FSSAI License Registration for Swiggy & Zomato

With India’s food delivery industry booming, platforms like Swiggy and Zomato have become essential growth channels for restaurants, cloud kitchens, and even home-based food businesses. However, before you can start taking orders, you have to do one thing to make sure you follow the rules and regulations: FSSAI Registration.

This blog gives you a detailed, easy-to-understand guide to FSSAI License Registration for Swiggy and Zomato, covering all the critical questions food business operators (FBOs) have: What is it? Why is it needed? Who wants it? And how to get it done without any hassle?

Let’s break it all down.

What is an FSSAI License?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) offers an FSSAI License as an official registration or certification. It authorizes businesses involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage, sale, or distribution of food products. It ensures that food sold to the public meets safety, hygiene, and quality standards laid out under the FSSAI Act of 2006.

Who Needs an FSSAI License to Sell on Swiggy & Zomato?

If your business is involved in any part of handling food, such as preparing, cooking, packaging, storing, distributing, or delivering, you must be registered under FSSAI. It doesn’t matter if your business is big or small, online or offline. Here’s a closer look at who needs the license:

Cafes and Restaurants

Be it a restaurant where you eat in or get take-out, or a casual cafe, all food service establishments must have an FSSAI license to ensure they are complying with hygiene and food safety standards.

Home-Based Chefs and Bakers

Even if you run a small business from your kitchen, like baking cakes or cooking food for online orders, you are legally required to get a basic FSSAI registration. This helps you build trust and sell on platforms like Swiggy and Zomato.

Cloud Kitchens or Dark Kitchens

Cloud kitchens operate without a storefront and only deliver food through online platforms. Since they prepare food for public consumption, FSSAI registration is mandatory, even if they operate from a rented flat or shared kitchen.

Food Trucks or Carts

Mobile food units that serve street food or snacks must also be licensed. These businesses often move locations, but are still subject to FSSAI regulations just like fixed premises.

Catering Services

Whether you're offering wedding catering, office meals, or event-based food services, you’re directly responsible for food safety. Therefore, a valid FSSAI license is essential.

Tiffin Services

Tiffin or homemade meal services serving working professionals and students must be registered with FSSAI. Many of these operate from homes and serve daily meals, making licensing important for customer trust and platform onboarding.

Bakery Units and Snack Manufacturers

If you're producing baked items like bread, cookies, or snacks, even in small batches, you fall under the food processing category. This means you must have FSSAI compliance in place before getting listed on food delivery platforms.

No matter how big your business is or where you prepare your food, at least a basic FSSAI license is a must if you plan to sell it through Swiggy or Zomato.

Different FSSAI Licenses: Which One Suits Your Business?

FSSAI issues three categories of licenses based on the size and nature of your business –

Tip: Still not sure which option is right for your business? You can get clarity and help through professional support from JustStart, which makes the entire licensing process easy for foodpreneurs like you.

Why Do Swiggy & Zomato Ask for FSSAI Licenses?

Imagine you're a customer scrolling through Swiggy on a Friday night, craving something comforting, maybe butter chicken or a cheesy pizza. You pick a restaurant that looks great, place your order, and wait excitedly. Now imagine that food was made in an unhygienic kitchen, using expired ingredients, without any quality checks.

That’s exactly the kind of risk Swiggy and Zomato are trying to eliminate by making FSSAI Registration mandatory.

These platforms connect millions of users with thousands of food businesses daily. With that level of reach comes a huge responsibility to ensure the food being delivered is safe, clean, and prepared in compliance with India's food safety laws. That’s why Swiggy and Zomato won’t allow any food outlet, no matter how big or small, to operate on their platform without a valid FSSAI license.

Let’s break down why this license is a must:

Regulatory Compliance

Food delivery platforms are bound by national food safety laws just like the restaurants they list. FSSAI, the governing body, mandates that every food business operator must be licensed. By enforcing this requirement, Swiggy and Zomato ensure they are complying with FSSAI Act, 2006, which makes them legally covered and aligned with government norms.

Public Safety First

Just one contaminated dish can cause food poisoning, spark bad publicity, or even result in legal trouble. Swiggy and Zomato take consumers' health seriously. They require an FSSAI license to ensure that restaurants follow minimum hygiene and food handling standards.

Trust and Reputation Management

These apps have built their brand on trust. If a customer gets sick because of poor food quality, not only does the restaurant’s image suffer, but so does the platform’s. By allowing only FSSAI-approved restaurants, Swiggy and Zomato protect their reputation, reduce risk, and offer a safer experience for users.

Is FSSAI License Mandatory for Swiggy?

Yes, absolutely mandatory. Swiggy has made it a strict policy that every restaurant, home kitchen, or food outlet listed on the platform must have an FSSAI license or registration. Without the license, Swiggy will reject onboarding.

During the registration process, Swiggy asks for the 14-digit FSSAI number, a copy of the license certificate, and ensures that the details (business name and address) match the documents submitted. This is not just a formality; it is a legal and ethical safeguard.

But What If I’m Just a Small Home-Based Seller?

Whether you are cooking in your home kitchen, running a one-person tiffin service, or making cakes part-time, if you want to sell on Swiggy or Zomato, you need to have at least a basic FSSAI registration. These platforms do not differentiate between small home chefs and multi-chain restaurants when it comes to safety.

Swiggy is not just a marketplace; it is a brand that users trust for safe and delicious food. Hence, unless your food license is online and valid, your restaurant will not go live on their app.

What Details Are Required During Swiggy/Zomato Onboarding?

When you register your food business on Swiggy or Zomato, they will request you to submit:

• FSSAI License Number (14 digits)
• A clear scan or PDF of your valid FSSAI certificate
• Name and validity date as mentioned in the license
• Business name and address match your FSSAI record

Without these, you cannot complete your profile setup on the app dashboard.

Documents Needed for FSSAI Registration

Basic FSSAI Registration (Turnover up to ₹12 Lakhs)
This license is suitable for small-scale food businesses such as home chefs, tiffin services, or small vendors operating locally:

• Owner’s Aadhaar card and PAN card – As identity and tax proof.
• Recent passport-sized photograph – For personal verification.
• Business address proof – Rent agreement, electricity bill, or a NOC from the property owner.
• Nature of food business – A short description of what you do (cooking, packaging, selling, etc.).

No inspections or additional documents are typically required for this level, making it quick and easy to obtain.

State FSSAI License (Turnover ₹12 Lakhs – ₹20 Crores)

Medium-sized restaurants, cloud kitchens, and mid-scale food units fall under this category:

• All Basic-level documents (ID proof, address proof, photo)
• Kitchen layout or premises plan – to display hygiene and space management.
• List of food products – Detailed list of items you plan to sell.
• Water Test Report – Details of the drinking water quality used on the premises.

Central FSSAI License (Turnover above ₹20 Crores or multiple states)

This license applies to large food producers, importers, exporters, and companies with operations across India.

• All State-level documents (layout plan, product list, water report, etc.)
• Import Export Code (IEC) – Required for businesses involved in importing or exporting food products.
• ● Food safety management system (FSMS) plan – A formal document showing how you safely handle your food.
• Supporting documents for turnover or multi-state operation – Such as audited balance sheets or business expansion plans.

Approval of a central licence may take longer and usually requires greater scrutiny because of the larger scale of operations.

How to Apply for FSSAI License (Without the Hassle)

The FSSAI registration process can be complicated if you are doing it for the first time. Mistakes in the application or uploading documents often lead to rejection of the application or long delays.

Instead of going it alone, you can easily register your FSSAI license with the help of JustStart, a trusted partner for food entrepreneurs across India.

Validity of FSSAI License and Renewal

• The validity of an FSSAI license ranges from 1 to 5 years, based on the term chosen at the time of registration.
• You must renew the license 180 days before expiry to avoid late fees or penalties.
• ● You can also renew via the online FSSAI portal, or JustStart can easily manage the renewal.

Penalties for Not Having an FSSAI License

If you try to operate your food business without Food Licence Registration, here’s what you risk:

• Fine up to ₹5 lakhs
• Suspension or cancellation of the Swiggy/Zomato listing
• Seizure of goods and closure of premises
• Legal action under FSSAI Act

To stay worry-free, it's always better to get licensed before going live on any food aggregator app.

Benefits of Getting FSSAI License for Swiggy & Zomato

Having an FSSAI license is more than just a legal requirement; it’s a sign that your food business is ready to grow with confidence. Here’s how it benefits you:

Mandatory for Online Food Delivery Platforms

Swiggy, Zomato and Uber Eats do not allow any restaurant, home chef or cloud kitchen to start without an FSSAI license. This is a key compliance requirement and a mandatory field in the onboarding process. Without it, your registration cannot move forward.

Customer Confidence

Consumers feel more secure when they order from licensed food brands listed on Swiggy and Zomato. The FSSAI license shows that your food follows the hygiene and safety standards set by the government. This helps build long-term trust and keeps customers coming back again and again.

Legal Protection

The FSSAI license protects you from sudden inspections, fines or legal action by the authorities. You don't have to worry about shutdown notices or removal from food delivery platforms. This gives you peace of mind to run your business without fear of any violations.

Easy Expansion

A valid license makes it easier to expand your business to different cities or start new outlets. Most food aggregators and investors check for FSSAI compliance before working with any food brand.

Improved Branding

Showing your FSSAI number increases your credibility on platforms like Swiggy and Zomato. It shows that you are a serious business that values quality, hygiene, and customer satisfaction. 

Conclusion

If you are serious about growing your food business on Swiggy or Zomato, FSSAI registration is not optional; it is a must. It ensures that your food is safe, your business is legal, and your customers are assured. Whether you’re a home cook, a cafe owner, or running a fast-growing cloud kitchen, your first step towards digital food delivery success is a valid food license.

And the best part? You don't have to do it alone. JustStart makes the FSSAI registration process easy, fast, and affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Do I need an FSSAI license to list my food business on Swiggy or Zomato?
Yes, an FSSAI license is mandatory for all food businesses listed on Swiggy or Zomato.

Q2. What type of FSSAI license do I need for a home-based kitchen on Swiggy?
Home-based food sellers usually require a Basic FSSAI Registration if turnover is under ₹12 lakhs.

Q3. Can I get an FSSAI license online for Swiggy or Zomato?
Yes, you can apply for the food license online through the FSSAI FoSCoS portal or via expert services like JustStart.

Q4. What happens if I operate on Swiggy without an FSSAI license?
Running your food business without an FSSAI license can lead to heavy penalties, getting delisted from Swiggy or Zomato, and even legal trouble.

Q5. What is the processing time to obtain an FSSAI license for Swiggy onboarding?
Basic FSSAI Registration takes around 3–7 working days, while State or Central licenses may take longer.

Q6. Do cloud kitchens need FSSAI registration to list on Zomato?
Yes, cloud kitchens must have a valid FSSAI license to be listed on food delivery platforms.

Q7. Can JustStart help with Swiggy FSSAI license registration?
Yes, JustStart offers complete assistance to help you get your FSSAI license quickly and without any hassle.

Q8. Do I need a separate FSSAI license for each outlet listed on Zomato?
Yes, each physical location must have its own FSSAI license if you operate from multiple outlets.

Q9. Is FSSAI license a one-time requirement for Swiggy sellers?
No, the license needs to be renewed before expiry to continue selling on Swiggy or Zomato.