Food License Registration (FSSAI)

Introduction

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 to:

• Consolidate various food-related laws across different departments and ministries into a single framework.
• Set science-based standards for food production, storage, distribution, import, and sale to ensure food safety and public health.

FSSAI acts as the central regulatory authority for food safety in India, directly reporting to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It mandates all food businesses to comply with its regulations and obtain an FSSAI registration or license for legal operation.

Professional consultants can assist in obtaining the FSSAI food license quickly and with the correct documentation.

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Who Needs FSSAI Registration?

FSSAI registration is mandatory for Food Business Operators (FBOs) whose annual turnover exceeds INR 12 lakhs, including:

• Food producers, processors, sellers, retailers, hawkers, and vendors.
• Large and medium scale food industries.
• Temporary or permanent food stallholders.

Also mandatory when:

• Daily production capacity exceeds 100 kg or liters of food.
• Daily milk procurement/handling exceeds 500 liters.
• Daily slaughtering exceeds 2 large animals, 10 small animals, or 50 poultry birds.

Businesses with turnover below 12 lakhs are generally exempt.

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Advantages of Food License Registration (FSSAI)

• Consumer Awareness & Trust: Consumers increasingly prefer safe, certified food products. FSSAI registration builds trust and expands your customer base.
• Brand Image & Marketing: An FSSAI license enhances brand credibility and differentiates your food products in the market.
• Business Expansion: Registered businesses find it easier to obtain loans and grow operations.
• Legal Protection: Prevents misuse of your brand name and protects against penalties for non-compliance with food safety laws.

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Types of FSSAI Registration / License

License Type	Annual Turnover Criteria	Suitable For
Basic Registration	Less than ₹12 Lakhs	Small food businesses and startups
State License	Between ₹12 Lakhs and ₹20 Crores	Medium-sized food businesses
Central License	Above ₹20 Crores or engaged in import/export	Large-scale businesses & importers

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Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI Central License

Manufacturers

• Dairy units processing > 50,000 liters/day or 2,500 MT/year milk solids
• Vegetable oil units producing > 2 MT/day
• Slaughterhouses processing > 50 large animals/day, or > 150 small animals/day, or > 1000 poultry birds/day
• Meat processing > 500 kg/day
• Food processing units (except cereals, pulses milling) > 2 MT/day
• Proprietary foods and 100% export-oriented units (no limit)

Importers

• All food importers regardless of quantity

Other Businesses

• Storage facilities with capacities as specified (e.g., cold storage > 1,000 MT)
• Wholesalers, retailers, distributors, suppliers, caterers, hotels, restaurants with turnover above specified limits
• Transporters with >100 vehicles or turnover > 30 Crores
• Food premises under Central Government or in airports/seaports

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Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI State License

Manufacturers

• Dairy units processing 501 to 50,000 liters/day
• Vegetable oil units producing up to 2 MT/day
• Slaughterhouses processing 2-50 large animals/day, 10-150 small animals/day, 50-1000 poultry birds/day
• Meat processing up to 500 kg/day
• Food processing units between 100 kg and 2 MT/day

Other Businesses

• Storage capacities lower than central license thresholds
• Wholesalers, retailers, caterers, hotels, restaurants with turnover below central license limits
• Dhaba, food stalls, canteens, banquet halls, and similar establishments with turnover > ₹12 lakhs

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Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

• Rent Agreement of business premises
• Proof of business entity (proprietorship, company, partnership, etc.)
• List of food products to be handled or sold
• Identity proof (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN, Passport) of applicant/owner

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FSSAI Registration Process

1. Filing Application Form
   Submit application in Form A/B to the Food Safety Department online or offline.
2. Application Review
   The department accepts or rejects the application within 7 days and informs the applicant.
3. Issuance of Registration Certificate
   On approval, a registration certificate with a unique 14-digit number and applicant’s photo is issued.
4. Display Certificate
   The Food Business Operator (FBO) must display the registration certificate at the place of business.

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Important Notes

Inspections are conducted based on Schedule 4 of the licensing regulations, ensuring compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards.

Governed by Section 31(1) and 31(2) of the FSS Act, 2006.

Regulatory framework: Food Safety and Standards (Licensing & Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.

FSSAI offers an Online Food Licensing & Registration System (FLRS) for easier registration.