Quick Answer
Every tea stall or chai shop in India — from the roadside tapri to a modern chai cafe — requires FSSAI Registration to operate legally. For small tea stalls with turnover below ₹12 lakh, Basic Registration at just ₹100 per year is all that is needed.
Who Needs FSSAI License for Tea Stall?
- Roadside tea and chai stalls
- Small chai shops and tapris
- Office building tea and snacks counters
- Mobile chai carts
💡 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
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size photograph
- Proof of stall location or residence
- Food items list (chai, coffee, snacks if any)
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.
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
Does a small tea stall really need FSSAI?
Yes. Legally every food business including the smallest tea stall requires FSSAI Registration. Basic Registration costs only ₹100 per year.
What happens if my tea stall is inspected without FSSAI?
Without FSSAI Registration you can be fined up to ₹2 lakh and ordered to stop operations. Food safety officers regularly check street food stalls.
Can a tea stall also sell packaged biscuits and snacks?
Yes. Your FSSAI Registration covers all food items you sell including packaged goods. Just list both beverages and packaged snacks in your application.
Does the milk I use for chai need to come from a licensed supplier?
Ideally yes. Using milk from known local sources is acceptable for small tea stalls with Basic Registration.
Need help with FSSAI License for Tea Stall?
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