FSSAI License

Ensure your food business meets regulatory standards with FSSAI registration. This is a mandatory license for all food-related businesses, from manufacturers to small vendors, guaranteeing food safety compliance and building customer confidence. Apply now to legally operate and serve your customers with peace of mind.

Fully online FSSAI registration.

Expert guidance guaranteed.

Quick, hassle-free processing.

Dedicated FSSAI expert team.

100% genuine certification.

Two Expert Consultation Calls FREE Claim TODAY and get free Quotation

FSSAI License & Registration in India: A Comprehensive Guide

The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is a crucial regulatory body that governs food safety and standards in the country. If your business deals with food, from manufacturing to sale, you must obtain an FSSAI license or registration. This is a mandatory legal requirement under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and is vital for ensuring the safety and quality of food products.

At FileMyFirm, we provide expert assistance to make the FSSAI License online application process seamless and hassle-free, guiding you through every step.

Who Needs an FSSAI License?

In India, any business involved in manufacturing, storing, distributing, selling, or importing food products must secure an FSSAI license or registration. This includes a wide range of businesses such as:

Restaurants and hotels
Catering services
Food processing factories
Food delivery ventures and online food sellers
Hawkers and temporary stall-holders
Importers and exporters

The specific type of authorization required depends on your business’s turnover and operational scale.

Types of FSSAI Authorizations

The FSSAI framework categorizes food businesses into three main types based on their annual turnover and operational capacity:

FSSAI Registration (Basic): This is for small-scale food business operators (FBOs) with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs. The FSSAI registration number is a 14-digit code issued by the State Licensing Authority, with the first digit being 2.
FSSAI State License: This is for medium-sized FBOs with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores. The license is granted by the respective state government and is identified by a 14-digit code, with the first digit being 1.
FSSAI Central License: This is mandatory for large-scale enterprises with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crores. This also applies to businesses involved in importing/exporting food products, operating in multiple states, or catering to central government agencies. This license is obtained from the Central Government.

Benefits of Obtaining an FSSAI License

Acquiring an FSSAI authorization is not just a legal obligation; it provides numerous advantages:

Legal Compliance: Ensures your business is legally sound and minimizes the risk of penalties and legal action.
Enhanced Credibility: Displaying the FSSAI logo builds consumer trust and enhances your brand’s reputation for quality and safety.
Business Growth: An FSSAI license adds credibility, making your business more attractive to potential investors and facilitating expansion into new markets.
Quality Assurance: The process ensures your products adhere to strict hygiene and quality standards, leading to better products and customer satisfaction.

How to Get an FSSAI License

The FSSAI license registration process is conducted online through the official FoSCoS portal.

Determine Eligibility: Based on your business turnover and activities, identify whether you need a basic registration, a state license, or a central license.
Prepare Documents: Gather all the required documents for your specific application type.
Online Application: Fill out the application form on the FoSCoS portal (Form A for registration and Form B for a state or central license).
Submission & Fee Payment: Submit the application with the documents and pay the applicable fees.
Verification and Approval: The FSSAI authority will review your application. They may conduct an inspection of your premises before issuing the final certificate.

Documents Required

The specific documents vary based on the type of license and the nature of your business.

Mandatory for All Applicants:

List of directors, partners, or proprietors with their contact details.
Photo ID and address proof issued by the government.
Proof of possession of premises (e.g., electricity bill, rent agreement).
Partnership Deed or Certificate of Incorporation/Memorandum of Association.

Additional Documents for Manufacturers:

Blueprint/layout plan of the processing unit.
A list of all equipment and machinery with their installed capacity.
Water analysis report from a recognized laboratory.
Production unit photographs.

Validity & Penalties

An FSSAI license or registration is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years. It is crucial to initiate the FSSAI license renewal process at least 30 days before the expiry date to avoid late fees. Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI license can result in severe penalties, including fines up to ₹5 lakhs and even imprisonment.

Frequestly asked questions ( FAQ )

What is the purpose of the FSSAI License?

The FSSAI License is a mandatory legal requirement under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, that ensures the safety and quality of food products. It is crucial for legal compliance and minimizing the risk of penalties.

What are the three categories of FSSAI authorization?

The FSSAI categorizes food businesses into three types based on turnover and scale:

FSSAI Registration (Basic): Turnover up to ₹12 lakhs.
FSSAI State License: Turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores.
FSSAI Central License: Turnover exceeding ₹20 crores, and for importers/exporters or businesses operating in multiple states.

What is the main difference between an FSSAI State License and an FSSAI Central License?

The State License is issued by the respective state government and is for medium-sized businesses with a turnover up to ₹20 crores operating within a single state. The Central License is for large-scale enterprises with a turnover over ₹20 crores, or those involved in importing/exporting or operating across multiple states.

How long is the FSSAI License or registration valid?

An FSSAI authorization is valid for a period ranging from 1 to 5 years.

When must the FSSAI License renewal process be initiated?

It is crucial to initiate the renewal process at least 30 days before the expiry date to avoid penalties or late fees.

What are the potential penalties for operating without a valid FSSAI license?

Operating a food business without the mandatory FSSAI license or registration can result in severe penalties, including fines up to ₹5 lakhs and potential imprisonment.