Quick Answer
Fruit processing units that produce fruit pulp, concentrates, dried fruits, or dehydrated fruit products must have FSSAI State License. India is a major fruit producer and fruit processing is an important value-addition industry requiring full FSSAI compliance.
Who Needs FSSAI License for Fruit Processing Unit?
- Fruit pulp and puree manufacturers
- Fruit drying and dehydration units
- Frozen fruit processors
- Fruit concentrate manufacturers
Key Benefits of FSSAI Registration for Fruit Processing Unit
Registering your Fruit Processing 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
- Processing unit premises proof
- List of fruit products to be processed
- Fruit sourcing and supplier details
- FSMS plan including harvest season operations
- Cold storage capacity details
- Water test report
- Export documentation if applicable
Penalties for Operating Fruit Processing Unit Without FSSAI License
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 prescribes strict penalties for non-compliance. Every Fruit Processing 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 Fruit Processing 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 Fruit Processing Unit Fast
ClearlyComply experts handle the entire process. Most businesses receive their license in 15–20 working days.
Talk to an Expert
🏠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
What pesticide residue standards apply to processed fruit products?+
FSSAI sets Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides in all fruit products. Processed fruit products must be tested to ensure MRLs are not exceeded. Exported fruit products must additionally meet destination country MRLs.
What preservatives are permitted in fruit pulp and juice?+
FSSAI permits sulphur dioxide (as potassium metabisulphite) in fruit pulp and concentrates within specified limits. Preservative-free products must be processed using aseptic or heat treatment methods and labelled accordingly.
What FSSAI standards apply to dried fruits?+
Dried fruits must meet FSSAI moisture content standards, be free from insect infestation, and not contain sulphur dioxide beyond FSSAI limits if used for colour preservation. Dried fruits must be labelled with all FSSAI-required information.
Can small fruit processors in rural areas get FSSAI easily?+
Yes. FSSAI has mobile facilitation camps and state food authority officers who assist rural food processors. Basic Registration or State License applications can be submitted online through the FoSCoS portal from anywhere in India.
How do I renew my Fruit Processing 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 Fruit Processing 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 Fruit Processing 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 Fruit Processing Unit businesses with multiple outlets, our experts can advise on the most cost-effective licensing structure based on your turnover and operational geography.
Need help with FSSAI License for Fruit Processing Unit?
Our compliance experts will handle everything for you.
📱 WhatsApp Us
✉️ Email Us