Food business operators (FBOs) who require FSSAI registration
FSSAI registration is required for a broad spectrum of FBOs, including:
- Small scale manufacturers and producers
- Storage units and warehouses
- Transporters and distributors
- Retailers, including online food businesses
- Petty food retailers and hawkers
FSSAI registration eligibility
Eligibility for FSSAI registration varies based on the business's operational capacity and scale:
To register for a food licence under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), individuals or businesses must meet certain conditions. The type of FSSAI registration you need—Basic Registration, State Licence, or Central Licence—mainly depends on your annual turnover and how widely you operate.
Below is a simple breakdown:
Criteria for FSSAI Basic Registration
- This is meant for small or petty food business owners.
- It includes home-based food sellers, street vendors, tea stalls, and small shop owners.
- Annual turnover should be up to Rs. 12 lakhs.
Criteria for FSSAI State Licence
- Suitable for medium-sized food businesses.
- It covers businesses like mid-level manufacturers, food processors, restaurants, and caterers working within one state.
- Annual turnover should be between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crores.
Criteria for FSSAI Central Licence
- Required for large food businesses or those involved in importing or exporting food.
- Also needed if the business operates in more than one state or supplies food to government departments like the railways, airports, or defence.
- Annual turnover should be above Rs. 20 crores or the business must have interstate operations.
Types of FSSAI registration
FSSAI offers three types of registrations/licenses based on the size and nature of the food business:
- Basic Registration for businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakh.
- State License for businesses with a turnover between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore.
- Central License for businesses with a turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crore.
Checklist for FSSAI Registration and License Application
Here is a checklist to help food business owners confirm they meet the basic needs for an easy application process:
FSSAI Registration Checklist:
- Valid Documents: Keep ready your government ID proof, business address proof, and passport-sized photos of the applicant and important staff members.
- Type of Food Business: Identify what kind of food business you run – manufacturing, retail, catering, storage, distribution, or a home-based business.
- Turnover: Know your yearly income to find out if you need basic registration, a state license, or a central license.
- Business Address: Make sure your business has a fixed and verifiable address, which is needed for the license and inspections.
- FSSAI Safety Rules: Follow food safety and hygiene rules as per FSSAI guidelines to qualify for the registration and get approval smoothly.
Documents required for FSSAI registration
To apply for a new license or registration, go to the official FoSCoS portal at https://foscos.fssai.gov.in.
- Click on “Apply for New License/Registration.”
- New users need to sign up, and existing users can log in.
- Choose the registration type based on your turnover.
- Fill in the online form.
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay the fee.
- Submit your application.
After your application is reviewed, you’ll receive a registration certificate with a 14-digit number. Log in to your FoSCoS account to download the certificate.
How to Apply for FSSAI registration online
Getting an FSSAI licence in India is a simple process that food businesses must follow to meet legal requirements and ensure food safety. Below are the main steps to register or apply for a food licence:
Steps for FSSAI Licence Registration
- Choose the right type of licence
Check if your business needs a basic registration, state licence, or central licence. This depends on your annual turnover, business size, and where you operate.
- Collect the required documents
Prepare important documents such as:
- Identity proof
- Business registration certificate
- Address proof
- Food safety management plan (if needed)
- Fill and submit the application (Form A or B)
- Use Form A for basic registration (for small food businesses)
- Use Form B for state or central licence (for medium to large businesses)
- Pay the government fees
Fees depend on the type of licence and how long it is valid (usually 1 to 5 years). You can pay the fees online while submitting the form.
- Verification and inspection (if needed)
For state and central licences, the FSSAI authority may inspect your business premises within 7 to 15 working days.
- Receive your FSSAI certificate
If everything is in order, you will get your FSSAI registration or licence certificate online within 7 to 30 working days, depending on the licence type and inspection.
FSSAI Registration Fees
The applicant or Food Business Operator (FBO) is required to pay a fee when submitting the FSSAI registration form. The fees for different types of FSSAI registrations are as follows:
- FSSAI Basic Registration: ₹100
- FSSAI State License: ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 (depending on the type of business)
- FSSAI Central License: ₹7,500
Validity of the FSSAI registration / License certificate
The validity of an FSSAI registration or license certificate ranges from one to five years, depending on the type and applicability of the registration. Food Business Operators (FBOs) are required to renew their FSSAI license within 180 days before its expiry to maintain legal compliance. If FSSAI license renewal is delayed beyond the expiry date, a late fee of Rs. 100 per day is imposed. This ensures continuous adherence to food safety regulations and allows businesses to operate legally without interruption.
How to check and track FSSAI registration status online
Here are the steps for tracking the status of FSSAI registration and understanding the process:
- Submission of application: Submit the FSSAI registration application online through the FSSAI portal.
- Tracking application status: Log in to the FSSAI portal to track the status of your registration application. Updates on the application progress will be available online.
- Inspection: The FSSAI authority may conduct an inspection of your premises to verify compliance with food safety standards.
- Granting of registration certificate: Once the application is processed and found compliant, the FSSAI registration certificate will be issued. This certificate is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the type of registration obtained.
- Renewal: Ensure to renew the FSSAI registration before its expiry date to continue operating legally. Renewal can also be managed through the FSSAI portal, ensuring ongoing compliance with food safety regulations.
Different status of FSSAI registration
Here are the different statuses of FSSAI registration explained:
- Process yet to be started: Application submitted, awaiting initiation by authorities.
- Application reverted: Authorities have reviewed and requested modifications or clarifications.
- Application rejected: Rejection due to incomplete or incorrect information not rectified within 30 days.
- Inspection: Application processed; premises due for inspection to ensure compliance.
- Registration certificate issued: Certificate issued upon successful verification of compliance with FSSAI guidelines. Certificate downloadable from FoSCoS website post approval.
Conclusion
FSSAI registration is not just a regulatory mandate but a stepping stone for food businesses aiming for growth and market acceptance. It reassures consumers about the quality and safety of the food, building a foundation of trust. For businesses seeking expansion, a business loan can provide the necessary financial support for upgrading facilities, enhancing quality control measures, and achieving FSSAI registration, marking a significant leap towards operational excellence and compliance. Exploring business loan options and understanding business loan eligibility can therefore be instrumental in navigating the path to FSSAI certification and business success