FSSAI Product Approval

Overview

New food products cannot be introduced into the Indian market without undergoing the FSSAI Product Approval process. Food goods that are not covered by the current legislation are examined closely by the FSSAI Product Approval System, which requires a comprehensive assessment before these products can be sold. The FSSAI Food Product Approval Form has to be filed with the FSSAI. It includes comprehensive details about the product, its composition, safety information, and intended usage, must be submitted by businesses. During the application procedure, one must submit all of the product's information, including scientific proof of its safety. The FSSAI reviews the application and if all requirements are satisfied, the product is approved. On the FSSAI website, applicants can view a list of authorised products as well as the status of their application. Any nutritional or health claims made for the product must also go through the FSSAI Food Claim Approval process. The FSSAI Product Approval Checklist ensures that all required documents and details are provided, which include safety studies, ingredient specifications, manufacturing process, and labelling details. This rigorous approval system helps maintain high standards of food safety in India. Businesses can refer to the FSSAI's Product Approval System guidelines to understand the specific requirements and streamline their application process.

What is FSSAI Product Approval?

FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is the regulatory body in India that governs food safety, quality, and standards.

FSSAI Product Approval is essentially official permission from FSSAI for a food product to be sold, manufactured, or imported in India. It confirms that the product meets safety and quality standards as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

In simple terms:

If you are making or selling a food product in India, your product often needs FSSAI approval to ensure it is safe and compliant with Indian food regulations.

Who needs it?

• Food manufacturers

• Importers of food products

• Startups or companies planning to launch packaged food products

• Exporters wanting to sell in India

Required Documentation

The following documents has to be submitted for Product approval:

• Business Address

• Email Address

• Phone Number

• Manufacturer Address

• Type of Business

• Product Origin

• Country of Origin

• Existence in the Market

• Common Name

• Brand Name

• Method of Manufacturing

• Product Claims

• Shelf Life

• Pack Size

• Serving Detail

• Ingredients Detail

• Label of Food Product

• Method of Manufacturing

• Accelerated Stability Datasheet

• Real-time Stability Datasheet

• End-Use Declaration Document

• Certificate of Analysis from NABL Lab

• Undertaking and Form-9

Apply Process

1: Login to the FoSCoS website Visit the official website of FoSCoS, create an account or login to an existing account, and access the homepage.

2: Select license/registration On the left side of the dashboard, select license and registration. Now choose to apply for a license or registration.

3: Select the state Now a pop-up comes up on the screen, make sure to select your present state and give a thorough read of the note.

4: Select the appropriate business option Now, from the group heads of different kinds of businesses, select the appropriate ones that might include manufacturing, trade or retail, food services, central government agencies, and head offices. Under each kind of business, you will find multiple subheaders. Select the one that suits your needs and click proceed.

5: Fill in the mandatory details in Form B Fill in all the required information and make sure to enter the proper communication address, mobile number, and email ID. Enter PAN, GST and CIN in the relevant fields.

6: Upload the required documents Make sure to upload all the relevant sets of documents in the proper format.

7: Pay the fee Based on the application, the total payment amount will be shown on the dashboard to complete the payment. After the payment is done, a 17-digit reference number is generated. You can use this number to track the status.

Benefits

1. Legal Compliance

· FSSAI Product Approval ensures your product meets Indian food laws.

· Without approval, selling certain products (especially imported or novel foods) can lead to fines, penalties, or product seizure.

· It prevents legal complications and makes your business operations smoother.

2. Consumer Trust

· Approval acts as a quality and safety certificate for consumers.

· It signals that the product is safe, tested, and meets regulatory standards.

· This increases customer confidence and can improve sales.

3. Market Access

· Only products with FSSAI approval can be legally sold in India if they fall under regulated categories.

· Especially imported foods, supplements, and novel products require approval.

· It opens doors to supermarkets, online platforms, and export/import trade.

4. Standardization & Safety

· Approval ensures your product meets standardized quality and safety requirements.

· It reduces the risk of adulteration, contamination, or misleading claims.

· Protects the brand reputation in case of regulatory checks.

5. Competitive Advantage

· Products with FSSAI approval stand out from competitors without proper approvals.

· Helps in marketing and branding, as customers tend to trust certified products more.

6. Traceability

· FSSAI product approval provides a unique product registration/approval number.

· In case of any safety issues, the product can be tracked back to the manufacturer/importer efficiently.

· Supports recall or corrective actions if needed.

7. Facilitates Innovation

· Approval allows companies to launch new or innovative foods safely in India.

· Encourages health supplements, nutraceuticals, and functional foods to enter the market legally.

8. Long-Term Business Benefits

· Establishes regulatory credibility with authorities.

· Builds long-term trust with distributors, retailers, and customers.

· Reduces the risk of product rejection or market recall.

Key Points

• Product approval is product-specific, not company-specific. Each product variation may need separate approval.

• Approval is mandatory for imports and certain categories like health supplements.

• Approval ensures your product is legally marketable in India.

• Time for approval can vary but usually takes 2–6 months, depending on the product and documentation.

Summary

Aspect Details

Authority FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)

Purpose Ensure safety, quality, standardization, legality of food products

Who needs it Importers, manufacturers of new/novel foods, nutraceuticals

Required for Imported foods, new foods, health supplements

Process Apply → Verification → Lab test (if required) → Approval issuance

Validity Typically linked to product license; varies by product category

FAQ

Is FSSAI Product Approval mandatory for all foods?

No. It is mandatory for imported foods, novel foods, health supplements, and functional foods. Local packaged food products may only require an FSSAI license.
How long does FSSAI Product Approval take?

Usually 2–6 months, depending on product type, documentation, and lab tests.
Is the FSSAI Product Approval valid for all products of a company?

No. Approval is product-specific, not company-specific. Each new product variation may require separate approval.
Can a product be sold in India without FSSAI approval?

Can a product be sold in India without FSSAI approval?

FSSAI Product Approval