Food & Agritech

Any entity involved in the manufacture, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, or sale of food products in India must obtain an FSSAI licence or registration. FSSAI registration is required for small businesses (turnover up to Rs. 12 lakh). An FSSAI state licence is required for medium businesses (turnover between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore). An FSSAI central licence is required for large businesses (turnover above Rs. 20 crore), importers, and businesses operating across multiple states. Additional requirements include compliance with food safety standards, labelling regulations under the Legal Metrology Act and FSSAI labelling rules, and advertising restrictions on health and nutrition claims. Cloud kitchens, food delivery platforms, and food aggregators also need FSSAI licensing.

Agritech companies face sector-specific regulations depending on their product. If the product involves AI or data analytics for agriculture, data privacy compliance applies to any personal data collected from farmers or users. If the product involves drones or UAVs, DGCA regulations on drone operations apply. If the product involves seed, pesticide, or fertiliser recommendations, sector-specific regulations under the Seeds Act, Insecticides Act, or Fertiliser Control Order may be relevant. If the product involves organic certification or GI-tagged products, specific certification and labelling requirements apply. IP protection for agritech innovations may involve patents (for novel processes or devices), plant variety protection, trade secrets, and trademarks.

Yes, if the product’s quality, reputation, or characteristics are attributable to its geographical origin. India has a robust GI registration framework under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. Registered GIs include Darjeeling tea, Basmati rice, Alphonso mangoes, and many others. Registration can only be applied for by an association of persons or producers, not by an individual. GI registration provides collective protection, preventing others from using the geographical name for products not originating from the designated region. We advise producer groups and industry bodies on GI identification, registration, and enforcement.