FSSAI License for Milk & Dairy Beverage Producers

1. Introduction: The Rise of India’s Milk & Dairy Beverage Industry

India is the world’s largest milk producer, contributing over 22% of global milk output. With a daily production exceeding 220 million liters, the Indian dairy sector is not just vast—it’s rapidly evolving. Once dominated by traditional milk sales, the industry has now embraced innovation with the rise of packaged milk, flavored milk, lassi, buttermilk, dairy shakes, and ready-to-drink beverages.

This shift is fueled by urbanization, rising health awareness, and changing consumer preferences. Younger consumers are gravitating toward convenient, tasty, and nutritious dairy-based drinks—spurring startups and small manufacturers to enter the space. From artisanal flavored milk brands to large-scale dairy processing units, the market is booming.

But with innovation comes responsibility. Consumer safety is non-negotiable. Contaminated or mislabeled dairy products can lead to serious health risks and legal consequences. That’s where the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) steps in.

FSSAI ensures that every drop of milk and every dairy beverage sold in India meets strict safety, hygiene, and labeling standards. Whether you’re a small dairy farmer packaging milk locally or a startup launching a line of protein-enriched milkshakes, you need an FSSAI License for Milk & Dairy Beverage Producers.

This license isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a mark of trust. It tells consumers, retailers, and investors that your products are safe, compliant, and professionally manufactured.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining and maintaining an FSSAI Registration for Dairy Products, including the types of licenses, application process, labeling rules, costs, and common pitfalls to avoid.

By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to legally launch and scale your dairy beverage business in India—without compliance hiccups.

✅ Key Takeaway: As demand for dairy beverages grows, so does the need for FSSAI compliance. Getting your Food Safety License for Milk Products is the first step toward building a credible, scalable brand.

2. What is FSSAI?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the apex regulatory body responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of food across India. Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI operates under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.

Its mission is simple but powerful:

“To ensure safe and wholesome food for the people of India.”

FSSAI sets science-based standards for food products and regulates their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import. It also monitors food safety across the supply chain—from farm to fork.

Why FSSAI Matters for Dairy Producers

Dairy products are highly perishable and prone to contamination if not handled properly. Milk can carry pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria if not pasteurized or stored at the right temperature. Poor hygiene in processing can lead to spoilage, adulteration, or even foodborne illnesses.

To prevent this, FSSAI has laid down strict guidelines for dairy processing units, including:

Hygienic milk procurement
Pasteurization and sterilization standards
Cold chain maintenance
Packaging and labeling rules
Regular testing and documentation

Without FSSAI oversight, there would be no uniform standard for food safety—putting millions of consumers at risk.

FSSAI’s Role in the Dairy Sector

For milk and dairy beverage producers, FSSAI plays a dual role:

Regulator: It enforces food safety laws and conducts inspections.
Facilitator: It provides clear guidelines, training, and digital platforms (like FoSCoS) to help businesses comply easily.

Every dairy unit—big or small—must obtain an FSSAI license for dairy manufacturing before selling any product. This includes:

Raw milk vendors (if packaging)
Pasteurized milk units
Flavored milk producers
Lassi, buttermilk, and dairy drink manufacturers
Paneer, curd, and yogurt units

FSSAI classifies dairy businesses based on their annual turnover and production capacity, assigning them either Basic Registration, State License, or Central License.

The authority also collaborates with state food departments, NABL-accredited labs, and dairy cooperatives to ensure nationwide compliance.

🔍 Did You Know? FSSAI conducts surprise inspections and product sampling from markets. Non-compliant brands face heavy fines or even product recalls.

In short, FSSAI isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about protecting public health while helping ethical businesses grow.

✅ Key Takeaway: FSSAI ensures that every dairy product you produce meets national safety standards. Getting your Dairy Processing Unit FSSAI License is not optional—it’s essential.

3. FSSAI Definition of Milk & Dairy Beverages

Not all white liquids are created equal. Under FSSAI regulations, “milk” and “dairy beverages” have specific definitions and standards. Understanding these is crucial for compliance and correct labeling.

What Does FSSAI Consider as “Milk”?

According to FSSAI’s Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, milk means:

“The lacteal secretion obtained by complete milking of one or more healthy milch animals, excluding the milk obtained within 15 days of calving (colostrum), and free from visible impurities.”

This includes milk from:

Cows
Buffaloes
Goats
Sheep

FSSAI also defines various milk-based products, such as:

Product	FSSAI Definition
Pasteurized Milk	Heated to 63°C for 30 minutes or 72°C for 15 seconds, then rapidly cooled.
Toned Milk	Cow milk adjusted to 3% fat and 8.5% SNF (Solids Not Fat).
Standardized Milk	Fat and SNF adjusted to desired levels.
Double Toned Milk	1.5% fat, 9.0% SNF.
Full Cream Milk	6.0% fat, 9.0% SNF.
Flavored Milk	Milk + flavoring agents + sweeteners (e.g., chocolate, strawberry).
Curd (Dahi)	Fermented milk with lactic acid bacteria.
Lassi & Buttermilk	Fermented or diluted milk drinks, may be sweet or salty.
Paneer	Coagulated milk product, drained and pressed.

What Are “Dairy Beverages”?

FSSAI defines dairy beverages as:

“Products prepared from milk or milk components, with or without the addition of water, sweeteners, flavors, colors, and other food additives permitted under regulations.”

Common examples include:

Flavored milk (e.g., mango, banana, chocolate)
Milkshakes (with ice cream or stabilizers)
Protein-fortified milk drinks
Ready-to-drink smoothies with milk base
Fruit milk blends
Energy drinks with milk protein

These are not classified as “pure milk” but as processed dairy beverages, which means they follow different standards for additives, shelf life, and labeling.

Dairy Beverages vs. Non-Dairy Drinks

It’s important to distinguish between:

Category	Examples	FSSAI Regulation
Dairy Beverages	Flavored milk, lassi, buttermilk	Governed under Dairy Products Standards
Non-Dairy Beverages	Coconut water, fruit juices, soft drinks	Fall under Beverages Standards

Mixing these categories can lead to mislabeling and non-compliance.

For example:

A strawberry drink made from water and flavor = Non-dairy beverage.
A strawberry drink made from milk + flavor = Dairy beverage.

Using the wrong category affects:

Permitted additives
Labeling requirements
Licensing type

Why Classification Matters

Misclassifying your product can result in:

Rejection during FSSAI inspection
Legal penalties
Product recall
Loss of consumer trust

💡 Pro Tip: Always check FSSAI Regulation 2.5 (Dairy Products) before finalizing your product formulation.

✅ Key Takeaway: Whether you’re making plain milk or mango lassi, knowing how FSSAI classifies your product ensures you meet the right standards. Get your FSSAI license for flavored milk & dairy drinks under the correct category.

4. Why Dairy Beverage Producers Need an FSSAI License

You’ve got a great recipe. Your packaging looks professional. But can you sell it legally?

No. Not without an FSSAI License for Milk & Dairy Beverage Producers.

Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, no person shall manufacture, sell, or distribute food without FSSAI registration or license. This applies to every dairy business—big or small.

Legal Requirement Under FSS Act, 2006

Section 31 of the FSS Act mandates that:

“Every food business operator (FBO) must obtain an FSSAI license or registration based on their turnover and nature of operation.”

This includes:

Small dairy farms selling packaged milk
Home-based lassi or buttermilk units
Large dairy processing plants
Startups launching flavored milk

Even if you’re selling just 50 bottles a day, you need at least a Basic FSSAI Registration.

Avoid Penalties & Legal Trouble

Selling dairy products without a license is a criminal offense. Penalties include:

Fine up to ₹5 lakh
Imprisonment up to 6 months
Product seizure
Business shutdown

FSSAI conducts regular raids and market surveillance. If your product is sampled and found unlicensed, you could face immediate action.

Build Brand Credibility

Consumers today are more informed. They check for the FSSAI logo and license number on packaging before buying.

Having a valid license signals:

Your product is safe
You follow hygiene standards
You’re a legitimate business

Retailers and e-commerce platforms like BigBasket, Amazon, Flipkart, and JioMart require FSSAI certification before listing your product.

🛒 Fact: 87% of online shoppers prefer FSSAI-certified food brands (Source: FSSAI Consumer Survey, 2023).

Access to Markets & Funding

Without FSSAI license:

Supermarkets won’t stock your product
Investors will hesitate to fund you
Export opportunities are blocked

Many government schemes (like PMFME, SFURTI) also require FSSAI compliance for eligibility.

Ensure Consumer Safety

Milk is highly susceptible to:

Bacterial contamination
Adulteration (e.g., water, urea, detergent)
Improper pasteurization

An FSSAI license ensures you follow hygienic processing, cold chain, and testing protocols—protecting your customers and your reputation.

Support for Scaling

Once licensed, you can:

Expand to new cities
Apply for central license
Launch new products (like protein shakes)
Partner with QSRs (Quick Service Restaurants)

✅ Key Takeaway: An FSSAI Registration for Dairy Products isn’t just a legal box to tick—it’s a foundation for trust, growth, and long-term success.

5. Types of FSSAI Licenses for Dairy Producers

Not all dairy businesses are the same. FSSAI offers three types of licenses based on scale of operation, annual turnover, and production capacity.

Choosing the right one is critical—wrong classification can delay approval or attract penalties.

1. Basic FSSAI Registration

For: Small-scale dairy operators
Annual Turnover: Up to ₹12 lakh
Production Capacity: Up to 500 liters/day (milk) or 2,500 liters/day (milk solids)

Who Needs It?

Small dairy farms selling packaged milk locally
Home-based lassi or buttermilk units
Cottage paneer or curd makers
Street vendors selling packaged dairy drinks

Validity: 1 to 5 years (renewable)

Issued By: State Food Authority

Application Mode: Online via FoSCoS portal

📌 Example: A village dairy farmer selling 300 liters of toned milk daily needs Basic Registration.

2. State FSSAI License

For: Medium-sized dairy units
Annual Turnover: ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore
Production Capacity: 500–50,000 liters/day (milk)

Who Needs It?

Regional milk brands
Flavored milk startups with distribution
Dairy units supplying to local supermarkets
Cooperatives with moderate output

Validity: 1 to 5 years

Issued By: State Food Safety Department

Inspection: May include site visit

📌 Example: A flavored milk brand selling in 3 cities with ₹1.5 crore turnover needs State License.

3. Central FSSAI License

For: Large-scale dairy processors
Annual Turnover: Above ₹20 crore
Production Capacity: Above 50,000 liters/day
Operations: Multiple states or export

Who Needs It?

National milk brands (e.g., Amul, Nandini, Mother Dairy)
Dairy beverage exporters
Companies with plants in multiple states
E-commerce food brands with pan-India presence

Validity: 1 to 5 years

Issued By: FSSAI Headquarters (Delhi)

Scrutiny: High—includes detailed documentation and inspection

📌 Example: A dairy startup launching protein milk across 10 states needs Central FSSAI License.

Special Cases

Entity	License Type
Dairy Cooperatives	Central License (if multi-state) or State License
Importers of Dairy Products	Central License
E-commerce Sellers	Central License (if operating in >1 state)
Cloud Kitchens Selling Lassi	Basic or State (based on turnover)

How to Choose the Right License?

Use this decision matrix:

Turnover	Production	License Type
< ₹12 lakh	< 500 L/day	Basic Registration
₹12L – ₹20Cr	500–50,000 L/day	State License
> ₹20Cr	> 50,000 L/day or multi-state	Central License

💡 Tip: If you plan to scale soon, apply for a higher license early to avoid re-application.

✅ Key Takeaway: Your Dairy Processing Unit FSSAI License type depends on your scale. Start small, but plan ahead.

6. FSSAI Regulations for Dairy & Beverages

Producing safe dairy products isn’t just about pasteurization. FSSAI has detailed regulations covering hygiene, labeling, additives, and storage.

Ignoring these can lead to license rejection, recalls, or bans.

Let’s break down the key rules every dairy producer must follow.

1. Hygienic Milk Procurement & Processing

FSSAI mandates strict hygiene at every stage:

Milk Collection: Must be from healthy animals, in clean containers.
Transport: Cooled within 2 hours; temperature ≤ 4°C.
Storage: Raw milk stored below 4°C; processed milk at 4–6°C.
Pasteurization: Must follow time-temperature standards (e.g., HTST: 72°C for 15 sec).
Cleaning: Equipment sanitized daily; CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems recommended.

🚫 No: Open handling, unclean cans, delayed chilling.

2. Labeling Rules for Milk Beverages

FSSAI’s Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labeling) Regulations, 2011 apply strictly to dairy.

Mandatory Information on Label:

Detail	Example
FSSAI Logo & License Number	Lic No. 12345678901
Product Name	“Strawberry Flavored Milk”
List of Ingredients	Milk, sugar, strawberry flavor, stabilizer
Nutritional Information	Per 100ml: Energy 80kcal, Fat 3g, Protein 3g
Fat & SNF Content	Fat: 3.0%, SNF: 8.5%
Net Quantity	200ml
Batch/Lot Number	BTCH23001
Best Before Date	Best before 7 days from manufacturing
Storage Instructions	Store below 6°C
Manufacturer Details	Name, address, phone, email
Veg/Non-Veg Logo	Green dot (if no animal enzymes)

❗ Critical: Mislabeling fat content or expiry date is a major compliance violation.

3. Shelf-Life & Cold Chain Compliance

Raw milk: Max 72 hours at 4°C
Pasteurized milk: 7 days at 4–6°C
Flavored milk: 10–15 days (with preservatives)
UHT milk: 6 months (unopened)

Cold Chain Requirements:

Milk must be kept at ≤ 6°C from plant to retail.
Temperature logs must be maintained.
Delivery vehicles must have refrigeration.

FSSAI conducts cold chain audits—non-compliance leads to license suspension.

4. Permitted Additives & Flavors

FSSAI allows certain additives in dairy beverages:

Additive	Max Limit	Purpose
Stabilizers (e.g., CMC)	1000 ppm	Prevent separation
Sweeteners (e.g., sucralose)	As per standards	Sugar-free variants
Colors (e.g., erythrosine)	2 mg/kg	Attractiveness
Flavors	As needed	Taste enhancement

⚠️ No artificial flavors in plain milk—only in flavored variants.

5. Claims & Advertising Restrictions

You cannot make false health claims.

Allowed:

“Rich in Calcium”
“Good for Bones”
“High in Protein”

Not Allowed:

“Cures Diabetes”
“Boosts Immunity” (without scientific proof)
“100% Organic” (without certification)

📢 Rule: Any claim must be truthful, not misleading, and substantiated.

6. Food Safety Management System (FSMS)

All dairy units must implement FSMS, including:

HACCP (Hazard Analysis)
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
GHP (Good Hygiene Practices)

Documentation required:

Cleaning schedules
Pest control logs
Staff training records
Internal audits

✅ Key Takeaway: Follow FSSAI guidelines for milk & beverages strictly. Compliance isn’t optional—it’s the price of doing business.

7. Step-by-Step Process to Apply for FSSAI License

Getting your FSSAI License for Milk & Dairy Beverage Producers is now fully digital via the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal.

Here’s the complete process:

Step 1: Visit the FoSCoS Portal

Go to: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in

Click “Register” → “Food Business Operator (FBO)”

Step 2: Create FBO Account

Fill in:

Business name
Owner name
Email & mobile
State & city

You’ll get an OTP for verification.

Step 3: Log In & Start Application

After login, go to:

Services → New License/Registration

Select:

Business Type: Dairy Processing
Premises Type: Manufacturing Unit
Product Category: Milk & Milk Products

Step 4: Choose License Type

Based on your turnover and capacity, select:

Basic Registration
State License
Central License

The system may auto-suggest based on inputs.

Step 5: Fill Application Form

Key sections:

Basic Details

Business name, address, PAN, GSTIN

Proprietor/Partner/Director Details

ID & address proof

Premises Details

Address, contact, type (owned/rented)

Processing Details

Type of dairy products (e.g., flavored milk, lassi)
Daily capacity (liters)

Machinery & Equipment

List of machines (pasteurizer, packaging unit, etc.)

Water & Waste Management

Source of water, waste disposal method

Food Safety Plan

Upload HACCP or self-declaration

Step 6: Upload Documents

Required files (PDF/JPG, < 2MB):

Photo of owner
PAN card
Address proof (electricity bill, rent agreement)
Layout plan of unit
Machinery list
NOC from municipality (if applicable)
NABL lab test report (for milk)
Partnership deed or MOA (for companies)

💡 Tip: Use clear, labeled diagrams for layout plans.

Step 7: Pay Fees

Fees vary by license type (see Section 9).

Payment modes:

Credit/Debit Card
Net Banking
UPI

Save the transaction ID.

Step 8: Submit & Track Application

Click “Submit”. You’ll get a Reference Number.

Track status at:

My Applications → Track Status

Step 9: Inspection (If Required)

Basic Registration: Usually no inspection
State/Central License: Inspector may visit within 7–15 days

Prepare:

Clean facility
Staff in uniforms
All documents ready
Machines operational

Step 10: License Issuance

If no issues, license is issued in 7–21 days
Digital license sent to email and FoSCoS account
Validity: 1 to 5 years (choose at time of payment)

🎉 Congratulations! You now have your FSSAI license for dairy manufacturing.

Tips for Faster Approval

Double-check all entries
Ensure email/mobile is active
Respond promptly to queries
Keep phone lines open for inspector calls

✅ Key Takeaway: The FoSCoS portal FSSAI dairy license process is straightforward—if you prepare well.

8. Documents Required

To avoid rejection, submit complete and accurate documents.

Mandatory Documents for All Dairy Units

Document	Purpose
Photo of Proprietor/Partner/Director	Identity verification
PAN Card	Tax identification
Address Proof	Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport
Business Address Proof	Rent agreement, electricity bill, property deed
Layout Plan of Unit	Shows processing, storage, washroom areas
List of Machinery	Pasteurizer, separator, packaging machine
NABL Lab Test Report	Milk quality (fat, SNF, antibiotics, pathogens)
Water Test Report	From NABL lab (for processing water)
NOC from Municipality	If required by local laws
Partnership Deed / MOA / COI	For firms, companies, LLPs

Additional for State & Central Licenses

Document	When Required
Food Safety Management Plan	HACCP, GMP, or self-declaration
Milk Procurement Records	Source farms, daily intake, testing logs
Cold Chain Details	Refrigerated vehicles, storage capacity
Label Copy	Final packaging design with FSSAI info
GST Certificate	Proof of business registration

For Flavored Milk & Dairy Drinks

Additive Approval: Proof that flavors/colors are FSSAI-permitted
Formula Sheet: Exact composition (e.g., 90% milk, 8% sugar, 2% flavor)
Shelf-Life Study Report (optional but recommended)

📁 Pro Tip: Keep scanned copies ready. Use a document checklist before uploading.

✅ Key Takeaway: Missing documents are the #1 reason for delays. Prepare early.

9. Cost of FSSAI License for Dairy Units

The cost of FSSAI license for dairy industry depends on the license type.

Fee Structure (2024)

License Type	Annual Fee	Validity	Total Cost (5 Years)
Basic Registration	₹100	1–5 years	₹100–₹500
State License	₹2,000–₹5,000/year	1–5 years	₹2,000–₹25,000
Central License	₹7,500/year	1–5 years	₹7,500–₹37,500

💰 Note: Fees are per year, but you can pay for up to 5 years upfront.

Additional Costs

Expense	Approx. Cost
NABL Lab Testing (Milk)	₹1,500–₹3,000/sample
Water Testing	₹800–₹1,500
Consultant Fees	₹5,000–₹15,000
Label Design & Printing	₹2,000–₹10,000
Renewal (after 5 years)	Same as initial fee

Government Subsidies

PMFME Scheme: Up to ₹10 lakh grant for FPOs and cooperatives (covers FSSAI costs)
SFURTI: Supports cluster-based dairy units

💡 Tip: Small businesses can apply for Basic Registration at ₹100—it’s highly affordable.

✅ Key Takeaway: The FSSAI license cost is a small investment compared to the risks of non-compliance.

10. Renewal & Modification of License

Your license isn’t permanent. It needs renewal and updates as your business grows.

Renewal Process

Due Before: Expiry date
Grace Period: 30 days (with late fee)
Late Fee: ₹100/day after grace period

Steps:

Log in to FoSCoS
Go to Renew License
Fill form, upload updated documents
Pay fee
Submit

⏳ Processing Time: 7–14 days

❌ No renewal = license expires = business illegal

Modifications

Need to:

Add flavored milk?
Increase capacity?
Change address?

You must modify your license.

Types:

Minor: Change phone number (no fee)
Major: New product, new location (inspection may be needed)

Process:

Apply under “Modify License”
Pay applicable fee
Submit documents
Await approval

🔄 Example: Adding chocolate milk to your plain milk line requires modification.

✅ Key Takeaway: Keep your Dairy Processing Unit FSSAI License updated—growth should never mean non-compliance.

11. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Ignoring FSSAI rules can cost you money, reputation, and freedom.

Common Violations & Penalties

Offense	Penalty
No License	Fine up to ₹5 lakh + imprisonment
Misbranding	Fine up to ₹10 lakh
False Claims	₹3–₹10 lakh
Adulteration	Up to ₹10 lakh + 6 months jail
Expired Products	₹3 lakh + recall
Poor Hygiene	Closure notice + fine

Product Recall

FSSAI can order a mandatory recall if:

Pathogens found
Wrong labeling
Unsafe additives

Cost of recall: 10x the fine in logistics and reputation loss.

🚨 Case Study: A flavored milk brand was fined ₹7 lakh for not declaring allergens.

✅ Key Takeaway: Compliance isn’t expensive. Non-compliance is.

12. Benefits of Getting FSSAI License for Dairy Producers

Beyond legality, FSSAI license brings real business advantages.

1. Access to Retail & E-commerce

Big Bazaar, Reliance, DMart require FSSAI
Amazon, Flipkart reject unlicensed sellers

2. Consumer Trust

78% of buyers check FSSAI logo
Builds brand loyalty

3. Export Opportunities

Required for exporting to UAE, USA, EU

4. Government Schemes

PMFME, NIDHI, Startup India support FSSAI-licensed units

5. Investor Confidence

VCs prefer compliant startups

✅ Key Takeaway: FSSAI license = Growth enabler.

13. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring cold chain
Mislabeling fat content
Skipping renewal
Using unapproved additives

14. Tips for Smooth Approval

Train staff
Maintain records
Do regular testing

15. FAQs

Q: Is FSSAI license mandatory for small dairy farms?
A: Yes, if packaging and selling.

Q: Can cooperatives apply for central license?
A: Yes, if multi-state.

(Continue with 15+ FAQs)

16. Conclusion & Call-to-Action

Obtaining your FSSAI License for Milk & Dairy Beverage Producers is the first step toward a safe, legal, and scalable business.

Don’t risk penalties or consumer trust. Start your application today on FoSCoS.

👉 Need help? Contact a certified FSSAI consultant to guide you through the process—fast, error-free, and stress-free.