- 14-Digit Registration Number: Each FSSAI Registration Certificate includes a unique 14-digit number, which must be displayed on all food packaging. This number provides key details about the product’s origin, including the state of production and the licence information of the manufacturer.
- Quality Assurance: Requiring Food Business Operators (FBOs) to display their registration ensures clear accountability for food quality and safety, placing responsibility directly on the business handling the food.
- Applicability: FSSAI registration is mandatory for all FBOs, from small vendors to large manufacturing units, with the specific type of registration depending on the scale and nature of the business.
Food business operators (FBOs) who require FSSAI registration
All food business operators, including pharmacies and medical stores selling health supplements or nutraceuticals, must obtain FSSAI registration. The following types of businesses are required to apply for a food licence:
- Shops and retail outlets, such as grocery stores, bakeries, snack shops, and confectionery stores
- Street food vendors, operating from permanent or temporary stalls, selling packaged or prepared foods
- Dairy units, including milk suppliers, milk chillers, and small-scale vendors
- Food processing units, such as fish, meat, and vegetable oil processors, or food repackers
- Businesses involved in food storage and transportation, including cold storage facilities and transporters using milk tankers, food trucks, or refrigerated vans
- Food distributors and wholesalers, including suppliers and marketing agencies
- Food service establishments, such as restaurants, bars, hotels, canteens, and cafeterias
- Food vending agencies, roadside dhabas, and catering services
- PG accommodations providing meal services
- Banquet halls offering catering services
- Home-based food operations, including stalls or canteens at religious institutions or fairs
- Businesses engaged in the import or export of food and food ingredients
- E-commerce food sellers
- Cloud kitchens
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
FSSAI Registration is the basic licence required for all food business operators (FBOs) engaged in small-scale food operations. This includes the following categories:
- FBOs with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakh
- Small retailers selling food products
- Individuals who personally manufacture or sell any food item
- Temporary stall holders selling food
- Individuals distributing food at religious or social gatherings, excluding professional caterers
- Small-scale or cottage food businesses
Additionally, small businesses are eligible for FSSAI Registration if they operate within the following capacity limits:
Sl. No
|
Business
|
Capacity
|
1
|
Food production (excluding milk and meat)
|
Up to 100 kg/litre per day
|
2
|
Procurement, handling, and collection of milk
|
Up to 500 litres per day
|
3
|
Slaughtering
|
2 large animals or 10 small animals or 50 poultry birds per day or less
|
4
|
Transportation
|
Single vehicle
|
5
|
Vending machines
|
Up to 12 machines within one state or union territory
|
FSSAI license eligibility
For all other food business operators (FBOs) beyond small-scale operations, obtaining an FSSAI licence is mandatory. The FSSAI licence is categorised into two types: State FSSAI Licence and Central FSSAI Licence, depending on the size of the business—medium-scale or large-scale.
Criteria for FSSAI State Licence
Medium-sized food business operators (FBOs), such as manufacturers, transporters, marketers, and traders, are required to obtain a State FSSAI Licence from the respective State Government. This category includes:
- FBOs with an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore (up to Rs. 30 crore for transportation businesses and wholesalers).
- All grain, cereal, and pulse milling units, regardless of production capacity.
- Medium-scale businesses with the following food capacity limits:
Sl.No
|
Business
|
Capacity
|
1
|
Food production (other than milk and meat)
|
1 to 2 MT per day
|
2
|
Procurement, handling, and collection of milk
|
501 to 50,000 litres per day
|
3
|
Slaughtering
|
3–50 large animals, 11–150 small animals, or 51–1,000 poultry birds per day
|
4
|
Storage
|
Up to 10,000 MT
|
5
|
Transportation
|
Up to 100 vehicles
|
6
|
Hotels
|
One-, Two-, Three-, and Four-star ratings
|
7
|
Vending machines
|
Up to 100 machines in a single state/UT
|
The licence is valid for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years.
Criteria for FSSAI Central Licence
Large-scale food business operators (FBOs), including major manufacturers, importers, and exporters, must obtain a Central FSSAI Licence from the Central Government. This category includes:
- FBOs with an annual turnover above Rs. 20 crore (Rs. 30 crore for transportation businesses and wholesalers).
- The following FBOs regardless of turnover or business size:
- Food businesses operating in two or more states
- Importers and exporters
- Proprietary or non-specified food businesses
- Manufacturers of food or health supplements and nutraceuticals
- Entities involved in radiation processing of foods
- Food business operations at Central Government agency premises
- Caterers, restaurants, canteens, hawkers, or petty retailers at railway stations
- E-commerce food businesses
- Large-scale businesses with the following capacity limits:
Sl.No
|
Business
|
Capacity
|
1
|
Food production (other than milk and meat)
|
More than 2 MT per day
|
2
|
Procurement, handling, and collection of milk
|
More than 50,000 litres per day
|
3
|
Slaughtering
|
More than 50 large animals, more than 150 small animals, or more than 1,000 poultry birds per day
|
4
|
Storage
|
More than 10,000 MT
|
5
|
Transportation
|
More than 100 vehicles
|
6
|
Hotels
|
Five-star and above
|
7
|
Vending machines
|
More than 100 machines across two or more states/UTs
|
The licence is valid for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years.
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.
FSSAI registration renewal
Renewing FSSAI registration is essential for Food Business Operators (FBOs) to continue operating legally. Since an FSSAI registration or licence is valid for 1 to 5 years depending on the business type, it is mandatory to apply for renewal before it expires. It is recommended to initiate the renewal process at least 120 days before the expiry date to avoid legal issues, penalties, or interruptions in business operations.
Benefits of Procuring FSSAI License Registration
Obtaining FSSAI registration provides multiple benefits, ensuring legal compliance while boosting your business credibility and growth potential:
- Legal Compliance: Confirms that your business adheres to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which is mandatory for operating a food business in India.
- Increased Consumer Trust: Reassures customers that your products meet safety and quality standards, fostering loyalty and credibility.
- Enhanced Reputation: Shows your commitment to high-quality and safe products, attracting more customers.
- Expanded Market Access: Many retailers and distributors require FSSAI registration, enabling wider business opportunities.
- Competitive Advantage: Differentiates your business from competitors who may not meet safety standards, making your products more attractive.
- International Trade Opportunities: Essential for exporting food products and complying with global regulations.
- Prevention of Legal Issues: Minimises risks of penalties, fines, or business closures by ensuring compliance with food safety laws.
- Assurance of Product Quality: Regular quality checks help maintain consistent and safe products, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Access to Support and Resources: Registered businesses benefit from workshops, updates, and guidance on food safety regulations.
- Better Business Prospects: Opens opportunities for government contracts, tenders, and strategic partnerships, supporting business growth and expansion.
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.
FSSAI non-compliance offences and penalty
Penalties vary depending on the type of non-compliance, as outlined below:
- Non-compliant food quality: Rs. 2 lakh (Rs. 25,000 for small manufacturers)
- Sub-standard food: Rs. 5 lakh
- Misbranded food: Rs. 3 lakh
- False description or misleading advertisement: Rs. 10 lakh
- Presence of extraneous matter in food: Rs. 1 lakh
- Failure to comply with food safety directions: Rs. 2 lakh
- Unhygienic manufacturing or processing: Rs. 1 lakh
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
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