Procedure for License to Operate Food Business through E-commerce

Deepti Mudgal

Deepti Mudgal

Published on: Feb 20, 2026

Akshit Rai

Updated on: Feb 20, 2026

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INTRODUCTION

E-commerce refers to the selling and buying goods and services online. It is also known as internet or electronic commerce; Today, food products are a major part of the online trade. There has been an increase in e-commerce/online food wholesalers and retailers like Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy, Zomato, etc. With the rise in e-commerce business dealing in food; the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) made it compulsory for all the e-commerce food companies to obtain FSSAI food licenses for their entire supply chain mandatorily regardless of their capacity or turnover threshold limit.

APPLICABLE PROVISIONS

Regulations 2.1.2,2.1.3,2.1.7 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and registration of food businesses) Regulation,2011

WHO CAN APPLY?

The following e-commerce FBOs are covered under FSSAI and can apply for FSSAI License:

1. E-commerce businesses that provide listing services on their platform to the manufacturers, restaurants, sellers, etc. For example, Zomato, Swiggy, etc.
2. Manufacturers, brand owners, sellers, or producers who display their products or services (processing, catering, or packaging) for direct sale to customers through a marketplace-based e-commerce model or an inventory-based e-commerce model. For example: Fresh Menu.
3. E-commerce businesses which provide transportation to the seller, vendor, brand owner or manufacturer, who list their food products online to the consumer directly.
4. E-commerce businesses that provide the facility of storage and distribution services to their sellers for their food listed on the online portal.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

1. List of Directors/Partners/Proprietor/Executive contact Members of Society/Trust with full address and details with nomination of authorized signatory
2. Photo I.D and address proof issued by Government authority of Proprietor/ Partner/ Director(s)/ Authorised Signatory.
3. Proof of possession of premises. (Sale deed/ Rent agreement/ Electricity bill, etc.)
4. Partnership Deed/Self Declaration for Proprietorship/Memorandum & Articles of Association State towards the constitution of the firm/Copy of certificate obtained under Coop Act – 1861/Multi Coop Act – 2002 in case of Cooperatives.
5. Form IX: Nomination of Person as per Clause 2.5 of FSS Rules, 2008 (Not applicable in case of Proprietor)
6. Recall Plan

PROCESS OF LICENSE

E-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) shall submit an application in Form B on the FSSAI FoSCoS portal, along with the prescribed fees of Rs. 7500 and with the required documents to central licensing authority to obtain a license for Operating Food Business through E-commerce.

PROCESS OF RENEWAL

Applicant shall obtain a renewal of license by making an application in Form B within 30 days prior to the expiry, along with renewal fee and the required documents.

VALIDITY OF LICENSE

The license is valid till 1 to 5 years (chosen by the applicant).