Beverage Label Checklist for India: What to Check Before You Print

This checklist is a practical guide, not legal advice. Labelling rules are set by FSSAI and can change, so confirm the current requirements for your product category before printing. Our FSSAI compliance guide covers the regulations in more depth.

Information to include

Packaged beverages in India are generally expected to carry the following. Use it as a starting list and verify each item against current FSSAI rules.

• Name of the product and a description of what it is
• List of ingredients, in descending order of weight
• Nutrition information, per 100ml and per serving
• Allergen declarations where applicable
• Net quantity, in the correct unit
• Name and address of the manufacturer, packer or marketer, as applicable
• FSSAI licence number
• Batch or lot number
• Date of manufacture or packing, and best-before date
• Maximum retail price (MRP), inclusive of all taxes
• Vegetarian or non-vegetarian symbol
• Country of origin, where the product is imported
• Storage instructions and consumer care details

Some products need more: for example, caffeinated drinks carry specific statements, and products making nutrition or health claims have additional requirements.

Claims and wording

Claims are the most common source of trouble. Before you print:

• Check every claim against what FSSAI allows for your product. Words such as "immunity", "detox" or "boosts" can move a label into a regulated category.
• Make sure claims such as "zero sugar" or "no added sugar" match the final formula and lab results.
• Do not use "natural" or "organic" unless you can support it.
• Keep the claim on the pack consistent with your website and ads.

Design and print checks

• Text must be legible at the actual print size. Check minimum character heights for mandatory information.
• Nutrition panel and ingredient list should be easy to find and not hidden under seams, tabs or folds.
• On cans and sleeves, allow for the area lost to seams and curvature, and check where the date and batch code will be printed.
• Proof colours on the real material. A label can look very different on a silver can, a clear bottle or a sleeve.
• Leave room for batch coding, which is usually added at the plant.

A safer process

1. Lock the formula first. Ingredients, sweeteners and claims depend on it.
2. Prepare the label content (text, nutrition panel, ingredients, claims) before design starts.
3. Review for compliance before artwork is finalised.
4. Brief the designer with the legal content and print specifications.
5. Print a small proof run and check it on real packs before ordering the full quantity.

Common reprint causes

• Changing the formula after labels were designed
• Ingredients listed in the wrong order
• Wrong or inconsistent net quantity
• Missing licence number or incorrect manufacturer details
• A health or functional claim that cannot be supported

We prepare the label content with you, review the claims, and arrange label production through partners. See labelling and packaging and FSSAI licensing and compliance.