In a significant step towards digital governance and streamlined regulatory processes, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has further strengthened its Electronic Product and Claim Approval Application System (ePAAS) initiative to facilitate faster, more transparent, and digitally enabled product approval processes across the food sector.
The ePAAS platform serves as a centralized digital interface that enables Food Business Operators (FBOs) to submit applications, make fee payments, and monitor application status through a single-window online system. The initiative is designed to simplify regulatory engagement, improve transparency, and support Ease of Doing Business for food manufacturers, processors, startups, and MSMEs.
The platform supports applications relating to non-specified foods and ingredients, novel ingredients, health and product claims, fortified foods, Foods for Special Medical Purpose (FSMP), vegan food endorsements, and Ayurveda Aahara. By integrating these services through a unified digital platform, FSSAI aims to create a more efficient and predictable approval ecosystem for the industry.
The Chamber for Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses (CASMB) has welcomed this progressive initiative and appreciated the efforts of FSSAI Chairperson Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, IAS, and Chief Executive Officer Shri Rajit Punhani, IAS, for advancing technology-driven reforms that strengthen India’s food regulatory framework.
Mr. Nilesh Lele, President, CASMB, said:
“We encourage Food Business Operators across the country to actively leverage the ePAAS platform for their product and claim approval requirements. The initiative reflects FSSAI’s commitment to improving transparency, efficiency, and Ease of Doing Business while enabling industry growth.”
Dr. Prabodh Halde, Chairman, CASMB, stated:
“CASMB appreciates the vision and leadership of FSSAI in promoting digital transformation within the food sector. We are committed to helping businesses understand and effectively utilize the ePAAS platform. To support this objective, CASMB will soon organize a focused One-Day Decoding of ePAAS Programme for industry stakeholders.”
Mr. Umesh Kamble, Founder & Director, Farm2Fork Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and Director, CASMB, said:
“The ePAAS initiative represents a significant step towards building a more innovation-driven, transparent, and globally competitive food ecosystem. For startups, MSMEs, nutraceutical companies, and emerging food brands, access to a digitally enabled approval framework can substantially simplify compliance processes and accelerate product commercialization. We appreciate FSSAI’s efforts in leveraging technology to strengthen regulatory systems and support the growth of India’s food processing, nutraceutical, and value-added food sectors.”
The significance of this initiative had been highlighted earlier at the CASMB Foundation Day programme held on March 17, 2026, where Dr. Alka Rao, Advisor, FSSAI, presented the concept and benefits of the single-window digital approval ecosystem before more than 200 industry representatives. The continued strengthening of ePAAS reflects the regulatory roadmap discussed during that interaction.
For India’s vast MSME food ecosystem, the initiative offers significant benefits including simplified regulatory engagement, improved transparency, faster processing, digital tracking of applications, and enhanced accessibility to approval-related services through a unified platform.
The upcoming CASMB One-Day Decoding of ePAAS Programme will provide practical guidance on portal navigation, documentation requirements, fee structures, application procedures, and regulatory expectations. Programme dates and registration details will be announced shortly through CASMB’s official communication channels.
About CASMB
The Chamber for Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses (CASMB) is a leading industry body dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship, policy advocacy, industry collaboration, and capacity building for MSMEs across Maharashtra and India. The organization works to bridge the gap between businesses, policymakers, regulators, and markets to foster sustainable economic growth.