Checklist against FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations 2020 — tick off each item as you verify it on your label artwork
Important: This checklist is for guidance only and is based on FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations 2020. Regulations are updated periodically. Always verify your final label artwork with an FSSAI-registered food safety consultant or legal advisor before commercial production.
Product Profile
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Check off each item as you verify it on your label artwork.
1. Product Identity
Name of FoodThe generic/common name of the food prominently displayed. Must not be misleading about the nature or composition of the product. E.g. "Roasted Peanuts" not just "Peanut Snack".
Required
List of IngredientsAll ingredients listed in descending order of weight at the time of manufacture. Compound ingredients (≥25% of final product) must list their sub-ingredients. Characterising ingredients must show their percentage. Heading must read "Ingredients:" or "Ingredients List:".
Required
Allergen DeclarationAllergens present — wheat/gluten, milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, fish, crustaceans, sesame — must be listed in the ingredients list AND called out separately in bold: "Contains: Wheat, Milk". Font must be distinct (bold or different colour) from the rest of the ingredients list.
Conditional
Veg / Non-Veg SymbolMandatory for all pre-packaged food. Green filled circle in a green square border = Vegetarian. Brown/dark red filled circle in brown square border = Non-Vegetarian. Egg products use a yellow circle with brown border (Eggetarian). Minimum 3mm diameter. Must appear on the same panel as the product name.
Required
Organic Certification Logo & ClaimProducts claiming "Organic" must display the India Organic logo (issued by APEDA-accredited certifying body). The certification body name and certificate number must appear on the label. Partial organic ingredient claims must clearly state the percentage of organic ingredients.
Conditional
2. Net Quantity Declaration
Net Quantity in Metric UnitsDeclared as "Net Wt.", "Net Weight", "Net Contents", or "Net Vol." followed by the quantity. Solids: grams (g) or kilograms (kg). Liquids: millilitres (ml) or litres (L). For unit count products, state both count and weight. E.g. "Net Wt. 200g" or "10 Biscuits (100g)".
Required
Net Quantity Font Size (min. 1.5mm for this pack)The net quantity numeral height must meet the minimum for your pack size. Up to 200g/200ml: 1mm min. 200g–1kg or 200ml–1L: 1.5mm min. Above 1kg/1L: 2mm min. Measure the capital letter height (not the typeface point size). Must contrast clearly against background colour.
Required
3. Manufacturer / Packer Details
Manufacturer / Packer Name and Full AddressFull legal name and complete postal address of the manufacturer or packer in India. If manufactured by a co-packer, state "Mfd. by [Co-packer Name & Address] for [Brand Name & Address]". P.O. Box alone is not sufficient — a street address is required.
Required
Importer Name and Address (Imported Products)For imported food, the name and address of the importer in India must appear on the label. This is in addition to the foreign manufacturer's details. The importer's FSSAI license number must also be stated.
Conditional
Country of Origin (Imported Products)The country in which the food was manufactured must appear on the label. E.g. "Country of Origin: USA" or "Product of Thailand". This must appear on the principal display panel or in close proximity to the manufacturer's name.
Conditional
4. FSSAI Compliance
FSSAI License / Registration NumberThe 14-digit FSSAI license or registration number must appear on the label. Format: "FSSAI Lic. No. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX" or "FSSAI Reg. No. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX". Manufacturers with turnover above ₹12L need a license; below that a registration may suffice. The number must be clearly legible.
Required
FSSAI LogoThe FSSAI logo (the fork and spoon design with "FSSAI" text) must appear on the label. Minimum size: 1cm × 1cm for most packages. The logo must not be distorted, stretched, or reproduced in a single colour that makes it illegible. Use only the official logo from the FSSAI website.
Required
Infant / Baby Food Special DeclarationsInfant formula and baby food require additional declarations: recommended age, preparation instructions, warning not to use as a sole diet beyond stated age, and a statement that breastfeeding is recommended. Direct-to-consumer advertising is restricted under the IMS Act. The label must carry all prescribed warnings verbatim per FSS Infant Milk Substitutes Regulations.
Conditional
5. Date Marking & Batch Traceability
Date of ManufactureState "Mfg. Date:", "Manufactured on:", or "Date of Manufacture:" followed by the date in DD/MM/YYYY format. Month and year alone (MM/YYYY) is acceptable for products with shelf life over 3 months. The date must be clearly embossed, printed, or stamped — not on a removable sticker.
Required
Best Before / Use By Date"Best Before:" for products that remain safe but may lose quality after this date. "Use By:" for highly perishable foods where safety is a concern after this date. Format: DD/MM/YYYY. Must state where on the pack to find the date if printed elsewhere, e.g. "Best Before: see base of pack". Do not print on the label if the actual date will be applied separately at manufacture.
Required
Batch / Lot NumberState "Batch No.:", "Lot No.:", or abbreviated "B. No." or "L. No." followed by the batch identifier. The batch number enables recall traceability. It may be coded as an alphanumeric string. For traceability purposes, keep internal records linking batch numbers to raw material suppliers, production dates, and distribution records.
Required
6. Nutritional Information
Nutritional Information PanelMust include per 100g (or per 100ml) AND per serving: Energy (kcal), Total Fat (g), Saturated Fat (g), Trans Fat (g), Total Carbohydrates (g), Total Sugars (g), Added Sugars (g), Protein (g), Sodium (mg). Heading must read "Nutritional Information" or "Nutrition Facts". Serving size must be stated.
Required
Nutritional Info Legibility & FormatThe nutritional information table must be in a tabular format and legible. Minimum font height of 0.9mm for the table content. Values must be per 100g or 100ml (mandatory) plus per serving (recommended). %RDA (Reference Daily Allowance) values are recommended but not mandatory for most products.
Required
Dairy-Specific DeclarationsDairy products must declare fat percentage (e.g. "Fat: 3.5% min"), SNF (Solids Not Fat) where relevant, and type of milk used (toned, double-toned, full-cream, skimmed). Products containing vegetable fat mixed with dairy must clearly state this. "Milk solids" or "recombined" claims require specific disclosures under FSSAI dairy standards.
Conditional
7. Pricing & Customer Information
MRP — Maximum Retail PriceState "Maximum Retail Price: ₹X.XX (Incl. of all taxes)" or "M.R.P.: ₹X.XX (Incl. of all taxes)". The phrase "inclusive of all taxes" or equivalent is mandatory. Must be in a clearly legible font. MRP cannot be overprinted/stickered over a lower price — if MRP changes, print new labels or clearly overprint with the revised price in the same format.
Required
Consumer Care DetailsA customer care number, email address, or postal address for consumer complaints is strongly recommended and required for products making health or nutritional claims. State "Consumer Helpline:" or "For complaints contact:" with a working contact. Large brands (turnover over ₹100 Cr) are required to have a designated consumer grievance officer under the Consumer Protection Act.
Recommended
8. Storage & Usage
Storage InstructionsAny specific storage conditions required to maintain product safety or quality must be stated. E.g. "Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight", "Refrigerate after opening", "Best stored below 25°C". Mandatory where storage conditions affect food safety (e.g. meat, dairy, chilled foods).
Required
Instructions for Use / PreparationRequired for products that need preparation before consumption (instant mixes, concentrates, baby foods, fortified foods). Cooking or preparation instructions must be clear and accurate. For fortified products, directions for use, daily recommended intake, and a statement "not to be used as a substitute for a varied diet" may be required.
Conditional
Recyclability / Disposal Marking (EPR)Under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations for plastic packaging (CPCB guidelines), brands must register and label plastic packaging. The recyclability symbol (Möbius loop) or "Recycle / Do Not Litter" message, along with plastic type identification (e.g. LDPE, PET, HDPE), should appear on plastic packaging. The EPR registration ID should be available for CPCB inspections.
Recommended
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the mandatory declarations on an FSSAI food label?
Under FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations 2020, every pre-packaged food must carry: name of food, list of ingredients in descending order of weight, nutritional information per 100g/100ml and per serving, net quantity in metric units, name and complete address of manufacturer or packer, FSSAI license/registration number, batch/lot number, date of manufacture, best before or use-by date, MRP inclusive of all taxes, and veg/non-veg symbol. Imported products must additionally state country of origin and importer details.
What font size is required for food labels under FSSAI?
FSSAI specifies minimum letter heights based on package size. For packages up to 200g/200ml, the minimum height for most declarations is 1mm. For packages between 200g–1kg or 200ml–1L, it is 1.5mm. For packages above 1kg or 1L, it is 2mm. The net quantity and MRP must be in a clearly legible size — typically 1.5–3mm. All text must contrast clearly with the background. Measure by the capital letter height, not the typeface point size.
How must allergens be declared on Indian food labels?
FSSAI regulations mandate that allergens — cereals containing gluten (wheat, rye, barley, oats), crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk, tree nuts, and sesame — must be listed in the ingredients AND called out separately in bold in a "Contains:" statement. The allergen text must be in a distinct font (bold, larger size, or different colour) that clearly differentiates it from the rest of the ingredients list. Traces and cross-contamination risks should also be declared with a "May Contain:" advisory.
What is the correct format for net quantity on Indian food labels?
Net quantity must be in metric units: grams (g) or kilograms (kg) for solids; millilitres (ml) or litres (L) for liquids. Use the words "Net Wt.", "Net Weight", "Net Contents", or "Net Volume". For unit count products (biscuits, chocolates), declare both count and total weight. Example: "Net Wt. 200g" or "10 pieces (Net Wt. 100g)". The figure must appear on the principal display panel and must not include packaging weight.