Yes. Every food business in India, including a cloud kitchen or a home-based kitchen, needs FSSAI registration or a licence before it sells a single order. Which of the three tiers you need depends on your turnover. This guide breaks down the tiers, the process, and what the delivery platforms expect.
Why a cloud kitchen counts as a food business
FSSAI rules apply to anyone who makes, packs, stores, transports, sells or serves food. A cloud kitchen does exactly that, so it needs the appropriate registration or licence before it starts taking orders. The fact that there is no dine-in space makes no difference.
The three tiers
FSSAI has three levels, decided by your annual turnover:
- Basic registration: for businesses with turnover up to Rs 12 lakh a year.
- State licence: for turnover between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 20 crore.
- Central licence: for turnover above Rs 20 crore, and for importers, exporters and businesses selling food across states online.
The online-selling factor
Selling through delivery platforms or across state lines tends to push you toward the higher licence tiers, so do not assume basic registration is enough just because you are small. Check the tier that matches both your turnover and your sales channels before you apply.
How to apply
All applications go through the FoSCoS portal. You choose the tier, submit your details and documents, and for state and central licences your premises may be subject to inspection. Basic registration is usually quick; higher tiers take longer, so apply before you plan to launch.
What the delivery platforms need
Swiggy, Zomato and similar platforms require a valid FSSAI registration or licence during onboarding and display it on your listing. Get the correct tier first, because upgrading mid-onboarding slows everything down.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a home kitchen is exempt. It is not; it is a food business.
- Taking basic registration when your online sales channels require a higher tier.
- Applying at the last minute and missing your launch date because of inspection timelines.
- Letting the licence lapse; FSSAI licences run for a set term and must be renewed.
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