FSSAI Registration & Food License | Documents, Fees & Validity
FSSAI Registration & Food License | Documents, Fees & Validity
In the competitive and rapidly growing food industry of India, compliance with stringent quality and safety standards is non-negotiable. At the heart of this regulatory framework is the FSSAI Registration (or License), a mandatory legal requirement that acts as the ultimate seal of trust and authorization for all food businesses.
FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the apex regulatory body established under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006. Its core mission is to protect and promote public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety. Every individual or entity involved in any stage of the food chain—be it manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, transportation, or sale—must secure the appropriate FSSAI authorization.
This crucial certification, recognized nationwide, ensures that food products adhere to science-based standards, preventing adulteration, reducing contamination, and building immense consumer confidence. For any business, from a tiny home-based baker to a multinational food processing unit, obtaining the correct FSSAI Registration is not merely a formality; it is the foundation for legal operation, market expansion, and brand credibility. Failure to comply can result in severe financial penalties and legal action, including business closure.
The FSSAI has devised a three-tiered system to categorize Food Business Operators (FBOs) based on their scale of operation, production capacity, and annual turnover. Correctly identifying the applicable tier is the most critical first step, as it determines the form, fee, and regulating authority.
1. FSSAI Basic Registration (Petty FBOs)
This is the entry-level authorization intended for small-scale and petty food businesses.
Eligibility Criteria: FBOs with an annual turnover up to ₹12 Lakhs.
Production/Capacity Limit: Production capacity up to 100 kg/litre per day (for most foods), or milk procurement/handling up to 500 litres per day, or slaughtering capacity of 2 large animals or 10 small animals or 50 poultry birds per day.
Target Businesses: Petty retailers, temporary stall holders, hawkers, small home-based food services (e.g., small tiffin services, home bakers), and small distributors.
Application Form: Form A.
Government Fee (Annual): Fixed at ₹100.
Authority: State Registration Authority.
2. FSSAI State License (Medium-Sized FBOs)
The State License is mandatory for medium-sized businesses operating exclusively within the boundaries of a single state.
Eligibility Criteria: FBOs with an annual turnover above ₹12 Lakhs but not exceeding ₹20 Crores (up to ₹30 Crores for wholesalers and transporters).
Target Businesses: Medium-scale manufacturers, mid-sized restaurants, distributors, cold storage units, and large wholesalers operating within one state.
Application Form: Form B.
Government Fee (Annual): Ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000, depending on the type of business (e.g., manufacturer, retailer, food service).
Authority: State Licensing Authority.
3. FSSAI Central License (Large/Interstate FBOs)
This is the highest level of certification, required for large-scale operations with national or international reach.
Eligibility Criteria: FBOs with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 Crores (above ₹30 Crores for wholesalers and transporters).
Target Businesses: Importers, Exporters, FBOs operating in two or more states (inter-state business), large manufacturers (production capacity exceeding 2 Metric Tons per day), and businesses operating in premises of Central Government agencies (e.g., Railways, Airports, Ports).
Application Form: Form B.
Government Fee (Annual): Fixed at ₹7,500.
Authority: Central Licensing Authority.
The efficiency of securing your FSSAI Registration or License is dependent on the accurate and complete submission of required documents via the online portal. The requirements escalate significantly from Basic Registration to Central License, with manufacturers having the most rigorous demands.
Document Category
Basic FSSAI Registration (Form A)
State/Central FSSAI License (Form B)
Identity & Business Proof
Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID) & Passport Size Photo of the FBO.
Photo ID and Address Proof of Proprietor/Partner/Director(s). Business Constitution Proof (Partnership Deed/MoA/AoA).
Premises Proof
Proof of Possession of Premises (Rent Agreement/Utility Bill/Sale Deed).
Proof of Possession of Premises (must be specific to the location). NOC from Municipality (often required for State/Central).
Operational Detail
List of food products.
Detailed List of Food Categories (FPC) to be handled/manufactured.
Mandatory for Manufacturers
N/A
Blueprint/Layout Plan of the processing unit (mandatory). List of Machinery & Equipment (with capacity). Water Testing Report (for units using water as an ingredient).
Legal & Safety
Declaration of adherence to hygiene requirements (Part I of Schedule 4).
Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Plan or Certificate. Form IX (Nomination of Authorized Person for the company).
The entire application procedure for FSSAI Registration or License is digital and centralized through the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal.
Step 1: Eligibility Check and Form Selection
Before applying, use the FoSCoS eligibility tool to confirm your exact business category (Basic/State/Central) based on your turnover and operational scale. Choose the correct application form: Form A for Basic Registration and Form B for State or Central License.
Step 2: Online Application and Fee Payment
Fill out the chosen form on the FoSCoS portal, selecting the appropriate State and Kind of Business (KOB). Ensure all details, particularly contact information and address, are accurate. Pay the requisite government fee online. The fee varies depending on the type of authorization and the chosen tenure (1 to 5 years).
Step 3: Document Upload
Upload all mandatory supporting documents as self-attested digital copies. Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents is the most common reason for applications being returned for correction (queried).
Step 4: Scrutiny and Inspection
The application is reviewed by the Designated Officer (DO) or Food Safety Officer (FSO).
Basic Registration: The process is typically straightforward, leading to the certificate issuance within 7 days if documents are in order.
State/Central License: The FSO conducts detailed document scrutiny and may schedule a physical inspection of the premises. This inspection is mandatory for high-risk FBOs (like manufacturers and large restaurants) to verify compliance with the Schedule 4 (Hygiene and Sanitary) requirements.
Step 5: FSSAI Certificate Issuance
Upon successful verification, the FSSAI Registration Certificate (or License) is granted. The FBO receives a digital certificate that must be prominently displayed at the business premises. The unique 14-digit FSSAI registration/license number must also be printed on all packaged food products, providing details about the state and the producer’s permit.
Securing the correct FSSAI Registration is far more than a compliance burden—it is a strategic investment that yields tangible legal and commercial returns.
Legal Protection: It ensures compliance with the FSS Act, 2006. Operating without the necessary authorization can result in a fine up to ₹5 Lakhs and potential imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.
Consumer Trust: The FSSAI logo is a powerful mark of quality and safety. Displaying it builds immediate confidence and loyalty among consumers in a highly competitive market.
Business Expansion: The FSSAI certificate is mandatory for accessing various commercial opportunities, including listing products on major e-commerce platforms (like Amazon), partnering with food delivery aggregators (like Zomato and Swiggy), and being eligible for bank loans and government grants.
Standardized Operations: The process requires implementing a Food Safety Management System (FSMS), which standardizes hygiene and operational protocols, leading to reduced risks of contamination, product recalls, and waste.
FSSAI authorization is granted for a period of 1 to 5 years. Maintaining legality requires timely renewal:
Renewal Window: The renewal application must be submitted within 180 days before expiry.
Late Fee: Renewal applications filed beyond the mandatory period but before expiry attract a late fee of ₹100 per day of delay.
Cancellation: Failure to renew the license even after expiry will lead to its cancellation, forcing the FBO to cease operations and apply for a fresh license.
By establishing this robust legal foundation with the appropriate FSSAI Registration, any food business operator is equipped to operate securely, grow responsibly, and contribute to a safer food supply chain across India.