Starting a food business in India or launching your product?
One of the most crucial decisions you’ll face is understanding what kind of license do you actually need, whether you need a Relabeller License or a Manufacturing License. This choice can significantly impact your business model, investment requirements, and regulatory compliance journey.
In this piece of article I will try to cover relabeller license and food manufacturing license specifically, so that you won’t get too much to can’t take. For other regulatory details you can check our blog page or service page on shauryam’s official site.
Let me break down these two licensing pathways and help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Fundamental Difference
The distinction between these two licenses comes down to one simple question: Are you making the product yourself, or is someone else making it for you?
What is a Manufacturing License?
FSSAI Manufacturing License is a mandatory permit from India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) required for any business involved in making, processing, or packaging food products, ensuring they meet strict hygiene and quality standards for public safety, with different tiers (Basic, State, Central) based on turnover and operational scale, and it’s represented by a unique 14-digit number on food packaging.
A manufacturing license is required when you own and operate your own production facility. This means you have:
- Your own factory or processing unit
- Complete control over the manufacturing process
- Direct responsibility for quality control and production standards
- Infrastructure investment in machinery, equipment, and facilities
Think of this as the traditional approach where you’re physically creating products from raw materials in your own facility.
What is a FSSAI Relabeller License?
A license under the particular “Relabeller” Kind of Business (KoB) on the FoSCoS platform is required for brand owners who get food products from a third-party manufacturer and sell it under their own brand name, making them “deemed manufacturers” accountable for the product’s safety. By connecting their brand’s information with the manufacturer’s on the product label, this license guarantees brand owners maintain hygienic practices, correct labeling, and traceability.
A relabeller license (also called a brand owner or contract manufacturing license) is perfect for entrepreneurs who want to sell products under their own brand name without investing in manufacturing infrastructure.
Here’s how it works:
- You develop your brand and product concept
- You partner with a licensed third-party manufacturer to produce your products
- The manufacturer makes the product according to your specifications
- You sell these products under your own brand label
The FSSAI treats relabellers as “deemed manufacturers,” meaning you’re fully responsible for product safety and compliance even though you don’t physically manufacture the product.
This model is increasingly popular for:
- White-label products
- Private-label brands
- Contract manufacturing arrangements
- Startups with limited capital
- Brands focusing on marketing rather than production
Which License Do You Need?
Ask yourself these questions after getting through the above given explaination of relabeller and manufacturer license:
Choose a Manufacturing License if:
- You want complete control over the production process
- You have capital to invest in facilities and equipment
- You plan to manufacture at scale
- You have technical expertise in food processing
- You want to potentially manufacture for other brands later
Choose a Relabeller License if:
- You want to minimize initial investment
- You’re focusing on brand building and marketing
- You want to test the market before heavy infrastructure investment
- You prefer partnering with established manufacturers
- You want flexibility to switch products or manufacturers
The Compliance Challenge: Why Expert Help Matters
Both licenses come with complex regulatory requirements. The FSSAI has strict documentation, labeling, and compliance standards that can be overwhelming for the food entrepreneurs and for the new food business owners.
Common challenges include:
- Handling the FoSCoS portal
- Understanding product categorization
- Ensuring label compliance
- Meeting documentation requirements
- Managing renewals and modifications
- Handling product approvals
This is where Expert Regulatory Consultants become invaluable for your food businesses.
How Shauryam Solutions Simplifies Your Licensing Journey
With over more than 10 years of experience in FSSAI, nutraceuticals, Ayurveda, and cosmetics regulatory compliance, Shauryam Solutions Private Limited has helped countless entrepreneurs managing the licensing maze successfully in no time and running their food business very effectively.
Comprehensive Services for Both License Types
For Relabeller Licenses:
- Complete application preparation and submission
- Contract manufacturer evaluation and coordination
- Label design compliance review
- Product formulation validation
- FoSCoS portal navigation support
For Manufacturing Licenses:
- Facility compliance assessment
- Documentation preparation
- Product approval guidance
- Quality system setup advisory
- Inspection preparation support
Beyond Just FSSAI Licensing
Shauryam Solutions offers a complete regulatory ecosystem:
- Product Development: Formulation review and validation
- Import Support: Clearances and approvals for imported products
- Legal Advisory: Adjudication and legal compliance guidance
- Ongoing Compliance: Annual returns, lab testing, and renewals
- Label Services: Complete label compliance with latest regulations
- Third-Party Audits: Preparation and support
Why Entrepreneurs Trust Shauryam Solutions
1. Deep Industry Expertise
Established in 2015, the team brings nearly a decade of hands-on experience with FSSAI, CDSCO, and Legal Metrology regulations.
2. Techno-Legal Approach
The in-house team combines technical knowledge with legal expertise, ensuring your business stays compliant on all fronts.
3. Multi-Industry Coverage
Whether you’re launching food products, health supplements, nutraceuticals, Ayurvedic formulations, or cosmetics, they have you covered.
4. Personalized Solutions
Every business is unique. Shauryam provides tailored solutions with attention to detail, not one-size-fits-all approaches.
5. Timely Updates
Regulatory landscapes change constantly. Their team keeps you informed about new requirements and guideline updates.
6. Proven Track Record
Positive client testimonials highlight their professional service delivery and successful licensing outcomes across various sectors.
Making Your Decision
The choice between a relabeller and manufacturing license isn’t just about regulatory compliance, it’s a strategic business decision that affects your capital requirements, operational model, and growth trajectory.
Many successful brands start with relabeller licenses to validate their market before investing in manufacturing infrastructure. Others find that owning manufacturing gives them the control and margins they need to compete effectively.
Whatever path you choose, having expert guidance makes all the difference. The regulatory process doesn’t have to be intimidating when you have experienced professionals by your side.
Can I start selling products without an FSSAI license?
How long does it take to get a relabeller or manufacturing license?
Can I have multiple manufacturers under one relabeller license?
What's the difference between FSSAI Registration, State License, and Central License?
Do I need separate licenses for different product categories?
What happens if my product label doesn't comply with FSSAI regulations?
Can I change from a relabeller to a manufacturer (or vice versa) later?
Are there any recurring compliance requirements after getting the license?
Do I need import licenses if my relabeller manufacturer imports ingredients?
How much does it cost to get a relabeller or manufacturing license?
Ready to Start Your Food Business Journey?
Don’t let licensing confusion delay your entrepreneurial dreams. Whether you need a relabeller license or a manufacturing license, understanding your options and getting expert support is the first step toward building a compliant, successful food business.
Shauryam Solutions Private Limited offers the expertise, experience, and comprehensive support you need to navigate FSSAI licensing confidently and efficiently.
Final Words:
While a Manufacturing License (FSSAI) permits a facility to manufacture food, a Relabeller License is for businesses that brand food from third-party manufacturers (deemed manufacturers). Relabellers require their manufacturer’s license details for their own license application on FoSCoS, guaranteeing safety and compliance by linking brand owner to production unit. If you are a brand owner getting food manufactured by others, you will require a relabeller license. The manufacturer must have their own FSSAI license, and you will apply for your relabeller license through FoSCoS at your head office or seek a expert regulatory compliance consultant like Shauryam Solutions, citing the manufacturer.
Get Expert Guidance Today
Managing FSSAI regulations doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your existing food business, having the right regulatory partner makes all the difference.
Have more questions about which license is right for your business?
Drop a mail on (regulatory@shauryam.co.in) or reach out to regulatory experts who can guide you through the process via call (+91-9958545464).
Ready to launch your compliant food business?
Connect with Shauryam Solutions Private Limited for expert regulatory support.
