Meat Shop License

Get your Meat Shop License quickly and hassle-free with our expert support. Ensure your non-veg business stays 100% legal and FSSAI-compliant. We handle the paperwork while you focus on growing your shop. Start today and secure your Meat Shop License in just a few easy steps!

How to Get a Meat Shop License

Starting a meat shop can be a profitable business, especially in areas where fresh meat is in high demand. However, before you can start selling meat, you need to get the right permissions and follow legal requirements. One of the most important things you’ll need is a Meat Shop License. 

What Is a Meat Shop License?

A Meat Shop License is an official permit issued by local or state authorities that allows individuals or businesses to legally sell meat products. This license ensures that your shop meets hygiene standards, follows food safety laws, and sources meat from legal and healthy suppliers.

Running a meat shop without a proper license is illegal and can lead to heavy fines or even closure of your shop.

Meat Shop License

Why Is a Meat Shop License Important?

Getting a meat shop license is not just about following the law. Here’s why it’s crucial for your business:

  • Trust and Credibility: Customers trust licensed shops more. Displaying your license shows that you care about quality and safety.
  • Hygiene and Safety Compliance: The license requires you to maintain cleanliness and follow storage rules, which helps prevent contamination.
  • Avoid Legal Trouble: Operating without a license can result in penalties, lawsuits, or shutdowns.
  • Better Business Opportunities: Licensed shops can easily partner with restaurants, hotels, and online food platforms.

Who Needs a Meat Shop License?

If you are planning to sell meat—whether it’s chicken, mutton, pork, or beef—you need a Meat Shop License. This applies to:

  • Butchers and meat retailers
  • Supermarkets with a meat section
  • Online meat delivery startups
  • Meat processing or cold storage units
  • Even small home-based meat sellers or online vendors must register and get licensed if they are selling regularly.

License require for Meat Shop Registration

To legally run a meat shop, you typically need two key licenses or registrations:

1. Shop and Establishment Registration

This is a mandatory registration under the Shop and Establishment Act governed by state governments in India. It regulates working conditions and ensures that your business complies with local labor laws.

Why it’s needed for a Meat Shop:

  • Legally establishes your shop’s existence
  • Required to open a current business bank account
  • Often asked for in tax registrations, trade licenses, and other applications

Key Requirements:

Proof of address (rent agreement or ownership document)

  • PAN and Aadhaar of the owner
  • Passport-size photo
  • Details of employees (if any)

Timeline:

Usually issued within 7–15 working days, depending on the state
Read More about Shop Act >> 

2. FSSAI Registration or License

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) regulates all food-related businesses in India, including meat shops. Depending on your business scale, you’ll need FSSAI Registration or an FSSAI License.

Why it’s critical for a Meat Shop:

  • Ensures that your shop follows food safety and hygiene standards
  • Mandatory for legally selling any food product
  • Builds trust with customers (you can display the FSSAI logo and number)

Types Food License:

  • Basic Registration: For small meat shops with turnover < ₹12 lakh/year
  • State License: For businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore
  • Central License: For meat exporters or businesses operating in multiple states

Timeline:

  • Basic registration: 7 days
  • State/Central license: 30–60 days

FSSAI License Eligibility Criteria for Meat Processing Units

FSSAI licenses are mandatory for all food businesses, including meat processing units. The type of license you need—Basic Registration, State License, or Central License—depends on your annual turnover, production capacity, and whether you operate in one state or multiple states.

FSSAI Basic Registration

Eligibility:

  • Annual Turnover: Less than ₹12 lakh
  • Small-scale meat processing units or local butchers
  • Home-based meat product makers or sellers

Suitable For:

  • Local meat shops
  • Home-based meat delivery businesses
  • Small meat product packaging units

FSSAI State License

Eligibility:

  • Annual Turnover: Between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore
  • Meat processing unit operating in only one state
  • Daily meat handling/processing up to 500 kg per day

Suitable For:

  • Mid-sized meat processing plants
  • Wholesale meat suppliers operating within one state
  • Branded meat product sellers with physical stores or cold storage

FSSAI Central License

Eligibility:

  • Annual Turnover: Above ₹20 crore
  • Meat processing units handling more than 500 kg per day
  • Units involved in interstate trade, online platforms, or exports
  • Meat importers/exporters or cold chain logistics companies dealing in meat

Suitable For:

  • Large meat processing plants
  • Businesses operating in multiple states
  • Exporters of meat or meat-based products
  • Units supplying meat to restaurants, e-commerce, or cloud kitchens nationwide

Cost of Meat Shop License

FSSAI Basic Registration

2499/-
  • Documents Preparation
  • Application Filing
  • Issuance of FSSAI Certificate

FSSAI State License

6500/ + Govt Fee
  • Documents Preparation
  • Application Filing
  • Issuance of FSSAI Certificate

FSSAI Central License

6500/ + Govt Fee
  • Documents Preparation
  • Application Filing
  • Issuance of FSSAI Certificate

How to Apply for a Meat Shop License

The process of getting a Meat Shop License may vary slightly from state to state or country to country, but the general steps are similar. Here’s a simplified guide:

1. Choose Your Business Type

First, decide how you want to register your business. It can be a sole proprietorship, partnership, private limited company, or LLP. This will affect your paperwork and tax filings.

2. Find a Suitable Location

Health departments inspect your shop’s location before approving a license. Your shop should have:

  • Proper ventilation
  • A drainage system
  • Clean walls and floors
  • Refrigeration facilities
  • Waste disposal arrangements

3. Register Your Business

Before applying for a meat shop license, register your business under local laws. In most countries, this includes:

  • Business registration or incorporation
  • Tax registration (GST, VAT, etc.)
  • Trade license from the municipality

4. Apply for the Meat Shop License

Now, apply for the Meat Shop License with the local health department or food safety authority. In India, for example, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) handles this.

You will usually need to submit:

  • ID and address proof
  • Business registration certificate
  • Shop layout plan
  • Photographs of the premises
  • Proof of meat source (from legal slaughterhouses or farms)
  • NOC from local municipal authorities (if required)

5. Inspection and Approval

Once your application is submitted, officials will inspect your meat shop. They will check cleanliness, hygiene standards, staff health cards, refrigeration units, and how you handle meat.

If everything meets the required standards, your Meat Shop License will be granted—usually within 15 to 30 days.

Renewal and Validity

Most Meat Shop Licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years. You must apply for renewal before the expiry date to avoid penalties. Late renewal can result in fines or temporary suspension.

Renewal is usually simpler than the first-time application, but your shop may still be inspected again.

Get Your Meat Shop License Hassle-Free

Start your meat business legally today! Fast, affordable Meat Shop License registration with expert help. Ensure compliance and grow confidently.