How to Start a Home-Based Food Business in India | FSSAI Registration Required

FSSAI Home-Based Food Business License | Start Your Kitchen Business Legally

Introduction to Starting a Home-Based Food Business in India

With the rise of cloud kitchens, home bakeries, and homemade food delivery services, more entrepreneurs are exploring opportunities in the **home-based food business** space.

However, before you begin selling homemade food, it's important to understand your **legal obligations**, especially regarding **FSSAI registration or licensing**.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

Is FSSAI license required for home-based food businesses?
Difference between FSSAI Basic Registration and State License
Documents needed for FSSAI home food business license
Step-by-step process to apply online
Tips for compliance and growth
Latest updates for 2024

💡 Tip: Most small home-based food businesses only need FSSAI Basic Registration — not a full license!

Do You Need FSSAI License for Home-Based Food Business?

If you're planning to sell homemade food in India, you must comply with the **Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)** regulations.

The requirement depends on your annual turnover:

Business Type	Turnover Limit	Required License
Home Bakeries	₹0–₹12 lakhs/year	FSSAI Basic Registration (Form A)
Home Catering	₹0–₹12 lakhs/year	FSSAI Basic Registration
Cloud Kitchens / Delivery Units	₹12 lakhs+	FSSAI State License (Form B)

What Is FSSAI Basic Registration?

FSSAI Basic Registration is a simplified compliance process for small-scale food operators with an annual turnover below ₹12 lakh.

This includes:

Home bakers
Small caterers
Homemade sweets and snacks sellers
Cooking enthusiasts selling locally

Documents Required for FSSAI Home-Based Food Business Registration

To apply for FSSAI Basic Registration, you will need the following documents:

Document	Description
Aadhaar Card	Identity proof of owner/operator
PAN Card	For tax and business identification
Proof of Address	Rent agreement, electricity bill, or property papers
List of Food Items Sold	Mention all products offered
Passport Size Photo	Of owner or operator

How to Apply for FSSAI Basic Registration Online

Follow these simple steps to register your home-based food business under FSSAI:

Visit the FSSAI Licensing Portal: https://foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in/
Create an Account using your email and mobile number
Select “Apply” > “Basic Registration”
Fill out Form A with personal and business details
Upload Scanned Documents (Aadhaar, address proof, etc.)
Pay Application Fee (₹100/year)
Submit Application and download acknowledgment receipt
Wait for Approval (usually takes 7–15 days)

📌 Pro Tip: Always keep your FSSAI certificate printed at your kitchen or delivery point during inspections.

Can I Run a Home Bakery Without FSSAI Registration?

No, if you are selling homemade food to the public, even on social media or food delivery apps like Swiggy or Zomato, you must have at least an FSSAI Basic Registration.

Selling without proper certification can result in penalties up to ₹5 lakh or even closure of your business.

How Much Does FSSAI License Cost for Home-Based Businesses?

The fees depend on the type of registration or license:

Type	Fee (Approx.)
FSSAI Basic Registration (Form A)	₹100/year
FSSAI State License (Form B)	₹2000–₹5000/year
FSSAI Central License	₹7500–₹15,000/year

Where to Display FSSAI License or Registration Certificate

All home-based food businesses must display their FSSAI registration number and logo clearly on:

Product packaging
Websites and social media profiles
Delivery boxes or bags
Menu cards (if applicable)

Labeling Rules for Home-Made Food Products

If you sell packaged homemade food, your label must include:

Name and brand of product
List of ingredients
Vegetarian/Non-veg mark
Net quantity
Date of manufacturing and expiry
Storage instructions
Contact information
FSSAI license or registration number

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FAQs About FSSAI Home-Based Food Business License

Q1. Do I need FSSAI registration if I sell homemade food only on Instagram?

Yes, any sale of food items requires at least an FSSAI Basic Registration.

Q2. Can I operate a home-based food business without a license?

No, doing so is illegal and may lead to fines, product seizure, or closure of your business.

Q3. What is the penalty for not having FSSAI registration?

You can be fined up to ₹1 lakh per day of violation and face imprisonment in extreme cases.

Q4. Can I run multiple home food businesses under one FSSAI license?

No, each separate business or location needs its own registration or license.

Q5. Do I need to renew my FSSAI registration every year?

Yes, FSSAI Basic Registration is valid for up to 5 years but must be renewed after that period.

Special Cases: Cloud Kitchens and Delivery-Only Units

If you're running a delivery-only model through platforms like Uber Eats, Swiggy, or Dunzo, you still need FSSAI registration or license based on your turnover.

Some platforms now require you to upload your FSSAI certificate before listing your menu.

Hygiene and Compliance Tips for Home-Based Food Entrepreneurs

Even though you’re working from home, maintaining hygiene and safety standards is crucial:

Use separate storage for raw and cooked food
Keep your kitchen clean and pest-free
Wear gloves and masks while preparing food
Use fresh ingredients and maintain records
Get water and equipment tested regularly

How to Market Your Home-Based Food Business After Getting FSSAI License

Once you're registered, here’s how to grow your home-based food business:

Post daily updates on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp
Join local food delivery groups or co-working kitchens
Offer free samples to generate word-of-mouth publicity
Collect customer reviews and testimonials
Use hashtags like #FSSAIRegistered, #HomeChef, #LegalKitchen

Conclusion

Getting an **FSSAI home-based food business license or registration** is a straightforward process that protects both your business and your customers.

Whether you're running a small bakery from home or delivering homemade meals weekly, ensure you follow all labeling, hygiene, and renewal guidelines to avoid legal issues.

Use this guide to start your journey confidently and stay compliant with Indian food safety laws.

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Need Help With FSSAI Home Food Business License?

Contact us today or visit the official FSSAI website to learn how to apply and stay compliant with food safety regulations.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always refer to the official FSSAI website or consult a licensed professional for accurate guidance.