What is FSSAI Registration?
FSSAI Registration (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is a mandatory compliance for any business involved in the food supply chain. It ensures that the food products are safe for consumption and meet the quality standards set by the Government of India.
Every Food Business Operator (FBO) receives a 14-digit registration or license number which must be printed on food packages and displayed at the business premises.
Types of FSSAI Registration
Basic Registration
For small businesses with annual turnover less than ₹12 Lakhs.
Ex: Petty retailers, hawkers, temporary stalls.
State License
For medium businesses with annual turnover between ₹12 Lakhs and ₹20 Crores.
Ex: Restaurants, mid-sized manufacturers.
Central License
For large businesses with turnover above ₹20 Crores, or Importers/Exporters.
Ex: Large manufacturers, multi-state operators.
Who Needs FSSAI Registration?
It is mandatory for:
- Manufacturers: Factories, home bakers, repacking units.
- Traders: Wholesalers, distributors, retailers, suppliers.
- Food Services: Restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, cloud kitchens, caterers.
- Online Food Business: Sellers on Zomato, Swiggy, Amazon, etc.
- Importers & Exporters: Of food ingredients and products.
- Transporters: Food trucks, cold storage, warehouses.
Benefits of FSSAI Registration
- Legal Compliance: Avoid heavy fines and business closure.
- Customer Trust: The FSSAI logo is a mark of quality and safety assurance.
- Market Expansion: Essential for selling on e-commerce platforms and corporate catering.
- Government Support: Access to government schemes and easy bank loans.
Registration Process
- Eligibility Check: Determine if you need Basic, State, or Central license based on turnover and capacity.
- Documentation: Gather necessary documents (ID, Address, FSMS plan, etc.).
- Online Application: File the application on the FoSCoS portal (Form A or Form B).
- Payment: Pay the government fee online.
- Scrutiny & Inspection: The FSSAI officer reviews the application. A physical inspection may be conducted for State/Central licenses.
- License Issuance: Upon approval, the digital certificate is issued.
Documents Required
| Document | Basic | State/Central |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID of Proprietor/Partners | Yes | Yes |
| Proof of Business Address | Yes | Yes |
| Passport Size Photo | Yes | Yes |
| FSMS Plan | No | Yes |
| Blueprint/Layout of Unit | No | Yes (Mfg) |
| List of Machinery | No | Yes (Mfg) |
| Water Test Report | No | Yes (Mfg) |
| NOC from Municipality | No | Yes (Optional) |
Fees and Validity
FSSAI licenses can be issued for a period of 1 to 5 years.
- Basic Registration: ₹100 per year.
- State License: ₹2,000 - ₹5,000 per year (depending on capacity).
- Central License: ₹7,500 per year.
Note: Renewal must be done 30 days before expiry to avoid penalties.
