FSSAI License for Your Cloud Kitchen

Description

Key Documents Needed for Cloud Kitchen Registration
Documentation can feel like the most intimidating part of the FSSAI registration process, but it doesn’t have to be. Think of it as a checklist—tick every box, and you’re golden. Here’s a breakdown of the key documents you’ll need, depending on the type of license:

1. Identity and Address Proof
You’ll need a government-issued ID of the business owner. Acceptable documents include:

Aadhaar Card

PAN Card

Passport

Voter ID

Make sure the document is valid and matches the name in your business registration records.

2. Business Registration Certificate
Whether you're a sole proprietor, partnership, private limited company, or LLP, you must upload a certificate proving the legal status of your entity. Examples include:

GST Certificate

Shop and Establishment Certificate

Partnership Deed

Company Incorporation Certificate (for Pvt Ltd or LLP)

This establishes your operation’s legitimacy in the eyes of FSSAI.

3. Kitchen Layout and Utility Bill
FSSAI needs to know where and how your food is prepared. You’ll have to submit:

Kitchen layout plan (a simple sketch showing work areas, sink, storage, stove, etc.)

Recent utility bill (electricity, water, or gas) as proof of address

This is especially crucial for cloud kitchens, as hygiene and operational transparency are key concerns.

4. Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Plan
This is a brief outline of how your kitchen maintains food safety standards. It can include:

Cleaning schedules

Food storage protocols

Temperature control checks

Pest control measures

There are templates available online, but customizing them to your actual practices is recommended.

5. Other Supporting Documents
Depending on your region, scale, or the food items you handle, you might also need:

NOC from local authority or municipal body

Water testing report from a certified lab

Rent agreement or ownership proof of the kitchen space

Be proactive—gather all documents ahead of time. Delays usually occur not in filling the form but in hunting down missing paperwork.

Timeframe and Costs Involved in FSSAI Registration
Understanding how long the process takes and what it will cost helps you plan better. Here's what you need to know:

1. Government Fees Structure
The registration fee depends on the type of license you’re applying for:

Basic Registration: ₹100/year

State License: ₹2,000–₹5,000/year (varies by type of business and state)

Central License: ₹7,500/year

This is the official government fee and doesn’t include consultancy charges if you’re hiring someone to assist with the process.

2. Processing Timeframes
Once your application is submitted correctly with all documents:

Basic Registration: Usually processed within 7 days

State License: Takes around 15–30 days, including inspections if required

Central License: Can take up to 45–60 days, given the stricter checks and broader operational scale

If there are discrepancies, missing documents, or requests for clarification, the process can stretch longer. That’s why it’s crucial to get everything right on the first go.

3. Validity and Renewal Costs
FSSAI licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the period you apply for. Renewal fees are the same as the original cost. You must apply for renewal at least 30 days before expiry to avoid penalties or cancellation.

Post-Registration Compliance Requirements
Getting your FSSAI license is just the beginning. Once you have it, there are rules you need to follow to keep your cloud kitchen running legally and hygienically.

1. Display of License Number
FSSAI mandates that your license number be displayed:

On your food packages

At your cloud kitchen (if physical access is allowed)

On your website and online ordering platforms

For cloud kitchens, including the license number on digital receipts and packaging labels is non-negotiable.

2. Hygiene and Safety Protocols
Once registered, your kitchen is expected to follow FSSAI-prescribed hygiene practices, such as:

Safe food handling

Regular hand-washing by staff

Clean utensils and surfaces

Proper garbage disposal

Pest control

These aren’t just good practices—they’re mandatory. FSSAI inspectors can make surprise visits and impose penalties for violations.

3. Renewals and Modifications
If your license is about to expire, apply for renewal early. If you change anything significant in your kitchen—like the address, business type, or food category—you must update your license accordingly. Failing to do so can lead to suspension or cancellation.

It’s a good idea to assign someone on your team the responsibility of keeping track of compliance checklists and deadlines.

For more info : https://www.psrcompliance.com/blog/fssai-license-for-your-cloud-kitchen