FSSAI Registration in India



1.What is FSSAI Registration?

FSSAI Registration (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is a mandatory food license required for any business involved in manufacturing, processing, packaging, storing, transporting, distributing, or selling food products in India. Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI is the apex regulatory body that sets food safety standards and ensures compliance across the entire food supply chain — from farm to fork.

Whether you run a restaurant, cloud kitchen, bakery, sweet shop, packaged food brand, food delivery service, catering business, grocery store, or any food-related operation, FSSAI Registration is legally mandatory. Operating a food business without an FSSAI license is a punishable offense under the FSS Act, with penalties including heavy fines up to Rs. 5 Lakhs and imprisonment up to 6 years for repeat offenses.

The 14-digit FSSAI license number must be prominently displayed at your business premises and printed on all food packages, labels, advertisements, and bills. This license number assures customers that your food products meet safety and quality standards set by the government.


2.Types of FSSAI Licenses — Basic, State, and Central

FSSAIissuesthreetypesoflicensesbasedonthescaleofoperationsandannualturnoverofthefoodbusiness. It is crucial to apply for the correct license type to avoid rejection or penalties.

FSSAI Basic Registration

FSSAI Basic Registration is for petty food businesses with annual turnover below Rs. 12 Lakhs. This includes small home-based food units, street food vendors, small sweet shops, small bakeries, tea stalls, and local catering services. Basic Registration is the simplest and fastest form of FSSAI license. It is valid for 1 to 5 years (as per your choice) and costs Rs. 100 per year. The registration certificate is issued within 7 working days. Apply online on foscos.fssai.gov.in by filling Form A.

FSSAI State License

FSSAI State License is required for medium-scale food businesses with annual turnover between Rs. 12 Lakhs and Rs. 20 Crore. This includes mid-sized restaurants, cloud kitchens, bakeries, packaged food manufacturers, food distributors, warehouses, transporters, and retail chains operating within one state. State License is issued by the State Food Safety Authority. It is valid for 1 to 5 years and costs Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 per year depending on the food category. The license is issued within 30 to 60 days. Apply via Form B on the FoSCoS portal.

FSSAI Central License

FSSAI Central License is mandatory for large-scale food businesses with annual turnover above Rs. 20 Crore, orforbusinessesengagedinimport/exportoffoodproducts.Thisincludeslargemanufacturingunits,importers, exporters,nationalrestaurantchains,100%ExportOrientedUnits(EOUs),andbusinessesoperatinginmultiple states. Central License is issued by the Central FSSAI Authority in New Delhi. It is valid for 1 to 5 years and costs Rs. 7,500 per year. The license is issued within 60 to 90 days after inspection. Apply via Form B on FoSCoS portal.

3.FSSAI Registration Process — Step-by-Step


Step 1 — Determine License Type

Calculate your annual turnover and determine which license type you need. Turnover below Rs. 12 Lakhs: FSSAI Basic Registration. Turnover between Rs. 12 Lakhs and Rs. 20 Crore: FSSAI State License. Turnover above Rs. 20 Crore or import/export business: FSSAI Central License. Choosing the wrong license type willlead to rejection.

Step 2 — Visit FoSCoS Portal

Go to the official FSSAI portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in (Food Safety Compliance System). Click on 'Apply for New License' and create an account by registering with your email ID and mobile number. Verify your email and phone via OTP. Log in to the portal using your credentials.

Step 3 — Fill Application Form

ForFSSAIBasicRegistration:FillFormAwithbasicdetails—applicantname,businessname,address,typeof food business (manufacturer, trader, distributor, retailer, etc.), and food category (milk products, beverages, bakery, meat, etc.). For State License or Central License: Fill Form B with detailed information including business structure (proprietorship, partnership, company, LLP), list of directors/partners, manufacturing capacity, water source, list of food products, and premises layout plan.

Step 4 — Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of required documents: Aadhaar Card and PAN Card of proprietor/partner/director, business registration proof (Company/LLP/Partnership certificate, MSME / Udyam Registration in India, GST certificate), proof of premises (Rent Agreement, Property Papers, NOC from landlord), food category declaration, blueprint/layout of processing unit (for State and Central License), water test report (for State and Central License), and list of food products to be manufactured or sold.

Step 5 — Pay Fees and Submit

Pay the application fee online via debit card, credit card, or net banking. FSSAI Basic Registration: Rs. 100 per year. State License: Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 per year (varies by category). Central License: Rs. 7,500 per year. After payment, submit the application. You will receive an acknowledgment slip with application reference number.

Step 6 — Inspection and Verification

For FSSAI Basic Registration: No physical inspection. The license is issued within 7 working days based on documents. For State License and Central License: A Food Safety Officer will conduct a physical inspection of your premises to verify hygiene standards, storage conditions, equipment, and compliance with FSSregulations. The inspection report is submitted to the licensing authority.

Step 7 — FSSAI License Issued

Once approved, the FSSAI license with a unique 14-digit license number is issued digitally. Download the license certificate from the FoSCoS portal. Print the certificate and display it prominently at your business premises.Printthe14-digitFSSAInumberonallfoodpackages,labels,bills,andmarketingmaterials.Timeline: 7 days (Basic), 30–60 days (State), 60–90 days (Central).


Keywords:FSSAIRegistration|TrademarkRegistration|Registration/Licenses|IECRegistrationforStartups|MSME/Udyam Registration in India

 

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