Food Truck License in India- Cost, FSSAI Rules & Regulations

Food trucks are becoming quite popular in recent times. But did you know even food trucks need to get certain permits and licenses? This article here will explain about permit Costs, and Legal Requirements in India.

Food trucks are simply restaurant-on-wheels. They are small trucks in which people cook and sell food. Food trucks are a promising business, as people get a variety of meal options and can experience desired cuisines in convenient locations. Starting a food truck business in India comes with essential legal requirements, especially when it comes to food safety. To operate legally, every food truck must have an FSSAI license or registration. The type of FSSAI approval you need depends on your annual turnover: if it’s below ₹12 lakhs, a simple registration is enough, while businesses with higher turnover must obtain a State or Central license.

In this guide, we’ll break down the necessary food truck license, FSSAI rules and regulations, application process for your food business to run smoothly and without any inconvenience.

What Are the Licenses Required for Food Truck in India?

1. Fire Certificate: You will have to get an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the Chief Fire Officer. This is because fire trucks use gas appliances, and cooking equipment, which needs to be regulated by the Chief Fire Officer.
2. Commercial Vehicle License: As the food is cooked and sold from a vehicle, the vehicle requires proper registration
3. No Objection Certificates: You will need an NOC permitting you to set up the business premises of your food truck in your desired location. NOC must be obtained from both the Local Municipal Corporation and the RTO.
4. GST-Registration: If your business has a turnover of above ₹40 Lakh, you will need to register for GST.
5. FSSAI License: Any food business operating in India, and having an annual turnover of ₹12 Lakh must obtain a license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

Why do we Need An FSSAI License for Food Trucks?

Food truck license in India are regulated by the (FSSAI): https://www.fssai.gov.in/. Having a direct impact on the health of its people, the FSSAI lays down rules and regulations every Food Business Operator(FBO) in the country complies with. Acquiring a food registration online will ensure that the food you provide to your customers is safe for human consumption.

Types of FSSAI Certifications for Food Trucks

Depending upon the annual turnover and the number of food cart or vehicles, you must apply for one of the following:

1. Registration: If the business has only one vehicle and an annual turnover of less than ₹12 Lakh. The food truck business just needs to register itself with the FSSAI. The cost of registration would be ₹100 per annum.
2. State License: If the business has up to 100 vehicles and an annual turnover between ₹12 Lakh to ₹20 Crore, a state license will be required. It would cost ₹2000 per annum.
3. Central License: If the food business has more than 100 vehicles and an annual turnover above ₹20 Crore, a central license is needed. For a central license, you will need to pay ₹7500 per annum.

Process of Applying for a Food Truck License from the FSSAI

Registering or obtaining a license for your food truck has now become time-saving. And a simplified online process. Following are the steps you need to follow:

1. The Food Business Operator(FBO) will need to fill out an online application on the FoSCos registration portal.
2. You will need to select the type of food products you shall be dealing with.
3. You will be required to submit some mandatory self-attested documents.
4. The last step would be to make the payment.
5. If your business fulfills all the requirements and rules of FSSAI, the FBO will be provided with the registration/license certified by the statutory authority.

Conclusion

FSSAI has very stringent rules and regulations every FBO must abide by. Whether you’re applying for a new food truck license or upgrading to a higher FSSAI category, the process can be elaborate and overwhelming. Vakilsearch is one such platform that will provide comprehensive support with your FSSAI online application filing, get your FBO registered or licensed within a short time, and render solutions to all your concerns.