registration category of FSSAI.

🔍 Types of Food Licenses in Delhi

FSSAI issues three types of food licenses based on the scale and turnover of the business:

1. Basic FSSAI Registration (Form A)

  • For small businesses with annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh

  • Ideal for: Small eateries, hawkers, home-based food businesses, small retailers

  • Valid for 1 to 5 years

2. State FSSAI License (Form B)

  • For medium-sized businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore

  • Ideal for: Mid-size restaurants, manufacturers, storage units, distributors

  • Issued by: Delhi State Government

3. Central FSSAI License (Form B)

  • For large-scale businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore or businesses involved in inter-state operations

  • Ideal for: Large manufacturers, exporters, importers, food chains

  • Issued by: FSSAI Central Authority

📝 Documents Required for Food License in Delhi

The list of documents depends on the type of license. Here's a general overview:

For Basic Registration:

  • Passport-size photo

  • Government-issued ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID)

  • Proof of business premises (rent agreement or utility bill)

  • Food safety management plan (self-declaration)

For State and Central Licenses:

  • Passport-size photographs

  • Proof of address and identity

  • Business registration proof (Partnership deed, COI, etc.)

  • Layout plan of the kitchen/premises

  • NOC from local municipal body

  • List of food products

  • Water testing report from ISI-certified lab

  • Food safety management system plan

  • Import/export code (if applicable)

  • MOA, AOA, and Board Resolution (for companies)

🧾 How to Apply for Food License in Delhi

You can apply for an FSSAI license in Delhi either online or offline.

Online Method (via https://foscos.fssai.gov.in):

  1. Visit the official FSSAI portal

  2. Register your business and create login credentials

  3. Choose the correct license type (Basic/State/Central)

  4. Fill in the application form (Form A or B)

  5. Upload required documents

  6. Pay the application fee online

  7. Submit the application and note the reference number

  8. FSSAI officials may conduct an inspection (especially for State/Central License)

  9. Upon verification, license will be issued

Offline Method:

  • Visit the Delhi FSSAI Office

  • Collect and fill the relevant form

  • Attach necessary documents

  • Submit to designated officer with application fee

  • Follow up for inspection and issuance

💰 Fees for Food License in Delhi

Here’s a breakdown of the application fee:

License Type Annual Turnover Government Fee (Per Year)
Basic Registration Up to ₹12 lakh ₹100
State License ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore ₹2,000 – ₹5,000
Central License Above ₹20 crore ₹7,500

Note: Professional service providers may charge an additional fee for end-to-end assistance.

🕐 Processing Time for Food License in Delhi

  • Basic Registration: 7–10 working days

  • State License: 15–30 working days

  • Central License: 25–40 working days

Timelines may vary based on documentation and inspections.

📆 Validity and Renewal of FSSAI License

  • FSSAI licenses can be issued for 1 to 5 years.

  • Renewal should be done 30 days before expiry.

  • Late renewal may attract fines of ₹100 per day.

Renewal can also be done online on the FoSCoS portal with updated documents and fees.

⚠️ Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating without a valid FSSAI license or violating food safety guidelines can result in:

Offense Penalty
No FSSAI license Up to ₹5 lakh + imprisonment
Selling substandard food ₹5 lakh
Misbranded food ₹3 lakh
Adulterated food causing injury ₹10 lakh + jail
Misleading ads or false claims ₹10 lakh

💡 Benefits of Having a Food License in Delhi

  1. Legal Recognition: Operate your business legally and avoid government action.

  2. Brand Credibility: Build customer trust through quality assurance.

  3. Market Expansion: Essential for partnering with delivery platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, etc.

  4. Investor-Friendly: Attracts funding and partnerships with compliance in place.

  5. Hygiene Monitoring: Helps implement food safety standards in your operations

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