The rise of e-commerce has empowered countless entrepreneurs to start their food businesses from home, small kitchens, or cloud kitchens. Among the top platforms where sellers aspire to list their food products is Amazon India. However, before listing any edible product on Amazon, there’s a crucial requirement every seller must fulfil — obtaining an FSSAI license.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about getting an FSSAI license to start selling food products on Amazon in India. We’ll explore what FSSAI is, its importance, the types of licenses, how to apply, costs, documents required, and how it relates to Amazon seller registration.
What is FSSAI?
FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Basically, it’s an autonomous body which is established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. The primary responsibility of FSSAI is to regulate and supervise food safety in India.
FSSAI ensures that the food you sell meets certain safety standards, thereby protecting public health. Any business involved in the manufacturing, processing, distribution, or sale of food must be registered or licensed with FSSAI.
Why Do You Need an FSSAI License to Sell on Amazon?
Amazon, like all major marketplaces, has strict compliance protocols for listing food items. To ensure product quality and legal accountability, it mandates all food sellers to obtain an FSSAI license or registration.
- Compliance with the law: Selling food without a valid FSSAI license is illegal in India.
- Trust building: It instills consumer confidence in your products.
- Brand legitimacy: It allows you to legally market and brand your product.
- Amazon policy requirement: It’s a mandatory document for listing food items on the Amazon Seller platform.
Types of FSSAI Licenses
There are three categories of FSSAI licenses depending on the scale of your business:
1. FSSAI Basic Registration
- Applicable For: Small food businesses or startups with a cap of annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs.
- Best for: Home-based sellers, small-scale vendors.
- Issued by: Local Municipal Authority.
- Validity: 1–5 years.
2. FSSAI State License
- Applicable For: Medium-sized businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores.
- Best for: Medium-scale manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
- Issued by: State Government.
- Validity: 1–5 years.
3. FSSAI Central License
- Applicable For: Large businesses with a turnover exceeding ₹20 crores or businesses involved in import/export.
- Best for: Large manufacturers, e-commerce food businesses, importers.
- Issued by: Central Government.
- Validity: 1–5 years.
For most sellers on Amazon India, either a Basic Registration or a State License is required, depending on the scale of their business.
Eligibility Criteria
Your eligibility for a specific license depends on several factors:
- Annual turnover
- Nature of your business (manufacturer, retailer, repacker, etc.)
- Business location
- Volume of operations
- Type of food being sold
For example:
- If you’re selling homemade pickles or snacks and your turnover is below ₹12 lakhs, you can apply for Basic Registration.
- If you are repacking and labelling products from multiple vendors and selling them under your brand name, and your turnover is ₹15 lakhs, you’ll need a State License.
Documents Required for FSSAI License
Here’s a list of the documents required for each license type.
For Basic FSSAI Registration:
- Passport-sized photograph
- Identity proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, etc.)
- Address proof
- Business name and address
- Nature of business
- Contact details (email and phone)
For State License:
- All documents required for Basic Registration
- Form B duly completed and signed
- Proof of possession of premises (rental agreement, utility bill, etc.)
- Food safety management plan
- List of food products to be dealt with
- Proof of turnover (for existing businesses)
- NOC from the municipality or local authority (in some cases)
For Central License:
- All documents required for the State License
- Import/export code (if applicable)
- Ministry of Commerce Certificate (for 100% EOU)
- Source of raw materials
- Water testing report
- NOC from FSSAI (in some cases)
Step-by-Step Process to Get an FSSAI License
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to apply for an FSSAI license:
Step 1: Determine the Right Type of License
- Estimate your expected turnover.
- Decide if you’re manufacturing, trading, repacking, or retailing.
- Based on this, choose Basic, State, or Central license.
Step 2: Register on the FoSCoS Portal
- Visit the FoSCoS Portal (Food Safety Compliance System).
- Click on “Apply for License/Registration”.
- Choose your state and the appropriate business type.
Step 3: Fill in the Application Form
- Select “FSSAI Registration” or “License”.
- Fill in Form A (for Basic) or Form B (for State/Central).
- Enter business details: address, nature of business, food categories, etc.
- Upload the required documents.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
- Registration fees vary:
-
- Basic Registration: ₹100/year
-
- State License: ₹2000–₹5000/year (based on business type)
-
- Central License: ₹7500/year
Step 5: Submit the Application
- Once submitted, you’ll receive a reference number.
- Track your application status using this number.
Step 6: Inspection (if applicable)
- For State and Central licenses, an inspection may be scheduled.
- The food safety officer may visit your premises to verify compliance.
Step 7: Receive Your FSSAI Certificate
- After successful verification, you’ll receive your FSSAI license.
- This certificate will contain your 14-digit FSSAI number, which must be displayed on your product packaging.
How to Link Your FSSAI License with Your Amazon Seller Account?
Once your license is approved, you can proceed to register as an Amazon seller for food items.
Step 1: Register on Amazon Seller Central
Go to Amazon Seller Central India and create your seller account.
Step 2: Upload FSSAI License
Under “Add a Product”, you’ll be prompted to upload your FSSAI license if the product falls under the Grocery & Gourmet category.
Step 3: Product Labelling
Make sure all your product labels include:
- FSSAI License Number
- Manufacturer details
- Ingredients (if applicable)
- Nutritional Information
- MRP, Net weight, Batch number, Expiry date
Amazon verifies these details before listing your product.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect license type – Applying for Basic Registration when you’re eligible for a State License.
- Wrong category – Selecting “retailer” when you’re actually a manufacturer or repacker.
- Incomplete documentation – Uploading blurred images or missing signatures.
- Delaying renewal – FSSAI licenses must be renewed before expiry to avoid penalties.
- Not displaying FSSAI number – It is mandatory on all labels, websites, and packaging.
Renewal and Modification of FSSAI License
Renewal:
- It should be done 30 days before the expiry date.
- Use the same FoSCoS portal for renewal.
Modification:
If you want to:
- Change your address,
- Add a new product,
- Update business type,
You can request a modification through your FoSCoS account by selecting “Modify License”.
Conclusion
Getting an FSSAI license may seem like a small administrative step, but it’s a crucial milestone in establishing a trustworthy and legally compliant food business on Amazon. Not only does it allow you to sell safely and legally, but it also helps build customer trust, improve your brand image, and expand your business.
Whether you’re a home cook, health food enthusiast, snack manufacturer, or importer, securing the proper FSSAI license is your first step to online food business success.
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FAQs
1. Can I sell homemade food items on Amazon?
Yes, but you must have at least a Basic FSSAI Registration and comply with Amazon’s packaging and labelling guidelines.
2. Is GST required in addition to FSSAI for selling on Amazon?
Yes, GST registration is also generally required, especially if your turnover exceeds ₹40 lakhs.
3. How long does it take to get an FSSAI license?
- Basic Registration: 1–7 working days
- State License: 10–30 days
- Central License: 25–45 days
4. Can one FSSAI license be used for multiple Amazon listings?
Yes, as long as the products fall under the food categories listed in your license.
