How to Start a Food Manufacturing Business in India: Licences & Registrations

The article lays out what it says are the critical licensing and registration steps to start a food manufacturing business in India, warning that missing one requirement can halt production before the first batch ships. It notes that India’s processed food exports hit US$7,886.62 million in FY 2024-25, and that sales of items under the food processing PLI scheme grew 10.58%. It points to FSSAI rule changes notified in March 2026, with new bands effective from 1 April, and explains turnover-based licensing thresholds: registration up to Rs 1.5 crore, state licence from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 50 crore, and central licence above Rs 50 crore. It also describes potential penalties, plus other registrations such as GST, Udyam, factory licences, fire NOC, and trade licences.