Introduction: The Golden Opportunity in India’s Honey Industry
India is one of the world’s largest producers of honey, with a rich tradition of beekeeping across rural and semi-urban regions. From the lush forests of Kerala to the arid terrains of Rajasthan, beekeepers are harvesting natural honey that not only nourishes but also fuels a growing economy. According to the National Bee Board, India produces over 70,000 metric tons of honey annually, with demand rising steadily both domestically and internationally.
The global appetite for natural, organic, and unprocessed foods has placed Indian honey in high demand. Exports have surged to countries like the USA, Germany, UAE, and the UK, where consumers value purity, traceability, and food safety standards. Domestically, urban consumers are increasingly health-conscious, preferring raw, unadulterated honey over processed sugar alternatives.
But here’s the catch: without proper licensing, even the purest honey can’t be sold legally or trusted by buyers.
This is where the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) steps in. For any honey producer—be it a small apiarist, a mid-sized processor, or a large-scale packager—obtaining an FSSAI license for honey producers is no longer optional. It’s a legal mandate, a mark of quality, and a gateway to market credibility.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about securing your FSSAI registration for beekeepers, understanding compliance, avoiding penalties, and building a trustworthy honey brand in India and beyond.
Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up your honey business, this guide will help you navigate the regulatory landscape with confidence.
What is FSSAI? Understanding India’s Food Safety Regulator
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It operates under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, and is responsible for regulating the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food products across the country.
Key Functions of FSSAI:
- Setting science-based standards for food items
- Regulating food additives, contaminants, and labeling
- Ensuring hygiene and safety in food processing units
- Monitoring food adulteration and enforcing penalties
- Promoting awareness about food safety practices
For honey producers, FSSAI plays a critical role in ensuring that the honey sold to consumers is:
- Free from adulterants (like sugar syrup, corn syrup, or water)
- Extracted and stored under hygienic conditions
- Labeled accurately with source, batch number, and nutritional information
- Compliant with moisture content and enzyme activity standards
Why FSSAI Matters for Natural Foods Like Honey
Honey is often perceived as a “natural” product, leading some small-scale beekeepers to assume it doesn’t require regulation. However, once honey is packaged, processed, or sold commercially, it becomes a food product under FSSAI jurisdiction.
Even raw, unfiltered honey must meet FSSAI compliance for natural foods standards. This includes:
- Proper sourcing from registered apiaries
- Use of food-grade containers
- Hygienic extraction and storage methods
- Accurate labeling
FSSAI ensures that what reaches the consumer is safe, authentic, and traceable—a crucial factor in building consumer trust and enabling export opportunities.
Why Honey Producers Need an FSSAI License
Obtaining an FSSAI license for honey producers is not just about avoiding legal trouble—it’s about building a sustainable, scalable, and reputable honey business.
Let’s explore the key reasons why every honey producer in India should be FSSAI-compliant.
✅ 1. Legal Requirement for Commercial Sale
Under the FSS Act, 2006, it is mandatory for any food business operator (FBO) involved in the manufacturing, processing, packing, selling, or distributing of food—including honey—to obtain an FSSAI license or registration.
Selling honey without a valid license can result in fines, product seizure, or even imprisonment.
Did You Know? Even selling honey at local markets, online platforms (like Amazon, Flipkart), or through direct delivery requires FSSAI registration.
✅ 2. Builds Consumer Trust & Brand Credibility
Consumers today are more informed than ever. They look for the FSSAI logo and license number on product packaging before making a purchase.
Having an FSSAI license signals:
- Your product meets national safety standards
- You follow hygienic practices
- Your honey is tested and traceable
This boosts customer confidence and encourages repeat purchases.
✅ 3. Enables Access to Major Retail & E-commerce Platforms
Marketplaces like BigBasket, JioMart, Amazon, and Swiggy Instamart require sellers to provide valid FSSAI licenses before listing their products.
Without one, you’re locked out of organized retail and digital sales channels—where the majority of urban consumers shop.
✅ 4. Essential for Exporting Honey
If you dream of exporting Indian honey to international markets, FSSAI compliance is non-negotiable.
Countries like the USA, EU, and Canada require proof of food safety certification. An FSSAI license:
- Validates your production standards
- Supports compliance with international food safety norms (like CODEX)
- Helps in obtaining additional certifications like Organic, FSSC 22000, or HACCP
✅ 5. Ensures Product Quality & Prevents Adulteration
FSSAI sets strict quality parameters for honey, including:
- Maximum moisture content (≤ 20%)
- Minimum sucrose content (≤ 5%)
- Presence of diastase enzyme (≥ 8 DN)
- Absence of antibiotics and chemical residues
By complying with these standards, you ensure your honey remains pure, unadulterated, and premium—giving you a competitive edge.
✅ 6. Facilitates Business Growth & Funding
Banks, investors, and government schemes (like PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises – PMFME) often require FSSAI registration as a prerequisite for:
- Business loans
- Subsidies
- Participation in trade fairs and exhibitions
Being compliant opens doors to financial support and growth opportunities.
Types of FSSAI Licenses – Which One Do You Need?
FSSAI offers three types of licenses/registrations, depending on your annual turnover and production capacity. Choosing the correct one is crucial to avoid legal issues and ensure smooth operations.
Let’s break down each type and see which applies to honey producers.
🔹 1. FSSAI Basic Registration (Form A)
Applicable to: Small-scale honey producers with low turnover.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh
- Production capacity: up to 100 kg/liters per day (for honey)
- Includes small beekeepers, home-based units, and local sellers
Example: A village apiarist who extracts and sells 50 kg of honey per month locally.
Validity: 1 to 5 years (as chosen)
Fee: ₹100 per year
Benefits:
- Easy online application
- Minimal documentation
- Ideal for starting small
✅ Perfect for: FSSAI registration for beekeepers running micro-units.
🔹 2. FSSAI State License (Form B)
Applicable to: Medium-scale honey businesses.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Annual turnover: ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore
- Production capacity: 100 kg to 2 MT per day
- Includes honey processing units, regional packagers, and distributors
Example: A honey processor in Karnataka who sources from multiple beekeepers, filters, tests, and packages honey for sale across South India.
Validity: 1 to 5 years
Fee: ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per year (varies by state)
Issued by: State Food Safety Department
✅ Best for: Honey business license in India for growing brands.
🔹 3. FSSAI Central License (Form B)
Applicable to: Large-scale honey manufacturers and exporters.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Annual turnover: above ₹20 crore
- Production capacity: above 2 MT per day
- Businesses involved in import/export of food items
- Multiple manufacturing units across states
Example: A national honey brand with automated processing lines, lab testing, and exports to the Middle East.
Validity: 1 to 5 years
Fee: ₹7,500 per year
Issued by: FSSAI Headquarters (Central Authority)
✅ Required for: Export-oriented honey businesses and multi-state operations.
📊 Quick Comparison Table
Feature | Basic Registration | State License | Central License |
---|---|---|---|
Turnover | ≤ ₹12 lakh | ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore | > ₹20 crore |
Daily Production | ≤ 100 kg | 100 kg – 2 MT | > 2 MT |
Fee (Annual) | ₹100 | ₹2,000–₹5,000 | ₹7,500 |
Issuing Authority | Local Municipal Corp | State FSSAI Dept | FSSAI Central |
Required for Export? | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Tip: If you plan to scale or export, apply for a Central License even if you’re currently below the threshold.
Eligibility Criteria for Honey Producers
Not all honey producers are the same. FSSAI categorizes food businesses based on scale, activity, and location. Let’s see who needs which license.
🐝 1. Small Apiaries & Individual Beekeepers
- Activity: Beekeeping, honey extraction, local sale
- Production: < 100 kg/day
- Turnover: < ₹12 lakh/year
- License Required: FSSAI Basic Registration
Note: Even if you sell only during festivals or at local haats, registration is mandatory.
🏭 2. Commercial Beekeeping Farms
- Activity: Large-scale beekeeping, bulk extraction
- Production: 100–500 kg/day
- Turnover: ₹12 lakh – ₹5 crore
- License Required: State License
Includes: Use of centrifugal extractors, wax processing, and supply to processors.
🧪 3. Honey Processing & Packaging Units
- Activity: Filtering, testing, blending, packaging
- Production: 500 kg – 2 MT/day
- Turnover: ₹5 crore – ₹20 crore
- License Required: State License
Key Focus: Hygiene, lab testing, and labeling compliance.
🌍 4. Large-Scale Honey Exporters & National Brands
- Activity: Processing, branding, export, multi-state distribution
- Production: > 2 MT/day
- Turnover: > ₹20 crore
- License Required: Central License
Additional Requirements: HACCP, GMP, third-party audits, export documentation.
📌 Special Cases:
- Cooperative Societies: Must register as a food business entity.
- Online Sellers: Even if you don’t manufacture, selling honey online requires at least Basic Registration.
- Third-Party Packers: If you outsource packaging, the packaging unit must have its own FSSAI license.
Documents Required for FSSAI License for Honey Producers
To apply for an FSSAI license, you must submit a set of documents depending on the license type. Here’s a comprehensive checklist for honey producers.
📄 Common Documents (All License Types)
- Photo ID & Address Proof of Proprietor/Partners/Directors
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Voter ID / Passport
- Proof of Business Premises
- Rent Agreement + NOC from landlord
- Electricity Bill (not older than 2 months)
- Property Ownership Deed
- Business Constitution Proof
- Proprietorship: PAN + Aadhaar
- Partnership: Partnership Deed
- Company: Certificate of Incorporation (CIN), MOA, AOA
- LLP: LLP Registration Certificate
- List of Honey Products
- Raw Honey
- Filtered Honey
- Organic Honey
- Flavored Honey (if any)
- Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Plan
- Brief description of hygiene, storage, and contamination control
- For Basic Registration: Self-declaration
- For State/Central: Detailed plan (HACCP-based for large units)
🏭 Additional Documents for State & Central Licenses
- Layout Plan of Manufacturing Unit
- Drawing showing:
- Extraction area
- Filtration unit
- Storage tanks
- Packaging zone
- Washroom & hand-wash stations
- Must show separation between raw and processed zones
- List of Machinery & Equipment
- Bee hives
- Centrifugal extractor
- Filter press or mesh filters
- Stainless steel storage tanks
- Filling and capping machine
- Weighing scale
- NOC from Local Authority (if applicable)
- Required in some states for commercial units
- Municipal trade license or Udyam Registration may suffice
- Water Test Report
- From a recognized lab
- Confirms potability of water used in cleaning
- Laboratory Test Report for Honey (Recommended)
- Moisture content
- Sucrose level
- Diastase number
- HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural) test
- Antibiotic residue test
Note: While not mandatory for application, having a test report strengthens your case and shows commitment to quality.
📎 Pro Tip:
Scan and save all documents in PDF format (max 2 MB each) before uploading on the FoSCoS portal. Use clear, legible copies.
Step-by-Step Application Process via FoSCoS Portal
The Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) is the official online platform for all FSSAI license applications. Here’s how to apply for your FSSAI license for honey producers in 7 simple steps.
✅Create an Account on FoSCoS Portal
- Visit: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in
- Click “Register” → Select “Food Business Operator (FBO)”
- Enter:
- Mobile number
- Email ID
- Create password
- Verify via OTP
Note: Use a business email and active mobile number—this will be your communication channel.
✅Log In and Start New Application
- Log in to your dashboard
- Go to “Apply for License/Registration”
- Select:
- Type of Business: Manufacturing/Processing/Packing
- Category: Honey & Honey Products
- License Type: Based on your eligibility (Basic, State, or Central)
✅Fill Form A (Basic) or Form B (State/Central)
Business Details
- Name of business
- FSSAI logo usage preference
- Trade name (brand name)
- Address of unit
Proprietor/Partner/Director Details
- Full name, DOB, address, PAN, Aadhaar
- Designation
Premises Details
- Area in square meters
- Type of building (residential/commercial)
- Water source
- Waste disposal method
Food Category
- Select: “Honey” under “Sweeteners”
- Sub-categories: Raw Honey, Processed Honey, Organic Honey
Machinery & Equipment
- List all equipment used (as per earlier list)
- Mention capacity (e.g., Extractor: 50 kg/batch)
Food Safety Management System (FSMS)
- For Basic: Tick “I follow good hygiene practices”
- For State/Central: Upload a detailed FSMS plan (1-page summary acceptable for honey units)
✅Upload Required Documents
Upload scanned copies of:
- ID & address proof
- Business registration
- Premises proof
- Layout plan
- Machinery list
- NOC (if applicable)
- Lab test report (optional but recommended)
File Format: PDF or JPEG
Max Size: 2 MB per file
✅Pay the Application Fee
License Type | Fee (Per Year) |
---|---|
Basic Registration | ₹100 |
State License | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 |
Central License | ₹7,500 |
- Select validity period (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 years)
- Total fee = Annual fee × Number of years
- Pay online via:
- Net Banking
- UPI
- Credit/Debit Card
Example: 3-year State License = ₹2,000 × 3 = ₹6,000
✅ Step 6: Submit & Track Application
- Review all details
- Click “Submit”
- You’ll receive:
- Application Reference Number (ARN)
- Email/SMS confirmation
Track Status: Log in → “Track Application”
✅ Step 7: Inspection & Approval
- Basic Registration: Usually approved within 7–14 days without inspection.
- State/Central License: May involve physical inspection by Food Safety Officer.
- Inspection checks:
- Hygiene
- Equipment
- Storage conditions
- Labeling samples
- If compliant, you’ll receive:
- FSSAI License Number (14-digit)
- Digital certificate via email
- Option to download from FoSCoS
Average Processing Time:
- Basic: 1–2 weeks
- State: 30–60 days
- Central: 60–90 days
📌 Pro Tips for Faster Approval:
- Double-check all entries before submission
- Ensure layout plan is clear and labeled
- Respond promptly to any queries from FSSAI
- Keep your contact details updated
Special Compliance for Honey Production
FSSAI has specific standards for honey under Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.
These standards ensure that honey sold in India is pure, safe, and correctly labeled.
Let’s break down the key compliance areas.
🍯 1. Definition of Honey (As per FSSAI)
“Honey is a natural sweet substance produced by honeybees from the nectar of plants or secretions of living parts of plants, which the bees collect, modify, and store in honeycombs for ripening.”
This means:
- No added sugar, water, or syrups
- No artificial sweeteners
- No synthetic flavors
📏 2. Quality Parameters for Honey
Parameter | Standard (FSSAI) |
---|---|
Moisture Content | ≤ 20% |
Sucrose Content | ≤ 5% |
Fructose + Glucose | ≥ 60% |
Diastase Number (DN) | ≥ 8 |
Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) | ≤ 40 mg/kg |
Total Plate Count (TPC) | ≤ 1,000/g |
Yeast & Mold | ≤ 100/g |
Antibiotic Residues | Not detectable |
Note: Exceeding moisture content (>20%) increases fermentation risk. Always test before packaging.
🚫 3. Permitted & Prohibited Additives
- Allowed:
- None for pure honey
- Only natural enzymes (for processing)
- Beeswax (in comb honey)
- Not Allowed:
- Sugar syrup
- Corn syrup
- Inverted sugar
- Artificial flavors or colors
- Preservatives (like benzoic acid)
Exception: Flavored honey (e.g., ginger honey) can contain natural flavorings, but must be clearly labeled.
🧼 4. Hygiene & Processing Requirements
To maintain food safety license for honey packaging, follow these best practices:
Process Step | Key Requirements | Compliance (Yes/No) |
---|---|---|
Extraction | Use stainless steel/food-grade plastic extractors; No aluminum; Clean with potable water | YES |
Filtration | Double filtration (coarse + fine mesh); Avoid >45°C heating; No chemical filters | YES |
Storage | Food-grade SS/HDPE containers; Store in cool, dry, dark place; Maintain 20–25°C; Airtight lids | YES |
Packaging | BIS-marked glass/PET bottles; Tamper-proof caps; Labels with FSSAI No., Batch No., Mfg/Exp Date, Net Weight, Source | YES |
🏷️ 5. Labeling Norms for Honey (Mandatory)
Every honey package must display:
- Name of Product (e.g., “Pure Raw Honey”)
- FSSAI License Number (14-digit)
- Name & Address of Manufacturer/Packer
- Net Quantity (in grams/ml)
- Batch/Lot Number
- Date of Manufacturing & Expiry (Best Before)
- Storage Instructions (e.g., “Store in a cool, dry place”)
- Vegetarian Symbol (Green Dot)
- Nutritional Information (per 100g):
- Energy
- Carbohydrates
- Sugars
- Proteins (negligible)
- Botanical Source (if known): e.g., “Sourced from Mustard Flowers”
- Country of Origin: “Made in India”
- Declaration: “No added sugar or preservatives”
Font Size: Minimum 1 mm for small packs, 2 mm for larger ones.
🌿 6. Organic Honey Compliance
If you claim your honey is organic, you must:
- Be certified by APEDA or NPOP-accredited agency
- Follow organic beekeeping practices
- Avoid synthetic chemicals near apiaries
- Maintain buffer zones (1–3 km from conventional farms)
Label must say: “Organic Honey – Certified by [Agency Name]”
Fees & Validity of FSSAI License
Understanding the cost and renewal process helps in budgeting and compliance planning.
💰 FSSAI License Fees (Annual)
License Type | Fee (Per Year) | Max Validity |
---|---|---|
Basic Registration | ₹100 | 5 years |
State License | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000* | 5 years |
Central License | ₹7,500 | 5 years |
*Varies by state. E.g., Maharashtra: ₹2,000; Tamil Nadu: ₹3,000
📅 Validity Options
You can choose 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 years at the time of application.
Pro Tip: Opt for 5-year validity to save time and avoid annual renewals.
🔄 Renewal Process
FSSAI licenses must be renewed before expiry.
Steps to Renew:
- Log in to FoSCoS portal
- Go to “Renew License”
- Fill renewal form (similar to original)
- Upload updated documents (if any)
- Pay renewal fee
- Submit
Deadline: Apply at least 30 days before expiry
Late Renewal: Allowed within 30 days after expiry with penalty fee (₹100/day)After 30 days: License lapses. You must reapply as a new application.
🧾 Sample Cost Calculation
Business Type | License | Validity | Total Fee |
---|---|---|---|
Small Beekeeper | Basic | 3 years | ₹300 |
Regional Honey Brand | State | 5 years | ₹15,000 |
Exporter | Central | 5 years | ₹37,500 |
Note: Fees are non-refundable even if application is rejected.
Tips for FSSAI License Approval – Avoid These Mistakes!
Many honey producers get delayed or rejected due to avoidable errors. Here’s how to ensure smooth approval.
✅ 1. Don’t Underestimate Filtration & Purity
- Use double filtration (150–200 micron mesh)
- Avoid overheating (>45°C)
- Test honey for moisture and HMF before packaging
Mistake: Selling unfiltered honey with debris → Rejection risk.
✅ 2. Use Food-Grade Containers Only
- Never use plastic jars not meant for food
- Prefer glass or BIS-certified PET bottles
- Ensure lids are tamper-evident
Mistake: Using recycled containers → Contamination risk.
✅ 3. Accurate & Complete Labeling
- Include all 12 mandatory elements
- Use clear, readable font
- Print batch number and expiry clearly
Mistake: Missing FSSAI number → ₹2 lakh fine under FSS Act.
✅ 4. Maintain Clean & Organized Premises
- Separate raw honey from packaged stock
- Install hand-wash stations
- Display hygiene signboards
Mistake: Dirty floors or open storage → Failed inspection.
✅ 5. Keep Records of Sourcing & Testing
- Maintain a logbook of:
- Apiary locations
- Extraction dates
- Batch-wise test reports
- Sales records
Mistake: No traceability → Rejection during audit.
✅ 6. Don’t Ignore Water & Waste Management
- Use potable water for cleaning
- Dispose of wax and debris hygienically
- Avoid open drains near processing area
✅ 7. Train Your Team on Food Safety
- Educate workers on:
- Hand hygiene
- Use of gloves
- Pest control
- Labeling accuracy
Tip: Conduct a monthly safety review.
Post-License Compliance: Stay Audit-Ready
Getting the license is just the beginning. Ongoing compliance is essential to avoid penalties.
📋 1. Annual Returns (State & Central License Holders)
- Submit Annual Return of Food Safety by 31st May every year
- Includes:
- Total quantity manufactured
- Types of honey produced
- Export details (if any)
- File via FoSCoS → “Annual Return” section
Penalty: ₹2,000 per day for late filing.
📊 2. Maintain Production & Sales Records
Keep for at least 2 years:
- Batch-wise production logs
- Test reports
- Supplier details (apiaries)
- Customer invoices
Inspection Ready: FSSAI officers can visit anytime.
🔬 3. Regular Quality Testing
Test every 5–10 batches or quarterly:
- Moisture content
- Sucrose level
- HMF
- Antibiotic residues
Use NABL-accredited labs like:
- SGS India
- TÜV SÜD
- Intertek
Cost: ₹1,500–₹3,000 per test
🧑⚖️ 4. Handle Inspections Professionally
During FSSAI inspection:
- Provide all records
- Show cleanliness and hygiene
- Cooperate with the officer
- Request inspection report
If non-compliance found: You’ll get 15–30 days to rectify.
🔄 5. Update License for Changes
Inform FSSAI within 30 days if you:
- Change business address
- Expand production capacity
- Add new products (e.g., honey candies)
- Change proprietor
Process: Submit modification request on FoSCoS.
Case Study: How ‘Himalayan Gold Honey’ Expanded to Exports with FSSAI
📍 Background
Rajesh Thakur, a beekeeper from Uttarakhand, started with 50 bee colonies in 2018. He sold raw honey locally for ₹200/kg. But sales were inconsistent, and customers doubted purity.
🚩 The Problem
- No branding
- No quality testing
- Could not sell online or to stores
- Buyers suspected adulteration
✅ The Solution
In 2020, Rajesh applied for:
- Udyam Registration (MSME)
- FSSAI State License (Turnover: ₹18 lakh)
- Lab testing for all batches
- Branded packaging with FSSAI number
📈 The Results
- Listed on Amazon and BigBasket
- Secured ₹5 lakh subsidy under PMFME scheme
- Started exporting 1 MT/month to Dubai via a distributor
- Raised price to ₹450/kg (premium brand)
- Turnover grew to ₹1.2 crore/year
“FSSAI license gave me credibility. Buyers now trust my honey,” says Rajesh.
Penalties for Non-Compliance – Don’t Risk It!
Ignoring FSSAI rules can cost you money, reputation, and business.
⚠️ Common Violations & Penalties
Offense | Penalty |
---|---|
Selling without FSSAI license | ₹5 lakh fine + 6 months jail |
Misleading labeling | ₹3 lakh fine |
Adulterated honey | ₹10 lakh fine + license cancellation |
False FSSAI number | ₹5 lakh fine |
Failure to renew license | ₹100/day late fee |
Not maintaining records | ₹25,000 fine |
Source: FSS (Punishment) Regulations, 2011
📦 Product Seizure & Recall
FSSAI can:
- Seize your honey stock
- Order a product recall
- Suspend your license for 3–12 months
🧱 Reputational Damage
Once caught for adulteration or non-compliance:
- Retailers drop your brand
- Online marketplaces ban your account
- Customers lose trust forever
Real Example: A honey brand in Punjab was fined ₹8 lakh and banned after tests found 40% sugar syrup.
Conclusion: Secure Your FSSAI License – Build a Trusted Honey Brand
The journey from hive to home is sweet, but it must be safe, legal, and transparent.
For honey producers in India, obtaining an FSSAI license for honey producers is not just a regulatory box to tick—it’s a strategic investment in your brand’s future.
From small beekeepers to national exporters, FSSAI compliance ensures:
- Legal protection
- Consumer trust
- Market access
- Export eligibility
- Long-term growth
With rising demand for natural, pure honey, now is the perfect time to formalize your business, ensure quality, and scale with confidence.
Don’t let your hard work go to waste over a missing license.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ 1. Do I need an FSSAI license if I sell honey only at local markets?
Yes. Even local or occasional sales require FSSAI Basic Registration if you’re selling packaged honey.
❓ 2. Can a home-based honey business get FSSAI registration?
Yes. Home kitchens can get Basic Registration if they meet hygiene standards and use food-grade packaging.
❓ 3. Is FSSAI license required for selling honey online?
Absolutely. Platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Meesho mandate FSSAI license for all food sellers.
❓ 4. How long does it take to get FSSAI license for honey?
- Basic: 7–14 days
- State: 30–60 days
- Central: 60–90 days
❓ 5. Can I use my honey without packaging?
Only for personal consumption. Any sale—even loose—requires packaging and FSSAI compliance.
❓ 6. What is the cost of FSSAI license for a small honey business?
Basic Registration: ₹100/year. Total for 5 years = ₹500.
❓ 7. Do I need a lab to get FSSAI license?
No. Lab testing is not mandatory for application, but recommended to prove purity.
❓ 8. Can I sell flavored honey with FSSAI license?
Yes. But you must declare ingredients and ensure no artificial additives.
❓ 9. Is organic honey certification mandatory with FSSAI?
No. But if you claim “organic,” you must have APEDA/NPOP certification.
❓ 10. What happens if my FSSAI license expires?
You get a 30-day grace period with penalty. After that, you must reapply as a new business.
Call to Action: Apply for Your FSSAI License Today!
Don’t wait for a raid or a rejected order. Your pure, natural honey deserves a legal, trusted platform.
👉 Visit FoSCoS Portal now
👉 Choose the right license
👉 Submit your application in 30 minutes
Need help? Consult an FSSAI expert or contact us for end-to-end support.
Turn your honey business from informal to iconic—with FSSAI compliance.
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