NADCORP

FPO Mark Certification (Fruit Products Order Certification) in India

Businesses engaged in the manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, import, or export of fruit and vegetable-based products must comply with prescribed food safety and quality standards. Historically, such products were regulated under the Fruit Products Order (FPO), 1955. Today, these standards have largely been integrated into the regulatory framework administered by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Nadcorp Consultancy Services provides complete assistance for FPO Compliance, FSSAI Licensing for Processed Food Products, Fruit & Vegetable Product Registration, Product Approval Support, Food Manufacturing Compliance, License Renewal, and Food Business Regulatory Advisory.

Obtaining the appropriate FSSAI license and complying with applicable FPO-related standards helps businesses demonstrate product quality, safety, hygiene, and regulatory compliance while strengthening consumer confidence and market acceptance.

What is FPO Mark Certification?

FPO stands for Fruit Products Order.

The Fruit Products Order was introduced by the Government of India in 1955 to regulate the quality and safety of processed fruit and vegetable products manufactured and sold in India.

Under the present regulatory framework, separate FPO licensing has largely been subsumed into the FSSAI licensing system. Manufacturers of applicable fruit and vegetable products are required to comply with the relevant food safety, hygiene, manufacturing, and quality standards prescribed by FSSAI.

Products complying with applicable standards may display prescribed regulatory markings and declarations as per prevailing food laws.

Evolution of FPO Certification in India

Earlier Regulatory Framework

Under the Fruit Products Order, manufacturers were required to obtain separate approval for processing fruit and vegetable products.

Present Framework

Following the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006:

• Food safety regulations were consolidated.
• FPO requirements became integrated into FSSAI compliance.
• Food manufacturers now obtain FSSAI licenses instead of separate FPO licenses.
• Product quality, hygiene, labeling, and manufacturing standards continue to be monitored through FSSAI regulations.

This streamlined approach has simplified compliance while maintaining food safety standards.

Why is FPO Compliance Important?

Compliance with FPO-related standards remains critical for businesses involved in processed fruit and vegetable products.

Food Safety Assurance

Ensures products are manufactured under hygienic and controlled conditions.

Consumer Confidence

Builds trust among customers regarding product quality and safety.

Legal Compliance

Helps businesses comply with FSSAI regulations governing processed foods.

Market Expansion

Facilitates wider acceptance among retailers, distributors, and institutional buyers.

Export Opportunities

Supports businesses seeking access to international markets.

Brand Reputation

Demonstrates commitment to quality manufacturing practices.

Categories of Products Covered Under FPO Standards

FPO-related standards apply to various processed fruit and vegetable products.

Fruit-Based Products

• Jams
• Jellies
• Marmalades
• Fruit Preserves
• Fruit Concentrates
• Fruit Crushes
• Squashes

Vegetable-Based Products

• Pickles
• Vegetable Preserves
• Chutneys
• Processed Vegetable Products
• Sauces

Beverages

• Fruit Juices
• Fruit Drinks
• Syrups
• Cordials
• Fruit-Based Beverages

Canned & Frozen Products

• Canned Fruits
• Frozen Fruits
• Canned Vegetables
• Frozen Vegetables
• Fruit Pulps

Dehydrated Products

• Dried Fruits
• Dehydrated Vegetables
• Fruit Powders
• Vegetable Powders

Related Food Products

• Tomato Ketchup
• Tomato Sauce
• Fruit Cereal Products
• Vinegar
• Processed Fruit Ingredients

Products Commonly Requiring FPO-Related Compliance

Examples include:

Fruit-Based Products

• Fruit Juices
• Fruit Squashes
• Fruit Syrups
• Fruit Crushes
• Cordials
• Fruit Pulps

Preserved Products

• Jams
• Jellies
• Marmalades
• Preserves

Vegetable Products

• Pickles
• Chutneys
• Sauces
• Tomato Products

Processed Foods

• Frozen Fruits
• Frozen Vegetables
• Canned Products
• Dehydrated Products

Businesses should periodically review updated FSSAI product standards applicable to their product categories.

Who Needs FPO Compliance?

The following entities generally require compliance with FSSAI standards governing processed fruit and vegetable products.

Manufacturers

• Fruit Processing Units
• Beverage Manufacturers
• Pickle Manufacturers
• Sauce Manufacturers
• Jam & Jelly Manufacturers

Storage Facilities

• Food Warehouses
• Cold Storage Units
• Distribution Centers

Importers & Exporters

• Fruit Product Importers
• Vegetable Product Exporters
• Food Processing Export Houses

Online Food Businesses

• E-commerce Food Sellers
• D2C Food Brands
• Marketplace Vendors

Traders & Distributors

• Wholesalers
• Retail Chains
• Food Distributors

Eligibility Criteria

To comply with FPO-related requirements and obtain the necessary FSSAI authorization, businesses should generally meet the following conditions:

Valid Business Registration

The entity should be legally established as:

• Proprietorship
• Partnership Firm
• LLP
• Company

FSSAI License

A valid FSSAI Registration or License is generally mandatory.

Hygienic Manufacturing Facility

Production premises should comply with food safety and sanitation requirements.

Quality Control Measures

Appropriate systems should exist for testing and monitoring product quality.

Regulatory Compliance

Proper labeling, packaging, and record maintenance practices should be followed.

Documents Required for FPO Compliance Registration

Business Documents

• Certificate of Incorporation / Registration
• PAN Card
• GST Registration Certificate
• Partnership Deed / LLP Agreement (if applicable)

FSSAI Documents

• Existing FSSAI Registration or License
• Food Business Details
• Product Category Details

Manufacturing Documents

• Manufacturing Process Flow Chart
• Product Formulations
• Machinery Details
• Production Capacity Details

Quality Documents

• Laboratory Test Reports
• Quality Control Plan
• Product Specifications
• Raw Material Details

Facility Documents

• Factory Layout Plan
• Premises Ownership Proof / Rent Agreement
• Utility Bills

Additional Documents

• Bank Account Details
• Trademark Registration (if available)
• Employee Health Records (recommended)
• Pollution NOC (where applicable)

Infrastructure Requirements

Businesses should maintain adequate infrastructure before seeking compliance approvals.

Hygienic Production Facility

• Clean manufacturing environment
• Proper ventilation
• Food-grade equipment

Trained Workforce

Personnel trained in food safety and hygiene.

Testing Facilities

Access to NABL-accredited or approved food testing laboratories.

Storage Arrangements

Proper storage for raw materials and finished goods.

Quality Control System

Documented quality management procedures.

Packaging Facilities

Food-grade packaging and labeling systems.

Record Maintenance

Batch-wise production and quality records.

Step-by-Step FPO Compliance Process

Step 1: Eligibility Assessment

Review product category and applicable food standards.

Step 2: Documentation Preparation

Prepare business, manufacturing, and quality documents.

Step 3: FSSAI License Application

Obtain or update the applicable FSSAI License.

Step 4: Product Testing

Conduct laboratory testing through accredited laboratories.

Step 5: Application Submission

Submit required applications and supporting documentation.

Step 6: Inspection & Verification

Authorities may inspect manufacturing facilities.

Step 7: Quality Assessment

Review of production processes, testing reports, and compliance records.

Step 8: Approval & Authorization

Upon successful verification, the business may proceed with production and labeling in accordance with applicable regulations.

Government Fees

FSSAI License Fees

Government fees depend upon:

• License Category
• Turnover
• Product Type
• Manufacturing Capacity

Additional Costs

• Laboratory Testing Charges
• Inspection Fees (where applicable)
• Product Analysis Charges

Applicants should verify current government fee structures before filing applications.

Timeline for Approval

Activity	Approximate Timeline
Documentation Preparation	3–7 Days
FSSAI Filing	1–3 Days
Product Testing	7–15 Days
Inspection (if applicable)	7–30 Days
Approval Process	15–45 Days

Estimated Overall Timeline

Generally, 30–60 working days, depending on product complexity, testing requirements, and regulatory scrutiny.

Post-Approval Compliance Requirements

Businesses must maintain continuous compliance after obtaining approval.

Hygiene & Sanitation

Maintain clean production and storage facilities.

Product Testing

Conduct periodic quality testing.

Documentation Maintenance

Preserve production, procurement, and testing records.

Labeling Compliance

Ensure packaging and labels meet regulatory requirements.

Staff Training

Provide ongoing food safety training.

Regulatory Inspections

Cooperate with inspections conducted by authorities.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with applicable food regulations may result in:

Monetary Penalties

Financial penalties under food safety laws.

Product Recall

Authorities may order product withdrawal from the market.

Suspension of License

Temporary suspension of business operations.

Cancellation of License

Serious violations may lead to cancellation of FSSAI authorization.

Legal Proceedings

Prosecution under applicable food safety regulations.

FPO Mark vs FSSAI License

Particulars	FPO Standards	FSSAI License
Regulatory Objective	Quality & Product Standards	Food Safety & Legal Compliance
Current Status	Integrated into FSSAI Framework	Mandatory Food License
Governing Authority	Historically FPO Authorities	FSSAI
Applicability	Processed Fruit & Vegetable Products	All Food Businesses
Compliance Focus	Product Quality & Manufacturing Standards	Food Safety, Hygiene & Labeling

Important Note

Today, businesses generally obtain an FSSAI License while complying with FPO-related standards applicable to processed fruit and vegetable products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the FPO Mark?

The FPO Mark refers to standards originally prescribed under the Fruit Products Order for processed fruit and vegetable products.

Is a separate FPO License still issued?

No. FPO requirements are now largely integrated into the FSSAI licensing framework.

Is FSSAI License mandatory?

Yes. Food businesses generally require an appropriate FSSAI Registration or License.

Which products fall under FPO-related standards?

Fruit juices, jams, jellies, pickles, sauces, squashes, canned products, frozen products, and various processed fruit and vegetable products.

Can small manufacturers apply?

Yes. Small-scale and home-based food businesses can obtain the required FSSAI registration subject to eligibility.

Is laboratory testing required?

Yes. Product testing is generally required for compliance and quality verification.

How long does approval take?

Typically 30–60 days depending on documentation and inspection requirements.

Is FPO compliance useful for exports?

Yes. Compliance with food safety and quality standards supports export readiness.

Can online food sellers require compliance?

Yes. Online sellers of processed food products must comply with applicable food regulations.

What happens if food standards are violated?

Businesses may face penalties, suspension, cancellation of licenses, product recalls, and legal action.