FSSAI License for Food Trucks and Food Carts in India

Welcome to our dedicated page for helping you obtain an FSSAI License for Food Trucks and Food Carts in India. We are Legal India Consultants, one of the leading FSSAI consultancy firms in the country. This page provides complete guidance on securing an FSSAI license for food trucks and food carts. Whether you are starting a new food truck, expanding your mobile food cart services, or planning to take your food venture across states, having a valid FSSAI license is a legal necessity — and we are here to make the entire registration process smooth, quick, and stress-free for you.

In recent years, food trucks and food carts have become one of the most exciting and cost-effective ways to enter the food industry. Their flexibility, low startup cost, and ability to serve food in different locations have made them immensely popular. However, to legally operate a food truck or food cart in India, it is mandatory to obtain an FSSAI license food trucks and food carts and comply with FSSAI guidelines for food trucks to ensure food safety and consumer trust.

Why FSSAI License is Important for Food Trucks and Food Carts

Since food trucks and carts usually do not have a permanent address, entrepreneurs can use their home address while applying for an FSSAI registration for food carts. If they operate from a fixed location, they can mention that in their application. One of the first questions that arise when starting a food cart business is understanding the legal requirements. The food license for food truck is the most essential document. After getting the FSSAI license food trucks and food carts, additional permits like a municipal license and GST registration (if needed) can be obtained. Municipal permissions are a must within city limits, and GST registration is generally suggested if the turnover crosses government thresholds.

Basic FSSAI Registration for Food Trucks and Food Carts

For small food trucks and carts with an annual turnover below ₹12 lakhs, a basic FSSAI registration for food carts is sufficient. If the application is filled correctly, the registration can be obtained within 1-3 working days. Ensure you finalize the food truck/cart name, address, and have a ready vehicle, as photographs are often needed during approval.

A basic FSSAI license food trucks and food carts permits owners to operate within the state, as long as turnover is under ₹12 lakhs. However, inter-state operations are not permitted under basic registration.

Documents required for Basic FSSAI Registration:

Food Cart or Truck Name & Address
Aadhaar Card & PAN Card of the applicant
Passport-sized photo
Mobile Number and Email ID
Latest photo of the cart/vehicle

State Food Safety License for Food Trucks and Carts

When your turnover crosses ₹12 lakhs or you wish to operate outside your state, you must apply for a state food safety license for food truck operations. This license ensures compliance with stricter food safety laws and supports business expansion.

Documents required for State FSSAI License:

Business Name & Address proof
Aadhaar and PAN Card of owner/partners/directors
Mobile number and email ID
Electricity Bill or Rent Agreement
Food truck or cart photographs
Partnership Deed (for partnership firms)
Company Incorporation Certificate (for Pvt. Ltd. companies)

Central FSSAI License for Food Trucks and Food Carts

Food trucks and carts with turnover above ₹20 crores or operating across multiple states need a Central FSSAI license food trucks and food carts. It is mandatory for large-scale businesses and allows food exports too.

Documents required for Central Food Business License:

Same documents as State License

Applying for a Central Food safety license for food truck ensures your mobile business meets the highest standards under FSSAI norms for food carts and trucks.

Why FSSAI Registration and Compliance Matter

Having a valid Food truck food safety certification is crucial. Without proper licenses like the food business license for food carts, you risk penalties, closure, and losing customer trust. Meeting FSSAI compliance for food trucks and carts builds your brand’s credibility and ensures public health safety.

Conclusion

Launching a food truck or food cart requires understanding all legal formalities. The FSSAI license food trucks and food carts is the foundation of legal operations. Depending on your turnover, you may need basic registration, a state food license for food truck, or a central license. Also, don’t forget other requirements like a municipal license, GST registration, and following FSSAI food cart permits and regulations.

By fulfilling the food truck license requirements and adhering to FSSAI food safety requirements for mobile food vendors, you can operate your food truck or cart smoothly and grow your venture legally across India.

Disclaimer

This webpage and all the information provided herein are brought to you by Legal India Consultants, one of India’s trusted names in FSSAI consultancy services. We hope the content has been helpful in guiding you through the process of obtaining FSSAI certification for your food truck or food cart business.

For any further assistance or to avail our expert FSSAI consultation services, feel free to reach out to us via call or WhatsApp. You can also fill out our online application form, and our team will get in touch with you promptly.

Wishing you great success in your food truck and food cart journey!

FAQ - FSSAI License for Food Trucks and Food Carts

What is the FSSAI license required for food carts?

You need an FSSAI license food trucks and food carts. For businesses with turnover under ₹12 lakhs, basic registration is enough. Otherwise, a state license is needed.

What address should I use for my FSSAI license application if I don’t have a permanent place?

You can use your home address to apply for the food business license for food carts and update it later if needed.

Which FSSAI category does a food cart fall under?

Food carts generally require basic FSSAI registration for food carts if turnover is less than ₹12 lakhs.

Are inspections done before approval?

Yes, inspections are part of the FSSAI registration process for food truck owners, especially to check hygiene standards.

What certifications are necessary for starting a food cart?

Mandatory documents include an FSSAI certification for mobile food businesses, municipal permission, and sometimes GST.

Is a municipal license needed for food carts?

Yes, particularly if you operate within city limits.

How to get an FSSAI license for a food truck?

Visit the official FSSAI portal and complete the FSSAI food truck application based on your turnover and operation area.

Can a food truck operate without an FSSAI license?

No. Running without a valid Food safety license for food truck is illegal and punishable.

What is the basic food license for food trucks?

It’s the basic FSSAI license food trucks and food carts for turnover below ₹12 lakhs.

Is a state license required for food trucks?

Yes, if turnover is between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores.

Can food trucks operate in multiple states?

Only with a central food truck license.

How long does it take to get an FSSAI license for a food truck?

Usually 1-3 days for basic, and up to 15 days for state or central licenses.

Is GST mandatory for food carts?

Only if annual turnover crosses ₹20 lakhs.

What documents are needed for FSSAI certification for mobile food businesses?

ID proof, address proof, food truck photo, and business details.

Do food carts require a name before applying?

Yes, naming your food cart is mandatory.

What if my food cart earns over ₹12 lakhs?

You must upgrade to a state-level food business license for food carts.

Can I apply for a food truck license online?

Yes, you can easily apply for food truck license online through the FSSAI site.

What is the validity of an FSSAI license for food trucks?

1-5 years, depending on your application.

Are inspections needed after licensing?

Periodic inspections ensure compliance with FSSAI food safety requirements for mobile food vendors.

What is Food truck food safety certification?

Certification proving your truck meets food hygiene and safety norms.

What are the food truck license requirements for operating in multiple states?

You need a central food license for food truck business.

What penalties exist for operating without an FSSAI license?

Fines from ₹25,000 up to ₹5 lakh or even closure of your business.

Can seasonal food carts also get licensed?

Yes, seasonal carts also require FSSAI certification for mobile food businesses.

How to renew my FSSAI license?

Renew online before expiry to avoid penalties.

Can food carts sell packaged food?

Yes, if they comply with FSSAI food cart permits and regulations.

What are the food cart license requirements in India?

You need an FSSAI license, a municipal permit, and local health clearance.

Is fire safety certification required?

In many cities, yes, especially for larger setups.

What role does FSSAI play for food trucks?

FSSAI ensures that food trucks maintain hygiene, quality, and food safety.

Is branding mandatory for food trucks?

Not mandatory, but recommended for better business growth. However, FSSAI certification for mobile food businesses is compulsory.