Introduction
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with two primary objectives:
- To unify various food regulations under a single authority.
- To ensure a science-based framework for food production, storage, distribution, import, and sale, guaranteeing food safety and quality for public consumption.
FSSAI operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and mandates that all food-related businesses comply with its guidelines and obtain the appropriate license or registration.
Advantages of FSSAI Registration
- Enhanced Consumer Trust: Displaying the FSSAI logo makes consumers confident in your food’s safety.
- Legal Credibility: Being registered promotes transparency and compliance.
- Food Safety Assurance: Encourages businesses to adopt hygiene and safety best practices.
- Marketing Impact: The FSSAI mark adds legitimacy, making your products more appealing.
- Growth Enablement: Registered businesses have better access to loans and growth channels.
- Protection Against Misuse: Prevents unauthorized use of your brand and reduces penalties.
Categories of FSSAI Registration
- Basic FSSAI Registration – For businesses with an annual turnover under ₹12 lakh.
- State FSSAI License – Suited for businesses with a turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
- Central FSSAI License – Required for turnovers exceeding ₹20 crore, import/export units, and food exports to government entities.
Who Needs FSSAI Registration?
Mandatory registration applies to the following Food Business Operators (FBOs) with turnover above ₹12 lakh:
- Manufacturers or sellers of food items
- Vendors, whether permanent, mobile, or seasonal
- Medium and large food processing units
- Businesses handling high volumes, e.g.:
- Daily production of over 100 kg/liter
- Daily procurement of over 500 liters of milk
- Daily slaughter of more than 2 large animals, 10 small animals, or 50 poultry
FBOs with turnover below ₹12 lakh may not require registration unless they fall under specific regulated categories.
Benefits of Having an FSSAI License
- Boosts Consumers’ Confidence in product safety and quality
- Establishes Brand Reliability, helping you stand out in the market
- Easier Access to Funding as lenders trust registered businesses
- Legal Protection against misuse of brand name and unfair penalties
- Regulatory Compliance, ensuring adherence to food safety standards
Eligibility Requirements by License Type
Basic Registration
- Annual turnover < ₹12 lakh
State License (for ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore turnover)
Applicable to medium-scale operations such as dairy units, oil processors, slaughterhouses, meat processing units, storage providers, wholesalers, caterers, 3-star hotels, transporters, and restaurants within turnover limits.
Central License (for turnover > ₹20 crore or special operations)
Mandatory for:
- Large processors (e.g., > 2 MT/day oil mills, > 50,000 L/day dairy, big slaughterhouses)
- Importers and exporters, 100% export units, large-scale storage (e.g., > 50,000 MT, cold storage), large hotels and restaurants, central government establishments, airports, seaports, etc.
FBOs operating across multiple states must obtain a Central License for their head office and separate licenses for each state unit.
Documents Required for FSSAI License:
- Valid Rent Agreement or Proof of Ownership
- Business Entity Proof (e.g., incorporation certificate, GST, etc.)
- List of Food Products to be manufactured or sold
- Photo ID of the business owner/authorized person
- Details of Operational Premises, like kitchen images or factory layout plans
Step-by-Step FSSAI Registration Process
- Application Submission
Submit your application via Form-A (for basic) or Form-B (for state/central license). - Verification by Authorities
FSSAI reviews compliance with food safety and may conduct an inspection. Approval or rejection is communicated within 7 days. - Issuance of the Certificate
Upon approval, you receive a 14-digit license number along with a registration certificate bearing your photo. - Display of Certificate
Mandatory to publicly display the issued FSSAI certificate at your business premises.
Important Guidelines & Reference Standards
- FSSAI licenses are governed by Section 31(1) and 31(2) of the FSS Act, 2006.
- The rules for registration and licensing are detailed in the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing & Registration) Regulations, 2011.
- FSSAI’s Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) enables seamless online filings.
- Compliance with Schedule 4 ensures maintenance of cleanliness and hygiene standards.
Conclusion
FSSAI registration is essential for any food-related business aiming to build trust, ensure compliance, and expand operations. By choosing the right license — basic, state, or central — you can legitimately operate and flourish in the food industry.
Need help? Our experienced FSSAI consultants can simplify the process, assist with documentation, licensing, and compliance, so you can focus on delivering safe, high-quality food to your customers.