FSSAI License and Registration is required for any food business in India that manufactures, stores, transports, or distributes food. Depending on the size and nature of the company, FSSAI registration or license may be required. In the FSSAI Registration process, the FBO will get a 14 digit number that needs to be printed on food packages. Obtaining a FSSAI license can provide the food business with legal benefits, build goodwill, ensure food safety, create consumer awareness, and assist in business expansion. IndiaFilings can help you obtain an FSSAI license throughout the country very quickly. We also help to get FSSAI registration. Our experts will guide you in selecting the proper food category and license.
Governing Law
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a legal authority that offers a food license to all food business operators (FBO) in India.
As per Section 31(1) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, every Food Business Operator in the country must be licensed under the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The FSSAI licensing and registration procedure and requirements are regulated by the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011.
Food Business Operators Who Require FSSAI Registration?
The Food Business Operators (FBOs) carrying on the following kinds of the food business must have FSSAI License/Registration:
- Petty retailers, Retail Shops, Snacks shops, Confectionery or Bakery shops, etc
- Temporary stalls, fixed stalls, or food premises are involved in preparing, storing, distributing, and selling food products.
- Hawkers sell packaged or freshly prepared food by traveling from one location to another.
- Dairy Units, including Milk Chilling Units, Petty Milkmen, and Milk Vendors
- Slaughtering house
- Fish Processing, Meat Processing, and unit
- All Food Manufacturing units that include Repacking food
- Vegetable Oil Processing Units
- Proprietary food and Novel food
- Cold/refrigerated storage facility
- Transporter of food products having several specialized vehicles like insulated refrigerated vans/wagons, milk tankers, food wagons, food trucks, etc
- Wholesalers, suppliers, distributors, and marketers of food products
- Hotels, Restaurants, and Bars
- Canteens and Cafeteria, including mid-day meal canteens
- Food Vending Agencies and Caterers
- Dhaba, PG provides food, a Banquet hall with food catering arrangements, Home Based Canteen, and Food stalls at fairs or religious institutions.
- Importers and Exporters of food items and food ingredients
- E-Commerce food suppliers, including cloud kitchens
- Eligibility Criteria for Food Business Registration/License
- The document attached here provides eligibility criteria for Food Business Registration/License.
FSSAI Registration/FSSAI License
FSSAI registration is provided based on the business types, turnover, and production capacity. According to the installed capacity and turnover, FBOs are eligible for essential, central, and state licenses.
FSSAI Registration
FSSAI Registration is mandatory for petty food manufacturers or the FBO having a turnover of less than Rs.12 Lakhs unless the FBO is covered under compulsory licensing.
The petty FBO who manufactures or sells food items, a hawker, little retailer, itinerant vendor, temporary stall-holder, or small-scale industries relating to food business who comply with the following conditions must obtain an FSSAI registration certificate.
- Annual turnover does not exceed Rs.12 lakh.
- Production capacity of food products (other than milk and milk products and meat and meat products) up to 100 liters or kg per day
- Procurement or handling and collection of milk is up to 500 liters of milk per day or
- Slaughtering capacity is two large animals or ten small animals, or 50 poultry birds per day or less.
- Distributes foods including in any religious or social gathering except a caterer
For a better understanding, go through the following table:
Sl.No |
Business |
Capacity |
1 |
Food production capacity (other than milk and meat) |
Up to 100 kg/ltr per day |
2 |
Procurement, handling, and collection of milk |
Up to 500 ltr per day |
3 |
Slaughtering capacity |
Two large animals or ten small animals, or 50 poultry birds per day or less |
FSSAI registration number will be granted by the State Licensing Authority, and its carries 14 digits in it, but the first digit starts with 2.
FSSAI License
FSSAI License is mandatory for businesses having a turnover of more than 12 lakh or by the FBO engaged in food processing and manufacturing. The FSSAI License is categorized into two types Central and State License. FSSAI license carries 14 digits, wherein the first digit starts with 1. FBOs need to get the state license or the central license depending on the size of their business.
State license
Medium-size processors, manufacturers, traders, marketers, or transporters require the FSSAI state license from the state government.
The FBO has an annual turnover of more than Rs.12 lakh but not exceeding Rs.20 crore, is considered a medium-sized FBO and must obtain a state license.
The FBO must get a central license when its annual turnover crosses Rs.20 crore.
Central license
A large-sized business processing, transporting, manufacturing, and having international trade of food products needs to obtain the FSSAI central license. The FBO having an annual turnover of more than Rs.20 crore is considered a large business and must obtain an FSSAI central license from the Central Government.
Difference between FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License
Particulars |
FSSAI Registration |
FSSAI License |
Turnover Limit |
Businesses having an annual turnover not exceeding Rs.12 lakh |
Companies having an annual turnover of more than Rs.12 lakh |
Types |
Basic Registration |
FSSAI Central License and FSSAI State License |
Size of Business |
Petty food business operators |
Medium and large-sized food business operators and food businesses |
Duration |
Duration depends on the applicability of the registration |
Issued for a period of a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years |
Application |
Form A |
Form B |
Fees for Registration/License |
Fixed at Rs.100 per year. |
It varies from Rs.2000 to Rs.7500 per year, depending on the criteria and type of license. |
Publication |
The FBO should display the FSSAI registration on the office premises, and the registered number should be displayed on the product package. |
The exporter, importer, traders, and producers have to mandatorily publish the FSSAI license number on the package of the products. |
Benefits of Procuring FSSAI Food License
Obtaining an FSSAI license can provide the food business with the following benefits:
- Legal benefit
- Ensure food safety
- Build goodwill
- Create consumer awareness
- It helps regulate, manufacture, store, distribute, and sell imported food.
- It becomes easy to obtain funds from investors when an entrepreneur has an FSSAI license.
- FSSAI logos on food products ensure the quality of the products to the customers.
The registration number displayed on the food premises indicates that the premises comply with hygiene and quality standards.
Validity of FSSAI License/Registration
The FSSAI License / Registration will be issued for 1 to 5 years, as chosen by the Food Business Operator, from the date of issue of registration or license. The FBO must apply for renewal 30 days before the expiry of the current request.
Documents Required
The following documents are necessary for FSSAI registration:
- Photo of the Food Business Operator
- Government-issued Photo ID, including AADHAAR, PAN, Voter ID, etc.
- Proof of the business activity address (required if the address differs from what is stated in the Photo ID card).
Consequences for Conducting Business Without an FSSAI Registration
Engaging in any food-related business without a valid FSSAI registration/license, except for individuals exempted under sub-section (2) of section 31 of this Act, either personally or through a representative, for activities such as manufacturing, selling, storing, distributing, or importing food products without proper authorization, may lead to penalties.
The potential penalties for such actions can include a prison sentence of up to six months and a fine of up to five lakh rupees.
Seamless FSSAI Registration Process with IndiaFiling
IndiaFilings offers comprehensive support for FSSAI Registration, making the process simple and efficient. Here are the details of how we can assist you:
- Expert Guidance: Our team of experienced professionals provides expert guidance throughout the FSSAI Registration process, ensuring you meet all the requirements and guidelines.
- Document Preparation: We help you prepare and organize the necessary documents, including the application form, proof of identity, address proof, and other required documents.
- Application Submission: We submit your FSSAI Registration application on your behalf, reducing the administrative burden on your end.
- Follow-Up: Our team ensures a smooth application process by following up with the authorities as needed and addressing any queries or concerns.
- Compliance Assistance: We assist you in ensuring that your business operations align with FSSAI regulations to maintain compliance.
- Hassle-Free Process: Our streamlined approach makes the FSSAI Registration process hassle-free, saving you time and effort.
- Trusted Partner: IndiaFilings is trusted by businesses of all sizes for its compliance and registration services.
- Dedicated Support: Our support team is ready to assist you at every stage of the FSSAI Registration process, addressing any questions or issues you may have.
With IndiaFilings as your partner, FSSAI Registration becomes a straightforward and stress-free experience.
Who needs an FSSAI License?
Who are exempted from FSSAI registration?
Can we start a business without FSSAI?
To get more details on consequences of starting a business without an FSSAI license under Food Safety Norms.
Which products need an FSSAI license?
How much money does it take to get FSSAI license?
Here are the fees for all license types.
Is GST required for FSSAI?
To know more about whether GST is required for FSSAI, click here.
What is the validity of FSSAI registration?
Do I need an FSSAI registration if I am running a home kitchen?
Can FSSAI registration or License be obtained online?
Should I mention the FSSAI number in the invoice?
My food business unit needs to be relocated. Can I retain the existing license number for the new location?
Who are petty food business operators? What is the eligibility for the FSSAI registration certificate?
These FBOs are required to obtain FSSAI Registration Certificate by applying for Food Safety Compliance System or Food Safety Connect app. This Registration Certificate is embedded with a QR code and has the image of FBO with a 14-digit Registration number starting with 2 (2xxxxxxxxxxxxx).
My License was canceled. Can I apply for a new License?
Are physical documents required to be furnished at Regional/State Offices for License after submitting an online application?
I have closed down my food business. How to surrender the FSSAI License/Registration?
How to transfer the FSSAI License from one owner FBO to another in case of the death of the owner?
How to renew FSSAI license/Registration after expiry?
What are the documents required for FSSAI License? Where do I get the necessary documents for the FSSAI License?
Is it possible to identify the category of an FSSAI License/Registration by its number?
Do I need to file an annual return for my food business?
Is there a penalty for late or non-submission of annual returns?
What are the different categories of licenses?
To run a food business in more than two states, which FSSAI license is required?
How can I get an FSSAI license online?
Is it mandatory to obtain an FSSAI license in India?
How long does it take to get the FSSAI registration?