Quick Answer
Food wholesale distributors who buy food products in bulk and distribute them to retailers, restaurants, hotels, and institutions are classified as food businesses under FSSAI. Any distributor handling food products commercially must have FSSAI State License.
Who Needs FSSAI License for Food Wholesale Distributor?
- Food wholesale distributors and stockists
- Cold chain distributors for perishables
- FMCG food brand distributors
- Regional food trading companies
💡 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 / Company documents
- Warehouse or godown premises proof
- List of food products to be distributed
- Cold storage capacity details (if applicable)
- FSMS plan
- NOC from municipality
- Vehicle details for distribution fleet
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
Do food distributors who do not process food still need FSSAI?
Yes. Trading, storing, and distributing food products commercially requires FSSAI License. You do not need to manufacture food to need an FSSAI License.
What storage standards does FSSAI require for food distributors?
Storage facilities must maintain appropriate temperatures for different food categories. Ambient storage must be clean, pest-free, and dry. Cold storage must maintain specified temperatures with monitoring logs.
Can a distributor sell directly to consumers?
A distributor can sell to retailers and businesses. Selling directly to consumers makes them a retailer and may require additional FSSAI compliance depending on the sales format.
What labelling violations can distributors be held responsible for?
Distributors can be held liable for distributing food with non-compliant labels, expired products, or damaged packaging. They must inspect products before distribution and maintain records of all transactions.
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