FSSAI Registration 

FSSAI Registration is a mandatory basic license for all food-related businesses in India, ensuring the safety and quality of food served or sold. Whether you're a small food vendor, a home-based kitchen, or managing a large food chain, obtaining FSSAI Registration is essential for building customer trust and operating legally. Regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, this registration helps streamline food safety practices and boosts the credibility of your business.

Get your FSSAI license fast and hassle-free with IndiaFilings! Our experts will guide you in choosing the right food category and license, ensuring your business meets all food safety standards.

What is FSSAI Registration?

FSSAI Registration is a compulsory authorisation for individuals or entities involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, or sale of food products in India. It is governed by the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011. This registration differs from an FSSAI License based on the size and nature of the business.

Importance of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI registration is vital for all Food Business Operators (FBOs), including those planning to open restaurants, bakeries, hotels, cloud kitchens, or food stalls. It is required for anyone engaged in the manufacturing, preparation, sale, transportation, distribution, or storage of food products. FSSAI registration ensures food safety compliance and enhances your business's reputation.

Key Features of FSSAI Registration

• 14-Digit Registration Number: Every FSSAI Registration or License comes with a 14-digit number that must be displayed on all food packages. This number provides vital information about the food product’s origin, including the state where it was assembled and the producer’s permit details.
• Quality Assurance: By compelling Food Business Operators (FBOs) to display their registration details, FSSAI ensures that accountability for quality and safety rests squarely on the entity handling the food.
• Applicability: FSSAI Registration is compulsory for all FBOs, from small-scale vendors to large manufacturing units, though the specific requirement—Registration vs. License—depends on the size and nature of the business. 

Issuance of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act), FSSAI governs the food business in India, ensuring that food products meet quality standards and undergo safety checks. Its primary goal is to eliminate food adulteration and the sale of substandard products while maintaining the safety of food products across the country.

Food Business Operators Who Require FSSAI Registration?

The Food Business Operators (FBOs) carrying on the following kinds of food business must have an FSSAI License/Registration:

• Petty retailers, Retail Shops, Snack shops, Confectionery or Bakery shops, etc

• Temporary stalls, fixed stalls, or food premises are involved in preparing, storing, distributing, and selling food products.

• Hawkers sell packaged or freshly prepared food by traveling from one location to another.

• Dairy Units, including Milk Chilling Units, Petty Milkmen, and Milk Vendors

• Slaughtering house

• Fish Processing, Meat Processing, and unit

• All Food Manufacturing units that include Repacking food

• Vegetable Oil Processing Units

• Proprietary food and Novel food

• Cold/refrigerated storage facility

• Transporter of food products, having several specialised vehicles like insulated refrigerated vans/wagons, milk tankers, food wagons, food trucks, etc

• Wholesalers, suppliers, distributors, and marketers of food products

• Hotels, Restaurants, and Bars

• Canteens and Cafeteria, including mid-day meal canteens

• Food Vending Agencies and Caterers

• Dhaba, PG provides food, a Banquet hall with food catering arrangements, Home home-based canteen, and Food stalls at fairs or religious institutions.

• Importers and Exporters of food items and food ingredients

• E-Commerce food suppliers, including cloud kitchens

Types of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI registrations are categorised based on a food business’s turnover, production capacity, and other operational details. Businesses must choose from three main types of registrations/licenses—Basic, State, or Central—depending on their turnover and production scope. Below is an overview of each registration type and the corresponding eligibility criteria:

FSSAI Basic Registration

• Who Needs It: Food Business Operators (FBOs) with an annual turnover of less than INR 12 lakh.

• Registration Form: Form A

• Key Point: This registration is generally for small-scale or startup food ventures, such as small retailers or home-based food producers.

FSSAI State License

• Who Needs It: FBOs with an annual turnover between INR 12 lakh and INR 20 crore.

• Registration Form: Form B

• Key Point: Medium-sized ventures—like mid-level restaurants, small to mid-scale manufacturers, and distributors—typically require the State License.

FSSAI Central License

• Who Needs It: FBOs with an annual turnover exceeding INR 20 crore.

• Registration Form: Form B

• Key Point: Large-scale food businesses—such as major manufacturers, major retailers, and large distributors—must apply for the Central License.

By choosing the registration/license that aligns with their business size and turnover, FBOs ensure they comply with the regulations laid down by the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

FSSAI Registration Eligibility

FSSAI Registration serves as a basic license for Food Business Operators (FBOs) who run small-scale food operations. The following categories of businesses must obtain FSSAI Registration:

• Annual Turnover Under INR 12 Lakh
• Applicable to petty retailers dealing in food products or any person manufacturing and selling food articles independently.
• Temporary Food Stalls or Small-Scale Operations
• Individuals who sell food products through temporary stalls or distribute food during religious and social gatherings (excluding caterers).
• Small-Scale or Cottage Food Industries
• Businesses working at a minimal scale, including industries with limited production capacities in food, milk, or meat.
• Capacity-Based Limits
  • Food Production (Other Than Milk and Meat): Up to 100 kg/liter per day.
  • Milk Procurement and Handling: Up to 500 liters per day.
• Slaughtering: 2 large animals, 10 small animals or 50 poultry birds per day (or fewer).
• Transportation: Operated by a single vehicle.
• Vending Machines: Up to 12 machines within one state/UT.

All the above categories must meet FSSAI’s basic registration requirements to operate legally under the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011.

FSSAI License Eligibility

Any Food Business Operator (FBO) that does not qualify as a small-scale business must obtain an FSSAI License. Depending on the size and nature of operations, whether medium-scale or large-scale, businesses must apply for either a State FSSAI License or a Central FSSAI License.

State FSSAI License

• FBOs with an annual turnover ranging from INR 12 lakh to INR 20 crore (up to INR 30 crore for transportation businesses and wholesalers).

• All grains, cereals, and pulses milling units, irrespective of production capacity.

Covered Businesses and Criteria

• Medium-Scale Food Production (Other than Milk and Meat): 1 MT to 2 MT per day

• Milk Procurement, Handling, and Collection: 501 to 50,000 liters per day

• Slaughtering Capacity:

• 3–50 large animals per day, or

• 11–150 small animals per day, or

• 51–1,000 poultry birds per day

• Storage: Up to 10,000 MT
• Transportation: Up to 100 vehicles
• Hotel Rating: One-Star, Two-Star, Three-Star, or Four-Star
• Vending Machines: Up to 100 machines in a single State/UT
• License Tenure
  • Minimum: 1 year
  • Maximum: 5 years

Central FSSAI License

• FBOs with an annual turnover exceeding INR 20 crore (up to INR 30 crore for transportation businesses and wholesalers).
• Certain FBOs must obtain a Central License regardless of turnover or size, including:
• Operations spread across two or more states.
• Importers and exporters.
• Proprietary food and non-specified food manufacturers.
• Food or health supplement and nutraceutical product companies.
• Establishments involved in the radiation processing of foods.
• Food business activities operating on premises owned by central government agencies.
• Caterers, restaurants, canteens, hawkers, or petty retailers at railway station premises.
• E-commerce platforms dealing in food items.

Covered Businesses and Criteria

• Large-Scale Food Production (Other than Milk and Meat): More than 2 MT per day
• Milk Procurement, Handling, and Collection: More than 50,000 liters per day
• Slaughtering Capacity:
  • Over 50 large animals per day, or
  • Over 150 small animals per day, or
  • Over 1,000 poultry birds per day
• Storage: More than 10,000 MT
• Transportation: Over 100 vehicles
• Hotel Rating: Five-Star and above
• Vending Machines: More than 100 machines, located in two or more states/UTs
• License Tenure
  • Minimum: 1 year
  • Maximum: 5 years

By choosing the correct license category (State or Central) based on turnover, scale of operations, and nature of the business, FBOs can ensure full compliance with the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations.

Difference between FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration/License

To obtain FSSAI Registration or License, Food Business Operators (FBOs) must submit a set of general and specific documents based on their business type (Basic Registration, State License, or Central License).

General Documents for FSSAI Registration/License

These documents are required for all types of FSSAI registrations (Basic, State, and Central):

• Photo Identity Proof: Valid ID proof of the FBO (Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, etc.)
• Business Constitution Certificate: Documents such as partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, shop and establishment license, or other business registration certificates.
• Proof of Premises Possession: Rental agreement, NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the owner of the rented premises, utility bills, etc.
• Food Safety Management System Plan: A detailed plan outlining food safety procedures.
• List of Food Products: List of food products being manufactured or processed by the business.
• Bank Account Information: Bank account details of the business.
• Supporting Documents (if applicable): NOC from Municipality or Panchayat, Health NOC, copy of License from the manufacturer, etc.

Additional Documents for FSSAI State License

In addition to the general documents, the following are required for obtaining the FSSAI State License:

• Form B: Duly completed and signed form.
• Processing Unit Plan: A plan of the processing unit, including dimensions and area allocation for each operation.
• List of Directors/Partners/Proprietor: With their address, contact details, and photo ID.
• List of Equipment and Machinery: Name, number, and installed capacity of equipment and machinery used.
• Authority Letter from Manufacturer: Nominated responsible person’s name and address.
• Water Analysis Report: Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm its portability.
• Cooperative Act Certificate: Copy of certificate obtained under the Cooperative Act 1861 or Multi-State Cooperative Act 2002.

Additional Documents for FSSAI Central License

For obtaining the FSSAI Central License, the following specific documents are required in addition to the general documents:

• Form B: Duly completed and signed form.
• Processing Unit Plan: A detailed plan of the processing unit, including dimensions and area allocation for each operation.
• List of Directors/Partners/Proprietors: With their address, contact details, and photo ID.
• List of Equipment and Machinery: Name, number, and installed capacity of equipment and machinery used.
• Authority Letter from Manufacturer: Nominated responsible person’s name and address.
• Water Analysis Report: Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm its portability.
• Source of Raw Material: Details of the source of raw materials like milk, meat, etc.
• Recall Plan: A recall plan (if applicable).
• Ministry of Commerce Certificate: For 100% Export Oriented Units (EOU).
• NOC/PA Document from FSSAI: NOC (No Objection Certificate) or PA (Public Authority) document issued by FSSAI.
• IE Code Document: Import Export Code (IE Code) document issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade).
• Form IX: Form IX to be filled as per the FSSAI requirements.
• Certificate from Ministry of Tourism: If applicable, a certificate from the Ministry of Tourism.
• Supporting Document for Proof of Turnover and Transportation: Proof of turnover and transportation details as applicable.
• Declaration Form: A declaration form as required by FSSAI. 

Consequences of Non-Compliance with FSSAI Regulations

Food businesses registered or licensed under FSSAI are required to follow the rules and regulations outlined in the FSS Act, 2006. A Food Safety Officer typically conducts inspections of the business premises to assess compliance with these regulations, using a checklist. Based on the inspection, the officer may classify the business as:

• Compliance (C)
• Non-compliance (NC)
• Partial compliance (PC)
• Not applicable/Not observed (NA)

If non-compliance is identified, the officer may issue an improvement notice as per Section 32 of the FSS Act, 2006. Failure to comply with the notice may result in the cancellation of the license after the operator is given an opportunity to explain their actions.

Validity of FSSAI Registration

The validity of an FSSAI registration depends on the type of license granted. Typically, FSSAI registration is valid for either 1 year or 5 years, based on the business's eligibility and size.

Renewal of FSSAI License

Just as obtaining an FSSAI license is crucial to starting a food business, renewing it is equally important to ensure continued operations.

Procedure for Obtaining FSSAI Registration Online

Food Business Operators (FBOs) can easily apply for FSSAI registration through the official FoSCoS portal by following the steps below:

Step 1: Visit the FoSCoS Portal

Go to the FoSCoS portal to begin the registration process.

Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Form

Select and fill out Form A (for Basic Registration) or Form B (for State/Central License), depending on your business size and type.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents:

• Submit the necessary documents online along with the application.

• Alternatively, documents can be submitted physically if applying offline.

Step 4: Application Review:

The Food Safety Department will review the application. The application will be either accepted or rejected within 7 days of submission.

If rejected, the applicant will be informed in writing.

Step 5:  Premises Inspection (if required)

The Department may conduct an inspection of your food business premises.

Step 6:  Issuance of FSSAI Registration Certificate

• If the application is approved, the Department issues the FSSAI registration certificate.

• The certificate includes a registration number and the applicant’s photograph.

It will be sent via email and can also be downloaded from the FoSCoS portal.

Step 5: Display the Certificate

The FSSAI certificate must be displayed prominently at the business premises during business hours.

IndiaFilings experts can help you at every step of the FSSAI registration process.

Benefits of Procuring FSSAI Food Registration

Obtaining FSSAI  registration offers several advantages that not only ensure legal compliance but also enhance your business reputation and growth prospects:

• Legal Compliance: Ensures your business complies with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which is mandatory for operating a food business in India.
• Improved Consumer Trust: Assures customers that your products meet safety and quality standards, helping build credibility and customer loyalty.
• Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrates your commitment to safety and high-quality products, attracting more customers.
• Market Access: Many retailers and distributors require FSSAI registration to source products, expanding your business opportunities.
• Competitive Advantage: Sets your business apart from competitors who may not meet safety standards, making your products more appealing.International Trade Opportunities: FSSAI registration is essential for exporting food products and meeting international regulatory requirements.
• Prevention of Legal Issues: Protects your business from penalties, fines, or shutdowns by ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
• Assurance of Product Quality: Regular quality checks ensure safe and consistent food products, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
• Access to Resources and Support: FSSAI-registered businesses receive support, workshops, and updates on food safety regulations to stay compliant.
• Better Business Opportunities: Opens doors to government contracts, tenders, and partnerships, helping you grow and expand your business.

Get Your FSSAI Registration with IndiaFilings!

Ensure your food business operates legally and safely with FSSAI registration. At IndiaFilings, our experts can guide you through the entire process—from application to approval—making it seamless and hassle-free. Don't risk your business; get started today and let us help you comply with food safety standards. Reach out to IndiaFilings now to begin your FSSAI registration process!