FSSAI License & Registration – Food Safety Compliance in India
Mandatory Registration for all Food Business Operators (FBOs) · Central, State & Basic Categories
Three Categories of FSSAI License
Basic Registration
-
Turnover & Process: It is the primary kind of food license issued for businesses that are small in turnover up to ₹12 lakhs. Approximately per annum, providing a simplified registration process while still ensuring adherence to basic food safety regulations.
-
Applicability: This is suitable for small-scale food businesses, including petty food manufacturers, small eateries, and individual food processors.
-
Catering Note: Catering businesses irrespective of their turnover have to apply for a state license and not a basic FSSAI registration.
State License
-
Turnover & Applicability: Companies that have a profit greater than ₹12 lakhs and less than ₹20 crores per annum require a state license. This category is meant for medium-sized food businesses operating within a specific state.
-
Coverage: It is applicable to businesses with a moderate turnover and covers entities such as distributors, manufacturers, and suppliers. The State FSSAI License is obtained from the respective State Government's FSSAI department.
Central License
-
Turnover & Scale: The central registration is for bigger businesses that have a turnover of over ₹20 crores per annum. Larger enterprises engaged in food manufacturing and distribution on a national scale are required to obtain the Central FSSAI License. This category is suitable for businesses with a substantial annual turnover.
-
Central Government & Import/Export: Companies that supply food to government offices/departments and businesses involved in food import/export have to get a central license as well.
-
Compliance: Central FSSAI License is granted by the Central Government's FSSAI department and is essential for ensuring compliance with national-level food safety standards.
Who Needs FSSAI Registration
- Petty Retailers & Shops: Petty retailers, retail shops, snacks shops, confectionery or bakery shops, etc.
- Mobile & Temporary: Temporary stalls, fixed stalls, hawkers selling packaged/fresh food by traveling.
- Dairy Units: Including Milk Chilling Units, Petty Milkmen, and Milk Vendors.
- Slaughtering & Meat: Slaughtering houses, Fish Processing, Meat Processing, and related units.
- Manufacturing: All Food Manufacturing units that include Repacking food.
- Storage: Cold/refrigerated storage facilities.
- Transportation: Transporters of food products with specialized vehicles (refrigerated vans, milk tankers, etc).
- Wholesalers & Trade: Wholesalers, suppliers, distributors, and marketers of food products.
- Vegetable Oil Processing Units.
- Hotels.
- Restaurants and Bars.
- Canteens & Cafeterias: Including mid-day meal canteens.
- Food Vending Agencies and Caterers.
- Home-Based & Local Services: Dhaba, PG providers food, Banquet hall with catering, Home Based Canteen, Food stalls at fairs or religious institutions.
- Importers & Exporters: Of food items and food ingredients.
- E-Commerce Food Suppliers: Including cloud kitchens.
- Proprietary food.
- Novel food.
Documents for State & Central License
Standard Documents Required
-
Proof of Business Address: Document establishing the physical location of the business.
-
Photographs: Passport-sized photograph of the applicant or authorized person.
-
Personnel List: A list of all directors, partners, executive members, or proprietors.
-
Company/Firm Registration: A certificate of incorporation (CIN/LLP/Partnership Deed).
-
Constitutional Documents: The MOA and AOA of the business (Memorandum and Articles of Association).
-
Identity Proof: An identity proof that contains a photograph (e.g., Pan card & Aadhaar card).
-
Regulatory Clearance: No objection certificate from the local municipality or relevant trade license.
-
Self Declaration: Self declaration will be prepared by Client Filing India and will be shared for signatures.
Corporate & Manufacturing Specific
- The blueprint of warehouse, plant, etc.
- A list of all machinery.
- Report of a water test.
- List of all food categories.
Filing of FSSAI Annual Returns (Form D-1)
Every Food Business Operator must file FSSAI Form D-1 annually, regardless of the previous year's production. This annual return can be filed electronically or in the physical form specified by the Food Safety Commissioner.
Data Required for Annual Return
- Name and details of food products manufactured/handled/sold/imported/exported.
- Quantity in Metric Tons and Value of the products.
- Size and type of packaging (bottle, can, bulk package).
- Selling price per Kilogram or unit of packaging.
- Details of countries/ports for imported/exported products, including C.I.F/F.O.B. rates.
Penalty for Delayed Filing
As per Section 2.1.13 (3) of FSSAI, 2011, any delay in filing the annual return beyond May 31st of each year shall attract a penalty of ₹100 per day of delay.
Entities Exempted from Annual FSSAI Return
- Restaurants
- Fast Food Joints
- Canteens
- Grocery Stores
Simple & Transparent Pricing for Fssai
Scale your features as your business grows. Find the plan that fits your needs today.
Basic Plan
State Governemnt fees of Rs 2000 plus clientfiling charges of Rs 1000 plus gst 118.
- State license for one year inclusive of Government fees
Standard Plan
Central Governemnt fees of Rs 8850 plus clientfiling charges of Rs 1150 plus gst 207
- Central license for one year inclusive of Government fees
Premium Plan
Prices are inclusive of gst@18%
- Fssai Audit and checklist Audit
FAQ's on FSSAI
Your Questions Answered
What is the full form of FSSAI and its purpose?
FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, and its purpose is to regulate the manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food to ensure public health.
Who needs an FSSAI License or Registration?
Every Food Business Operator (FBO) involved in any stage of food handling, from manufacturing to selling, must obtain the required FSSAI registration or license.
What are the three categories of FSSAI approval?
FSSAI approval is divided into three categories based on turnover: Basic Registration (turnover up to ?12 Lakh), State License (turnover up to ?20 Crore), and Central License (turnover above ?20 Crore or for specific businesses like import/export).
Is the FSSAI license mandatory for small home-based food businesses?
Yes, even small home-based food businesses, if they have a turnover above ?12 Lakh annually, require at least the FSSAI Basic Registration.
What is the typical validity period of an FSSAI License/Registration?
The FSSAI license or registration can be issued for a period of 1 year up to 5 years, which must be renewed before its expiry.
What happens if a Food Business Operator (FBO) operates without an FSSAI license?
Operating without a license can lead to penalties, fines, and potentially imprisonment, as it is a mandatory legal compliance.
What is the unique number issued after obtaining an FSSAI license?
A 14-digit FSSAI License number is issued, which must be printed on all food packages and signboards of the business.
Do food importers require a special type of FSSAI license?
Yes, food importers are required to obtain an FSSAI Central License, regardless of their turnover, due to the nature of their business.
Is GST required for FSSAI?
FSSAI, on July 27th, 2022 vide a notice announced that GST at the prescribed rate would be applicable on all services provided by FSSAI like issuing a Central license, Food Safety Mitra Fees, Product Approval Fees, Import Clearance Fees, and so forth will attract an 18% service tax.
Does FSSAI Registration cover all food products?
Yes, it covers all food products, including manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, and sale.
Can I transfer my FSSAI Registration to another business or location?
No, FSSAI Registration is non-transferable. You must apply for a new registration if the business ownership or location changes.
this is a demo image
this is also a demo subtitle just for testing purpose.
Guardians of the Indian Plate
The FSSAI is India's apex statutory body that regulates food safety and mandates licensing for all food businesses to ensure scientific hygiene standards.
