INTRODUCTION

Food safety is not just about what goes inside a packet; it’s equally about how it is packaged and labeled before reaching consumers. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has laid down strict FSSAI packaging rules and FSSAI labeling guidelines to ensure transparency, consumer safety, and fair trade practices.

For any food business operator (FBO), whether you are a restaurant chain, packaged food startup, or an FMCG giant, compliance with these rules is not optional—it’s mandatory. Right from stating the ingredients to printing the label FSSAI number, every detail on a food packet is governed by the latest Food Safety and Standards (Labeling and Display) Regulations, 2020 and Packaging Regulations, 2018.

In this blog, we will walk you through why such certifications matter, who issues them, eligibility, step-by-step process, penalties for violations, and how Lawfinity can simplify compliance for your business.

WHY FSSAI IS REQUIRED?

Packaging and labeling rules are not just a regulatory burden; they are a shield that protects both consumers and businesses.

Consumer Protection – Labels provide critical information like nutritional values, allergens, expiry dates, and manufacturer details. Wrong labeling can lead to food recalls or even health hazards.
Market Transparency – Uniform FSSAI labeling guidelines prevent deceptive claims and misleading advertisements.
Traceability – Printing the label FSSAI number ensures every food item can be traced back to the manufacturer in case of complaints or recalls.
Legal Requirement – Without following FSSAI packaging rules, a food business is exposed to penalties, cancellation of license, and reputational loss.
Export Compliance – For businesses aiming at international markets, adhering to FSSAI norms also strengthens credibility globally.

So, such certificates are required to instill trust, comply with Indian law, and safeguard consumer interest.

WHO ISSUES FSSAI LICENCE/REGISTRATION?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, is the body that issues and regulates packaging and labeling standards.

The Central Licensing Authority or the State Licensing Authority issues the FSSAI License depending upon the size and turnover of the business.
For labeling norms, FSSAI ensures that every packaged food carries mandatory declarations.
The authority also conducts audits, sample checks, and market inspections to verify compliance.

Thus, the ultimate regulatory authority responsible for packaging and labeling licenses and enforcement is FSSAI itself.

ELIGIBILITY AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FSSAI REGISTRATION

Eligibility

Any food business operator (FBO) engaged in:

Manufacturing packaged food products
Importing packaged foods
Retailing or wholesaling packaged foods
Catering, cloud kitchens, or e-commerce food aggregators

must obtain an FSSAI License and comply with labeling regulations.

Documents Required

To obtain and comply with FSSAI certification, you typically need:

Identity & address proof of promoters
Incorporation documents (Partnership deed, Company COI, etc.)
List of food products to be manufactured/handled
Food safety management plan
NOC from local municipality/panchayat
Declaration of compliance with FSSAI labeling guidelines
Sample labels showing packaging design and mandatory declarations
Import-export code (if importing packaged food items)

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

Here’s the simplified step-by-step process to obtain FSSAI license and ensure packaging & labeling compliance:

Business Evaluation – Determine whether your business needs a Basic, State, or Central FSSAI license.
Prepare Documents – Collect business identity, incorporation documents, and packaging samples.
Online Application – Apply through the FSSAI Food Licensing and Registration System (FoSCoS).
Label Submission – Submit draft food labels complying with FSSAI labeling guidelines (nutritional info, allergens, vegetarian/non-vegetarian mark, etc.).
Inspection – Authorities may inspect your premises and packaging units.
Approval – Once verified, the license is issued along with labeling compliance certification.
Post-Approval Compliance – The label FSSAI number must be printed clearly on every packaged food item.

PENALTY FOR OPERATING WITHOUT FSSAI LICENCE

Non-compliance with FSSAI labeling and packaging rules invites heavy penalties:

Misleading advertisement – It be liable to a penalty which may extend to ten lakh rupees.
Penalty for unhygienic or unsanitary processing or manufacturing of food– It shall be liable to a penalty which may extend to one lakh rupees.
Penalty for misbranded food– shall be liable to a penalty which may extend to three lakhs rupees.
Operating Without FSSAI License – Fine up to ₹5 lakh or imprisonment upto 6 months in severe cases.
Penalty for contraventions for which no specific penalty is provided - It shall be liable to a penalty which may extend to two lakh rupees.

The law is strict because packaging and labeling directly impact consumer safety.

HOW LAWFINITY HELPS IN OBTAINING FSSAI LICENCE?

At Lawfinity, we understand that compliance with FSSAI labeling guidelines and packaging norms can feel overwhelming for businesses. Rules keep changing, amendments are frequent, and small errors can lead to huge penalties.

Here’s how we make it simpler:

Expert Guidance – We break down every FSSAI packaging rule in simple terms so you know exactly what is required.
Label Drafting Assistance – Our team helps you design labels that comply with the Food Safety and Standards (Labeling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
End-to-End Filing – From online application on FoSCoS to document submission and follow-ups, we handle everything.
Audit Support – In case of inspection, our experts ensure you’re always ready.
Ongoing Compliance – Lawfinity also helps with renewal, amendments, and continuous monitoring of FSSAI rules.

By partnering with us, you can focus on growing your food business while we handle compliance.

MUSINGS FROM THE AUTHOR’S INK

As someone who has seen the evolution of India’s food regulatory framework closely, I can say one thing – FSSAI packaging rules are not just bureaucracy, they’re consumer empowerment. Think about it—when you pick up a packet of chips, how do you know what’s inside unless the manufacturer tells you? That small label FSSAI number printed on the back is your silent guarantee.

Yet, many businesses see these norms as red tape. But the truth is, they build credibility. In a world where consumers are becoming more conscious about health, diet, and transparency, packaging and labeling is the first handshake between your brand and the buyer.

If you are a food entrepreneur, don’t see it as compliance headache. Instead, look at it as brand trust investment. And that’s where Lawfinity stands by you—to take care of the paperwork so you can focus on recipes, customers, and growth.