Quick Answer
Chocolate manufacturing in India — from artisanal bean-to-bar chocolate makers to large confectionery producers — is regulated under FSSAI standards for cocoa products and chocolate. A State or Central FSSAI License is required before any chocolate can be legally sold commercially.
Who Needs FSSAI License for Chocolate Manufacturing?
- Artisanal and craft chocolate makers
- Chocolate confectionery manufacturers
- Praline and truffle producers
- Cocoa powder and chocolate compound manufacturers
💡 The 14-digit FSSAI License number must be displayed at your premises and printed on all packaging, bills, and menus.
Which License Type Do You Need?
| Annual Turnover | License Type | Issued By |
|---|
| Below ₹12 Lakh | Basic FSSAI Registration | State Food Authority |
| ₹12 Lakh – ₹20 Crore | State FSSAI License | State Food Authority |
| Above ₹20 Crore | Central FSSAI License | FSSAI Central Office |
⚠️ If your business operates across multiple states, a Central FSSAI License is required regardless of turnover.
Documents Required
- PAN & Aadhaar
- Production facility proof
- List of chocolate products and variants
- Cocoa sourcing documentation
- FSMS plan
- Labelling and packaging samples
- Allergen management plan
- Water test report
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Determine License Type — Based on annual turnover decide Basic, State, or Central License.
- Register on FoSCoS Portal — Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in and create an applicant account.
- Fill Application Form — Complete Form A (Basic) or Form B (State/Central) with your details.
- Upload Documents — Attach all required documents in prescribed formats.
- Pay Government Fee — Pay online via UPI, net banking, or debit/credit card.
- Await Inspection — An FSSAI officer may inspect your premises within 30 days.
- Receive License — Download your FSSAI License certificate from the FoSCoS portal.
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Fees & Timeline
| License Type | Government Fee | Processing Time |
|---|
| Basic Registration | ₹100/year | 7–10 working days |
| State License | ₹2,000–₹5,000/year | 15–30 working days |
| Central License | ₹7,500/year | 30–60 working days |
FSSAI Licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years. Renewal must be done at least 30 days before expiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FSSAI definition of "chocolate" vs "chocolate compound"?
FSSAI defines chocolate as containing minimum 35% total dry cocoa solids including minimum 18% cocoa butter. Products using vegetable fat substitutes for cocoa butter are called "chocolate compound" and must be labelled accordingly.
What allergen disclosures are required for chocolate?
Chocolate contains milk and soy lecithin as common allergens. Tree nuts in chocolates must be declared. FSSAI requires all allergens from the top 8 allergen list to be prominently declared on labels.
Can artisanal chocolate be sold at local markets with Basic FSSAI Registration?
If your turnover is below ₹12 lakh annually, Basic Registration suffices. For selling at multiple markets, online, or in retail stores, a State License is strongly recommended.
What cocoa standards does FSSAI specify?
FSSAI specifies minimum cocoa content, moisture limits, heavy metal limits (cadmium and lead), and prohibited additives for cocoa products and chocolate under Food Products Standards regulations.
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