In the highly competitive Indian digital market, the opportunity for entrepreneurs to increase their consumer base by selling food products online is amazing. From home-made to gourmet food products, online trading platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart have created opportunities for a large number of FBOs. Nevertheless, the regulatory environment in terms of food safety regulations can be a complex maze. There are a number of online food sellers who are confused about the regulations and the FSSAI license for ecommerce.
The main focus of this blog is to make the process easier for entrepreneurs and explain the importance of and how to obtain your FSSAI license for your online food selling business.
Talk to Our Experts Today
Selling food online on Amazon or Flipkart? FSSAI License for Ecommerce is mandatory — avoid penalties & account suspension! Get Legal4Sure’s expert assistance for fast, 100% online registration. Don’t lose your seller account. Apply Now!
Understanding The Problems Of Business Owners On E Commerce Websites
- Lack of clarity on applicability: The first thing that comes into the minds of online sellers is whether they need an FSSAI license for their business or not, especially if they are selling their products through Amazon or Flipkart.
- Understanding the type of licenses: The difference between a Basic License, State License, and Central License is not well understood by many sellers.
- Fear of legal consequences: The fear of legal consequences for non-compliance of FSSAI regulations is also an issue for many sellers.
- Compulsory FSSAI license: E-commerce giants like Amazon or Flipkart have made it mandatory for their sellers to have an FSSAI license for selling their products on their platforms.
>Helpful Guide:- FSSAI License Number Check Online: Verify Any Food Business
Questions from Online Food Business Owners
- Is it really necessary for me to get an FSSAI license if I am selling a few homemade products every month through ecommerce websites?
- Does it not add complexity to my already busy ecommerce business if I get an FSSAI license?
- Do I need to get an FSSAI license for each ecommerce website that I run, or will a single license be enough if I run multiple ecommerce websites like Amazon, Flipkart, etc.?
- What are the consequences if I start selling without getting an FSSAI license? What are the risks involved?
- How do I ensure that my products meet the requirements of the FSSAI standards while being transported from my home?
Understanding FSSAI License for Ecommerce
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the organization that regulates the safety of food products in India. This includes online food businesses without any exceptions. According to the FSSAI Act 2006, any individual who is involved in the manufacture, processing, storage, distribution, or sale of food products, either offline or online, is considered a Food Business Operator who needs an FSSAI license.
- Compulsory Requirements:
Whether you are a home baker who is selling products on Instagram or a distributor who is selling products on Amazon, a Food Business License from FSSAI is a must.
- Platform Specificity:
Amazon and Flipkart are two of the most popular ecommerce websites that require sellers to add their Amazon seller FSSAI license or Flipkart seller license India during the registration process or before selling products on the respective websites.
- License Type Based on Turnover:
-
- FSSAI Basic License: FBOs with an annual turnover up to 12 Lakhs.
- FSSAI State License: FBOs with an annual turnover between 12 Lakhs to 20 Crores.
- FSSAI Central License: FBOs with an annual turnover above 20 Crores or who are into an import/export business or who have their operations in multiple states.
>Helpful Guide:- FSSAI License Renewal Online: Fees, Penalty & Last Date
Documents Checklist
- ID & Address Proof: Aadhar Card, PAN Card, or Passport of the Proprietor/Directors.
- Premises Proof: The rent agreement/electricity bill (to be geo-tagged during the 2026 application process).
- Food Category List: The list of food items that you want to sell (Spices, Bakery Items, Supplements).
- FSMS Plan: A Food Safety Management System declaration (templates available in FoSCoS).
- Recall Plan: A document that briefly describes your plan for recalling food in case of a safety issue.
Specific Requirements for E-commerce Sellers
- Warehouse Address: If you are using Fulfillment by Amazon or Flipkart Assured, your FSSAI License should have the address of the warehouse as a Place of Storage.
- The E-commerce Category: While filling out the FoSCoS portal for obtaining the license, you need to choose the type of business as Trade/Retail followed by E-commerce.
- Product Labeling: The digital listings should have a Nutrient Table, a logo for Veg/Non-Veg, and an Expiry Date prominently displayed.
>Helpful Guide:- FSSAI License Documents Required (Complete Checklist 2026)
How to Apply for FSSAI License for E-commerce
Step 1: Account Creation on FoSCoS
- Visit the Official FoSCoS Portal.
- Click on Sign Up to create a user profile by providing your Email ID and Mobile Number.
- Log in and click on Apply for New License/Registration.
Step 2: Select Your Kind of Business (KoB)
- Select the State from which your Registered Office is located.
- Under the Group Heads tab, select Trade/Retail.
- Important: Select the checkbox for “E-commerce.”
- Note: If you are also a manufacturer of the food product, then select “Manufacturer” as well.
Step 3: Fill Out Form A (Basic) or Form B (State/Central)
- Company Details: Provide your business name exactly as it appears on your GST or PAN Card.
- Premises Address: Provide your office or warehouse address.
- Product Selection: Select the Food Category that you wish to sell. For example, if you are selling prepared food items, select Category 14. If you are selling Fruits or Vegetables, select Category 04. Please be precise since you will be allowed to sell only those products that you have selected.
Step 4: Upload Mandatory Documents
Upload the required documents such as Identity & Address Proof, Premises Proof, Recall Plan, NOC from Marketplace.
Step 5: Payment of Fees
Pay the government fee via the online portal.
- Basic: ₹100/year
- State: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000/year
- Central: ₹7,500/year
Step 6: Scrutiny and Inspection
- Your application will be checked by an FSSAI officer.
- If your application has discrepancies, your application will be reverted. You need to answer these queries in 30 days.
- For Central/State License, a virtual or physical inspection of your premise may be conducted.
Step 7: Download Your License
You need to log in to FoSCoS and download your 14-digit FSSAI License Certificate. You need to add this 14-digit number to your Amazon/Flipkart Seller Profile.
Key Takeaways
- Your e-commerce license under FSSAI must be considered as an investment, not a cost.
- It is important that you understand whether you are eligible for Basic Registration, State, or Central License based on your turnover.
- It is important that you organize your food safety documentation, starting from procurement to delivery, in a digital format.
- Remember, food safety is not a one-time activity, and you must constantly update your food safety with the latest FSSAI food safety regulations.
- If you are still unsure about how you must go ahead with obtaining your FSSAI license, then don’t worry, as there are many professionals who can guide you in this matter.
>Helpful Guide:- FSSAI License Fees Structure 2026 (State vs Central vs Basic)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FSSAI required for Amazon seller if I only sell non-perishable packaged goods?
Yes, irrespective of whether you are selling a perishable or a non-perishable item, if you are selling any food item on Amazon, you need to have an FSSAI license.
What is the FSSAI license for selling food online India, specifically for home-based businesses?
For a home-based business, an FSSAI Basic Registration is required if the turnover is less than ₹12 Lakhs, and a State License, if the turnover is more than ₹12 Lakhs.
What are the Flipkart food seller license requirements regarding validity?
A food seller license for a Flipkart business, i.e., FSSAI, is valid for 1 to 5 years, and then it must be renewed.
How to sell food online India legally without any FSSAI issues?
To sell food items legally, you must first obtain an FSSAI license, depending on your turnover and business type, and then strictly follow FSSAI’s hygiene and safety standards.
Can I use one FSSAI license for selling on multiple e-commerce platforms?
Yes, a single FSSAI license is enough for selling on multiple e-commerce websites, provided the scope and address match your business.
What documents are crucial for obtaining an FSSAI license for an online food business?
The key documents include identity and address proof, business registration proof, a list of food products, and a declaration regarding the food safety management plan.
What are the common reasons for FSSAI license application rejection for online sellers?
The common reasons include incomplete documentation, incorrect selection of license type, incorrect information provided, or failure to meet the hygiene standards.








