The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license is a mandatory certification for anyone
involved in the food business in India, whether in manufacturing, processing, distribution, or sale of
food products. Obtaining an FSSAI license is essential to legally operate a food business and ensures
smooth business operations.
This license helps business owners comply with safety and quality standards, safeguarding public health
and enhancing consumer confidence in the products offered. Additionally, it ensures that businesses meet
legal requirements and build credibility in the market.
Who are Food Business Operators (FBOs)?
Food Business Operators (FBOs) are individuals or organizations involved in the production, processing,
distribution, or sale of food products in India. This includes a wide range of businesses, such as small
grocery stores, wholesale distributors, restaurants, food processing units, bakeries, and supermarkets.
To ensure compliance with food safety standards and operate legally, all FBOs are required to obtain an
FSSAI license.
FBOs can be categorized based on factors such as:
The type of food
products they handle
The scale of their
business operations
Who needs an FSSAI License?
Under FSSAI regulations, various Food Business Operators (FBOs) must obtain an FSSAI license to operate
legally in India. Here are some of the businesses that require this license:
Who is Exempted from FSSAI?
According to FSSAI notification no 15(6), 2018/FLRS/RCD/FSSAI, the following food businesses are exempt
from requiring FSSAI registration:
- Last-mile delivery persons
- Direct Selling Agents (DSA)
- Food vending machines
- Water vending machines
- Food ATMs (operated by a single entity)
- Branded food carts (operated by a single entity)
Additionally, businesses involved in providing utensils or packaging materials for serving or
packaging food are exempt from obtaining an FSSAI license or registration, as these items are not
classified as food under Section 3(n) of the FSS Act, 2006.
What are the Different Categories of FSSAI Licenses?
Under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing & Registration) Regulations, 2011, FSSAI licenses and
registrations are categorized into three tiers based on business type, revenue, and manufacturing
capacity:
- FSSAI Registration
Required for Food Business Operators (FBOs) with an annual
turnover of up to INR 12 lakh. This includes small-scale businesses. To obtain this
registration, businesses must complete Form A.
- State License
Necessary for FBOs with an annual turnover between INR 12 lakh and
INR 20 crore. This category includes small to medium-sized manufacturing units, storage
facilities, transporters, retailers, marketers, and distributors. To secure this license,
businesses need to complete Form B.
- Central License
Mandated for FBOs with annual revenues exceeding INR 20 crore.
This includes 100% export-oriented units, importers, large manufacturers, and businesses
operating in central government agencies or major seaports and airports. The application for
this license also requires Form B.
This tiered system ensures that different scales and types of food businesses can meet FSSAI
regulations effectively.
FSSAI License vs FSSAI Registration
The FSSAI License and FSSAI Registration serve different purposes based on the scale and nature of food
business operations. An FSSAI License is required for medium to large-scale food businesses with
substantial production or turnover, involving a more detailed application process and extensive
documentation. In contrast, FSSAI Registration is for small-scale or petty food businesses with limited
production capacity and an annual turnover of up to INR 12 lakhs. The registration process is simpler,
with fewer requirements compared to the licensing process.
Documents Required for FSSAI License and Registration
When applying for an FSSAI license or registration, Food Business Operators (FBOs) must submit specific
documents based on the type of food business and its scale. Here’s a breakdown of the required
documents:
- Documents Required for FSSAI License
- Manufacturing/Processing Units
- Blueprint/layout plan of the processing unit
- List of directors/partners/proprietors, including their full addresses
and contact
details
- Copy of the partnership deed or Memorandum of Association (MoA) and
Articles of
Association (AoA)
- List of installed equipment and machinery
- Analysis report of the water used in processing
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from local municipal or competent
authority
- Food safety management system plan or certificate, if applicable
- Repackaging Units
- Details of the repackaging and labeling processes
- List of directors/partners/proprietors, including their full addresses
and contact details
- Copy of the partnership deed or MoA and AoA
- Source of raw material procurement
- NOC from local municipal or competent authority
- Wholesalers/Distributors
- List of directors/partners/proprietors, including their full addresses
and contact details
- Copy of the partnership deed or MoA and AoA
- Storage capacity details
- NOC from local municipal or competent authority
- Retailers (including E-commerce)
- List of directors/partners/proprietors, including their full addresses
and contact details
- Copy of the partnership deed or MoA and AoA
- Proof of premises possession (e.g., rental agreement)
- NOC from local municipal or competent authority
- Hotels/Restaurants/Caterers
- List of directors/partners/proprietors, including their full addresses
and contact details
- Copy of the partnership deed or MoA and AoA
- Layout plan of the premises
- Proof of premises possession (e.g., rental agreement)
- NOC from local municipal or competent authority
- Transporters
- List of directors/partners/proprietors, including their full addresses
and contact details
- Copy of the partnership deed or MoA and AoA
- Details of transportation vehicles
- Storage capacity details
- NOC from local municipal or competent authority
These are general requirements; specific documents may vary based on jurisdiction and
other factors. For precise information, consult the official FSSAI website or an expert.
- Documents Required for FSSAI Registration
- Passport-sized photo of the applicant
- Government-issued identity proof (AADHAAR, PAN, Voter ID, Ration Card, or Driving
License)
- Completed and signed Form-B
- Address proof for the business facility (e.g., utility bills or rental agreement; NOC
from the property owner if rented)
- Partnership deed for partnership firms
- Company registration certificate and MoA for private limited or OPC businesses
- LLP agreement for limited liability partnerships
- MSME, GST, or Shop & Establishment Certificate for proprietorship firms
- Food Safety Management System Plan
- Detailed list of manufactured/processed products
- Medical fitness certificates for all workers
- Details of technical staff managing operations
- For renewal/modification of license:
- Secondary documents (e.g., NOCs from Municipality/Panchayat, Health NOC if
any)
- Disclosure of raw material sources
- Form IX
- Water test report
- List of equipment
- List of partners and directors involved in the business
- Any other documents requested during the registration process
Application Procedure for FSSAI Registration
To obtain an FSSAI Registration, Food Business Operators (FBOs) must follow these steps:
- Submit an Application
FBOs must complete and submit an online application using
Form A or Form B through the FoSCos portal, depending on their specific requirements.
Alternatively, they can submit a physical application by delivering Form A or Form B to the Food
Safety Department.
- Attach Required Documents
Ensure that the application includes all necessary and
supporting documents. These documents must be submitted either online or offline, based on the
chosen application method.
- Application Review
The application will be reviewed and either approved or
rejected based on verification. In case of rejection, applicants will receive appropriate
notification.
- Inspection
FSSAI officials may conduct an inspection of the food premises as
part of the verification process.
- Receive Registration Certificate
After successful verification, the FSSAI
registration certificate and registration number will be sent to the applicant via email. The
certificate can also be downloaded from the FoSCos portal.
- Display the Certificate
Once received, the registration certificate must be
displayed prominently at the business premises.
Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining FSSAI License
To operate legally in India, Food Business Operators (FBOs) must obtain an FSSAI License. The FSSAI
License is divided into two categories:
- State FSSAI License
FBOs with
yearly revenue between INR 12 Lakh and INR 20 Crore
Businesses involved in wholesale and transportation with yearly revenue of
more than
INR 30 Crore
Grains,
Cereals, Pulses milling units with no specific production capacity
Business
with the following capacity:
S.No |
Business |
Capacity |
1 |
Food Production (except milk and meat) |
1 MT to 2 MT per day |
2 |
Procurement, handling and collection of milk |
501 to 50,000 litres per day |
3 |
Slaughtering |
3-50 large animals/11-150 small animals/51-1,000 poultry birds per day
|
4 |
Transportation |
100 vehicles |
5 |
Vending Machine |
Up to 100 vending machines |
6 |
Storage |
Up to 10,000 MT |
7 |
Hotel |
One, Two, Three and Four Star Rating |
The validity of the license issued is:
Minimum
one year
Maximum
five years
- Central FSSAI License
FBOs
Operating in Multiple States
Importers
and Exporters
Proprietary and Non-Specified Foods
Food and
Health Supplements
Nutraceutical
Radiation
Processing of Foods
Central
Government Premises
Caterers,
Restaurants, and Other Food Services
E-commerce
Food Businesses
S.No |
Business |
Capacity |
1 |
Food Production (except milk and meat) |
More than 2 MT per day |
2 |
Procurement, handling and collection of milk |
More than 50,000 litres per day |
3 |
Slaughtering |
More than 50 large animals/150 small animals/1,000 poultry birds per day
|
4 |
Transportation |
More than 100 vehicles |
5 |
Vending Machine |
More than 100 vending machines located in two or more states/UTs |
6 |
Storage |
More than 10,000 MT |
7 |
Hotel |
Five Star Rating or More |
The validity of the license issued is:
Minimum
one year
Maximum
five years
Benefits of Obtaining an FSSAI License
Food Business Operators (FBOs) can enjoy numerous advantages by securing an FSSAI license. Here are some
key benefits:
- Legal Operation: Ensures the business operates within the legal framework.
- Compliance with Food Safety Standards: Guarantees adherence to essential food
safety regulations.
- Enhanced Brand Value: Boosts business reputation and builds goodwill.
- Customer Trust: Instills confidence among consumers.
- Consumer Awareness: Promotes awareness of food safety among customers.
- Regulation of Food Products: Manages the manufacturing, storage, distribution, and
sale of imported food products.
- Investor Confidence: Attracts investment by demonstrating trustworthiness.
- Quality Assurance: The FSSAI logo serves as a mark of quality assurance.
- Compliance Communication: The registration number at facilities signifies adherence
to quality and hygiene standards.
- Avoidance of Penalties: Helps avoid significant fines for non-compliance.
- Government Funding Access: Simplifies the process of obtaining government grants
and loans.
- Business Expansion: Opens opportunities for growth and broader business operations.
Documents Required for New FSSAI License and Registration Certification
Food business operators in India can’t ignore documents needed. The documents required for obtaining
FSSAI Registration and Licenses are:
S.No |
FSSAI Registration |
FSSAI State License |
FSSAI Central License |
1 |
Identity Proof – Aadhar, etc. |
Identity Proof – Aadhar or any other government-issued document |
Import-Export Code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) |
2 |
Address Proof |
List of Directors/Management |
Ownership Proof of the Premises |
3 |
Details of FBO |
Form B |
Form B |
4 |
NOC from the local administration |
NOC from Central Ground Water Authority (GCWA) |
NOC from local administration |
5 |
Form IX |
Form IX |
Form IX |
6 |
Raw material source for manufacturing |
Detailed Layout setup and dimensions |
For 100% EOU, Certificate from Ministry of Commerce (GoI) |
7 |
- |
List of equipment and machinery with numbers |
Food Safety Management Plan |
8 |
- |
Certificate Copy of – COOP Act -1861/Multi-State COOP Act-2002 |
Certificate Copy of – COOP Act -1861 and Multi-State COOP Act-2002 |
9 |
- |
Self-Declaration for Proprietorship/Partnership Deed |
Source of Raw Material |
10 |
- |
Recall Plan for Produced Food Items |
List of Types of Equipment and Machinery with number |
11 |
- |
- |
Report - Chemical Examination of Water |
12 |
- |
- |
NOC from Ministry of Tourism if business is a Hotel |
Procedure for Renewal of FSSAI Registration and License
For FSSAI Registration
renewal, complete and submit Form A, including the applicant's signature and government-issued
identity proof.
For renewal of the
FSSAI State or Central License, fill out Form B, also with the applicant's signature and
government-issued identity proof.
Submit an audit
report, Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan, and either a certificate or self-declaration
regarding the FSMS.
Complete Form IX to
nominate responsible persons within the organization.
Provide a declaration
from the authorized signatory confirming adherence to the Food Safety and Standards Act, along
with hygiene and sanitary practices.
The renewal
application will be subject to a thorough review and verification process.
The entire renewal
process typically takes around 60 working days.
If there is no update
on the renewal status, you may continue operating your business while awaiting the decision.
Violations and Non-Compliance
All registered and licensed Food Business Operators (FBOs) must comply with the FSS Act, 2006. Failure to
renew the FSSAI License before its expiry will result in automatic cancellation, rendering the license
invalid and prohibiting business operations under that expired license.
Following an inspection, FBOs are classified based on their adherence to standards:
- Compliance (C): Fully meets the requirements.
- Non-compliance (NC): Fails to meet the required standards.
- Partial Compliance (PC): Meets some but not all of the requirements.
- Not Applicable/Not Observed (NA): Conditions were either not relevant or not
observed during the inspection.
Penalties are imposed for non-compliance and failure to address issues highlighted in the inspection
report.
Penalties and Offenses for Violations and Non-Compliance
Violations of the FSS Act, 2006, and failure to comply with its requirements result in various penalties.
Below is a summary of the penalties associated with different types of non-compliance:
S.No |
Type of Violation/Non-Compliance |
Penalty |
1 |
Non-compliance of Food Quality as per FSS Act, 2006 |
INR 2 Lakh Petty manufacturer – INR 25,000 |
2 |
Sub-Standard food |
INR 5 Lakh |
3 |
Misbranded Food |
INR 3 Lakh |
4 |
Misleading Advertisement or False Description |
INR 10 Lakh |
5 |
Extraneous matter in food |
INR 1 Lakh |
6 |
Non-Compliance of directions by Food Safety Officer |
INR 2 Lakh |
7 |
Unhygienic Manufacturing or Processing |
INR 1 Lakh |
Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS)
FoSCoS represents an advanced and improved iteration of the previous Food Licensing and Registration
System (FLRS). Designed to be more user-friendly, it streamlines the registration process for
applicants. This upgrade addresses the shortcomings of the FLRS, which, despite its initial promise, was
unable to adapt to the evolving needs of the country's digital landscape.
Timeline for FSSAI Registration
The process to obtain FSSAI registration typically takes between 25 to 30 working days from the concerned
authorities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is an FSSAI license?
An FSSAI license is a mandatory certification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority
of India (FSSAI) that allows food businesses to operate legally in India, ensuring they meet
food safety and quality standards.
2.Who needs an FSSAI license?
All food business operators (FBOs) involved in manufacturing, processing, packaging,
distribution, and selling food products require an FSSAI license. This includes small grocery
stores, restaurants, food manufacturers, importers, and exporters.
3.How can I apply for an FSSAI license?
You can apply for an FSSAI license online through the FoSCoS portal or offline by submitting the
required forms to the Food and Safety Department. The application must be accompanied by the
necessary documents.
4.What happens if my FSSAI license expires?
If the FSSAI license expires and is not renewed, the business cannot legally operate under the
expired license. It may also face penalties for non-compliance.
5.How can I renew my FSSAI license?
To renew an FSSAI license, submit an application in Form A (for registration) or Form B (for
State or Central License), along with required documents such as audit reports, FSMS plans, and
Form IX. The renewal process typically takes around 60 working days.
6.Are there any exemptions from obtaining an FSSAI license?
Certain entities, such as last-mile delivery persons, food vending machines, and businesses
involved in utensils or packaging materials, may be exempt from obtaining an FSSAI license as
they are not classified as food businesses under FSSAI regulations.