License and Registration for Food Businesses

Start Your Food Business the Right Way

Before launching any food-related venture, it’s essential to comply with legal requirements. Obtaining the correct license or registration ensures your business is legally recognized, follows food safety standards, and is trusted by customers and partners.

What’s the Difference Between License and Registration?

Food businesses generally fall under two categories:

  • Registration is for small-scale operations such as home kitchens, local vendors, food carts, and small retailers. It’s a basic approval that allows you to operate legally at a low scale.
  • Licensing is required for medium to large businesses like restaurants, processing units, manufacturers, exporters, and large distributors. It often involves inspections, documentation, and periodic renewals.

   1. Food Registration:

  • Who needs it? Small food businesses, such as petty food manufacturers, hawkers, small retailers, temporary stall holders, or those with an annual turnover below a certain threshold (in India, under ₹12 lakhs).
  • Purpose: To inform the food safety authority about your business.
  • Issued by: Local municipal authorities or state food safety departments.
  • Example: A small tea shop or a home-based pickle business.

   2. Food License:

  • Who needs it? Larger food businesses with higher turnover, or those involved in manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, or export/import.
  • Types:
    • State License: For businesses operating within a single state with mid-level turnover.
    • Central License: For large-scale businesses or those operating in multiple states or exporting food products.
  • Issued by: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
  • Purpose: Ensures the business follows all food safety norms and is regularly monitored.

Which One Do You Need?

If you are…

You need…

A small vendor or home-based food seller

Registration

Running a restaurant, bakery, or cloud kitchen

License

Manufacturing, packaging, or exporting food

License

Operating across multiple locations or states

Central/National License

License and Registration under FSSAI (India)

Ensure Your Food Business is Legally Compliant and Trusted

If you’re starting or running a food business in India, it’s essential to understand the difference between Registration and Licensing under FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India). Depending on your business size, turnover, and operations, you will need one of these to operate legally and safely.

What’s the Difference?

Every food business must either register with the local food authority or obtain a license from FSSAI. The choice depends on your scale of operations:

  • Registration is for small and petty businesses like street vendors and local food stalls.
  • Licensing is mandatory for larger businesses such as restaurants, food manufacturers, distributors, and exporters.

Need Help with FSSAI Registration or Licensing?

We offer end-to-end support for food businesses—from choosing the right category to getting certified hassle-free.

Click Here

Gumasta License Registration Made Easy

Get Your Business Registered Under the Shops and Establishments Act

Start your business the right way with a valid Gumasta License. Whether you’re opening a shop, office, restaurant, or any commercial establishment in Maharashtra or other Indian states, this license is mandatory for legal operation.

What is a Gumasta License?

Gumasta License is the Shops and Establishments Registration Certificate issued under the Shops and Establishments Act by the local Municipal Corporation or Labour Department. It is a mandatory legal requirement for any business entity to operate within city or municipal limits.

Need Help with Gumasta  License?

Start your registration now and get your Gumasta License without delays.

Click Here

What is IEC?

IEC (Importer Exporter Code) is a unique 10-digit code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. It is mandatory for any business or individual involved in importing or exporting goods and services from India.

Why You Need an IEC?

  • Mandatory for Importing or Exporting Goods and Services
  • Enables You to Expand into Global Markets
  • Required for Customs Clearance and Shipping
  • Essential for Availing Export Incentives and Subsidies

Need to know more about IEC?

Click Here

Get Started with GST in India

Whether you’re a business owner, freelancer, or service provider, GST registration is essential to stay compliant and legally operate in India. We simplify the entire process—making it fast, secure, and affordable.

 

Click Here

Get Started with APEDA Registration

Register with APEDA to explore global markets for your agricultural and processed food products. The registration is mandatory for exporters under the APEDA Act, 1985.

🔹 Who Needs APEDA Registration?

 >  Exporters of scheduled products
 >  Agri-entrepreneurs and food processors
 >  Startups in agri-business export

🔹 Key Benefits:

  • Access to APEDA schemes & subsidies
  • International market exposure
  • Export assistance & trade fair participation
  • Training programs & quality development support
Click Here