1. Introduction: Why Every Tea & Coffee Shop Needs an FSSAI License
If you’re running a tea shop, coffee bar, café, or kiosk in India — whether it’s a small roadside stall, a cozy corner café, or a chain like Starbucks or Chai Point — one thing is certain:
👉 You need an FSSAI License.
Yes — even if you’re serving only chai, filter coffee, or latte made from scratch.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) treats all food items consumed in public places as regulated food under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This includes beverages, snacks, pastries, and even water used in preparation.
What Is a Tea & Coffee Shop?
A tea & coffee shop is any establishment where:
- Beverages like tea, coffee, milkshakes, lattes, or cold brews are prepared and served
- Customers consume on-site or take away
- Food items (e.g., biscuits, samosas, muffins) may also be sold
Examples:
- Local chai wallah with a kettle and cups
- A boutique café serving oat milk lattes
- A multi-city chain like Barista, Cafe Coffee Day, or Blue Tokai
- A mobile cart selling masala chai at metro stations
Even if you use traditional methods — like hand-churning milk or boiling tea in a brass pot — the final product is still considered food, and therefore subject to FSSAI regulations.
❗️Important: Selling packaged or branded tea/coffee without FSSAI is illegal. Authorities can shut down your shop, impose fines up to ₹10 lakh, and block e-commerce listings.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Without proper FSSAI licensing, your tea or coffee business risks:
- Legal action and closure
- Loss of customer trust
- Inability to sell on Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, Zomato, or BigBasket
- Rejection by landlords or mall management
On the flip side, getting your FSSAI license for tea & coffee shops opens doors to:
- National and global recognition
- Brand credibility
- Investment opportunities
- E-commerce expansion
- Participation in food festivals and events
In short: FSSAI isn’t just paperwork — it’s your business passport into the Indian and global food market.
Let’s dive deep into what exactly this license entails, who needs it, and how to get it right.
✅ Next Up: Section 2 – What Exactly Is an FSSAI License for Tea & Coffee Shops?
2. What Exactly Is an FSSAI License for Tea & Coffee Shops?
Before applying, it’s essential to understand what an FSSAI license actually is — and why it applies to beverage businesses.
Definition: What Is an FSSAI License?
An FSSAI License is a legal permit issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India that allows any individual or company to manufacture, process, pack, store, distribute, or sell food products in India.
For tea & coffee shops, this includes:
- Preparing hot/cold beverages
- Using milk, sugar, syrups, creamers, or flavorings
- Serving food items (snacks, baked goods)
- Packaging drinks for takeaway
The license ensures that:
- The food is safe for human consumption
- Hygiene standards are maintained
- Ingredients are declared
- Labeling complies with FSSAI rules
Think of it as a food safety passport — required for every café, stall, or kiosk, regardless of size.
Types of FSSAI Licenses (Which One Do You Need?)
There are three main categories, based on annual turnover and scale of operation:
| Type | When Required | Annual Turnover Limit | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| FSSAI Registration (Basic) | Small-scale operators | Up to ₹12 lakh/year | 1 year |
| FSSAI State License | Medium-sized units | ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore/year | 1–5 years |
| FSSAI Central License | Large-scale manufacturers/distributors | Above ₹20 crore/year | 1–5 years |
✅ For most tea & coffee shops — especially those serving on-site or taking orders via apps — the State License is typically required.
But here’s the catch: Even small roadside stalls making masala chai must register if they plan to serve customers regularly.
Let’s clarify something important:
🔹 FSSAI Registration ≠ FSSAI License
- Registration: For businesses with turnover < ₹12 lakh/year
- License: For higher-volume producers, processors, or distributors
For example:
- A homemaker selling chai at a local market once a week? → No FSSAI needed.
- A chai wallah serving 50 cups daily from a stall? → FSSAI Registration required.
- A café packaging cold brew for delivery? → FSSAI State License required.
📌 Key Takeaway: If your tea or coffee shop serves more than a few people daily, you need either FSSAI Registration or License — not optional.
Why Tea & Coffee Shops Fall Under FSSAI Jurisdiction
Even though many beverages are “simple” or “traditional,” FSSAI considers all consumable liquids and semi-solids as food under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
This includes:
- Hot tea, filter coffee, masala chai
- Cold brew, iced coffee, frappés
- Milk-based drinks (lattes, cappuccinos)
- Syrups, creamers, and sweeteners
- Food items sold alongside drinks (biscuits, sandwiches)
As long as the product is:
- Consumed orally
- Served commercially
- Sold in a public space
→ It falls under FSSAI regulations.
⚠️ Exception: Only if your drink is used strictly for non-consumption purposes (e.g., cleaning), then FSSAI may not apply. But if it’s meant to be drunk, FSSAI is mandatory.
So yes — your tea & coffee shop needs an FSSAI license.
✅ Next Up: Section 3 – Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI License for Tea & Coffee Shops
3. Eligibility Criteria: Who Needs an FSSAI License for Tea & Coffee Shops?
Not everyone needs an FSSAI license — but most tea & coffee entrepreneurs do.
Here’s how to determine if your business qualifies:
✅ Who Must Get an FSSAI License?
You need an FSSAI license if your tea or coffee shop involves any of these activities:
| Activity | Requires FSSAI License? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Serving tea, coffee, or other beverages to customers | ✅ Yes | Even if homemade |
| Selling packaged drinks (e.g., bottled cold brew) | ✅ Yes | Commercial sale triggers compliance |
| Operating multiple outlets across states | ✅ Yes | Central License recommended |
| Using milk, creamer, or syrups | ✅ Yes | These are regulated ingredients |
| Selling food items (e.g., biscuits, samosas) | ✅ Yes | Adds complexity to regulation |
| Using e-commerce platforms (Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon) | ✅ Yes | Platforms require FSSAI proof |
💡 Pro Tip: Even if you’re a sole proprietor or run a micro-enterprise, FSSAI registration is still mandatory if you serve customers regularly.
❌ Who Does NOT Need an FSSAI License?
Only very limited cases are exempt:
- Home cooks preparing tea/coffee only for personal use
- Farmers selling raw milk directly from farm
- Traditional vendors selling unbranded drinks at local fairs (without packaging)
⚠️ Once you start serving customers, branding, or packaging, FSSAI applies.
Common Misconceptions About Tea & Coffee Shops & FSSAI
Let’s clear up some myths:
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| “Since it’s just tea, I don’t need FSSAI” | False. All food is regulated. |
| “Only packaged drinks need FSSAI” | No. Even loose-serving drinks count. |
| “I can use ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ to bypass FSSAI” | No. These terms don’t override food safety laws. |
| “My shop is too small — no one will check” | Authorities conduct surprise raids, especially in e-commerce hubs. |
📌 Bottom Line: No exceptions for tea & coffee shops — if it’s served commercially, it needs FSSAI.
✅ Next Up: Section 4 – Types of FSSAI Licenses for Tea & Coffee Shops
4. Types of FSSAI Licenses for Tea & Coffee Shops
Choosing the right FSSAI license depends on your business size, location, and sales volume.
Let’s break down the three types clearly:
1. FSSAI Registration (Basic – Form A)
- For: Small-scale units, home-based entrepreneurs, street vendors
- Turnover limit: Up to ₹12 lakh/year
- Application: Online via FSSAI portal (Form A)
- Validity: 1 year
- Fee: ₹100 (basic registration)
- Documents needed: PAN, Aadhaar, address proof, bank details
✅ Ideal for: Home-based chai wallahs, small kiosks, local cafés serving fewer than 100 customers/day.
2. FSSAI State License (Form B)
- For: Medium-sized cafes, chains, or high-volume shops
- Turnover limit: ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore/year
- Application: Online via FSSAI portal (Form B)
- Validity: 1–5 years (choose duration during application)
- Fee: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 (depending on state and processing capacity)
- Documents needed: Company PAN, GSTIN, incorporation certificate, layout plan, list of equipment, lab test reports (for milk/creamers)
✅ Ideal for: Established cafés, multi-outlet chains, brands selling bottled cold brew or ready-to-drink beverages.
3. FSSAI Central License (Form C)
- For: Large-scale manufacturers, exporters, national chains
- Turnover limit: Above ₹20 crore/year
- Application: Directly through FSSAI Central Office
- Validity: 1–5 years
- Fee: ₹7,500 + additional charges
- Documents needed: Detailed plant layout, quality control system, third-party lab reports
✅ Ideal for: National brands exporting tea/coffee or operating in multiple states.
📌 Quick Decision Guide:
- Serving fewer than 50 customers/day? → FSSAI Registration
- Running a café with daily sales > ₹1 lakh? → FSSAI State License
- Exporting or operating nationwide? → FSSAI Central License
💡 Bonus Tip: You can upgrade from Registration to License later — no penalty. But starting wrong could delay approvals.
✅ Next Up: Section 5 – Documents Required for FSSAI License for Tea & Coffee Shops
5. Documents Required for FSSAI License – Checklist for Café & Kiosk Owners
Applying for FSSAI is simple — but only if you have all the correct documents ready.
Here’s a complete, verified checklist tailored for tea & coffee shops:
✅ Mandatory Documents (All Cases)
| Document | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PAN Card of Applicant | Identity verification | Individual or company PAN |
| Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / Passport | Address proof | Must match business address |
| Proof of Business Address | Location verification | Electricity bill, rent agreement, NOC from landlord |
| Bank Account Details | Payment and KYC | Cancelled cheque or bank statement |
| List of Raw Materials Used | Ingredient disclosure | Include tea, coffee, milk, sugar, syrups, creamers |
| Product Description & Formula | To assess safety | Specify type, source, and method |
✅ Additional Documents Based on Business Type
For FSSAI Registration (Home-Based Units)
- No need for GSTIN
- No factory layout required
- No lab reports needed (unless requested)
For FSSAI State License (Café/Shop Units)
- GSTIN (required if turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh)
- Certificate of Incorporation (for LLP, Pvt Ltd, Co-op)
- Layout Plan (showing kitchen, serving counter, storage zones)
- List of Equipment (e.g., grinders, filters, refrigerators, blenders)
- Third-Party Lab Test Reports (for milk, creamers, syrups) – Highly Recommended
- Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Manual (optional but preferred)
📌 Lab Testing is Crucial for Milk-Based Drinks
Milk and creamers can contain contaminants like:
- Pathogens (E. coli, Salmonella)
- Urea, detergent, or starch (common adulterants)
- Residual antibiotics
🔎 Example: A milk latte sample tested positive for urea → immediate rejection of FSSAI application.
✅ Best Practice: Get your first batch tested by NABL-accredited labs (e.g., Agmark, SGS, Intertek).
✅ Optional but Helpful Documents
| Document | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Trademark Registration | Builds brand value; supports application |
| ISO 22000 Certification | Shows advanced food safety management |
| Organic Certification (e.g., USDA, India Organic) | Boosts credibility for premium buyers |
| FSSAI Food Safety Training Certificate | Proves staff knowledge |
📌 Tip: Always keep digital copies of all documents — you may need to upload them during application.
✅ Next Up: Section 6 – Step-by-Step FSSAI License Application Process (Online)
6. Step-by-Step FSSAI License Application Process (Online)
Applying for FSSAI is now fully digital — no more paperwork headaches.
Here’s how to do it in 8 easy steps:
🔹 Step 1: Visit the Official FSSAI Portal
Go to: https://foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in
Click on “New Registration/License” → Choose “Apply Online”
🔹 Step 2: Select the Correct Category
Choose based on your business:
- FSSAI Registration (for turnover ≤ ₹12 lakh)
- FSSAI State License (for turnover ₹12L–₹20Cr)
- FSSAI Central License (for turnover > ₹20Cr)
📌 Pro Tip: Use the FSSAI Eligibility Checker Tool on the portal to confirm your category.
🔹 Step 3: Fill in Basic Details
Provide:
- Name of applicant (individual/LLP/Private Ltd)
- Contact info (email, mobile)
- Business type (café, kiosk, restaurant, etc.)
- Nature of food (beverage, snack, mixed)
🔹 Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Attach scanned copies of:
- PAN card
- Aadhaar
- Address proof
- GSTIN (if applicable)
- Layout plan (for State/Central License)
- Lab test reports (recommended)
📌 File Format: PDF/JPEG (max 2MB per file)
🔹 Step 5: Pay the Fee Online
- FSSAI Registration: ₹100
- FSSAI State License: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 (varies by state)
- FSSAI Central License: ₹7,500+
Payment modes: Net banking, UPI, credit/debit card
🔹 Step 6: Submit & Receive Acknowledgment
After submission, you’ll get:
- Application Reference Number (ARN)
- Date of Application
- Status tracking link
📌 Save this ARN — you’ll need it for follow-ups.
🔹 Step 7: Verification & Inspection (If Required)
- For State License, an inspector may visit your premises.
- They’ll check:
- Sanitation
- Storage conditions
- Hygiene practices
- Labeling accuracy
⏱️ Inspection timing: Usually within 30 days of application
🔹 Step 8: Receive Your FSSAI License
Once approved:
- You’ll receive the FSSAI License Number via email/SMS
- Download the digital copy from the portal
- Display the license number prominently on packaging and website
🕒 Average Time to Approval:
- FSSAI Registration: 1–7 days
- FSSAI State License: 7–30 days
- FSSAI Central License: 30–60 days
✅ Pro Tip: Apply early — delays can impact product launches or e-commerce listings.
✅ Next Up: Section 7 – Post-License Compliance for Tea & Coffee Shops
7. Post-License Compliance: Staying FSSAI-Compliant After Getting Licensed
Getting the license is just the beginning. Ongoing compliance is critical to avoid penalties, audits, or cancellation.
Here’s what you must do:
✅ 1. Display FSSAI License Number Clearly
- On every menu board
- On your website homepage
- In product descriptions
- On e-commerce listings
📌 Format:
FSSAI License No.: 123456789012
✅ 2. Maintain Accurate Records
Keep digital records of:
- Daily sales logs
- Ingredient sourcing
- Lab test results
- Cleaning schedules
- Staff training
🔐 Best practice: Use a simple Excel sheet or cloud-based software.
✅ 3. Renew on Time
- FSSAI license expires after 1, 3, or 5 years
- Renew at least 3 months before expiry
- Late renewal = penalty (up to ₹5,000)
🛠️ Set calendar reminders!
✅ 4. Update Information When Changes Occur
Notify FSSAI if there’s any change in:
- Business name
- Address
- Ownership
- Menu items
- Equipment
Use the “Update” option on the FSSAI portal.
✅ 5. Conduct Regular Lab Testing
Test every new ingredient or product variant for:
- Adulterants (urea, detergent, starch)
- Microbial load
- Antibiotic residues (in milk)
📌 Frequency: At least once every 6 months or after formulation changes.
✅ 6. Follow Labeling Rules (FSSAI Mandatory)
Your packaging must include:
- FSSAI License No.
- Product name
- Net weight
- Ingredients list
- Expiry date
- Manufacturer name & address
- Storage instructions
- “Not for medical use” disclaimer (if applicable)
📌 Avoid words like “cures,” “treats,” “prevents” — these are drug claims and illegal.
❌ Don’t say: “Reduces fatigue” → Say: “May support energy levels”
✅ Next Up: Section 8 – Penalties for Non-Compliance
8. Penalties for Non-Compliance: What Happens If You Skip FSSAI?
Ignoring FSSAI isn’t just risky — it’s expensive.
Here’s what can happen if you operate without a valid license:
| Violation | Penalty | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Operating without FSSAI license | Fine up to ₹10 lakh | Business shutdown |
| Selling adulterated drinks | Imprisonment + fine | Legal case |
| Misleading labels (false claims) | ₹50,000 fine | Brand damage |
| Delayed renewal | ₹5,000 penalty | License suspension |
| Repeated violations | Cancellation of license | Permanent ban |
📌 Real Case: In 2023, a Mumbai café was fined ₹8.2 lakh for serving coffee with detergent and no FSSAI license.
🔥 Result: Website taken down, social media accounts suspended, and product recalled.
⚠️ Warning: Authorities now conduct surprise raids — especially in e-commerce hubs.
✅ Next Up: Section 9 – Common Mistakes in FSSAI Applications for Tea & Coffee Shops
9. Common Mistakes in FSSAI Applications for Tea & Coffee Shops
Avoid these costly errors:
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Using outdated or incorrect ingredient names | Use scientific names (e.g., Camellia sinensis) |
| Not listing all additives | Include syrups, creamers, stabilizers |
| Submitting low-quality document scans | Use clear, colored PDFs |
| Skipping lab tests | Get reports from NABL labs |
| Claiming medical benefits | Stick to wellness, not treatment |
| Applying under wrong category | Use the FSSAI eligibility tool first |
💡 Golden Rule: If in doubt, consult an FSSAI expert or consultant.
✅ Next Up: Section 10 – How a Consultant Can Help You Get FSSAI Fast & Right
10. How a Consultant Can Help You Get FSSAI Fast & Right
Hiring an FSSAI consultant saves time, reduces risk, and ensures success.
They help with:
- Choosing the right license type
- Preparing documents correctly
- Drafting FSMS manual
- Arranging lab testing
- Tracking application status
- Handling inspections
💼 Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 (one-time)
📈 ROI: Avoids rejections, delays, and fines.
✅ Next Up: Section 11 – FAQs on FSSAI License for Tea & Coffee Shops
11. FAQs on FSSAI License for Tea & Coffee Shops (20+ Questions)
Q1: Is FSSAI license mandatory for tea & coffee shops?
Yes. Any commercial beverage service requires FSSAI registration/license.
Q2: Can I sell chai without FSSAI?
Only if sold personally (e.g., at home). Commercial sale requires FSSAI.
Q3: How much does FSSAI license cost?
- Registration: ₹100
- State License: ₹2,000–₹5,000
- Central License: ₹7,500+
Q4: How long does it take to get FSSAI license?
- Registration: 1–7 days
- State License: 7–30 days
- Central License: 30–60 days
Q5: Can I apply online?
Yes. All applications are done via fssai.gov.in
Q6: Do I need lab testing?
Not mandatory, but strongly recommended for milk-based drinks.
Q7: Can I use “organic” on my label?
Yes — but only if certified.
Q8: Can I sell on Swiggy or Zomato without FSSAI?
No. Platforms require FSSAI proof.
Q9: Can I renew late?
Yes, but with a penalty of ₹5,000.
Q10: What if my milk has adulterants?
You must conduct lab testing and ensure levels are below FSSAI limits.
Q11: Do I need GSTIN with FSSAI?
Only if turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh/year.
Q12: Can I apply for FSSAI from another state?
Yes — but you must have a physical presence (address, outlet) in that state.
Q13: Can I sell on BigBasket or Amazon?
Yes — but they require FSSAI, GSTIN, and lab reports.
Q14: Is organic certification enough?
No. FSSAI is separate and mandatory.
Q15: Can I transfer FSSAI license?
Yes — through a formal application for change of ownership.
Q16: Can I sell exported tea/coffee without FSSAI?
No. Export requires FSSAI + IEC code + foreign certifications.
Q17: Do I need a separate license for each product?
No. One FSSAI license covers all food products under the same category.
Q18: Can I make claims like “boosts immunity”?
Yes — but only if supported by evidence and not misinterpreted as medical treatment.
Q19: What if my product is rejected?
You can reapply after fixing the issue (e.g., lab report, documentation).
Q20: Can I get FSSAI without a shop?
Yes — home-based businesses can apply.
✅ Next Up: Section 12 – Conclusion
12. Conclusion: Secure Your Tea & Coffee Business with FSSAI
Running a tea or coffee shop is more than passion — it’s responsibility.
Every cup of chai, every latte, every cold brew carries trust.
And FSSAI is the foundation of that trust.
Whether you’re a chai wallah, a startup founder, or a chain owner, FSSAI license for tea & coffee shops is not a choice — it’s a necessity.
It protects:
- Your customers
- Your reputation
- Your business
And it unlocks:
- E-commerce access
- Investor confidence
- National and global reach
Don’t wait until you’re slapped with a fine or banned from Swiggy.
👉 Start your FSSAI journey today!
🔥 Apply for FSSAI License Now – Free Consultation Available
Get expert guidance, fast processing, and peace of mind.
Your café legacy deserves safety. Let FSSAI be your shield.
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