DFTQC Registration – Reliable Bizz Solutions

Step-by-Step Process for Food Product Registration and Obtaining a DFTQC Number

The food product registration certificate comprises the DFTQC number and it confirms that the food product has been examined and found fit as per the Food Act, 2023 (1966) and Food Rules, 2027 (1970) of Nepal regarding the food safety and quality.

In Nepal the process of registering a food or beverage product and receiving a Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) number is a structuring process maintained by the DFTQC which is under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.

If you are planning to start a food-based business in Nepal, this guide will help you understand the DFTQC registration process, the DFTQC license process, required documents, costs, timeline, and how to use the DFTQC login portal.

What is DFTQC?

The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) is Nepal’s central food safety authority, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. It regulates food business licensing, food product registration, safety and hygiene inspections, laboratory testing, quality control and certification, and consumer protection related to food. DFTQC enforces the Food Act, 2023 (1966), Food Rules, 2027 (1970), and new directives such as the Food Safety and Quality Act 2024.

What is a DFTQC Number?

A DFTQC number is the official identification code given after your food product passes safety tests, labeling verification, ingredient review, and compliance checks. It appears on the DFTQC Registration Certificate and confirms that your food product is legally approved for sale in Nepal.

DFTQC Registration Process (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Name Your Business:

Prior to the registration of a food product, your business must be registered legally with the Office of Company Registrar (OCR) limited company or as sole proprietorship, partnership depending on the nature of your business.
Otherwise, small scale business may be registered as a Gharelu (cottage industry) with the Department of Small Industries.
Register with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to get a Permanent Account Number (PAN) or Value Added Tax (VAT) certificate.
The local ward or municipality office should be registered at to get any local permits needed.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Documents	Description
Business Registration	Certificate from the Office of Company Registrar (OCR) or Department of Small Industries (for Gharelu/cottage industries).
Tax Registration	Permanent Account Number (PAN) or Value Added Tax (VAT) certificate from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
Application Form	Completed DFTQC product registration form (available at DFTQC office or online at www.dftqc.gov.np or http://lims.dftqc.gov.np/register).
Product Specifications	Detailed description of the product, including ingredients, manufacturing process, packaging materials, and storage conditions.
Product Label	Label design complying with Nepal’s Food Rules, 2027 (1970), including product name, ingredients list, net weight, batch number, manufacturing/expiry dates, nutritional info, and mandatory Nepali/English text.
Quality Control Documents	Evidence of compliance with standards like HACCP, GMP, or other quality assurance measures (if applicable).
Product Samples	Samples of the food product for laboratory testing by DFTQC.
Citizenship Certificate	Copy of the applicant’s citizenship certificate (for individual proprietors).
Local Permits	Trade license or permits from the local municipality or ward office.
Additional Documents (if applicable)	– For imported products: Certificate of origin, free sale certificate from the country of manufacture. – For alcoholic beverages: Additional licenses from the Department of Revenue. – For organic products: Certification from authorized bodies.
Miscellaneous	Application letter with NPR 10 postal ticket (for manual submissions).

Step 3: Application to DFTQC:

File the application and documents at the main office of the DFTQC in Babarmahal, Kathmandu; or at one of the regional offices of the DFTQC (e.g., in Biratnagar, Janakpur, Hetauda, Bhairahawa, Nepalganj, Dhangadhi, Pokhara or Surkhet); or submit the application and documents online via the online portal of the DFTQC to enjoy a paperless process.
Make sure you have filled all the documents fully and correctly to eliminate delays. To increase the chances of adhering to the regulations in Nepal, it is possible to seek the advice of an expert in laws or business who is conversant with the regulations in the country.

Step 4: Product Testing and Verification:

The DFTQC will analyze your application and might examine samples of your product in the laboratory to make sure that it meets safety and quality requirements, including those set out in the Food Act and in the guidelines.
They can test the presence of contaminants, amounts of trans fats, heavy metals, or other safety-related parameters.
The DFTQC can also visit your production site to check whether there is adherence to the hygiene and quality control requirements.

Step 5: Get DFTQC Registration Certificate:

On passing the review and testing, the DFTQC will provide a registration certificate of the food product, which will contain the DFTQC number of your product.This number will ensure that your product is clear to be sold and distributed in Nepal.
It is important to notice that this registration is product-specific, so a new product should be registered individually.
This normally takes a duration of 2-8 weeks, based on simplicity of the product and the neatness of your application.

Step 6: Post-Registration Compliance:

Uphold continuing observance of DFTQC standards, namely:
Renewal of registration certificate (needed annually or every 1.5 years, depending on a product type). Initiate the process of renewal a month before expiration.
Consistent testing of products to guarantee maintenance of quality and safety.
Compliance with labeling, hygiene, and packaging requirements (e.g., whether food-grade materials are used and whether all label requirements are present).
Compliance checks by DFTQC officials on a periodical basis.
Instant communication to DFTQC about any alteration to the product, i.e., new ingredients or new packaging.
Lack of compliance can lead to fines, recall of their products, or deregistration.

Registration and Other Fees

Category	Details
Food Product Registration	Approximate cost: NPR 5,000–15,000 per product (varies by product complexity, e.g., simple vs. complex items like dietary supplements or alcoholic beverages). Exact fees should be confirmed with DFTQC.
Laboratory Testing Fees	NPR 2,000–10,000 per product, depending on tests required (e.g., microbiological, chemical, or contaminant analysis). Additional tests may incur higher costs.
License Renewal Fees	NPR 3,000–10,000 annually (varies by product category). Renewal is typically required every 1–5 years, depending on the product.
Inspection Fees	May be included in registration fees or charged separately (NPR 1,000–5,000) for facility inspections, if required.
Additional Costs	– Consultancy fees (optional): NPR 10,000–50,000 if hiring a legal or business consultant. – Miscellaneous: NPR 500–2,000 (e.g., for postal tickets or document processing).

Notes:

DFTQC number is not a standalone entity rather it is a constituent of registration certificate. It is an evidence of the conformity to the food safety and quality of Nepal.
File documents in person at the central office of DFTQC (Babarmahal, Kathmandu), in regional offices, or through the online portal (http://lims.dftqc.gov.np). Make sure that all the documents are filled to prevent delays.
Check with the DFTQC the latest requirements because regulations are subject to change.
To get additional help, either refer to DFTQC itself or contact Reliable Bizz Solution.
The registration process typically takes 2–8 weeks, depending on product complexity and documentation accuracy.
The fees listed are approximate and based on general industry practices. Exact fees depend on the product type and testing requirements. Always verify with the DFTQC office in Babarmahal, Kathmandu, or regional offices (e.g., Biratnagar, Pokhara) for the latest fee structure.

Why DFTQC Registration & License Matter

DFTQC registration and licensing are important for multiple reasons:

Legal compliance with national food safety laws
Increased consumer trust and brand credibility
Assurance of food safety, hygiene, and quality
Required for large retail sales, institutional buyers, and exports
Reduces risk of penalties, product seizure, or business closure

DFTQC Login & Online Portal Use

The DFTQC online system makes registration and licensing more convenient. Through the DFTQC login at http://lims.dftqc.gov.np, businesses can:

Create an account and manage their profile
Submit product registration applications
Apply for or renew DFTQC licenses
Upload and update documents
Track the status of applications and approvals

Using the portal can save time, minimize paper-based submissions, and give better visibility into the DFTQC registration process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is DFTQC in Nepal?

The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) is the national authority responsible for regulating food safety, hygiene, and quality in Nepal. It operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and implements laws such as the Food Act, 2023 (1966) and Food Rules, 2027 (1970).

2. What is a DFTQC number?

A DFTQC number is a unique identification code assigned to a food product once it has been tested and approved by DFTQC. It appears on the product registration certificate and confirms that the product complies with Nepali food safety and quality standards.

3. Is DFTQC registration mandatory for all food products?

Yes, DFTQC registration is mandatory for most packaged food and beverage products produced, processed, distributed, or imported for commercial sale in Nepal. Some raw agricultural products sold directly by farmers may be exempt, but processed, packaged, and branded foods generally require DFTQC approval.

4. Who needs a DFTQC license?

Any business involved in food manufacturing, processing, packaging, cold storage, distribution, or import/export of food products typically requires a DFTQC license. This includes factories, dairies, bakeries, beverage companies, meat processing plants, spice industries, and similar enterprises.

5. How long is a DFTQC license valid?

A DFTQC license is usually valid for one year from the date of issuance. License holders must apply for renewal before the expiry date, ideally at least 30–35 days in advance, to avoid disruption of operations.

6. Can homemade or home-based food be sold without DFTQC registration?

If homemade food is sold casually or occasionally within a small informal circle, it may not always be brought under strict regulation. However, if you sell homemade food commercially, especially under a brand name, in shops, online, or in bulk, DFTQC product registration and a DFTQC license may be required. It is safer to assume that commercial sale requires registration.

7. How much does DFTQC registration cost?

Costs vary by product type, complexity, and testing requirements. Broadly, registration fees may range from NPR 5,000–15,000 per product, with additional laboratory testing, inspection, and renewal fees. Always confirm the latest official fee schedule with DFTQC.

8. How long does the DFTQC registration process take?

The DFTQC registration and license process typically takes anywhere from 2–8 weeks. Simpler products with complete documentation may be cleared faster, while more complex or high-risk products (e.g., meat, dairy, dietary supplements) may take longer due to extended testing.