Ensure Food Safety & Trust with FSSAI Product Approval
What Is FSSAI Product Approval and Why Does It Matters?
If you’re planning to launch a food product in India whether you want to manufacture it locally or import it from another country, you may already know about the FSSAI license. But many people are surprised to learn that a license alone is not enough for certain types of food products. Some foods require an additional clearance called FSSAI Product Approval.
Product approval is a special permission from India’s food regulatory authority, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This approval ensures that a non-standard or innovative food product is safe for human consumption before it is sold in the Indian market.
Think of it like a green signal that says:
“This product is allowed to be sold in India.”
“It meets safety and scientific standards.”
“The ingredients and claims have been verified.”
Why Is FSSAI Product Approval Important?
FSSAI product approval is not just a formality. It protects businesses as well as consumers. If you are planning to launch an innovative or non-standard food product in India, getting approval first is very important. Here’s why:
1. Legal Permission to Sell in India
You cannot manufacture, import, or sell a non-standard food product without approval. If you skip approval, the government can stop the sale of your product, seize it, or charge heavy penalties.
2. Safety Check for Consumers
Before approval, the product is tested in certified labs. These tests check whether the ingredients are safe, free from harmful chemicals, allergens, or bacteria. This makes sure the product does not cause any health risks.
3. Builds Trust and Brand Reputation
When a product is officially approved by FSSAI, people feel safer buying it. It shows that the product is backed by scientific testing and official verification, which boosts your brand’s credibility.
4. Makes Import and Export Easier
For imported items, approval helps during customs clearance. If your product meets Indian standards, it can enter the market faster. Similarly, an approved product is more acceptable in international markets.
5. Helps You Compete in the Market
Approved products are seen as more reliable than unapproved ones. This makes it easier to work with distributors, retailers, platforms like e-commerce websites, and even investors. Your product gets better recognition and market opportunities.
Who Exactly Needs FSSAI Product Approval?
You need product approval if your product is not listed in FSSAI standards or if it contains new ingredients, additives, or claims. Here’s a simple test:
If you can’t find your product or ingredient listed clearly in FSSAI regulations, you need product approval.
These Businesses Commonly Require Approval
- Food manufacturers launching unique products
- Nutraceutical and supplement brands
- Health drink companies
- Wellness and herbal food startups
- Importers of food or wellness products
- E-commerce food brands introducing international products
Types of FSSAI Registration
Here is the step-by-step process for FSSAI Product Approval presented in concise points:
1. Business Entity Incorporation
👉 Register as a Private Limited Company or LLP rather than an individual to enhance credibility and simplify the licensing process.
👉 Corporate registration facilitates easier ownership transfer and future business expansion.
2. Obtain FSSAI Food Business Operator (FBO) License
👉 Secure a valid FSSAI license for manufacturing, processing, or selling before applying for specific product approval.
👉 Ensure the license is issued in the business name to maintain professional compliance.
3. Procure NABL Accredited Lab Test Reports
👉 Conduct product testing at NABL-accredited or internationally recognized laboratories.
👉 Reports must validate nutrition facts, ingredient safety, and quality standards specific to the food category.
4. Application Submission (Form-I)
👉 Apply for approval of non-specified foods or ingredients by submitting Form-I.
👉 Pay the mandatory government fee of ₹50,000 along with the application to the FSSAI.
5. Document Preparation
👉 General Info: Company details, authorized person information, and current FSSAI license.
👉 Product Details: Full formulation, manufacturing process, and intended use.
👉 Safety Data: Toxicology studies, allergen tests, and safety reports.
👉 Global Status: Information on the product’s regulatory status in other countries.
👉 History of Consumption: Proof of safe consumption (ideally for the last 30 years).
6. Scrutiny and Review
👉 FSSAI authorities review all submitted documents and scientific data.
👉 Respond to any queries or requests for additional clarification or further lab tests promptly to avoid delays.
7. Grant of Approval (Form-II)
👉 Receive the official approval in Form-II once the authority is satisfied with the product’s safety.
👉 This document legally permits the manufacture and sale of the product in the Indian market.
8. Post-Approval Compliance
👉 Submit a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for manufactured or imported batches.
👉 Maintain ongoing quality through periodic testing and strictly adhere to FSSAI labeling regulations.
Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI Basic Registration
| S.No. | Food Business Activity | Capacity Limit for Basic Registration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Food production (other than milk & meat) | Up to 100 kg/litre per day |
| 2 | Procurement / handling of milk | Up to 500 litres per day |
| 3 | Slaughtering | 2 large animals OR 10 small animals OR 50 poultry birds per day |
| 4 | Transport vehicles | Must have a single vehicle |
| 5 | Vending machines | Only one machine at a single location |
Documents Required for FSSAI Product Approval
To process the application, FSSAI requires the following set of documents to verify production capability, ingredients, hygiene and compliance methods:
✅ Layout plan of the facility or factory.
✅ Complete blueprint of the processing and manufacturing unit.
✅ List of company directors or responsible persons.
✅ Details of machinery and equipment used in manufacturing.
✅ Address proof of directors/partners/authorized signatories.
✅ List of food categories or products being manufactured.
✅ No Objection Certificate (NOC) and manufacturer’s licence, wherever applicable.
✅ Food safety management system certificate or internal food safety plan.
✅ Source details and purchase documents of raw materials used.
✅ Test report for water, ensuring it meets pesticide and contamination limits.
✅ Product recall plan that explains how defective products will be withdrawn from the market.
✅ Signed declaration confirming that all details submitted are correct.
Fees for FSSAI Product Approval
An FSSAI license is needed to run any food business, and it m
The cost of getting FSSAI product approval varies based on the nature of the food product and the type of application submitted. Key points regarding fees:
- The basic government fee for product approval is usually around ₹50,000 per application (applicable for non-standardized foods).
- Additional charges may apply if laboratory testing is required.
- All fees are paid online during submission.
- Renewal fees are separate and must be paid before expiry to maintain continued permission to sell the product.
Paying fees on time helps avoid delays, rejection, or suspension of your approval.
ust be renewed before it expires. The license is valid for 1 to 5 years, so you should apply for renewal at least 30 days before the expiry date.
Renewal of FSSAI Product Approval
An FSSAI product approval remains valid only for a specific period. Businesses can choose validity from 1 year to 5 years, depending on their requirements.
If the approval is not renewed before its expiry, the business can lose its right to sell or distribute the product. In some situations, you may even need to apply again from the beginning.
Conclusion
Getting FSSAI Product Approval is an important step for food businesses that are selling new, unique, or non-standard food products. This approval makes sure that the product is safe to eat and follows all food rules in India. If your product has new ingredients, special health benefits, or comes from another country, you must get approval before launching it in the market.
Even though the process takes time and requires testing and documents, it helps your brand gain trust. When a product is approved, customers feel confident about its quality and safety. So, getting approval not only keeps you legally safe but also helps your business grow in the long run.
Frequently Asked Question
Anyone involved in making, selling, storing, distributing, or transporting food must have FSSAI registration or license.
- Usually 7-30 days, depending on inspection and document verification.
ID proof, address proof, business documents, photos, food details, and Form A/B. State/Central licenses need extra documents like layout plan, water test report, machinery list, etc.
- Basic: Turnover below ₹12 lakh
- State: Turnover ₹12 lakh-₹20 crore
- Central: Turnover above ₹20 crore or import/export
Yes, all online food businesses including cloud kitchens must have FSSAI registration/license.
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