FSSAI License and Registration
Obtaining an FSSAI License or Registration is mandatory for any food business in India involved in the manufacturing, storage, transportation, or distribution of food products. The type of FSSAI approval required depends on the nature and scale of the business. Businesses that complete the FSSAI registration process are issued a 14-digit registration or license number, which must be printed on food packages.
Acquiring an FSSAI license provides several benefits, including legal compliance, building trust among consumers, ensuring food safety, and supporting business expansion.
Overview of Governing Law
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates food-related businesses under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. As per Section 31(1) of the Act, every food business operator (FBO) in India must obtain an FSSAI license or registration.
The licensing and registration procedures are governed by the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
Food Businesses That Require FSSAI Registration or License
The following food businesses must obtain an FSSAI license or registration:
- Petty retailers, snack shops, confectionery, and bakeries.
- Temporary stalls or food premises preparing, storing, or selling food items.
- Mobile vendors selling packaged or freshly prepared food.
- Dairy units, milk vendors, and chilling units.
- Slaughterhouses and meat or fish processing units.
- Food manufacturing or repackaging units.
- Cold/refrigerated storage facilities.
- Transporters with specialized vehicles such as refrigerated vans or milk tankers.
- Wholesalers, distributors, and marketers of food products.
- Hotels, restaurants, canteens, and cafeterias (including mid-day meal canteens).
- Caterers, food vending agencies, and food stalls at fairs or events.
- Dhabas, home-based canteens, banquet halls with catering arrangements.
- Importers, exporters, and e-commerce food suppliers (including cloud kitchens).
Types of FSSAI Approvals
FSSAI approval is categorized into two types based on the size of the business:
- FSSAI Registration (Basic Registration)
- For small-scale food businesses or petty food manufacturers with an annual turnover of less than ₹12 lakhs.
- Examples include small retailers, hawkers, itinerant vendors, and home-based canteens.
- Other eligibility criteria include:
- Food production capacity of up to 100 kg or liters per day.
- Milk handling of up to 500 liters per day.
- Slaughtering of up to 2 large animals, 10 small animals, or 50 poultry birds per day.
- FSSAI License (State and Central)
- State License: For medium-sized businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores.
- Central License: For large-scale businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crores, or those involved in inter-state or international food trade.
Difference Between FSSAI Registration and License
| Aspect | FSSAI Registration | FSSAI License |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Turnover | Up to ₹12 lakhs | Above ₹12 lakhs |
| Business Type | Small-scale/petty FBOs | Medium and large-scale FBOs |
| Duration | As per applicability | 1–5 years |
| Application Form | Form A | Form B |
| Display Requirement | Number displayed on packages | Number displayed on premises and packages |
Benefits of Obtaining an FSSAI License
- Legal Compliance: Ensures the business complies with food safety laws.
- Goodwill and Trust: Builds credibility among consumers.
- Food Safety Standards: Promotes hygiene and safety in food handling.
- Business Growth: Makes it easier to obtain investments or loans.
- Consumer Awareness: Displays of the FSSAI logo and number reassure customers about product quality.
- Regulated Operations: Ensures smooth management of production, storage, and distribution.
Validity and Renewal of FSSAI License
The FSSAI license or registration is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, as chosen by the food business operator. Businesses are required to renew the license 30 days before its expiry to avoid penalties.
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration
- Recent passport-size photograph of the applicant.
- Government-issued photo ID (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID).
- Proof of business activity and address (if different from the ID address).
Consequences of Operating Without an FSSAI License
Running a food business without valid FSSAI registration or licensing can lead to severe penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Violators may face:
- A fine of up to ₹5 lakhs.
- Imprisonment for up to six months.