How to Start a Namkeen and Masala Packing Business at Home
Registrations (with the FSSAI limits that changed in April 2026), the two machines you need, pouches and labels, a pricing example and where to sell.
Step 1 – registrations you need
| Registration | Who needs it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FSSAI | Every food business | From 1 April 2026, Basic Registration covers turnover up to ₹1.5 crore; a State Licence is needed from ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore, and a Central Licence above that. Apply on the FSSAI FoSCoS portal. |
| Udyam (MSME) | Optional, recommended | Free online registration; useful for bank loans and schemes. |
| GST | Above the turnover threshold, or when selling on marketplaces | Many marketplaces ask for GSTIN; check the current rules for your case. |
| Shop / trade licence | As per your state and municipality | Rules vary by city. |
Rules change. The FSSAI limits above were revised with effect from 1 April 2026; confirm the current position on the FSSAI website or with a consultant before you apply.
Buy online – Impulse Sealer · Standard, 2-year warranty
8 to 24 inch · + 18% GST · free delivery across India
8 inch (200 mm) – Standard₹1,348 + GST 
10 inch (250 mm) – Standard₹1,573 + GST 
12 inch (300 mm) – Standard₹1,873 + GST 16 inch (400 mm) – Standard₹2,687 + GST 20 inch (500 mm) – Standard₹2,999 + GST 24 inch (600 mm) – Standard₹5,425 + GST Step 2 – machines and cost
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 12 inch impulse sealer (for 200 g–1 kg packs) | ₹1,873 |
| Or 8 inch for 50–200 g masala packs | ₹1,348 |
| Digital scale (10 kg) | ₹1,000–2,000 |
| Printed pouches (first 1,000–2,000) | ₹2,000–6,000 |
| Labels, scoops, trays, storage bins | ₹1,000–3,000 |
Starting from a kitchen or a small room, the machines and first packaging cost roughly ₹6,000–12,000 – raw material and registration fees are extra. Market figures are typical and vary by city.
Step 3 – pouches and labels
- Choose PE-lined pouches that seal on an impulse sealer; metallised pouches need a hot bar sealer – why.
- The label must carry the product name, ingredients, net quantity, MRP, date of packing, best before, FSSAI number, your name and address, and consumer care details.
- Leave space below the seal line for the label; the 2 mm impulse seal keeps the top neat.
- Not sure the pouch will seal? Book a free seal test.
Step 4 – price it right
| Cost per 200 g pack | Example |
|---|---|
| Raw material | ₹30 |
| Pouch + label | ₹4 |
| Electricity, gas, labour (share) | ₹6 |
| Cost | ₹40 |
| Selling price to shops | ₹55–60 |
| MRP on pack | ₹70 |
These are illustration figures; use your real costs. Keep a margin for the shopkeeper between your price and the MRP.
Step 5 – where to sell
- Local kirana and sweet shops – start with 10–20 shops near you.
- Weekly markets, fairs and housing societies.
- WhatsApp catalogue to friends and resident groups.
- Online marketplaces once you have FSSAI, GST and good packaging – see e-commerce packing.
- Corporate and festival gift packs.
Grow the packing line
When you pack more than about 300 pouches a day, move to the Heavy Duty 12 inch; when bags queue for the sealer, look at a continuous band sealer. More ideas in packing machine for small business and the namkeen packet sealing guide.
Buy online – Heavy Duty Impulse Sealer · 5-year warranty
Heavier build for all-day use · ₹1,000 more than Standard at every size
8 inch (200 mm) – Heavy Duty₹2,348 + GST 10 inch (250 mm) – Heavy Duty₹2,573 + GST 
12 inch (300 mm) – Heavy Duty₹2,873 + GST 16 inch (400 mm) – Heavy Duty₹3,687 + GST 20 inch (500 mm) – Heavy Duty₹3,999 + GST 24 inch (600 mm) – Heavy Duty₹6,425 + GST Questions we are asked about this
Do I need an FSSAI licence to sell namkeen from home?
Yes, at least FSSAI Basic Registration. From 1 April 2026 it covers businesses with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore.
How much does it cost to start a namkeen packing business?
Machines and first packaging cost roughly ₹6,000 to ₹12,000; raw material and fees are extra.
Which machine do I need for namkeen packing?
A weighing scale and a hand impulse sealer – the 12 inch for 200 g to 1 kg packs.
What must the label show?
Product name, ingredients, net quantity, MRP, packing date, best before, FSSAI number, your name and address, and consumer care details.
Do I need GST to start?
Not always, but marketplaces usually ask for a GSTIN. Check the current threshold for your turnover and sales channels.
Where should I sell first?
Start with 10 to 20 local kirana and sweet shops, then add WhatsApp orders, fairs and online marketplaces.