Starting a cloud kitchen in India is one of the fastest-growing food business models, but it comes with its own compliance needs. One of the most important legal requirements is obtaining an FSSAI license for cloud kitchen. In 2025, FSSAI has made the rules stricter to ensure hygiene, food safety, and proper business registration for all food operators, including delivery-only kitchens.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates food safety standards in India. Whether you operate a physical restaurant or a delivery-only kitchen, FSSAI registration ensures that your business follows hygiene protocols and serves safe food to consumers.
Cloud kitchens handle food preparation and packaging, making them equally responsible for food safety. Without a valid cloud kitchen FSSAI registration, your business risks penalties, poor credibility, and removal from food delivery platforms like Swiggy or Zomato.
|
License Type |
Eligibility Criteria |
Annual Turnover Limit |
Validity Period |
Fees (Per Year) |
|
Basic Registration |
Small businesses and start-ups |
Up to ₹12 lakh |
1–5 years |
₹100 |
|
State License |
Medium-scale businesses |
₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore |
1–5 years |
₹2,000–₹5,000 |
|
Central License |
Large-scale businesses or inter-state operations |
Above ₹20 crore |
1–5 years |
₹7,500 |
Step 1: Determine the Type of License
Check your expected annual turnover and decide whether you need Basic, State, or Central registration.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
ID and address proof of the owner
Passport-size photograph
Business address proof (rent agreement or utility bill)
Kitchen layout plan
List of food products to be handled
NOC from the landlord (if rented)
Food safety management plan
Step 3: Apply Online via FoSCoS Portal
Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in and fill in the application form with correct business details. Upload scanned copies of the documents.
Step 4: Pay the Applicable Fees
Fees depend on your license category and validity period (1 to 5 years).
Step 5: Inspection by Authorities (if applicable)
For State and Central licenses, an inspection may be conducted to verify hygiene and safety standards.
Step 6: Receive Your License
Once approved, you will receive the FSSAI license number, which must be displayed on your kitchen premises and food packages.
|
License Type |
Minimum Fee |
Maximum Fee |
|
Basic Registration |
₹100/year |
₹100/year |
|
State License |
₹2,000/year |
₹5,000/year |
|
Central License |
₹7,500/year |
₹7,500/year |
Legal Authorization – Ensures your business is identified and runs legally.
Customer Trust – Displays credibility to customers and delivery platforms.
Business Expansion – Required for Listing on Food Aggregator Apps.
Quality Assurance – Helps maintain hygiene and food safety standards.
Avoid Penalties – Protects against heavy fines for unregistered operations.
Operating without an FSSAI license can lead to:
Fine of up to ₹5 lakh
Imprisonment in severe cases
Delisting from food delivery platforms
Damage to business reputation
To maintain your FSSAI for cloud kitchen compliance, you must:
Renew your license before expiry
Follow hygiene standards mentioned in Schedule 4 of FSSAI regulations
Maintain proper storage and packaging practices
Display FSSAI license number on invoices and food packages
Obtaining an FSSAI license for cloud kitchen is essential for legal compliance and customer trust. In 2025, FSSAI introduced stricter guidelines to ensure hygiene, food safety, and proper registration, and non-compliance can lead to heavy penalties. For a clear and guided licensing experience, Ebizfiling handles everything from application to renewal, letting you focus on growing your cloud kitchen.
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Yes, it is compulsory for all cloud kitchens operating in India, regardless of size or sales volume. The license ensures you meet the hygiene and safety standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
If your annual turnover is up to ₹12 lakh, you need a Basic FSSAI registration. This is suitable for small-scale food businesses and can be upgraded as your sales grow.
Yes. You can apply through the official FoSCoS portal by filling out the form, uploading documents, and paying the applicable fees. The process is straightforward if you have all documents ready.
The FSSAI license is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the term you select during application. Renew it before expiry to avoid penalties or business interruptions.
Operating without a license can attract fines of up to ₹5 lakh, possible business closure, and loss of credibility. You may also be removed from food delivery platforms.
Yes, you can upgrade your license type as your turnover increases. This ensures your registration matches your business size and meets regulatory requirements.
Absolutely. Platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, and Uber Eats require a valid FSSAI license to list your cloud kitchen on their apps and websites.
The cost ranges from ₹100 to ₹7,500 per year depending on the license type — Basic, State, or Central. Fees also vary by validity period.
No. For Basic registration, inspection is generally not required. However, State and Central licenses often involve a site inspection to verify hygiene and safety compliance.
A single Central FSSAI license can cover multiple units under certain conditions. For State and Basic registrations, each outlet usually needs its own license.
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