The FSSC 22000 certification cost in 2025 depends on your factory’s size, setup, and audit readiness. A small company with 20 employees will not experience the same certification costs as a larger plant using automated lines and numerous product types. This guide details expected costs based on factory size, so whether you are starting or readying for exports, you will have a realistic understanding of what costs are associated with certification.
What does it cost for small factories?
You’re not alone if you’re running a small food business, whether it’s a local operation or a family-run unit. Many of our clients start the same way. And for them, the question isn’t just how much does FSSC 22000 certification cost in 2025? It’s also how much can I realistically invest without putting a strain on the business?
On average, the cost for small food units typically falls between ₹1.5 to ₹2.5 lakhs.
Approximate figure:
- A gap analysis
- Assistance from consultants
- Training for personnel
- Every piece of paperwork
- The authentic audit conducted by a certifying organization
You’ll still need the basics, consulting, documentation, training, and audit, just like small factories. However, the bigger the facility, the more complexity exists; SOPs for a number of departments, internal checks, and possibly more than one audit visit.
If you’re planning to grow or tap into export markets, you’re moving in the right direction. Most buyers in Europe and the Middle East won’t even consider working with you unless you already have FSSC 22000 in place.
How much does it cost to get FSSC 22000 certified for a mid-sized food unit in 2025?
You could be a mid-sized operation with between 30 and 100 employees and one or two semi-automated lines. You may have a small QA team too. You have been in business for some time, and you are now reflecting on ways to improve your food safety systems. You are definitely considering FSSC 22000 certification, and you are asking yourself, What will the cost of FSSC 22000 certification in 2025 be?
On average: ₹ 3.5 to ₹ 5.5 lakh
Larger factories are still going to require the basics of consulting, documentation, training, and audits, but it will get a bit more complicated. If you are going to be successful, you probably will need improved coordination between departments, SOPs that are written better, and potentially more than one site visit.
And if you plan on growing or even exporting, especially to Europe and the Middle East, FSSC 22000 is no longer an option; it is what buyers expect from the start of your agreement and not later. You will find most buyers will not even consider using your products unless this certification is already in place.
What about large plants?
Large production facilities with over 100 employees that utilize automated production lines with a wide range of varied products cannot simply use the routine methods. At this point, you are managing complicated workflows, documenting heavily, and are totally responsible for food safety every hour of the day in shifting layers of activity.
The FSSC 22000 Certification Cost in 2025 for large-scale food units will typically be around ₹7 – ₹12 lakhs. The cost is certainly higher as the audits take longer, the documentation is heavier, and a lot of the plants that combine FSSC with ISO 9001 or 14001 are future-proofing their systems.
The good news? Most larger factories already have a QA or compliance department that can handle a lot of the legwork around this, leaving less need for external assistance. You will spend more – but you are also creating a long-term capability.
Cost differences in FSSC 22000 certification for startups vs. established plants
If you’re a startup in your first or second year, chances are you’ll end up spending more per square foot than an older, more established factory. That’s just how it usually works in the early stages. Why? Startups require everything from scratch, including FSSC 22000 audit checklist, monitoring logs, hygiene plans, PRPs, and SOPs. That’s where the cost differences in FSSC 22000 certification for startups vs. established plants show. If you’re starting with no documentation, you may spend 25–30% more.
On the other hand, old units save both time and money by having already established (though perhaps unofficial) systems. To sum up, maturity is important.
Watch out for hidden costs
The majority of factories fall into this trap. You sign a contract thinking you’re set, and then the hidden charges in FSSC 22000 certification sneak in:
- Accommodation and transportation for auditors
- Additional fees for re-audits
- Training courses for new hires that are not scheduled
- More documents that you weren’t expecting.
- Fees for the required ISO/TS 22002-1
Therefore, request an itemized, transparent quotation. And avoid picking the cheapest option. You could end up paying more later for a low-cost consultant who vanishes after the paperwork.
Read more: FSSC 22000 Audit Preparation Guide | Checklist & Tips
Yearly cost to maintain FSSC 22000 certification in India
FSSC 22000 isn’t a one-time effort; you have to maintain it every year. In India, the annual upkeep typically costs between ₹75,000 to ₹1.5 lakhs, depending on your factory’s size and how in-depth the audit needs to be.
This typically includes:
- Fees for the yearly monitoring audit
- Changes to rules are reflected in document revisions.
- Retraining personnel
- Minor modifications
Consider it similar to the EMIs for your food safety. If you ignore them, you will lose your certificate.
Breakdown of FSSC 22000 costs by factory size
Here’s a simple breakdown of FSSC 22000 costs by factory size to help you plan better:
| Factory type | Estimated Certification Cost (2025) |
| Small unit | ₹1.5 to ₹2.5 lakhs |
| Mid-sized unit | ₹3.5 to ₹5.5 lakhs |
| Large plants | ₹7 to ₹12 lakhs |
This excludes yearly maintenance. If you want full peace of mind, budget for at least 20% extra over the base quote for follow-ups and improvements
FSSC 22000 cost vs ISO 22000 cost comparison
Let’s settle this, FSSC 22000 cost vs ISO 22000 cost comparison.
| Standard | Avg. Cost (India, 2025) |
| ISO 22000 | ₹1 to ₹1.5 lakhs |
| FSSC 22000 | ₹2.5 to ₹5+ lakhs |
The cost of FSSC 22000 is higher. Why? It is GFSI-recognized, which increases its trustworthiness among international purchasers, has stricter documentation, and mandates a prerequisite course. ISO may suffice if you’re just selling to nearby markets. However, FSSC is a safer option for exports or large Indian purchasers, such as retail chains, airlines, or quick-service restaurants.
Read more: FSSC 22000 Vs ISO 22000 Vs BRCGS: What’s Best For Your Plant?
Start Your FSSC 22000 Journey with Legal4sure
The FSSC 22000 certification cost in 2025 is more than a number; it’s a smart business decision. Legal4sure helps food factories across India get certified with practical, factory-specific support. Ready to make your plant audit-ready? Let’s get started
Start Your FSSC 22000 Journey with Legal4sure
Legal4sure helps your factory achieve FSSC 22000 certification with ease. From documentation to audits, our experts guide you at every step. Secure compliance and buyer trust today.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to get FSSC 22000 certified in 2025?
Anywhere between two and six months, depending on the size of the factory and the availability of documentation.
2. Can we do FSSC 22000 without a consultant?
Perhaps, if you have prior experience with ISO or HACCP. If not, it’s safer (and quicker) to let someone lead you.
3. Is there any government subsidy for FSSC 22000 certification?
In India, certain MSME programs provide refunds. Speak with your state’s food processing or regulatory body.
4. Do I need to renew my certification every year?
Not really. Your FSSC 22000 certification is good for three years. But yes, there is a required annual check-in called a surveillance audit to confirm that everything is still operating as it should. Consider it a yearly physical for the security of your food supply.
5. What happens if we fail the audit?
You will be required to address the problems and go through another audit. As a result, be well-prepared since it will add time and expense.
