FSSAI License and Registration in India – A Complete Guide
In India, obtaining a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license is essential for anyone operating a food-related business. Whether you’re involved in the manufacturing, processing, distribution, or sale of food products, securing an FSSAI license is a legal requirement that allows you to operate your business legitimately.
An FSSAI license ensures that business owners and operators adhere to food safety and quality regulations, safeguarding public health and building consumer trust in the products offered. By obtaining this license, your business not only complies with legal standards but also enhances its credibility and reputation.
Let our expert FSSAI consultants guide you through the process, ensuring smooth compliance with all FSSAI regulations for a successful food business journey.
Who Are Food Business Operators (FBOs)?
Food Business Operators (FBOs) are individuals or businesses involved in producing, processing, distributing, or selling food products in India. This includes grocery stores, restaurants, wholesalers, food processing units, bakeries, and supermarkets. All FBOs are required to obtain an FSSAI license.
FBOs are categorized based on:
- Type of food products
- Scale of business operations
Benefits of FSSAI License for Your Food Business
Obtaining an FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license offers numerous advantages for your food business. Here’s how it can benefit you:
Legal Compliance
The FSSAI license is a mandatory legal requirement for all food businesses in India. Having this license ensures your business operates in compliance with government regulations and avoids penalties or shutdowns.Enhanced Consumer Trust
An FSSAI license assures customers that your food products meet the highest safety and quality standards. This boosts customer confidence and encourages repeat business.Improved Business Credibility
Being FSSAI certified adds credibility to your brand. It shows that you prioritize food safety and adhere to industry norms, which can differentiate your business in a competitive market.Access to Wider Markets
With an FSSAI license, you can expand your reach, as it allows you to supply food to various regions and even export products, complying with both national and international standards.Better Quality Control
The FSSAI license ensures that your food business follows proper hygiene, food handling, and safety protocols. This helps maintain product consistency and quality, leading to greater customer satisfaction.Legal Protection
An FSSAI license offers legal protection in case of disputes, as it proves that your business complies with food safety regulations.Increased Business Opportunities
Many retailers and distributors prefer working with FSSAI-licensed businesses. Having the license opens doors to new partnerships, collaborations, and growth opportunities.
Get your FSSAI license today and enjoy these valuable benefits that ensure your food business thrives while staying compliant and trusted by consumers.
Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI License in India
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, eligibility criteria to apply for an FSSAI license include the following:
Checklist for applicants to apply for FSSAI license
State License
Central License
Annual Turnover:
Production Capacity:
Business Type:
Area of Operation:
Storage Capacity:
INR 12 lakhs to INR 20 crore
Up to 2MT/day (food), 50,000 litres/day (dairy)
Single state operations
Within a single state
Up to 50,000 metric tons
Above INR 20 crore
Over 2MT/day (food), 50,000 litres/day (dairy)
E-commerce, import-export, multi-state operations
For multiple states
Above 50,000 metric tons
Who all needs a FSSAI License?
- Food manufacturers, processors, importers, exporters, distributors, wholesalers
- Food retailers, including grocery stores and supermarkets
- Food caterers, restaurants, clubs, dhabas, hawkers, marketers
- Food transporters & logistics providers
- Food packaging & labelling units
- Food storage facilities, service providers and online food businesses
Still confused ask us
Documents Required for FSSAI License
It’s important for FBOs to understand FSSAI license requirements. The documents required to obtain an FSSAI license are:
- Form IX is required for basic and state registration and nomination in state registration.
- Address Proof to verify the business address.
- Government-issued ID Card as Identity proof for the applicant.
- Form A for Declaration for basic registration declaration.
- NOC from Local Municipality as No Objection Certificate
- Detailed Layout Plan with premise details (state registration).
- Raw Material Source for information on the source of raw materials.
- Form B as the application/renewal form for state and central registrations.
- Food Safety Management Plan to outline the food safety procedures (central registration).
- Partnership Deed/Self-Declaration as proof of business structure (state registration).
Step By Step Process to Apply FSSAI License
FSSAI license process has to be followed by all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to get FSSAI certification. This is how to get FSSAI food license:
Application Filing
Filing online FSSAI food license application through Form A or Form B via the FoSCoS portal or submitting Form A or Form B to the Food and Safety Department.
Application Submission
Ensure that the application submitted has the required documents attached.
Verification Process
Upon submission, the application undergoes a rigorous verification process, determining its approval or rejection. In case of rejection, applicants are duly informed by the authorities.
Inspection
As part of the verification process, a designated FSSAI official conducts a comprehensive inspection of the food premises to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
License Issuance
Post verification issuance of FSSAI registration certificate and registration number.
Violations & Non-Compliance and Penalty & Offences
Violations and non-compliance of FBOs with food safety rules lead to different penalties and legal outcomes.
Violations and Non-Compliance
- FBOs must comply with the FSS Act of 2006 to operate legally.
- Businesses that fail to renew their licenses face automatic cancellation on the due date.
- It is illegal for FBOs to operate with expired licenses as it violates the law.
- FBOs categories – Compliance (C), Non-compliance (NC), Partial compliance (PC), or not applicable (NA).
- Fined for non-compliance and failing to address issues highlighted in the inspection.
- It is mandatory to rectify the non-compliance problems & make changes to avoid penalties.
- Operational status is subject to penalties based on the inspection reports.
Penalty and Offences for Violations & Non-Compliance
- Non-compliance of Food Quality as per FSS Act, 2006 – INR 2 Lakh, Petty manufacturer – INR 25,000
- Sub-Standard food – INR 5 Lakh
- Misbranded Food – INR 3 Lakh
- Misleading Advertisement or False Description – INR 10 Lakh
- Extraneous matter in food – INR 1 Lakh
- Non-compliance of directions by Food Safety Officer – INR 2 Lakh
- Unhygienic Manufacturing or Processing – INR 1 Lakh
Compliance requirements after obtaining the FSSAI license
Staff Training
With a view to staff training FSSAI introduced FoSTaC under which staff trained. Food Safety Supervisors (FSS) are appointed by the Food Business Operator and holds a valid FoSTaC certificate issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Food Safety Supervisors are trained in good hygienic and sanitary practices to be followed by all food business operators as per requirements in Schedule 4 of Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
Hygiene Maintainance
Businesses must make sure they keep all food handling areas clean and follow hygiene rules as required by FSSAI after registering.
- Encourage food businesses to improve their hygiene and safety standards.
- Allow consumers to make informed choices pertaining to food outlets they eat or procure food.
Record Keeping
To keep track of food, businesses must maintain detailed records of where the food comes from, how it’s made, and how it’s sold. This is a required step after registration, as per the rules.
Food Labelling Compliance
Businesses must follow FSSAI rules when labeling food products. This means they need to list all ingredients correctly, so consumers know what’s in the product. They must also provide nutritional information, such as calories, fats, and other key nutrients, to help customers make healthy choices. Additionally, businesses must clearly show the expiry date or best-before date on the product, so consumers know when it’s no longer safe to eat. These labeling requirements are mandatory under FSSAI guidelines, and businesses must ensure they are fully compliant to avoid penalties and protect consumer health.
Annual Returns Submission
Food Safety Audits
To strengthen the food safety surveillance system, FSSAI has envisaged audits of Food Business Operators through Private Auditing Agencies. In order to cultivate and foster the growth of compliance culture, FSSAI is enabling compliance through private recognised Auditing Agencies. Food Safety and Standards (Food Safety Auditing) Regulations, 2018 have been notified on 28th August 2018 for the same.
How GIPL Helps Simplify the FSSAI License Process
GIPL helps businesses simplify the FSSAI license process through a range of services designed to make the process smoother, faster, and more efficient. Here’s how GIPL supports businesses:
Paperwork Assistance: GIPL helps you with all the necessary paperwork required for obtaining your FSSAI license. This includes filling out forms, gathering documents, and ensuring everything is in order, saving you time and effort.
Communication Management: GIPL acts as a bridge between your business and FSSAI authorities. They handle all communication, ensuring that you receive timely updates, and that any questions or concerns are addressed promptly.
Expert FSSAI Licensing Consultants: GIPL has a team of experienced consultants who specialize in FSSAI regulations. They offer expert advice and guidance throughout the licensing process, ensuring you meet all requirements.
FSSAI Regulation Guidance: Understanding FSSAI’s rules and regulations can be complicated. GIPL provides clear guidance on the standards you need to follow, helping you stay compliant with all food safety requirements.
Application Filing: GIPL ensures that your application for FSSAI registration or licensing is filed correctly and on time. They handle the entire submission process, so you don’t have to worry about missing deadlines or errors in your application.
Compliance & Regulation Support: GIPL not only helps you get the license but also provides ongoing support to ensure you remain compliant with FSSAI regulations. They keep you updated on any changes in rules and help you adjust accordingly.
Focus on Business Operations: By handling the FSSAI license process, GIPL allows you to focus on your core business operations without getting bogged down by paperwork or regulatory complexities.
Streamlined Process: GIPL streamlines the entire FSSAI licensing process, making it more straightforward and less time-consuming. They handle the technicalities, so you can get your license faster and with fewer hassles.
By providing these services, GIPL makes it easier for businesses to obtain and maintain their FSSAI licenses, ensuring they stay compliant with food safety standards while focusing on growing their business.
Different categories of FSSAI Licenses
The Food Safety and Standards (Licensing & Registration) Regulations, 2011, licenses and registrations have divided Food Business Operators (FBOs) into three categories based on business type, revenue and manufacturing capacity:
FSSAI Registration
FSSAI Registration is mandatory for FBOs with revenue generation or turnover of less than INR 12 Lakh annually. Petty FBOs must also obtain FSSAI registration to operate legally. Any business seeking this registration must complete Form A to complete the formalities.
FSSAI state license is mandatory for all FBOs with revenue generation or turnover of over INR 12 Lakh but less than INR 20 Crore per annum. FBOs like small to medium-sized manufacturing units, storage, transporters, retailers, marketers, and distributors under this category must fill out Form B to complete the registration formalities.
FSSAI Central license is mandatory for all FBOs with annual revenues of over INR 20 Crore. Businesses classified as 100% Export-Oriented Units, importers, airports, food business operators in central government agencies, large manufacturers, seaports, etc., must obtain this license by filling out Form B to complete the registration formalities.
