FSSAI License and FSSAI Registration

FSSAI License and Registration is required for any food business in India that manufactures, stores, transports, or distributes food. Depending on the size and nature of the company, FSSAI registration or license may be required. In the FSSAI Registration process, the FBO will get a 14 digit number that needs to be printed on food packages. Obtaining a FSSAI license can provide the food business with legal benefits, build goodwill, ensure food safety, create consumer awareness, and assist in business expansion. IndiaFilings can help you obtain an FSSAI license throughout the country very quickly. We also help to get FSSAI registration. Our experts will guide you in selecting the proper food category and license.

Governing Law

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a legal authority that offers a food license to all food business operators (FBO) in India.

As per Section 31(1) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, every Food Business Operator in the country must be licensed under the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The FSSAI licensing and registration procedure and requirements are regulated by the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011.

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:

  • Petty retailers, Retail Shops, Snacks 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 specialized 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 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
  • Eligibility Criteria for Food Business Registration/License
  • The document attached here provides eligibility criteria for Food Business Registration/License.

FSSAI Registration/FSSAI License

FSSAI registration is provided based on the business types, turnover, and production capacity. According to the installed capacity and turnover, FBOs are eligible for essential, central, and state licenses.

FSSAI Registration

FSSAI Registration is mandatory for petty food manufacturers or the FBO having a turnover of less than Rs.12 Lakhs unless the FBO is covered under compulsory licensing.

The petty FBO who manufactures or sells food items, a hawker, little retailer, itinerant vendor, temporary stall-holder, or small-scale industries relating to food business who comply with the following conditions must obtain an FSSAI registration certificate.

  • Annual turnover does not exceed Rs.12 lakh.
  • Production capacity of food products (other than milk and milk products and meat and meat products) up to 100 liters or kg per day
  • Procurement or handling and collection of milk is up to 500 liters of milk per day or
  • Slaughtering capacity is two large animals or ten small animals, or 50 poultry birds per day or less.
  • Distributes foods including in any religious or social gathering except a caterer

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 registration number will be granted by the State Licensing Authority, and its carries 14 digits in it, but the first digit starts with 2.

FSSAI License

FSSAI License is mandatory for businesses having a turnover of more than 12 lakh or by the FBO engaged in food processing and manufacturing. The FSSAI License is categorized into two types Central and State License. FSSAI license carries 14 digits, wherein the first digit starts with 1. FBOs need to get the state license or the central license depending on the size of their business.

State license

Medium-size processors, manufacturers, traders, marketers, or transporters require the FSSAI state license from the state government.

The FBO has an annual turnover of more than Rs.12 lakh but not exceeding Rs.20 crore, is considered a medium-sized FBO and must obtain a state license.

The FBO must get a central license when its annual turnover crosses Rs.20 crore.

Central license

A large-sized business processing, transporting, manufacturing, and having international trade of food products needs to obtain the FSSAI central license. The FBO having an annual turnover of more than Rs.20 crore is considered a large business and must 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

Obtaining an FSSAI license can provide the food business with the following benefits:

  • Legal benefit
  • Ensure food safety
  • Build goodwill
  • Create consumer awareness
  • It helps regulate, manufacture, store, distribute, and sell imported food.
  • It becomes easy to obtain funds from investors when an entrepreneur has an FSSAI license.
  • FSSAI logos on food products ensure the quality of the products to the customers.

The registration number displayed on the food premises indicates that the premises comply with hygiene and quality standards.

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

Engaging in any food-related business without a valid FSSAI registration/license, except for individuals exempted under sub-section (2) of section 31 of this Act, either personally or through a representative, for activities such as manufacturing, selling, storing, distributing, or importing food products without proper authorization, may lead to penalties.

The potential penalties for such actions can include a prison sentence of up to six months and a fine of up to five lakh rupees.

Seamless FSSAI Registration Process with IndiaFiling

IndiaFilings offers comprehensive support for FSSAI Registration, making the process simple and efficient. Here are the details of how we can assist you:

  • Expert Guidance: Our team of experienced professionals provides expert guidance throughout the FSSAI Registration process, ensuring you meet all the requirements and guidelines.
  • Document Preparation: We help you prepare and organize the necessary documents, including the application form, proof of identity, address proof, and other required documents.
  • Application Submission: We submit your FSSAI Registration application on your behalf, reducing the administrative burden on your end.
  • Follow-Up: Our team ensures a smooth application process by following up with the authorities as needed and addressing any queries or concerns.
  • Compliance Assistance: We assist you in ensuring that your business operations align with FSSAI regulations to maintain compliance.
  • Hassle-Free Process: Our streamlined approach makes the FSSAI Registration process hassle-free, saving you time and effort.
  • Trusted Partner: IndiaFilings is trusted by businesses of all sizes for its compliance and registration services.
  • Dedicated Support: Our support team is ready to assist you at every stage of the FSSAI Registration process, addressing any questions or issues you may have.

With IndiaFilings as your partner, FSSAI Registration becomes a straightforward and stress-free experience.

FSSAI Registration FAQ's

Who needs an FSSAI License?

License and Registration is required for any food business in India that manufactures, stores, transports, or distributes food. Depending on the size and nature of the company, FSSAI registration or License may be required.

Who are exempted from FSSAI registration?

  • Individual members manufacturing or conducting food business activities from home for a registered Cooperative Society or Mahila Udyog or Self Help Group or Gruh Udyog, or any similar government-registered society
  • The Direct Selling entity is willing to take responsibility for its Direct Sellers and has given them written authorization to do so
  • A milkman/vendor registers with a Cooperative Society and sells his whole milk production to that society.
  • The delivery person, direct selling agent, or owner of food vending machines, water vending machines, food ATMs, or food carts.

Can we start a business without FSSAI?

No. To ensure safe and wholesome food for human consumption, FSSAI Act requires licenses from FSSAI for every food business set up. It’s important for all the Food Business Operators to obtain a 14-digit FSSAI License Number and print it on all the food products they own.
To get more details on consequences of starting a business without an FSSAI license under Food Safety Norms.

Which products need an FSSAI license?

The Business with the following type of products must have FSSAI License/Registration:
  • Dairy products and analogs
  • Fats and oils, and fat emulsions
  • Edible ice, including sherbet and sorbe
  • Fruits and vegetables include mushrooms, fungi, roots, tubers, fresh pulses and legumes, aloe vera, seaweed nuts, and seeds.
  • Confectionery
  • Fish and fish products, including crustaceans, mollusks, and echinoderms
  • Bakery products and Sweeteners, including honey
  • Cereals and cereal products derived from cereal grain, roots, tubers, legumes, and pith or soft core of palm tree, excluding the bakery wares of the food category
  • Meat and meat products, Eggs and egg products
  • Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads, and protein products
  • Foodstuffs intended for particular nutritional uses – Infant formulae, follow-up formulae, and formulae for certain medical purposes for infants
  • Beverages, excluding dairy products (Non-alcoholic drinks)
  • Food Additives- All Food Additives permitted and standardized under FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, and FSS Nutraceutical Regulations, 2016, and their preparations
  • Nutrients and their preparations
  • Micronutrients specified under FSSR and their preparations/premixes of nutrients, Fortified Rice Kernel
  • Microorganisms and Microbial Preparations and Functional Ingredients
  • Standardized Food Products, excluding those covered under categories 1-14
  • Indian Sweets and Indian Snacks & Savouries products
  • Hemp Seeds and Seed Products
Click here to learn more about which products need an FSSAI license.

How much money does it take to get FSSAI license?

The price of an FSSAI license varies as per the type of license issued. The FSSAI registration fee starts from only Rs.100 per year for the FSSAI registration and goes up to Rs.7500 per year for the FSSAI Central License.
Here are the fees for all license types.
  • FSSAI Registration – Rs.100 INR
  • FSSAI State License Registration – Rs.2000- 5000 per year
  • FSSAI Central License Registration – Rs.7500 INR per year
Refer to our article to know more about the applicable fee to get FSSA Incense.

Is GST required for FSSAI?

FSSAI, on July 27th, 2022 vide a notice announced that GST at the prescribed rate would be applicable on all services provided by FSSAI like issuing a Central license, Food Safety Mitra Fees, Product Approval Fees, Import Clearance Fees, and so forth will attract an 18% service tax.
To know more about whether GST is required for FSSAI, click here.

What is the validity of FSSAI registration?

FSSAI registration or FSSAI license is valid for one year or five years, depending on the fee paid to the Government.

Do I need an FSSAI registration if I am running a home kitchen?

Yes, FSSAI registration is mandatory for all persons operating a home kitchen or bakery in India.

Can FSSAI registration or License be obtained online?

Yes, the process for obtaining FSSAI registration or License is entirely online. There is no requirement for the applicant to visit any office.

Should I mention the FSSAI number in the invoice?

From October 1, 2021, the FSSAI has mandated all food businesses to mention FSSAI registration or FSSAI license number on invoices and bills.

My food business unit needs to be relocated. Can I retain the existing license number for the new location? 

Yes, Food Businesses operator can retain their existing FSSAI License/Registration number upon change of their food business premise address by applying for a Modification application on the FoSCoS Portal with the required modification fee.

Who are petty food business operators? What is the eligibility for the FSSAI registration certificate?

Petty Food Business Operators (FBO) are those who manufacture or sell any article of food or a petty retailer, hawker, itinerant vendor or temporary stall holders or small scale or cottage or other industries relating to food business or tiny food businesses operators having annual turnover up to Rs. 12 Lakhs and whose 
  • The production capacity of food products does not exceed 100 kg or liters per day
  • Procurement or handling and collection of milk is up to 500 liters of milk per day, 
  • Slaughtering capacity is two large animals or ten small animals, or 50 poultry birds per day or less

These FBOs are required to obtain FSSAI Registration Certificate by applying for Food Safety Compliance System or Food Safety Connect app. This Registration Certificate is embedded with a QR code and has the image of FBO with a 14-digit Registration number starting with 2 (2xxxxxxxxxxxxx).

My License was canceled. Can I apply for a new License? 

After three months from the date of cancellation, the Food Business Operator may make a new application for License to the concerned authority if all observations made in the improvement notice have been complied with.

Are physical documents required to be furnished at Regional/State Offices for License after submitting an online application?

No, there is no need to furnish any physical documents at Regional/ State offices for Central/ State FSSAI licenses.

I have closed down my food business. How to surrender the FSSAI License/Registration? 

You need to apply online to surrender the License or Registration by login into the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) account from which the license/registration application was filed. After approval of the concerned authority, it will be considered surrendered.

How to transfer the FSSAI License from one owner FBO to another in case of the death of the owner?

By applying a transfer application on online, the FSSAI License can be transferred in case of the death of the license owner. Proof of Legal Heir and Death Certificate are required for transfer of License.

How to renew FSSAI license/Registration after expiry? 

From October 1, 2021, the FSSAI has mandated for all food business to FSSAI registration or FSSAI license number on invoices and bills. Food Business Operators can renew the FSSAI License/Registration even after the expiry date with the following penalties:  Three times the existing annual license/registration fee in the period – 1st day to 90th day from the original expiry date. Additional two times of the existing annual license/registration fee (i.e., total five times) in the period – 91st day to 180th day from the original expiry date.

What are the documents required for FSSAI License? Where do I get the necessary documents for the FSSAI License? 

Based on the kind of food business, the documents are classified. On the homepage of FSSAI's Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS), you can find the list of documents under 'Documents required.' You can also find the document list by visiting our article.

Is it possible to identify the category of an FSSAI License/Registration by its number?

FSSAI License number is 14 digits and starts with '1' while the FSSAI Registration number is also 14 digits and starts with '2’.

Do I need to file an annual return for my food business? 

Manufacturing FBOs (including repackaging and relabeling, i.e., those who get their food products manufactured by third-party manufacturers) and importing FBOs need to submit Annual Returns in Form D1 by 31st May of every preceding financial year only through FoSCoS Portal.

Is there a penalty for late or non-submission of annual returns?

Any delay in filing the Food Business Annual return beyond 31st May each year shall attract a penalty of Rs.100 per day for delay till the date of filing of the return. The maximum penalty levied shall not exceed 5 times the annual license fees.

What are the different categories of licenses?

According to the FSS (Licensing & Registration) Regulations, 2011, FBOs are granted licenses and registrations based on a 3-tier system, i.e., Registration, State license, and Central License. FSSAI license/registration is provided based on the business types, turnover, and production capacity.

To run a food business in more than two states, which FSSAI license is required?

A food business operator operating in more than two states is required to have a Central License for their registered office/head office and separate licenses/registrations for each unit according to its capacity/turnover.

How can I get an FSSAI license online?

FBO can obtain an FSSAI license in India through IndiaFilings. IndiaFilings helps food business operators apply for FSSAI licenses on the FoSCoS and monitor their registrations.

Is it mandatory to obtain an FSSAI license in India?

Any person or entity, who manufactures, processes, stores, distributes, or sells food must get an FSSAI Registration or License. Failure to obtain an FSSAI license can lead to penalties and imprisonment.

How long does it take to get the FSSAI registration?

FSSAI registration can be obtained in less than five days online through IndiaFilings.

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