FSSAI Registration for Food Business

Securing an FSSAI Registration is a mandatory requirement for anyone looking to run a food business in India. This authorization is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and applies to all food businesses across the country. 

Whether you’re planning to operate a momo stall or a high-end fancy restaurant, obtaining the FSSAI license is a critical step before you begin your food business operations. Doing so ensures compliance with food safety standards and legal requirements for running a food business in India. 

Want to obtain FSSAI license registration as smoothly and quickly as possible? Registrationwala’s FSSAI consultants are here to assist you in the same!

What is a FSSAI License?

The Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act 2006 makes it mandatory for all the food business operators (FBOs) in India to secure a FSSAI License. This license is basically a permit that allows the food businesses to operate legally in the country. 

Whether you run a food business that manufactures, stores, transports or distributes food, FSSAI license is required. This license is a 14-digit code that must be displayed on all the food products being sold. 

Food Business Operators requiring FSSAI License

Food business license issued by FSSAI must be obtained by the following FBOs in India:

• Hotels, Restaurants, and Bars.

• Canteens and Cafeteria.

• Caterers and Food Vending Agencies.

• Dhaba, PG providing food, a Banquet hall serving food.

• Home Based Canteen, and food stalls at fairs or religious institutions.

• Importers and Exporters of food items and food ingredients.

• Vegetable Oil Processing Units.

• Proprietary food and Novel food.

• Cold and refrigerated storage facility.

• E-Commerce food suppliers such as cloud kitchens.

• Petty retailers, Retail Shops, Snacks shops.

• Confectionery or Bakery shops.

• Temporary or fixed stalls, or food premises involved in preparation, storage, distribution, and sale of food products..

• Abattoir or Meat shop.

• Transporter of food products having several specialized vehicles like insulated refrigerated vans/wagons, milk tankers, food wagons and food trucks.

• Wholesalers/suppliers/distributors/marketers of food products.

• Fish Processing, Meat Processing units.

• All Food Manufacturing units.

• Hawkers selling packaged/freshly prepared food by traveling from one place to another.

• Dairy Units, Milk Chilling Units, Petty Milkmen & Milk Vendors.

Benefits of FSSAI Online Registration

Securing online registration as a food business operator with FSSAI is crucial. The registration offers the following benefits to food businesses in India: 

• Since the FSSAI food license is mandatory for food businesses, obtaining it ensures compliance with the food safety requirements set by the government.

• Timely renewal of the food license ensures continuous compliance and helps businesses avoid legal repercussions.

• It improves a food business’ credibility and helps it attract potential customers and collaborations for business expansion.

• It validates and showcases adherence to food quality and safety standards and guidelines, and helps to boost consumer confidence.

• It makes it easier to establish consistent food safety regulations throughout all the states in India.

• It mandates that companies accurately label their food goods with components, nutritional data, and expiration dates.

• It assists companies in avoiding fines and penalties linked with failure to comply with food safety regulations and norms.

Types of FSSAI License Registration

There is no one-size-fits-all license issued by FSSAI. Based on business scale and nature, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India offers three different types of food business licenses in India:

• Basic License

• State License

• Central License

FSSAI Basic License  

FSSAI Basic License must be obtained by food business operators having an annual turnover not exceeding Rs. 12 lakhs. To obtain this license, FORM-A must be filed with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

FSSAI State License

FSSAI State License must be obtained by food business operators having a turnover of more than Rs. 12 lakhs but less than 20 crores in a year. FORM-B must be filed with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to obtain this license.

FSSAI Central License

Food businesses operating on a large scale and having an annual turnover of more than Rs. 20 crores per annum must obtain FSSAI Central License. For obtaining this, they must file Form-B with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. 

To know more about FSSAI license details for your food business, connect with Registrationwala.

Documents Required for FSSAI 

Based on the type of FSSAI license you want to obtain, the documents which must be filed with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India during the FSSAI application process differ.

Documents Required for Basic FSSAI Registration

For FSSAI Basic Registration, the following documents are required:

• Declaration through Form-A

• Address Proof

• Form IX nomination of a person by a company along with the board.

• Government-issued identity card

• Detail of the kind of business

• NOC from the municipality or any recognised legal local body "if required"

• Source of raw material

• Any other documents asked by FSSAI

Documents Required for State FSSAI Registration

For State FSSAI License, the following documents are required:

• Form B application for license/renewal of a license under FSS act 2006

• Name and list of equipment and machinery along with numbers

• Authorized identity proof

• Premise details in square meters and meters along with layout

• Recall plan

• Partnership deed for partnership firm

• Self-declaration for sole proprietorship

• Certificate obtained under Coop Act-1861/ Multi-State Coop Act-2002 in case of Cooperative (wherever applicable)

• NOC from CGWA for groundwater.

• Form IX nomination

• List of directors with full details in case of a company

• Any other documents asked by FSSAI

Documents Required for Central FSSAI License Registration

For Central FSSAI License, the following documents are required:

• Self-declaration (Form B)

• NOC from municipality

• Proof of ownership of the premise or NOC from the owner in case it premises are rented

• Authorized Photo identity card

• Must have certificate obtained under COOP Act 1861 and multi-state act 2002

• The source of raw materials 

• In case water is used as an ingredient, a test report must be obtained from concerned authorities

• Import-export code (IEC) issued by DGFT

• For running multiple chains in all different states and locations, mandatory registration for all owned outlets and central license for head office is needed.

• Ministry of commerce certificate for 100% Export Oriented Unit

• Certification from the Ministry of Tourism in the case of a hotel

• Food safety management plan

• Any other documents asked by FSSAI

FSSAI Registration Process

FSSAI Registration process can be fulfilled from the comfort of one’s home. If you’re wondering why, then it’s because the FSSAI Registration process can be completed online using the FoSCoS portal. You don’t have to stand in long queues to file your application for obtaining the food business license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. 

Let’s take a look at all the steps involved in securing FSSAI online registration. 

Step 1: Filing an Application for FSSAI Registration

Depending on the nature of the food business, the right application form must be filed with FSSAI. For obtaining FSSAI basic registration, form A must be used for filing the application. Whereas, for filing state registration or central registration application, form B must be filed with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The authority can either accept or reject the application.

Step 2: FSSAI Authority Inspection

For registration of a food business operator, an inspection of the premises might be conducted by the authority. If the inspection’s outcome is satisfactory, only then the FBO will be able to get clearance for obtaining FSSAI registration license.

Step 3: Approval by FSSAI

Once the inspection’s outcome is found to be satisfactory and FSSAI verification of documents has been done, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India will approve the application.

Step 4: Issuance of FSSAI Registration Certificate

Once the Authority has granted approval, it will issue the FSSAI certificate to the food business. The certificate will consist of a unique 14-digit number which shall be printed on all the food products and displayed during business hours.

Our Assistance in Helping you Secure FSSAI Registration

If you want to start your food business journey, then registering with FSSAI authority is a must. Our FSSAI consultants can help you to obtain the food business license from the authority pretty easily. Throughout the FSSAI application process, we will provide you assistance with:

• Drafting all the necessary documents

• Filing the application

• Application processing

• Completing the FSSAI registration in a timely manner

By reaching out to us, you’ll increase your chances of obtaining FSSAI online registration to a great extent. Hurry up! Get in touch with us as soon as possible if you want the FSSAI Registration in an effortless and hassle-free manner!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): FSSAI

Q1. Is it mandatory to display FSSAI logo and license number on food packaging?

A. Yes, the FSSAI logo and license number must be displayed on food packaging. Doing so ensures compliance with Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Q2. How many days does it take to get FSSAI license?

A. Generally, the food business operator license is issued by FSSAI within 60 days from the date of receiving the complete application. However, the time taken to obtain this license can vary. There isn’t any fixed timeframe.

Q3. For FSSAI license apply online, which portal is used?

A. To apply for an FSSAI online license, you can use the Food Safety and Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal.

Q4. What is the FSSAI license fee for restaurant?

A. The FSSAI license fee for restaurant depends on the annual turnover and the type of FSSAI license you want to obtain i.e., basic license, state license or central license. The FSSAI license fee for basic license is cheaper as compared to state license and central license.

Q5. How to download food licence?

A. To download food licence, you must visit the FoSCos website and login using your credentials. Then, select the issued FSSAI license and click the download icon or link on the page. After that, choose the Save option to download your FSSAI food licence.

Q6. How to check FSSAI license number of a packaged food product?

A. The FSSAI license number is displayed on the packaged food product itself. The license number consists of 14 unique digits, indicating that the food business operator has a valid FSSAI license.