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FSSAI announces new regulatory framework for ONDC regarding compliance
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Tuesday, 07 April, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi
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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced a new regulatory framework specifically for the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) regarding ‘compliance obligations'.
Effective from April 1, 2026, these guidelines clarify the legal obligations of ‘Buyer Apps and Seller Apps’ in a decentralised e-commerce ecosystem.
As Per the order, ‘Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)’, an initiative of the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), recently came up with a decentralised and open network model. In this model, a single transaction involves multiple entities, such as buyer-side platforms (called Buyer Apps) and seller-side platforms (called Seller Apps).
Under traditional e-commerce models, a single platform manages the entire transaction. However, the ONDC model splits these roles. To address this complexity, FSSAI’s new mandate creates a clear demarcation of liabilities:
As per FSSAI order ‘Seller Apps’ will be responsible for the accuracy of food information, providing clear images of the 'principal display panel’, and ensuring that manufacturers or brand owners are FSSAI-compliant.
Buyer Apps were tasked with the public-facing side, including the display of licences, hygiene ratings, and nutritional information. They must also provide digital tracking for consumer grievances and ensure no expired products are listed.
A key highlight of the directive is the traceability requirement. FSSAI has updated its FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) to capture specific data regarding both the buyer and seller applications involved in a single order. Furthermore, both entities are now required to hold a Central FSSAI licence.
Also, the regulations reinforce strict shelf-life standards wherein any packaged food delivered must have at least 30% of its shelf life or 45 days remaining. For restaurant orders, only fresh food delivery is permitted.
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