Quick Answer
Food packaging units that package food products under their own brand or as contract packers for other brands must have FSSAI State License. Packaging is considered a food processing activity under FSSAI and all packaging units must comply with food safety standards.
Who Needs FSSAI License for Food Packaging Unit?
- Contract food packaging companies
- Private label food packers
- Repackaging units for retail distribution
- Agricultural commodity packaging units
Key Benefits of FSSAI Registration for Food Packaging Unit
Registering your Food Packaging Unit under FSSAI is not just about avoiding penalties — it opens real business doors:
✓Legal Operation: The only way to legally manufacture, process, store, or sell food products in India
✓Food Delivery Platforms: Mandatory for Zomato, Swiggy, ONDC listing — without it, you cannot take online orders
✓Brand Credibility: 14-digit FSSAI number on packaging signals quality and builds consumer confidence
✓B2B Supply Opportunities: Hotels, airlines, hospital chains and retail chains mandate FSSAI from all suppliers
✓Financial Benefits: Required for GST, MSME, startup scheme eligibility and business bank account opening
✓Export Capability: International trade documentation requires FSSAI certification for all food products
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 & Company documents
- Packaging unit premises proof
- Types of food products to be packaged
- Packaging materials list and specifications
- FSMS plan
- Labelling samples
- Quality testing protocols
Penalties for Operating Food Packaging Unit Without FSSAI License
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 prescribes strict penalties for non-compliance. Every Food Packaging Unit owner must be aware of the legal consequences:
- Operating without registration/license: Fine up to ₹5 lakh per offence
- Non-compliance with FSSAI standards: Fine up to ₹2 lakh
- Selling sub-standard food: Fine up to ₹5 lakh
- Unsafe food causing injury: Imprisonment up to 6 months + fine up to ₹1 lakh
- Adulterated food causing serious harm: Imprisonment up to 7 years + fine up to ₹10 lakh
- Expired license not renewed in time: Treated as operating without a license
⚠️ Important: FSSAI authorities conduct regular market surveillance. New businesses and Food Packaging Unit units are frequently targeted in surprise inspections. It is illegal to commence food operations before obtaining your license.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Determine License Type — Based on annual turnover decide Basic, State, or Central.
- 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).
- 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.
Get Your FSSAI License for Food Packaging Unit Fast
ClearlyComply experts handle the entire process. Most businesses receive their license in 15–20 working days.
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🏠Basic Registration
₹499
Turnover < ₹12 lakh · 7–10 days
- Single business location
- Government fee ₹100/year
- Certificate valid 1–5 years
Apply Now → Most Common
🏢State License
₹3,499
₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore · 15–30 days
- State-level operations
- Inspection support included
- Government fee ₹2,000–₹5,000/yr
Apply Now →🏗️Central License
₹9,999
Turnover > ₹20 crore · 30–60 days
- Multi-state operations
- Dedicated account manager
- Government fee ₹7,500/year
Apply Now →
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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is food packaging considered manufacturing under FSSAI?+
Yes. FSSAI considers packaging, repacking, and labelling as food processing activities. Any unit performing these activities commercially requires FSSAI License.
What packaging material standards does FSSAI set?+
All packaging materials in direct contact with food must be food-grade. FSSAI restricts use of recycled plastic in food contact materials. Specific standards exist for plastic, glass, metal, and paper packaging.
Can I package and sell another brand's food under my own label?+
Yes. This is contract manufacturing or white-label business. You need FSSAI License and the label must clearly identify your manufacturing unit. The branded company selling the product must also have FSSAI License.
What traceability requirements apply to food packaging units?+
FSSAI requires packaging units to maintain records of raw material sources, packaging batches, and distribution. This enables food recall if safety issues arise. Batch coding and traceability records are mandatory.
How do I renew my Food Packaging Unit FSSAI license?+
FSSAI licenses must be renewed before the expiry date. Apply on the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in) at least 30 days before expiry. Late renewal attracts penalties, and an expired license means you must stop operations. ClearlyComply sends renewal reminders and handles the entire renewal process — same government fee applies as the original license.
Can I modify my FSSAI license to add new products for my Food Packaging Unit?+
Yes. If you start selling or manufacturing new food products not listed in your original FSSAI application, you must apply for a license modification (amendment) on the FoSCoS portal. ClearlyComply handles FSSAI amendments — the process typically takes 7–10 working days and involves submitting an updated product list and paying the applicable amendment fee.
What is the difference between FSSAI registration and FSSAI license?+
FSSAI Basic Registration is for small food businesses with annual turnover below ₹12 lakh — it involves a simpler process and lower fee (₹100/year). FSSAI License (State or Central) is for larger businesses with higher turnover — it involves more documentation, potential inspection, and higher fees. The type you need depends solely on your annual food business turnover.
Does my Food Packaging Unit need a separate FSSAI license for each location?+
Generally yes — each business location or manufacturing unit requires its own FSSAI registration or license. However, for Central License holders with multi-state operations, a single Central License can cover multiple units under certain conditions. For Food Packaging Unit businesses with multiple outlets, our experts can advise on the most cost-effective licensing structure based on your turnover and operational geography.
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