Most importantly, an FBO needs to
obtain an FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license to ensure highest standards of consumer safety. An FSSAI license is of three types.
Other licenses and permits required include:
Health Trade License
All eating establishments, including bakeries need to obtain a health trade license. You can apply at the local municipal office. Moreover, in most places, you can also make online applications.
Shops and Establishments Registration
As an FBO, you also need to register under the Shops and Establishment Act of your State. You can do this by filling a simple form and providing relevant details about your business.
GST, Service Tax Registration, Liquor/Bar license and Fire Department NOC
Since food businesses deal in sale of goods, registration under VAT is compulsory. However, registration becomes compulsory only when the turnover crosses a specific limit. If you have a service business, such as a restaurant or a catering business, you need Service Tax registration. Restaurant and catering businesses provide services as well as sell goods. Therefore, they need to obtain both Service Tax as well as VAT registration.
With the GST regime in place, the hospitality industry seems to have made the best of the new tax laws. The impact of GST on the restaurant business is likely to be highly lucrative for both owners as well as consumers.
If your restaurant serves liquor/alcohol, you need a Bar License. You have to submit all the documents listed in the Government checklist. You will also need to get an NOC from the Chief Fire Officer. If your building is notified under the Fire Services Act, you also need to fill out a questionnaire.
That sums up most of the requirements of starting a food business. As and when you start your food business, you might also think of selling your products online. If you do so, Amazon, one of the most popular e-commerce platforms in the world, provides you access to millions of customers through its Grocery and Gourmet Food store. To sell on Amazon,
please register yourself as Seller on Amazon.