Required Registrations for Food Businesses in Hyderabad
Starting a food business in Hyderabad—a city known for its rich culinary heritage and thriving food scene—can be an exciting venture. Whether you’re opening a cloud kitchen, restaurant, catering unit, home-baking brand, or food delivery startup, you must comply with various registrations for food business to operate legally and build consumer trust.
This guide breaks down all the legal licenses, government approvals, and tax registrations required to run a food business in Hyderabad successfully. From FSSAI to GST, we cover everything with expert tips and real-life examples to help you start the right way.
🍽️ Why Are Registrations Important for Food Businesses?
✅ Mandatory to legally operate a food service or retail outlet
✅ Ensures hygiene, food safety, and consumer confidence
✅ Required to sell on platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, Amazon, etc.
✅ Enables participation in government programs and food exhibitions
✅ Avoids penalties, shutdowns, or product bans
✅ Enhances brand reputation and marketability
👨🍳 Who Needs These Registrations?
This blog is for:
🍴 Restaurants & Cafes
🛵 Cloud Kitchens & Food Delivery Startups
🏠 Home-Based Bakers & Cooks
🍲 Catering Services
🧁 Bakery Shops & Sweet Stores
🛍️ Packaged Food Manufacturers & Retailers
☕ Juice Centers & Food Carts
📋 Essential Registrations for Food Business in Hyderabad
1. FSSAI Registration (Mandatory)
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license is the most crucial for any food business. It ensures your products meet health and hygiene standards.
Types of FSSAI Licenses:
| License Type | Turnover Limit | Applicable To |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Below ₹12 Lakhs/year | Small food businesses, home cooks |
| State License | ₹12 Lakhs – ₹20 Crores/year | Restaurants, medium caterers, delivery kitchens |
| Central License | ₹20+ Crores/year or interstate operations | Large chains, exporters, online aggregators |
Apply via: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in
Documents Required:
Business address proof
ID proof
Kitchen layout or premises documents
Declaration of food safety management plan
2. Trade License (GHMC)
Issued by Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), this is mandatory for any food-related business premises.
Apply via: https://cdma.telangana.gov.in
Needed For:
Restaurants
Food trucks
Bakeries
Sweet shops
Cloud kitchens
Required Documents:
Premises ownership/rent agreement
Kitchen layout plan
Waste disposal plan
Fire safety NOC (if applicable)
3. GST Registration
If your turnover exceeds ₹20 lakhs/year or you supply food online through platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, or Amazon, GST registration is mandatory.
GST Rate for Food Businesses:
| Service | GST Rate |
|---|---|
| AC restaurants | 18% |
| Non-AC restaurants | 5% |
| Takeaway/Delivery | 5% |
| Packaged food items | 5%–18% (depending on product) |
Apply via: https://www.gst.gov.in
4. Shops and Establishment License
Required to operate any commercial food outlet, this license ensures compliance with employee rights and labor laws.
Issued by: Telangana Labour Department
Apply at: https://labour.telangana.gov.in
5. Fire Safety NOC
If your business involves commercial cooking, indoor seating, or electrical appliances like tandoors and gas stoves, a Fire Department NOC is a must.
Issued by: Telangana Fire Services Department
Required for: Restaurants, cafes, banquet kitchens, and large-scale caterers
6. Health and Sanitation Certificate
GHMC and the local health department may inspect your premises and provide a health certificate stating the hygiene level is compliant with norms.
7. Eating House License (for Dine-in Services)
Applicable for restaurants and cafes with dine-in facilities. This license is issued by the City Police Commissioner under local police jurisdiction.
Includes:
CCTV compliance
Staff police verification
Fire safety and hygiene protocols
8. MSME/Udyam Registration (Recommended)
Helpful for small and medium food businesses to access:
Subsidies and bank loans
Participation in food expos
Faster payments under government schemes
Apply at: https://udyamregistration.gov.in
9. Trademark Registration
If you’re launching your own food brand or unique recipe product, protect it by registering:
Brand name
Logo
Packaging design
Apply at: https://ipindia.gov.in
✅ Real-Life Example: “Spice Route Cloud Kitchen – Jubilee Hills”
Registered as LLP in 2021
Got FSSAI State License, Trade License, and Fire NOC
Listed on Swiggy and Zomato with GSTIN
Registered for MSME and trademarked brand name
Now serves over 800 orders/month and expanding via franchise model
💼 Benefits of Proper Registrations
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| ✅ Legal compliance | Avoid fines, shutdowns, and public complaints |
| ✅ Platform eligibility | Get listed on Zomato, Swiggy, Amazon Pantry |
| ✅ Customer trust | Display FSSAI license on menu and packaging |
| ✅ Business funding | MSME and startup incentives |
| ✅ Trademark safety | Prevent brand copying or imitation |
💡 Expert Tips for Food Entrepreneurs
🍽️ Display your FSSAI license number on food packets and invoices
🧼 Maintain daily kitchen hygiene logs to pass health inspections
🧾 Keep detailed tax invoices for GST filings and vendor bills
🔥 Renew Fire NOC and Trade License annually
🚚 For cloud kitchens, set up a noise-free delivery zone to avoid complaints
❓ FAQs – Registrations for Food Business in Hyderabad
Is FSSAI required for home-based bakers?
Yes, even if you’re selling from home or online, you need a basic FSSAI license.
Do I need GST if I sell only on Instagram?
Not unless your turnover crosses ₹20 lakhs—but it’s required for platforms like Zomato or Amazon.
What’s the penalty for not having an FSSAI license?
Up to ₹5 lakh in fines and possible business closure.
How long does it take to get FSSAI license?
7–30 days depending on the type of license.
Can I apply for MSME if I’m a home-based food business?
Yes, MSME/Udyam is open to all small food entrepreneurs.
📊 Industry Insight
Hyderabad has over 35,000+ food businesses operating across sectors
Online food delivery grew by 40% YoY in 2023
Consumers trust brands that display FSSAI and hygiene ratings
🔗 Helpful Internal Links
🏁 Conclusion
Running a food business in Hyderabad is full of opportunities, but only if you’re legally compliant. From licensing and safety to tax and branding, the right registrations for food business will protect your venture, attract customers, and fuel growth.
✅ Let Us Help You Set Up Your Food Business Legally!
Invention Tax Solutions offers expert assistance in:
FSSAI License
Trade License
GST Registration
MSME Registration
Trademark Filing
📞 Call Now: 7993132530
🌐 Visit: inventiontax.in