FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchen
Mastering Compliance: FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchen
The FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchen is the single most critical legal document required to operate a delivery-only food business in India. Cloud kitchens, which operate solely on a takeaway and delivery model without a customer dining area, are subject to the same strict hygiene and safety standards as traditional restaurants under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
This mandatory certification ensures that the food prepared and delivered adheres to the benchmarks set by the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006. For a cloud kitchen, which relies entirely on digital platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, and its own apps, obtaining the correct FSSAI certificate is non-negotiable, as most aggregators mandate a valid 14-digit FSSAI number for listing.
Determining the Right FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchen
The required FSSAI certificate for a cloud kitchen is determined primarily by its projected or actual annual turnover and its operational scope. This initial assessment dictates which application form (Form A or Form B) and what level of documentation are required.
1. FSSAI Basic Registration (Small-Scale Startups)
This is the starting point for small cloud kitchens or home-based food businesses.
| Criteria | Details |
| Annual Turnover | Up to ₹12 Lakhs per annum. |
| Applicable For | Small home kitchens, petty retailers, and startups with minimal production. |
| Application Form | Form A (Registration). |
| Annual Fee (Govt. Fee) | ₹100. |
2. FSSAI State License (Medium-Sized Operations)
The State License is the most common requirement for professionally managed cloud kitchens that have scaled beyond the startup phase.
| Criteria | Details |
| Annual Turnover | Between ₹12 Lakhs and ₹20 Crores per annum. |
| Applicable For | Established cloud kitchens, medium-scale manufacturers, and single-state operators. |
| Application Form | Form B (License). |
| Annual Fee (Govt. Fee) | ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 (Varies based on product type and capacity). |
3. FSSAI Central License (Large Brands/Chains)
This license is mandatory for large-scale operations and those with a wide footprint.
| Criteria | Details |
| Annual Turnover | Exceeding ₹20 Crores per annum. |
| Mandatory For | Large cloud kitchen chains operating in two or more states or those involved in import/export. |
| Application Form | Form B (License). |
| Annual Fee (Govt. Fee) | ₹7,500. |
Benefits of Obtaining the FSSAI License
A valid FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchen provides more than just legal compliance; it is a critical tool for digital business growth.
Building Trust and Platform Access
Mandatory for Aggregators: Online food delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy strictly mandate a valid FSSAI license number to list any cloud kitchen.
Consumer Credibility: The FSSAI license number, when displayed on packaging and invoices, acts as a mark of safety and hygiene, which is crucial for building trust with customers who cannot see the physical kitchen.
Legal Protection: It ensures the business is protected from severe penalties (fines up to ₹5 Lakhs and potential imprisonment) associated with non-compliance under the FSS Act.
Compliance with Food Safety Management System (FSMS)
The licensing process requires the cloud kitchen to document and implement a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan. This adherence to Schedule 4 of the FSSAI regulations forces the kitchen to maintain high standards in:
Hygiene and Sanitation of the premises.
Personal Hygiene of all food handlers.
Storage and Waste Disposal protocols.
The Online Application Process via FoSCoS
The entire application for the FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchen must be submitted online through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal.
Step-by-Step Online Registration
Access FoSCoS: Visit the official FSSAI portal and register a user account.
Determine Category: Select the appropriate license type (Basic, State, or Central) based on your turnover.
Fill Application Form: Complete Form A (for Basic Registration) or Form B (for Licenses), accurately providing all business details, including the specific food categories handled.
Upload Documents: Upload the required scanned documents in the specified format.
Fee Payment: Pay the applicable government fee online. An Application Reference Number (ARN) is generated for tracking.
Scrutiny and Inspection: The Designated Officer reviews the application. For State and Central Licenses, an on-site inspection of the cloud kitchen premises may be conducted by a Food Safety Officer before approval.
Issuance: Upon successful verification, the FSSAI License/Registration certificate is issued electronically.
Essential Documents for Cloud Kitchen Licensing
The requirements for a cloud kitchen's license focus heavily on premise and identity verification.
Mandatory Documents for Basic Registration
Photo ID and Address Proof of the applicant.
copyright-sized photograph.
Proof of possession of premises (e.g., Rent Agreement/Utility Bill of the kitchen premises).
FSSAI Declaration Form.
Key Additional Documents for State/Central License
Blueprint/Layout Plan of the kitchen premises, showing equipment, storage, and washing areas.
List of Equipment and Machinery with installed capacity.
Proof of Business Constitution (e.g., Partnership Deed, Certificate of Incorporation).
Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Plan or Certificate.
Water Analysis Report from an NABL-accredited laboratory (if water is used as an ingredient).
NOC from Municipality/Local Body (may be required depending on the location).
Renewal and Penalties
Mandatory License Renewal
The FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchen is valid for 1 to 5 years, as chosen by the applicant. Renewal must be applied for on the FoSCoS portal at least 30 days before the expiry date. Failure to renew on time incurs a late fee of ₹100 per day. If the license expires, the kitchen must cease operations until a fresh license is obtained.
Obtaining and maintaining the appropriate FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchen is the legal cornerstone for any delivery-based food venture, ensuring market credibility and uninterrupted operation on digital platforms.