FSSAI Registration for Ayurvedic and Herbal Food Products: Complete 2026 Guide
What is FSSAI Registration of Ayurvedic and Herbal Foods?
FSSAI registration of Ayurvedic and herbal foods is a government authorisation provided by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India that authorises a business to produce, pack, distribute or sell herbal teas, Ayurvedic proprietary foods, herbal dietary supplements, and plant-based nutraceuticals for human consumption. It verifies that your food, its ingredients and production processes comply with India's food safety regulations.
Ayurvedic and Herbal food products are governed by the Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Food and Novel Food) Regulations, 2016, which govern the regulation of such foods by FSSAI. An AYUSH manufacturing license is a separate license requirement for a product being marketed as Ayurvedic medicine with healing properties.
Which License Should You Go For: FSSAI Registration or Ayush Manufacturing License?
Choose correctly at the very beginning of the process and avoid having to change midway through:
Apply for FSSAI registration if the herbal or Ayurvedic formulation is labelled as a food/beverage/tea/nutraceutical and does not have any claims of treating, curing, or preventing a disease.
Apply for an AYUSH manufacturing license if the formulation is being branded as Ayurvedic medicine and has medicinal claims, since it will come under the purview of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and not FSSAI.
Sometimes, both of them may be required: one for the medicinal SKU and the other for the food category SKU.Â
Why Should You Register Your Herbal Foods in FSSAI?
Legality: Without proper certification, it is illegal to sell herbal/Ayurvedic food and may result in imprisonment of up to ₹5 lakh under the FSS Act of 2006.
Market entry: Most of the online shopping sites like Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy Instamart, and even other fast commerce websites check your FSSAI number.
Consumer satisfaction: An official logo and 14-digit registration number tell consumers that your ingredients, hygiene, and labelling have been certified by the FSSAI.
Exporting facility: A central FSSAI license is required to export and supply ayurvedic/herbal food to government departments.Â
Eligibility, License Categories, and Fees
FSSAI classifies every food business — including Ayurvedic and herbal food manufacturers, marketers, and re-labellers — into one of three categories based on annual turnover and business activity:
Who it's for: Small herbal food sellers, home-based Ayurvedic tea/spice brands, and petty manufacturers
Annual turnover: Up to ₹1.5 crore
Government fee: ₹100 per year
Who it's for: Mid-size herbal/Ayurvedic food manufacturers, marketers, storage units, and single-state distributors
Annual turnover: ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore
Government fee: ₹5,000 per year
Who it's for: Large manufacturers, importers/exporters, and multi-state or e-commerce herbal food brands
Annual turnover: Above ₹50 crore, or businesses involved in import/export or multi-state operations regardless of turnover
Government fee: ₹7,500 per year
Documents Required for Ayurvedic and Herbal Food FSSAI Registration
Photograph and identity proof of the proprietor/partners/directors in passport size
Document of proof of the premises where the business is running (rent deed or letter from the owner, or property document)
Certificate of incorporation, partnership deed or LLP agreement
Products list with their complete formulation details
FSMS Plan and Form IX with the name of the food safety supervisor
For manufacturers: Plant/layout plan, Machinery details and Water Test Report
NOC from the municipal corporation and Declaration regarding the source and quality of herbal raw material, in case of State/Central License
Manufacturing agreement in case of contracted manufactured brand
Process for FSSAI Registration Step by Step
Step 1: Complete your registration on FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in) using mobile and email OTP registration.
Step 2: Choose the right Kind of Business (KoB) – for example, “Manufacturer – Health Supplement/Nutraceutical” for the majority of herbal food products.
Step 3: Complete Form A (Basic) or Form B (State/Central) with required details of business, commodity, ingredients, etc.
Step 4: Provide the necessary documents and pay your government’s charges according to the chosen duration.
Step 5: FSSAI allocates a Unique Application Reference Number; the Food Safety Officer visits the manufacturing units for checking in State/Central cases.
Step 6: After your application is approved, you receive a 14-digit FSSAI license number and Format C certificate, which you need to display at your shop as well as print on your packaging.Â
Timeline, Validity, and Renewal
Basic Registration: usually approved within 7–15 working days.
State and Central License: typically 30–60 days for review, and up to 60–90 days overall, including inspection.
Validity: chosen at the time of application, from 1 to 5 years (subject to the 2026 perpetual-license reforms for eligible new applicants).
Renewal: apply at least 30–60 days before expiry on FoSCoS; a lapsed license can suspend your right to trade and may attract penalties.
Annual return: manufacturers and importers must file Form D1 by 31 May every year, regardless of the license validity period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FSSAI registration mandatory for herbal and Ayurvedic food items?Yes. All businesses that manufacture, package, distribute, or sell herbal food products, herbal teas, or Ayurvedic nutraceuticals intended for consumption must obtain an FSSAI registration or license, irrespective of their business size.
What is the difference between an FSSAI registration and an AYUSH license for herbal products?FSSAI registration is required for herbal products marketed as food or nutraceuticals without medicinal claims. An AYUSH license is required only for products classified as Ayurvedic medicines that make therapeutic or medicinal claims.
Which FSSAI license is required for a home-based herbal food business?A home-based business selling herbal food products such as herbal tea, spice mixes, or pickles with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh generally requires Basic FSSAI Registration, which costs ₹100 per year.
What documents are required for an FSSAI license for herbal food products?The required documents typically include:
Identity proof of the applicant
Business registration proof
List of products and ingredients
Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan
Manufacturing unit layout (for manufacturers)
Water testing report (for manufacturers)
How long does it take to obtain an FSSAI registration for Ayurvedic food products?
Basic Registration: 7–15 days
State License: 30–90 days
Central License: 30–90 days, depending on document verification and premises inspection.
Can herbal or Ayurvedic food products be sold on e-commerce or quick-commerce platforms without FSSAI registration?No. E-commerce and quick-commerce platforms require a valid FSSAI registration or license number before listing any food, herbal, or nutraceutical products.
What are the penalties for selling herbal food products without FSSAI registration?Selling food products without the required FSSAI registration is a violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and may attract penalties of up to ₹5 lakh and/or imprisonment for up to six months, depending on the nature of the offence.
Is a Central FSSAI License mandatory for exporting Ayurvedic and herbal food products?Yes. Businesses engaged in the import or export of herbal and Ayurvedic food products are required to obtain an FSSAI Central License.
What is the cost of an FSSAI registration or license for an Ayurvedic food business?
Basic Registration: ₹100 per year
State License: ₹2,000–₹5,000 per year (depending on business category)
Central License: ₹7,500 per year (payable for 1–5 years in advance)
How can an FSSAI license be renewed?Apply for renewal through the FoSCoS portal at least 30–60 days before the license expiry date, along with the applicable renewal fee, to avoid suspension or cancellation.
Are herbal ingredients permitted in FSSAI-licensed food products?Yes. Herbal ingredients are permitted only if they comply with the FSSAI Nutraceutical and Health Supplements Regulations, 2016, and meet all applicable safety and labelling requirements.
While the process of FSSAI registration for Ayurvedic and herbal food products may seem difficult with so many forms, ingredient lists, and turnover slabs, if you know your license type and the necessary documents, it becomes quite simple. The main issues arise only in the form of minor mistakes — such as selecting the right type of Business, or having an incomplete FSMS plan will lead to a lengthy process. In this situation, Silveryeye Certifications proves to be a great assistant.Â
Our team takes care of everything from determining whether one needs a Basic, State, or Central License, to filling out Form B and gathering the required ingredient lists and the rest of the documents needed for FoSCoS. So whether you are a small herbal tea manufacturer who has just started your home business or a nutraceutical exporter needing help with your Central License application, Silveryeye Certifications is here to file all the necessary documents, making FSSAI registration for herbal food products as easy and quick as possible.Â