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Regulatory

FSSAI License for D2C Food Brands in India

By Sylvr Founder's Desk

Every D2C food brand needs an FSSAI license. Type depends on revenue and scale: Basic (below ₹12L), State (₹12L–20Cr), Central (above ₹20Cr) or interstate operations. License is mandatory for marketplace listing.

Source: vikaspedia.in/e-governance/online-citizen-services/government-to-busin.

License types

Basic Registration: turnover up to ₹12L/year, registration only
State License: turnover ₹12L–20Cr or specific products like dairy, meat
Central License: turnover above ₹20Cr OR interstate operations OR e-commerce sales to multiple states

Source: vikaspedia.in/e-governance/online-citizen-services/government-to-busin.

Operational reality

D2C food brands almost always need Central License because they ship across state lines. Amazon, Flipkart, and Blinkit require valid Central License before onboarding food sellers.

Sources

Every figure above is here. A page with a figure and no source here does not publish.

  1. vikaspedia.in/e-governance/online-citizen-services/government-to-business-services-g2b/fssai-food-license-online-registration. Open the source ↗
  2. foscos.fssai.gov.in/public/assets/docs/2.1.7.pdf. Open the source ↗

Questions founders ask

How long does FSSAI approval take?

Basic registration is quickest; State and Central licences take longer; check FSSAI's current timelines when you apply. We do not publish a figure for FSSAI licence timelines yet. Plan launch timelines accordingly.

Do I need to renew yearly?

Licenses are valid 1–5 years depending on type. Renew at least 30 days before expiry to avoid disruption. Source: [foscos.fssai.gov.in/public/assets/docs/2.1.7.pdf](https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/public/assets/docs/2.1.7.pdf).

Can I sell on Blinkit without FSSAI Central?

No. Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart require Central License for food sellers because of multi-state operations.

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