FSSAI Registration

FSSAstands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is a government body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare that regulates food safety in India.

FSSAI Registration is the process by which food business operators (FBOs) get legal permission to manufacture, store, distribute, or sell food in India. This ensures that the food being sold is safe and meets quality standards.

Purpose
The main purposes of FSSAI registration are:

 Ensure Food Safety
 FSSAI ensures that all food products sold are safe, hygienic, and free from harmful substances.

 Legal Compliance
 It makes sure that all food businesses operate according to Indian food laws. Operating without registration can lead to fines or closure.

 Consumer Protection
 Helps protect consumers from adulterated, unsafe, or low-quality food.

 Standardization
 Ensures that food quality and labeling standards are maintained across India.

 Business Credibility
 Businesses with FSSAI registration gain trust from customers and retailers, helping in marketing and expansion.

 Traceability
 The 14-digit FSSAI license number allows authorities to trace the source of food in case of any issues.

  Promotes Organized Food Industry
  Encourages hygienic practices, formal documentation, and proper management in food businesses.

FSSAI registration is based on the business types, turnover and capacity of production. Depending upon the installed capacity and turnover, FBOs are eligible for license such as basic license, central license, and state license.

1.   FSSAI Basic Registration – FBOs having a turnover of less than Rs.12 lakh p.a must obtain FSSAI basic registration. The FSSAI registration form that the applicant has to fill to obtain FSSAI basic registration is Form A.

2.   FSSAI State License – FBOs having a turnover of more than Rs.12 lakh p.a and less than Rs.20 crore p.a must obtain the FSSAI state license. The FSSAI registration form that the applicant has to fill to obtain an FSSAI state license is Form B.

3.   FSSAI Central License – FBOs having a turnover of more than Rs.20 crore p.a must obtain the FSSAI central license. The FSSAI registration form that the applicant has to fill to obtain FSSAI central license is Form B.

The following documents are required to obtain FSSAI basic registration, FSSAI state license and FSSAI central license:

 

•        Photo identity proof of the food business operators.

•        Business constitution certificate, i.e. partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, shop and establishment licence or other business registration certificate.

•        Proof of possession of business premises, i.e. rental agreement, NOC from the owner of the rented premises, utility bills etc.

•        Food safety management system plan.

•        List of food products manufactured or processed.

•        Bank account information.

•        Supporting documents (if required) like NOC by Municipality or Panchayat, Health NOC, copy of License from the manufacturer, etc.

 

Apart from the above-mentioned general documents, certain specific documents are required for obtaining the FSSAI state license and FSSAI central license. The specific documents required to obtain the FSSAI state license are:

 

•        Form B duly completed and signed

•        Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation  

•        List of Directors/ Partners/ Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID

•        Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity

•        Authority letter from manufacturer nominated a responsible person name and address

•        Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability

•        Copy of certificate obtained under Coop Act 1861/Multi-State Coop Act 2002

 

Apart from the general license, the following specific documents are required to obtain FSSAI central license:

 

•        Form B duly completed and signed

•        Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation  

•        List of Directors/ Partners/ Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID

•        Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity

•        Authority letter from manufacturer nominated a responsible person name and address

•        Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability

•        Source of raw material for milk, meat etc

•        Recall plan wherever applicable

•        Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU

•        NOC/PA document issued by FSSAI

•        IE code document issued by DGFT

•        Form IX

•        Certificate from Ministry of Tourism

•        Supporting document for proof of turnover and transportation

•        Declaration form

Step 1: Identify Your Type of Registration

·         Basic FSSAI Registration → Small businesses (turnover ≤ ₹12 lakh/year)

·         State License → Medium businesses (turnover ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore)

·         Central License → Large businesses (turnover > ₹20 crore or operating in multiple states)

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Common documents needed:

1.   Identity Proof: Aadhar Card, PAN Card, or Passport

2.   Business Address Proof: Rent agreement, electricity bill, or property documents

3.   Business Constitution Proof:

o    Sole Proprietorship → Affidavit/Declaration

o    Partnership → Partnership deed

o    Company → Certificate of Incorporation

4.   Food Safety Management Plan/Certificate (if applicable)

5.   Photo of Applicant

6.   Others: NOC from owner (if rented property), list of food products

Step 3: Apply Online

1.   Go to the FSSAI online portal:https://foscos.fssai.gov.in

2.   Create an account as a Food Business Operator (FBO).

3.   Fill in business details (name, address, type of business, category of food).

4.   Upload all required documents.

5.   Pay the registration/license fee online:

o    Basic registration: ₹100/year

o    State/Central license: ₹2,000–₹5,000/year (varies with type and state)

Step 4: Verification

·         After submission, FSSAI officials will verify the application and documents.

·         Sometimes, they may inspect your premises for hygiene and safety compliance.

Step 5: Receive FSSAI Registration/License

·         Once approved, you will get a 14-digit FSSAI registration/license number.

·         You can print it and display it in your business or on product packaging.

·         Validity: 1–5 years (renewable before expiry).

Step 6: Renewal

·         Apply for renewal 30 days before expiry.

·         Submit updated documents and pay the renewal fee.

Obtaining a license can provide the food business with legal benefits, build goodwill, ensure food safety, create consumer awareness, and assist in business expansion. Also, it helps regulate, manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of import food. It is easy to obtain funds from investors when an FBO has FSSAI registration.

The FSSAI logo on the food products ensures the quality of food to the customers. The FSSAI registration number displayed on the food premises indicate that the premises comply with the hygiene and quality standards.

FSSAI registration is mandatory for food businesses in India. It protects consumers, ensures legal compliance, and builds credibility for the business. Depending on the size of the business, it can be a basic registration, state license, or central license.