FSSAI License and FSSAI Registration
In India, all food businesses must obtain FSSAI registration or a license based on their scale and activities, with a mandatory 14-digit number for package labeling. Securing FSSAI certification ensures legal compliance, enhances consumer trust, promotes food safety, and supports business expansion, facilitated by ' expert guidance nationwide.
Take our ServiceGoverning Law
The FSSAI, mandated by the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006, requires all food business operators in India to be licensed. This process is governed by the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011, ensuring compliance and regulatory oversight across the country.
Food Business Operators Who Require FSSAI Registration?
The Food Business Operators (FBOs) carrying on the following kinds of the food business must have FSSAI License/Registration:
Eligibility
covers a wide range of food businesses including retailers, hawkers, dairy units,
slaughterhouses, and food manufacturers including repacking units.- It
applies to
transporters of food products using specialized vehicles, wholesalers, distributors,
hotels,
restaurants, and caterers, as well as e-commerce food suppliers and cloud kitchens.
- Criteria
also
include importers, exporters, cold storage facilities, and establishments like canteens,
cafeterias, and banquet halls serving food.
- The
eligibility document outlines requirements for hygiene standards, food safety practices,
and
compliance with local regulations for all categories of food business operators.
FSSAI Registration/FSSAI License
"FSSAI registration categorizes food business operators (FBOs) into essential, central, and state licenses based on their business types, turnover, and production capacities."
FSSAI Registration
"FSSAI registration is mandatory for small-scale food manufacturers and sellers with a turnover below Rs. 12 Lakhs, unless covered under compulsory licensing, including hawkers, small retailers, itinerant vendors, temporary stall-holders, and related small-scale food industries."
- FSSAI registration is necessary for businesses with a turnover below Rs. 12 lakh and limited production capacities or handling of food products.
- This includes activities such as distributing food at social events and handling small-scale slaughtering operations.
For a better understanding, go through the following table:
| Sl.No | Business | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Food production capacity (other than milk and meat) | Up to 100 kg/ltr per day |
| 2 | Procurement, handling, and collection of milk | Up to 500 ltr per day |
| 3 | Slaughtering capacity | Two large animals or ten small animals, or 50 poultry birds per day or less |
FSSAI License
FSSAI License, essential for food businesses processing/manufacturing, categorizes into Central or State License based on turnover, starting with 1 in its 14-digit format, mandated for turnovers exceeding 12 lakh.
State license
Medium-sized processors, manufacturers, traders, marketers, or transporters with an annual turnover between Rs.12 lakh and Rs.20 crore must obtain a state license from the respective state government; those exceeding Rs.20 crore require a central license.
Central license
Large-sized businesses engaged in processing, transporting, manufacturing, and international trade of food products, with an annual turnover exceeding Rs.20 crore, are required to obtain an FSSAI central license from the Central Government.
Difference between FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License
| Particulars | FSSAI Registration | FSSAI License |
|---|---|---|
| Turnover Limit | Businesses having an annual turnover not exceeding Rs.12 lakh | Companies having an annual turnover of more than Rs.12 lakh |
| Types | Basic Registration | FSSAI Central License and FSSAI State License |
| Size of Business | Petty food business operators | Medium and large-sized food business operators and food businesses |
| Duration | Duration depends on the applicability of the registration | Issued for a period of a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years |
| Application | Form A | Form B |
| Fees for Registration/License | Fixed at Rs.100 per year. | It varies from Rs.2000 to Rs.7500 per year, depending on the criteria and type of license. |
| Publication | The FBO should display the FSSAI registration on the office premises, and the registered number should be displayed on the product package. | The exporter, importer, traders, and producers have to mandatorily publish the FSSAI license number on the package of the products. |
Benefits of Procuring FSSAI Food License
Legal Compliance and Consumer Trust
Obtaining an FSSAI license ensures legal compliance with food safety regulations, building consumer trust through guaranteed product safety and quality.
Facilitating Business Growth
An FSSAI license boosts goodwill and consumer confidence through comprehensive oversight of the manufacturing, storage, distribution, and sale of imported food products.
Investment Attraction and Product Assurance
Displaying the FSSAI logo on food products signals adherence to quality standards, bolstering consumer trust, enhancing investor confidence in food safety and regulatory compliance, and facilitating access to funding.
Validity of FSSAI License/Registration
The FSSAI License / Registration will be issued for 1 to 5 years, as chosen by the Food Business Operator, from the date of issue of registration or license. The FBO must apply for renewal 30 days before the expiry of the current request.
Documents Required
The following documents are necessary for FSSAI registration:
Photo of the Food Business Operator
Government-issued Photo ID, including AADHAAR, PAN, Voter ID, etc.
Proof of the business activity address (required if the address differs from what is stated in the Photo ID card).
Consequences for Conducting Business Without an FSSAI Registration
Operating any food-related business without a valid FSSAI registration/license can result in penalties, including up to six months of imprisonment and a fine of up to five lakh rupees, except for individuals exempted under specific provisions of the Act.
Seamless FSSAI Registration Process
It offers comprehensive support for FSSAI Registration, making the process simple and efficient. Here are the details of how we can assist you:
- Expert Guidance and Hassle-Free Registration: provides expert guidance, document preparation, submission, and follow-up to ensure a smooth and compliant FSSAI Registration process.
- Trusted Support and Compliance Assurance: With dedicated support, is a trusted partner for businesses, ensuring compliance and addressing any queries throughout the FSSAI Registration process.