Starting an online business selling spices in India is an exciting venture, especially given the growing demand for specialty and organic spices in both domestic and international markets. If you’re planning to sell spices through platforms like Shopify, Amazon, or other e-commerce marketplaces, it’s essential to understand the regulatory landscape. A key aspect of this is compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations, which govern the sale of food products in India.

In this article, we’ll explore whether you need an FSSAI license or registration, the circumstances under which each is applicable, and the packaging and labeling requirements you must follow as per the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.

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FSSAI Registration vs. License: Which One Do You Need?

When starting a food business, FSSAI registration or licensing is mandatory under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Whether you need a simple registration or a full license depends on the scale of your business, specifically your annual turnover.

1. FSSAI Registration (for Small Businesses)

If you’re starting small and expect your annual turnover to be less than ₹12 lakhs, FSSAI registration is sufficient. This is ideal for home-based businesses or small-scale entrepreneurs who are selling limited quantities of products through e-commerce platforms like Shopify. The registration ensures basic compliance with food safety standards but is more relaxed than a full license.

  • Who needs it?
    • Businesses with an annual turnover below ₹12 lakhs.
    • Small food businesses, home cooks, and small e-commerce vendors.
  • How to apply?
    • You can apply for FSSAI Basic Registration online through the FSSAI portal by submitting Form A along with necessary documents such as identity proof, proof of business premises, and the food category you intend to sell.

2. FSSAI License (Central or State)

Once your business grows beyond the ₹12 lakhs turnover threshold, you will need to upgrade from registration to a full FSSAI license.

  • State License: If your annual turnover is between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores, you will need to obtain a State FSSAI License.
  • Central License: If your annual turnover exceeds ₹20 crores, you will need a Central FSSAI License. You will also need a Central License if you are planning to export your spices or sell them in multiple states.
  • How to apply?
    • To apply for the license, you will need to submit Form B, along with detailed documentation that includes food safety plans, water testing reports, and the layout of your manufacturing or storage facility. The process is more stringent compared to basic registration.

FSSAI is Mandatory for Listing on Marketplaces

Even if you are starting small and only need an FSSAI registration, having this in place is crucial for listing your products on popular marketplaces like Amazon, Flipkart, and other e-commerce platforms. Without an FSSAI registration number, these platforms will not allow you to sell food products.

Packaging and Labeling Requirements as per FSSAI Regulations

In addition to acquiring the correct FSSAI registration or license, you must comply with the packaging and labeling standards set by the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. Proper labeling is essential not only for customer transparency but also for compliance with Indian food safety laws. Failure to meet these standards can lead to penalties and removal of products from marketplaces.

According to these regulations, your packaging must display the following information:

1. Name of the Food Product

The product name should be clear and reflect the contents of the package. If you’re selling mixed or flavored spices, the name should accurately represent the ingredients.

2. Declaration Regarding Food Additives

If any additives such as preservatives or artificial flavors are used in the spices, they must be clearly mentioned on the label.

3. List of Ingredients

A comprehensive list of all ingredients used in the product must be included. The ingredients should be listed in descending order of their proportion by weight or volume.

4. Nutrition Information

The nutritional content of the spices, including energy, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber, should be displayed. This information helps consumers make informed choices.

5. Manufacturer and Brand Information

The name and address of the brand owner, manufacturer, and packager must be displayed prominently on the label. This ensures accountability and allows customers to contact you if necessary.

6. FSSAI Logo and License Number

Your FSSAI registration or license number must be displayed on the label, along with the FSSAI logo. This assures consumers that your product complies with food safety standards.

7. Declaration Regarding Veg or Non-Veg

A green dot must be displayed on vegetarian products, while a brown dot is required for non-vegetarian items. This is a standard practice to indicate whether the product contains any animal-derived ingredients.

8. Customer Care Details

Provide customer care contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, so customers can easily reach you for inquiries or complaints.

9. Instructions for Use

If there are specific ways to use the product, such as special cooking instructions, it must be mentioned on the packaging.

10. Net Quantity and Retail Sale Price

You are required to mention the net quantity of the product (in grams or kilograms) along with the retail sale price (MRP). This allows customers to understand the value they’re getting.

11. Country of Origin

If you are importing spices, the country of origin must be declared on the packaging.

12. Declaration Regarding Food Allergens

All food allergens contained in the product must be declared on the label, such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

13. Organic Logo (If Applicable)

If your spices are certified organic, you must display the organic logo as per the guidelines set by the Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017.

14. Fortified Logo (If Applicable)

If your product is fortified with nutrients like iron or vitamins, you must display the fortified logo.

15. Vegan Logo (If Applicable)

For products that are entirely free of animal-derived ingredients, the vegan logo can be displayed.

16. Ayurveda Ahara Logo (If Applicable)

If your spice products fall under Ayurveda Ahara (food products prepared following Ayurvedic traditions), this logo should be displayed.

17. Logo for Not Fit for Human Consumption (If Applicable)

For products that are not fit for human consumption, such as those used only for industrial purposes, a specific logo indicating this must be displayed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Selling Spices Online in India and FSSAI Requirements

1. Do I need an FSSAI license to sell spices online in India?
If your business turnover is less than ₹12 lakhs, FSSAI registration is sufficient. Once your turnover exceeds ₹12 lakhs, you’ll need to obtain an FSSAI State License. For larger operations with a turnover above ₹20 crores or if you plan to sell in multiple states or export, you’ll need a Central License.

2. Is FSSAI registration mandatory for listing spices on platforms like Amazon or Flipkart?
Yes, FSSAI registration or a license is mandatory for listing food products, including spices, on e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and others.

3. How do I apply for FSSAI registration?
You can apply for FSSAI registration online through the FSSAI portal by submitting Form A along with necessary documents, including your identity proof, business address, and food category.

4. What labeling information is required for selling spices online in India?
According to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, your packaging must include the product name, list of ingredients, nutritional information, manufacturer details, FSSAI license number, veg/non-veg logo, customer care details, net quantity, and retail sale price.

5. Do I need to list food allergens on my spice packaging?
Yes, if your product contains food allergens like nuts, dairy, or gluten, they must be clearly declared on the label.

6. What is the difference between FSSAI registration and an FSSAI license?
FSSAI registration is for small businesses with an annual turnover of less than ₹12 lakhs. If your turnover exceeds ₹12 lakhs, you need an FSSAI license (State License for ₹12 lakhs – ₹20 crores, Central License for over ₹20 crores or inter-state trade/export).

7. Can I sell organic spices online without certification?
No, if you’re selling organic spices, you need certification under the Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017. The organic logo must be displayed on the packaging.

8. Is it mandatory to display the FSSAI logo and license number on spice packaging?
Yes, the FSSAI logo and your license number must be displayed on all food product packaging to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

9. Can I sell Ayurvedic spices online in India?
Yes, Ayurvedic spices can be sold online, but if your product is classified under Ayurveda Ahara (Ayurvedic food), you must display the Ayurveda Ahara logo.

10. How can I update my FSSAI registration to a license when my business grows?
You can upgrade your FSSAI registration to a license by applying for the State or Central License through the FSSAI portal. You’ll need to submit additional documents, such as a food safety management plan, turnover proof, and more.

Conclusion

Starting an online spice business in India offers incredible opportunities, but compliance with food safety regulations is crucial to ensure success. For small businesses with a turnover of less than ₹12 lakhs, FSSAI registration will suffice to get started. As your business grows, you can upgrade to a full license based on turnover. Additionally, ensuring that your packaging and labeling follow the guidelines set by the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 is essential for selling on platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and Flipkart.

By adhering to these regulations and using clear, compliant packaging, you’ll not only meet legal requirements but also build trust with your customers, fostering long-term growth for your online spice business.