Obtaining an FSSAI registration/license for any food business is necessary in India as it ensures that the food truck serves safe meals and meets health standards, avoiding any legal complications. Whether you are a manufacturer, a vendor, or a food business owner of the food truck food chain, you need a FSSAI license to operate your business.
This is the only way you can survive in the market without the fear of being charged with legal issues regarding a license. This piece of content will dive into the importance of the FSSAI license for a food truck business in India.
What is a Food Truck Business?
A mobile restaurant that cooks and sells food from a large vehicle is called a food truck business. Some food trucks have in-built kitchens, while others sell prepackaged or frozen food. They often focus on one or two specialties but also offer a variety of dishes. Food trucks can move to new places rather than be tied to a specific place like a restaurant. All types of food trucks require FSSAI registration/ license.
FSSAI license for Food Truck Business in India
The below-mentioned details will explain how you can get FSSAI registration for a food truck business:
- Choose the FSSAI registration category you must apply, based on the FSSAI criteria, and learn about its categories for your food truck business. It may include the following:
- Basic registration is mandatory for a single vehicle whose yearly turnover is up to Rs. 12 lakhs.
- State license is required for vehicles whose yearly turnover is between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crore.
- Central license is essential for vehicles that has a yearly turnover of more than Rs. 20 crore.
- Prepare all the documents required for the registration and fill out the application from the official website of FoSCoS.
- Pay the required fee and wait for an inspection and decision from the FSSAI department.
The process to obtain the FSSAI license for food trucks:
- Step 1: Visit the FoSCoS portal and choose the premise of operation.
- Step 2: Click on the “General” section and select the state where you want to open your food truck business.
- Step 3: After you have selected the desired state, select the kind of business.
- Step 4: Choose the “Food Services” among all the options.
- Step 5: After clicking on the food services, choose the “Hawker (Mobile Food Vendor)” option.
- Step 6: Determine your eligibility for the business, and if it is eligible for registration click on the proceed option below.
- Step 7: The applicant needs to provide all their details, upload all the required documents, and pay the fee.
- Step 8: After you are done with the form, submit it. All the information will be reviewed by the FSSAI authorities.
- Step 9: If the premise needs an inspection then the FSSAI department will send someone for it.
- Step 10: When the inspection is done by the FSSAI and verified, the license will be issued. You can download the certificate by logging in the portal with your credentials.
Documents Required for FSSAI License for Food Trucks
The following documents are required for obtaining a FSSAI license for food trucks:
- Photocopy proof of identity of the applicant
- Proof of possession of the premises such as electricity bill, rent agreement, and property papers
- List of food items that you will be preparing in the kitchen
- Kitchen layout plan
- NOC from the municipality or panchayat
- Food safety management plan
- Water test report
- List of the equipment and machinery used in the kitchen
- Declaration form (Form B) signed by the proprietor/partner/authorized individual
- Partnership deed or certificate of incorporation, if applicable
- Authority letter with the name and address of the individual nominated by the food business operator
Validity of an FSSAI License
The validity of an FSSAI license is from 1 year to 5 years depending on the food business operator and must be renewed before the expiration date. It is valid from the issuance date and can be renewed once a year and up to a maximum of 5 years. The application for renewal needs to be submitted 30 days before the expiration date. After the 30-day deadline, Rs 100 will be charged per day as the late fee. If the license isn’t renewed within 30 days, it will expire and the business will must stop operation.
Why Do You Need an FSSAI License for Food Trucks?
The FSSAI oversees the food businesses in India. It establishes guidelines that all the food business operators in the nation must follow since it directly affects the health of people. You need to make sure the food you serve to the customers is safe for consumption by obtaining the food registration online. It has become popular over the years, as it offers go-to convenient and tasty meals. You need to obtain an FSSAI license to operate a food truck in India.
The Types of FSSAI Registration for Food Truck Business in India
The types of FSSAI certifications for food truck businesses in India are mentioned below:
- Basic Registration: For businesses having a single vehicle and an annual turnover below Rs 12 lakh, the registration cost would be Rs 100 per annum.
- State License: For businesses having up to 100 vehicles and a yearly turnover between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 20 crore, the state license is mandatory which will cost Rs. 2000 to Rs.5000 per annum depending on the types of the food business.
- Central License: For businesses having more than 100 vehicles and a yearly turnover is above Rs. 20 crore, the central license is mandatory. It costs Rs. 7500/- per annum.
Why Should You Start a Food Truck Business in India?
In a populated country like India, food trucks are the best kind of street food. The cost to start a food truck is significantly lower in India than in other countries. You can start your food truck business with an amount as little as Rs 2,00,000, to purchase the truck and the supplies needed for the business (price may vary depending on the company or other factors). India is famous for its street food and is highly competitive but very cost-effective. A food truck business can be a hygienic inspiration for the eaters and the sellers. The following are the reasons why one should start a food truck business in India:
- Lower Startup Costs: A restaurant usually is more expensive even if it is about renting a place and setting up a lot of equipment including chairs, tables, and higher electricity and utility bills. Compared to it, a food truck requires very little capital or investment to set up and is more accessible for aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Flexibility and Mobility: A food truck is very flexible compared to a restaurant as you can move it to different locations based on customers, and provide service in events which increases potential clients.
- Growing Urban Population: There is a growing market for go-to and convenient food options within a large population in India.
- Culinary Innovation: Experimenting with dishes and putting unique flavors that cater to diverse tastes and trends in India.
- Street Food Culture: The street food culture is growing day by day in India, which aligns well with the food truck concept and allows you to invest and capitalize on local but popular dishes.
- Catering Opportunities: Food trucks are often used for catering services in corporate gatherings, social events, food festivals, corporate offices, and weddings.
- Marketing Potential: Using a good logo design for your food truck and creating a social media presence can increase visibility and branding opportunities for your business.
- Personal Customer Interaction: You can directly interact with customers to understand their preferences and create a menu accordingly. This can easily be done through an online survey.
The Things You Should Know Before Starting a Food Truck Business in India
Here are the key points to consider before starting a food truck business:
- Market Research: Analyze the current food scene and identify the popular food trends, target audience, and potential gaps.
- Business Plan: Making a good business plan will help you outline your concept, pricing, menu, finance, and marketing strategy properly.
- Food Concept: Choosing a unique and tasty meal option or concept that will align with the target market and stand out from the rest of the competition will increase customers.
- Truck Selection: You need to research a good food truck that meets your needs including the size, design, and equipment, and invest in it properly.
- Menu Development: Create a menu that the targeted audience will prefer with high-quality and delicious meals that are prepared efficiently and priced accordingly.
- Legal Requirements: There may be specific permits and licenses (FSSAI and other) needed in the area of your food business which can include business licenses and health department regulations.
- Location Strategy: Analyzing locations and selecting a high-traffic area with a suitable customer base and where you can park your food truck legally.
- Marketing Strategy: Create a marketing plan to promote your food services by using social media, flyers, local events, and partnerships
- Food Safety: You need to prioritize the safety of the customers by practicing food safety methods including storage, proper handling of food, and sanitation procedures. You must require FSSAI compliance.
- Staffing: Hiring staff that are reliable and have relevant culinary skills and experience in customer service.
The Benefits of FSSAI Registration for Food Truck Businesses
The following details include the benefits of FSSAI registration for food truck businesses in India:
- You cannot start a food business without an FSSAI registration/license
- Obtaining an FSSAI license ensures that safety and hygienic regulations are being followed.
- It makes the food truck business more credible and trustworthy.
- Your food business gains a competitive advantage after acquiring the FSSAI license.
- By displaying the license in the food truck, customers are reassured that it maintains the food safety regulations.
- Having a license guarantees that you are abiding by the rules and laws established by the government.
- Food truck businesses with a license have higher chances of forming partnerships and working together with other businesses, including event caterers, event planners, and corporate clients.
What are the Other Licenses Required for Food Trucks in India?
There are a few licenses required for food trucks in India and they are as follows:
- Fire Certificate: You need to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire department as the food trucks carry a gas stove, cylinder, and electrical appliances.
- Commercial Vehicle License: The vehicle needs a proper license or registration as the food is cooked and sold from the vehicle and is the main source of business.
- No Objection Certificates: You will also need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) permitting you to set up your food business in the location you desire. It must be acquired from both the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and the Local Municipal Corporation.
- GST Registration: For businesses having an annual turnover above Rs. 40 lakh, need to register for GST.
- Shop Establishment certificate: For food truck businesses having more than 10 employees need to register with the state’s labor department.
You can also get Trademark registration to protect your brand image, MSME registration to avail of loans and other government schemes, and Web Development services for digital marketing to expand your business.
Important Aspects of Food Truck
The important aspects of the food truck business are mentioned below:
Before opening a food truck business, you need to do proper market research. It will give you a general idea of how to set up your business and run it effectively from other similar businesses. The possibility of your food truck succeeding will decrease if you plan to use conventional methods to launch the business. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct thorough market research before launching your food truck business.
- A Well-Drafted Business Plan
Creating a strong plan is essential when entering the business world. If you have drafted a good business plan it becomes easier to execute it from the start. A well-written business plan can facilitate a successful launch, attract investors, and increase income.
- Choosing a Good Location for Business
After creating a good business plan, it is only right to choose the desired location of your food truck business. Look for a site that is decent, crowded, and popular for food truck stalls. Have a target audience and open your food truck near that location. For example, if you are targeting young people you can open your business in front of institutions and colleges or near them.
Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI Registration
FSSAI registration is required for every Food Business Operator (FBO) involved in any small-scale business. The following details include the eligibility criteria for FSSAI registration:
- Petty retailer dealing in food products
- FBO with a yearly turnover of less than RS 12 lakh
- Food sale done by the temporary stall holder
- Small-scale or cottage industries dealing in food businesses
- Any person who distributes food in social gatherings or any religious except a caterer
- Any person manufacturing or selling any food article by themselves
Small businesses have the following food capacity limits:
|
SL.No
|
Business
|
Capacity
|
|
1
|
Food production other than meat and milk
|
Up to 100kg/ltr per day
|
|
2
|
Procuring, handling, and collecting milk
|
Up to 500 ltr per day
|
|
3
|
Slaughtering
|
2 large animals, 10 small animals, or 50 poultry birds per day or less
|
|
4
|
Transportation
|
Single vehicle
|
|
5
|
Vending machine
|
Up to 12 vending machines in only one state or union territory.
For more information, you can contact Online Legal India.
|
Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI License
Every food business operator apart from the small-scale business needs an FSSAI license. The two types of FSSAI license are; State FSSAI license and Central FSSAI license depending on the size of the business, if it is medium or large scale.
State FSSAI License: Food business operators having medium-sized manufacturing units, marketers, traders, and transporters need a state FSSAI license to operate their business. It includes the following:
- The food business operator has a yearly turnover between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 20 crore (Rs 30 crore for wholesalers or transportation businesses).
- The following food capacity limits are for medium-scale businesses:
|
SL.No
|
Business
|
Capacity
|
|
1
|
Food production other than meat and milk
|
1MT to 2MT per day
|
|
2
|
Procuring, handling, and collecting milk
|
501 to 50,000 ltr per day
|
|
3
|
Slaughtering
|
3 to 50 large animals, 11 to 150 small animals, or 51 to 1,000 poultry birds per day
|
|
4
|
Storage
|
Up to 10,000 MT
|
|
5
|
Transportation
|
100 vehicles
|
|
6
|
Hotel
|
One, Two, Three, and Four-star rating
|
|
7
|
Vending machine
|
Up to 100 vending machines in only one state or union territory
For more, contact Online Legal India.
|
Central FSSAI License: Food business operators having importers, exporters, and manufacturers, who deal with large-sized food businesses need to acquire the Central FSSAI license to operate their business. It covers the following details:
- The food business operator has a yearly turnover of over Rs 20 crore (Rs 30 crore for transportation business and wholesaler)
- The food capacity limits for large-scale businesses are as follows:
|
SL.No
|
Business
|
Capacity
|
|
1
|
Food production other than meat and milk
|
More than 2MT per day
|
|
2
|
Procuring, handling, and collecting milk
|
More than 50,000 ltr per day
|
|
3
|
Slaughtering
|
More than 50 large animals, more than 150 small animals, or more than 1,000 poultry birds per day
|
|
4
|
Storage
|
More than 10,000 MT
|
|
5
|
Author:
Online Legal India
Online Legal India, a subsidiary of FastInfo Legal Services Pvt. Ltd., is registered under the Companies Act, 2013. Backed by a skilled team of professionals, we offer a comprehensive range of services. We deliver high-quality solutions to individuals, business owners, company founders, corporate entities, and more, addressing their company registration needs and resolving various legal challenges they encounter in everyday lives.
Thank You!
Redirecting to payment page...
Warning !
Get a free consultation from our trusted experts.
|
By Online Legal India
Published On 09 Jan 2021
Updated On 26 Feb 2025
Category FSSAI
1 comments
.webp "FSSAI Registration for Retailers")
