FSSAI Registration in India: Complete Guide

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Complete guidance on food license types and eligibility

Step-by-step registration process explained

Document checklist and compliance requirements

Understanding FSSAI Registration

Food safety is a critical aspect of running any food business in India. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates registration or licensing for all Food Business Operators to ensure consumers have access to hygienic and quality food. Governed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI registration acts as both a legal requirement and quality benchmark for businesses dealing with food products.

Whether you’re operating a small home kitchen, a restaurant, a cloud kitchen, or a large-scale food manufacturing unit, obtaining the appropriate FSSAI license is mandatory before commencing operations. The registration provides a 14-digit identification number that must be displayed on food packaging and business premises, serving as a mark of quality assurance for consumers.

What is FSSAI Registration?

FSSAI Registration refers to the mandatory certification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the regulatory body responsible for monitoring food safety across the country. Every Food Business Operator, whether small or large, must obtain this license before starting operations. The registration serves multiple purposes: it allows the government to trace the origin of food products, ensures accountability in the supply chain, and builds consumer trust.

Depending on the annual turnover, business size, and nature of operations, food businesses are required to apply for either Basic Registration, State License, or Central License. Obtaining FSSAI registration not only fulfills a legal requirement but also enhances credibility in the marketplace and opens doors to partnerships with food delivery platforms.

Who Needs FSSAI Registration?

FSSAI registration is compulsory for every food-related business in India. Whether a company is engaged in manufacturing, processing, storing, transporting, or selling food, it must be registered under FSSAI. This ensures all players in the food industry operate under common standards of hygiene and safety.

Entities requiring FSSAI registration include food manufacturers and processors, storage units and cold chains, wholesalers and retailers, online food sellers and e-commerce platforms, hotels, restaurants, cafés and bakeries, cloud kitchens and catering businesses, importers and exporters of food products, and even street food vendors and hawkers. The regulation covers the entire food supply chain from farm to fork.

Types of FSSAI Licenses

FSSAI offers three categories of licenses to ensure food businesses of every size are regulated appropriately. The type required depends on annual turnover, nature of operations, and geographical reach of the business.

Basic FSSAI Registration

Designed for small food businesses and startups with annual turnover up to Rs. 12 lakh. This includes petty food manufacturers, small retailers, hawkers, street food vendors, home-based food businesses, and temporary stall holders. The process is simplified with minimal documentation requirements.

State FSSAI License

Required for medium-sized food businesses with annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore, operating within a single state. This covers restaurants, medium-scale manufacturers, storage facilities, wholesalers, and distributors. Businesses in cities like FSSAI Registration in Pune and other metros typically require State License if operating within state boundaries.

Central FSSAI License

Mandatory for large food businesses with annual turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crore or those involved in inter-state operations, imports, or exports. This includes large manufacturers, food chains with national presence, importers, exporters, and e-commerce food businesses operating across multiple states.

FSSAI License Eligibility Criteria

License Type	Annual Turnover	Suitable For
Basic Registration	Up to Rs. 12 Lakh	Home kitchens, hawkers, small vendors
State License	Rs. 12 Lakh – Rs. 20 Crore	Restaurants, mid-size manufacturers
Central License	Above Rs. 20 Crore	Large manufacturers, importers, exporters

FSSAI Registration Process

Step 1: Determine License Type

Identify the appropriate license category based on your annual turnover, business size, and operational reach. Choose between Basic Registration, State License, or Central License to ensure compliance with FSSAI regulations.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary documents including identity proofs, address proofs, business registration certificates, and details of food products you manufacture, process, or sell. Having complete documentation reduces processing time significantly.

Step 3: Submit Online Application

Submit your application through the FSSAI FoSCoS portal. Use Form A for Basic Registration and Form B for State or Central License. Ensure all details are accurate and complete to prevent rejection or delays.

Step 4: Pay Government Fees

Pay the applicable government fees according to the license type and validity period chosen. Fees vary based on whether it is Basic, State, or Central License and the duration selected (1-5 years).

Step 5: Inspection (If Required)

For State and Central licenses, FSSAI officers may conduct physical inspection of your premises to verify hygiene standards, equipment, storage conditions, and overall compliance with food safety requirements.

Step 6: License Issuance

Once the application is approved and inspection (if applicable) is cleared, the FSSAI license number is issued within 7-30 working days. This number must be displayed on food packaging and business premises.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

PAN Card of the proprietor, partners, or company.

Aadhaar Card of the proprietor, partners, or directors.

Passport-size photographs of applicants.

Photographs of business premises (exterior and interior).

Proof of possession of premises (rent agreement, sale deed, or utility bill).

List of food products to be manufactured, processed, or traded.

Business registration documents (Incorporation Certificate, Partnership Deed, or LLP Agreement).

Food safety management plan (for State and Central licenses).

NOC from municipality or local authority (if applicable).

Email ID and mobile number of the proprietor or authorised signatory.

Validity and Renewal of FSSAI License

FSSAI licenses are issued for a validity period of 1 to 5 years, based on the option selected during application. Choosing longer validity periods often proves cost-effective as it reduces the frequency of renewal procedures and associated fees.

Renewal applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the license expiry date to ensure uninterrupted operations. Late renewal can attract penalties and may result in suspension of business activities until the license is renewed. The renewal process is similar to fresh registration but typically faster if there are no changes in business operations.

Benefits of FSSAI Registration

Legal Authorization

FSSAI registration grants the legal right to operate a food business anywhere in India. Without valid registration, operating a food business is illegal and punishable under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Consumer Trust and Credibility

The FSSAI logo and license number on products enhance consumer confidence by assuring quality and safety compliance. This trust translates into customer loyalty and repeat business.

Platform Partnerships

Food delivery platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, and other online marketplaces require valid FSSAI registration for onboarding. Without it, businesses cannot access these high-traffic sales channels.

Business Expansion

Valid FSSAI license improves eligibility for business loans, attracts investor confidence, and supports smooth expansion into new markets. Banks and investors view compliant businesses more favourably.

Penalties for Operating Without FSSAI License

Operating without valid FSSAI registration is a punishable offense under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Penalties vary based on the type of license required. Basic registration violations attract fines up to Rs. 25,000 and possible closure. State license violations can result in fines between Rs. 2-5 lakh and license cancellation. Central license violations may attract fines exceeding Rs. 5 lakh, business closure, and imprisonment in severe cases involving food adulteration or safety hazards.

Conclusion

FSSAI registration is not merely a regulatory formality but a fundamental requirement for building a credible and sustainable food business in India. The license demonstrates commitment to food safety standards, opens access to major sales channels, and protects businesses from legal penalties that can severely impact operations.

Whether you’re starting a home kitchen, launching a restaurant, or scaling a food manufacturing operation, obtaining the appropriate FSSAI license should be among your first priorities. The tiered licensing structure ensures that compliance requirements remain proportionate to business size, making registration accessible for enterprises of all scales.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is FSSAI registration mandatory for home kitchens?

Yes, even home-based food businesses selling through WhatsApp, Instagram, Zomato, or Swiggy require FSSAI registration. Basic registration is typically sufficient for home kitchens with turnover up to Rs. 12 lakh.

2. How long does it take to get an FSSAI license?

On average, it takes 7-30 working days depending on the license type and whether inspection is required. Basic registration is usually faster, while State and Central licenses may take longer due to inspection requirements.

3. Can I operate a restaurant without FSSAI registration?

No. Operating any food business without FSSAI registration is illegal and attracts penalties including fines and potential closure. Registration is mandatory before commencing operations.

4. What is the difference between FSSAI registration and license?

Basic FSSAI Registration is for small businesses with turnover up to Rs. 12 lakh. FSSAI License (State or Central) is for larger businesses exceeding this threshold. The documentation and compliance requirements differ accordingly.

5. What is the validity period of FSSAI license?

FSSAI licenses can be obtained for validity periods ranging from 1 to 5 years based on the applicant’s choice. Longer validity periods are cost-effective and reduce renewal frequency.

6. Can I apply for FSSAI registration online?

Yes, FSSAI registration is done online through the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal. The entire application, document submission, fee payment, and tracking can be done digitally.

7. What happens if my FSSAI license expires?

Operating with an expired license is illegal. You must apply for renewal at least 30 days before expiry. Late renewal attracts penalties, and continued operations without valid license can result in fines and business closure.

8. Is inspection mandatory for FSSAI registration?

Inspection is not mandatory for Basic Registration. However, State and Central license applications may require physical inspection of premises by FSSAI officials to verify compliance with food safety standards.

9. Can I modify my FSSAI license after registration?

Yes, modifications such as change in address, addition of food categories, or change in business details can be made by filing modification applications through the FoSCoS portal with supporting documents.

10. Do cloud kitchens need FSSAI registration?

Yes, cloud kitchens and delivery-only food businesses require FSSAI registration. The license type depends on annual turnover and operational scale, similar to traditional restaurants.

11. What is the FSSAI license fee?

Government fees vary by license type: Basic Registration costs Rs. 100 per year, State License ranges from Rs. 2,000-5,000 per year, and Central License ranges from Rs. 7,500-10,000 per year depending on business category.

12. Is FSSAI registration required for packaged food sellers?

Yes, anyone selling packaged food products, whether as manufacturer, importer, or retailer, requires FSSAI registration. The license number must be printed on all food packaging as per regulations.