In the growing food delivery industry of India, platforms like Swiggy and Zomato have become integral to daily life. However, with this convenience comes the responsibility of ensuring food safety and compliance with regulatory standards. An important aspect of this compliance is obtaining the FSSAI Registration or FSSAI License. This article delves into the mandatory nature of FSSAI registration for businesses operating on Swiggy and Zomato, elucidating the types of licenses, requisite documentation, and the registration process.
Mandatory FSSAI License Requirement for Swiggy and Zomato
The Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2018, stipulate that any Food Business Operator (FBO) engaging in food delivery services through e-commerce platforms must secure an FSSAI registration or license. Consequently, both Swiggy and Zomato mandate that all partner restaurants and food vendors possess a valid FSSAI license to be listed on their platforms. This requirement ensures that food safety standards are upheld across the supply chain, safeguarding consumer health.
Types of FSSAI Registration/Licenses
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates that all Food Business Operators (FBOs) obtain the appropriate license or registration based on the nature and scale of their operations. This ensures adherence to food safety standards and legal compliance. The FSSAI categorizes licenses into three primary types: Basic Registration, State License, and Central License.
1. Basic FSSAI Registration
Basic FSSAI Registration is designed for small-scale food businesses with an annual turnover not exceeding Rs.12 lakhs. This category typically includes petty retailers, itinerant vendors, hawkers, temporary stall holders, and small-scale or cottage industries involved in food production. The registration process requires the submission of Form A along with essential documents such as identity proof, address proof, and details of the food business. Upon successful verification, a registration certificate bearing a unique 14-digit registration number is issued, which must be prominently displayed at the place of business.
2. FSSAI State License
The FSSAI State License is applicable to medium-sized food businesses operating within a single state and having an annual turnover between Rs.12 lakhs and Rs.20 crores. This includes manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, marketers, and distributors. Applicants must submit Form B along with documents such as a blueprint or layout of the processing unit, list of directors or partners, proof of possession of premises, and a food safety management plan. The license is granted for a period ranging from 1 to 5 years and must be renewed before its expiry to continue operations legally.
3. FSSAI Central License
The FSSAI Central License is mandatory for large-scale food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding Rs.20 crores or those operating in multiple states. It is also required for businesses involved in the import and export of food products, supplying food to government offices and departments, or operating in premises under the control of central government agencies such as airports and seaports. The application process involves submitting Form B along with comprehensive documentation, including a list of food categories to be manufactured, processing unit photographs, water analysis report, and a recall plan. The license is issued for a period of 1 to 5 years and necessitates timely renewal.
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration and License
The following is the list of documents required for FSSAI Registration/License:
Documents Required for FSSAI Basic Registration
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Passport-size Photo of the applicant.
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Identity Proof – Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Driving License, etc.
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Address Proof of Business – Utility bill (Electricity/Water), Rent Agreement, or Ownership documents.
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Business Name and Address Details – On the letterhead or application form.
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Nature of Business Activity – Description of food products or services.
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Declaration Form (Form-A) – Signed by the applicant.
Documents Required for FSSAI State
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Form-B – Duly filled and signed.
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Photo ID and Address Proof – Of the Proprietor/Partner/Director.
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Passport-size Photograph – Of the applicant.
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Proof of Possession of Business Premises – Rent agreement, electricity bill, etc.
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Partnership Deed / COI / MOA & AOA – As applicable.
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List of Directors / Partners / Proprietor – Along with contact details.
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List of Food Products – Intended to be manufactured or sold.
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Blueprint/Layout Plan – Of the processing unit (if applicable).
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Food Safety Management Plan (FSMS) – Or Certificate.
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NOC from Municipality or Local Authority.
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Water Testing Report – From an approved lab (if applicable).
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No Objection Certificate (NOC) – From manufacturer (in case of re-labellers).
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Import/Export Code (IEC) – If applicable.
Documents Required for FSSAI Central License
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Form-B – Duly completed and signed by authorized signatory.
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Photo ID & Address Proof – Of the proprietor/partner/director.
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Passport-size Photograph – Of the applicant.
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Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed – As applicable.
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Proof of Premises – Rent agreement, electricity bill, etc.
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List of Food Products – Proposed to be manufactured/handled.
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List of Directors/Partners with Contact Details.
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Layout Plan – Of the processing unit with area in sq. meters.
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Food Safety Management Plan or Certificate.
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Water Analysis Report – From a recognized lab (for manufacturing units).
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Source of Raw Material.
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Import Export Code (IEC) – For import/export businesses.
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NOC from FSSAI (if required) – For specific businesses.
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Proof of Turnover – Audited balance sheet or CA certificate.
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Ministry of Commerce Certificate – For 100% EOU.
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Affidavit / Self-declaration – On FSMS and non-conviction.
Registering Your FSSAI License on Swiggy
To operate as a food business on Swiggy, obtaining and registering an FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license is mandatory. This ensures compliance with food safety regulations and builds trust with customers. The following steps outline the process to register your FSSAI license on Swiggy:
Step 1: Access the Swiggy Partner Registration Portal
Begin by visiting the official Swiggy Partner Registration page at https://partner.swiggy.com. This portal is designed for restaurants and food businesses seeking to partner with Swiggy.
Step 2: Sign In or Create an Account
If you already have an account, log in using your credentials. New users must create an account by providing essential details such as business name, contact information, and email address.
Step 3: Enter Business Details
After logging in, navigate to the section where you can input your business information. Provide comprehensive details, including the legal name of your establishment, physical address, and contact numbers. Ensure that all information matches the details on your official documents to avoid discrepancies during verification.
Step 4: Upload FSSAI Information
In the designated section, enter your 14-digit FSSAI number. Additionally, upload a clear, scanned copy of your FSSAI license certificate. This document serves as proof of your compliance with food safety standards.
Step 5: Submit for Verification
Once all details are accurately entered and documents uploaded, submit your application for Swiggy's verification process. The platform will review your submission to ensure all requirements are met.
Step 6: Await Approval
After successful verification, Swiggy will approve your application, and your restaurant will be listed on their platform. You will receive confirmation via email or through the partner portal.
Registering Your FSSAI License on Zomato
Similar to Swiggy, Zomato requires all partner restaurants to possess a valid FSSAI license. The following steps detail the process of registering your FSSAI license with Zomato:
Step 1: Visit the Zomato Partner Registration Page
Navigate to Zomato's official partner registration portal at https://www.zomato.com/partner. This platform facilitates the onboarding of restaurants and food establishments.
Step 2: Create an Account
If you're a new user, sign up by providing your business email address, contact number, and other requisite details. Existing users can log in using their established credentials.
Step 3: Provide Business Information
Input detailed information about your restaurant, including its name, address, type of cuisine offered, and operational hours. Ensure consistency with the information on your official documents to streamline the verification process.
Step 4: Enter FSSAI Details
In the specified section, input your 14-digit FSSAI license number. Upload a scanned copy of your FSSAI license certificate as evidence of compliance with food safety regulations.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Review all entered information for accuracy. Once confirmed, submit your application for Zomato's review.
Step 6: Verification and Listing
Zomato will assess your application and verify the provided details. Upon successful verification, your restaurant will be listed on the Zomato platform, allowing customers to place orders.
Conclusion
Obtaining an FSSAI license is not only mandatory but also a critical component of operating a food business on platforms like Swiggy and Zomato. Compliance with FSSAI regulations ensures food safety, enhances consumer trust, and facilitates seamless integration with these food delivery giants. Failure to secure the appropriate license can result in delisting from these platforms and potential legal repercussions. Therefore, food business operators must prioritize FSSAI registration to ensure lawful and successful operations in India's dynamic food delivery ecosystem
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is FSSAI registration or a license mandatory for restaurants and food vendors to list and sell food on platforms like Swiggy and Zomato?
Ans. Yes, according to the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, any Food Business Operator (FBO) engaging in food delivery services through e-commerce platforms like Swiggy and Zomato must possess a valid FSSAI registration or license to be listed on their platforms. This requirement is mandated by Swiggy and Zomato themselves to ensure food safety standards are upheld across the supply chain and to safeguard consumer health.
Q2. What are the different types of FSSAI licenses/registrations, and which one might be required for a small food vendor vs. a larger restaurant operating on Swiggy/Zomato?
Ans. The FSSAI categorizes licenses and registrations into three primary types: Basic FSSAI Registration, FSSAI State License, and FSSAI Central License.
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Basic FSSAI Registration is for small-scale food businesses with an annual turnover not exceeding Rs.12 lakhs. This typically includes petty retailers, itinerant vendors, hawkers, temporary stall holders, and small-scale or cottage industries involved in food production.
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FSSAI State License is applicable to medium-sized food businesses operating within a single state and having an annual turnover between Rs.12 lakhs and Rs.20 crores. This includes manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, marketers, and distributors.
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The text doesn't detail the Central License, but it's generally for larger businesses with operations in multiple states or those involved in import/export. The specific type required for a vendor on Swiggy/Zomato will depend on their scale of operations and annual turnover.
Q3. What is the basic process for obtaining FSSAI registration, as mentioned in the text?
Ans. For Basic FSSAI Registration, which is for small food businesses, the process requires the submission of Form A along with essential documents such as identity proof, address proof, and details of the food business. Upon successful verification, a registration certificate bearing a unique 14-digit registration number is issued, which must be prominently displayed at the place of business.
Q4. What are the implications for Swiggy and Zomato if they allow restaurants or food vendors without a valid FSSAI registration/license to operate on their platforms?
Ans. The text emphasizes that Swiggy and Zomato mandate that all partner restaurants and food vendors possess a valid FSSAI registration or license. By enforcing this, they are complying with the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. Allowing non-compliant vendors could potentially expose Swiggy and Zomato to legal repercussions and damage their reputation concerning food safety and consumer health.
Q5. Where can food businesses operating or planning to operate on Swiggy and Zomato find more detailed information about the specific FSSAI requirements, the application process for different licenses, and the necessary documentation?
Ans. The primary source for detailed information is the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) itself. Food businesses should consult the official FSSAI website for comprehensive guidelines on licensing and registration, including the specific requirements for different types of food businesses, the application procedures, the necessary documents, and any recent updates or regulations. Swiggy and Zomato may also provide specific guidelines or resources for their partner vendors regarding FSSAI compliance.