FSSAI for Home Kitchens, Cloud Kitchens and Online Food Sellers

Selling food from home, running a delivery-only kitchen, or listing products on a marketplace has never been easier. But every one of these is a food business under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and needs an FSSAI registration or licence. Delivery apps and e-commerce platforms also won't list you without one. This guide covers what each kind of business needs.

Home Kitchens and Home Bakers

A home-based food business, such as a home bakery, tiffin service or homemade snacks business, needs at least a Basic Registration. If turnover is up to ₹12 lakh a year, Basic Registration is usually enough. Above that, a State Licence is needed.

Things to keep in mind:

• The registration is for your home address, so it must match your address proof.
• Keep the kitchen clean, with safe water and proper storage, as the hygiene requirements still apply.
• If you sell packaged products, the label must show the FSSAI logo and number and other required details.
• Some housing societies and local bodies have their own rules on running a business from home.

Cloud Kitchens

A cloud kitchen cooks food only for delivery, often under several brand names from one kitchen. FSSAI registration or licensing is based on the premises, not the brand, so:

• Each kitchen location needs its own registration or licence.
• Several brands run from the same kitchen can usually operate under that kitchen's licence, as long as the food categories are covered.
• The tier depends on the kitchen's total turnover across all brands.

Cloud kitchens with turnover above ₹12 lakh need a State Licence, and those with very large turnover may need a Central Licence. A licensed kitchen also needs a trained Food Safety Supervisor.

Selling on Delivery Apps

Food delivery platforms ask for your FSSAI number before listing you, and display it on your listing. They may also check that the registration is valid and covers the right address. If your registration lapses or your address changes, update it promptly, or the platform may delist you.

Selling Packaged Food Online

If you sell packaged food through an e-commerce marketplace or your own website:

• You need a registration or licence for the premises where the food is made or stored.
• Marketplaces themselves need a Central Licence, and generally only list sellers with a valid FSSAI number.
• Your product listing should show the FSSAI number and key label information, and the product must reach the customer with a compliant label and adequate shelf life.

Common Mistakes

• Starting to sell before the registration comes through.
• Registering at a home address but cooking at a different kitchen.
• Using one registration for several kitchen locations.
• Outgrowing Basic Registration as sales grow, without moving to a State Licence.
• Packaging food without the FSSAI number and required label details.

A Checklist for Getting Started

1. Work out your expected turnover and choose Basic Registration or a State Licence.
2. Apply on FoSCoS for each kitchen or premises.
3. Set up hygiene practices, and appoint a trained Food Safety Supervisor if licensed.
4. Get labels right for any packaged products.
5. Add your FSSAI number to delivery app and marketplace listings.

Getting Help

Think Filing gets home kitchens, cloud kitchens and online sellers registered with FSSAI, and keeps them compliant as they grow.

Sources

• Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
• Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
• FSSAI guidelines for e-commerce food business operators.