FSSAI
FSSAI Registration and Food License in India – Complete Guide
FSSAI Registration and Food License in India – Complete Guide
If you’re planning to start a food-related business in India, obtaining an FSSAI License is a legal requirement. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), operating under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, ensures that food businesses operate under a standardized safety framework. Whether you’re a small food vendor or a large manufacturer, FSSAI registration is crucial for gaining consumer trust and avoiding legal penalties.
Tax Expert provides fast and reliable assistance in securing the right category of FSSAI license based on your business size and type.
What is FSSAI?
FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is the governing body responsible for regulating food safety standards in India under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Any entity involved in the manufacture, processing, storage, distribution, or sale of food must obtain an appropriate FSSAI license.
Types of FSSAI Licenses in India
1. Basic FSSAI Registration (Form A)
For small businesses with turnover up to ₹12 lakhs annually.
Typically applicable for small food sellers, home kitchens, or petty food retailers.
2. State FSSAI License (Form B)
For businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores annually.
Required for small to medium manufacturers, transporters, and storage units operating within a single state.
3. Central FSSAI License (Form B)
For large businesses with turnover above ₹20 crores or those engaged in import/export or operating in multiple states.
Mandatory for large manufacturers, importers, and e-commerce food operators.
Who Needs FSSAI Registration or License?
Food manufacturers
Food processors and packagers
Catering services and hotels
Restaurants, cafes, and cloud kitchens
Food transporters and warehouse operators
Retailers and wholesalers of food items
Online food delivery platforms
Exporters and importers of food products
Benefits of FSSAI License
Legal Authorization: Operate your food business lawfully in India.
Brand Credibility: Builds trust among consumers through transparency.
Market Expansion: Required for selling on e-commerce or expanding across states.
Business Growth: Enables you to obtain government tenders, bank loans, and investor funding.
Health and Safety Compliance: Ensures adherence to food safety standards.
Improved Hygiene Standards: Encourages quality assurance and best practices.
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration
Identity proof (Aadhar, PAN, or Voter ID)
Passport-size photograph
Business address proof (utility bill, rental agreement, etc.)
Food safety management plan
Business registration certificate (if any)
List of food products to be handled
NOC from municipality or local authority (if applicable)
Import-export code (for importers/exporters)
Procedure to Apply for FSSAI License
Step 1: Determine License Type
Identify the correct license category (Basic, State, or Central) based on your business nature and turnover.
Step 2: Document Collection and Preparation
Gather all necessary documents required for the specific license type.
Step 3: Online Application Submission
Apply through the official FSSAI portal or with the help of Bharat eFiling Point to ensure proper form filling and submission.
Step 4: Fee Payment
Pay the applicable government fees online based on your license category.
Step 5: Inspection (if required)
In some cases, a food safety officer may visit your business premises for inspection.
Step 6: License Issuance
Once approved, the FSSAI license will be issued and remains valid for 1 to 5 years, based on the selected term.
Validity and Renewal of FSSAI License
FSSAI licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years. Businesses must renew the license before expiry to avoid penalties. Renewal can be initiated as early as 180 days prior to expiry.
Penalty for Non-Compliance
Operating a food business without an FSSAI license can attract heavy penalties, including fines up to ₹5 lakhs and imprisonment in severe cases. It is mandatory for all food business operators to register and maintain compliance with food safety regulations.
Why Choose Tax Expert?
Expert guidance on selecting the right FSSAI license type
Hassle-free documentation and online filing
End-to-end support from registration to renewal
Affordable pricing with transparent procedures
Quick turnaround and compliance assurance
Documents Required Udyam Registration vs FSSAI vs APEDA vs 80G & 12A vs IEC vs DSC
FEATURES
Udyam Registration
FSSAI
APEDA
80G & 12A
IEC
DSC
DOCUMENTS
Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Bank Account Details, Business Address Proof, Details of Major Business Activities, GSTIN.
Form A Photo ID Proof Address Proof, Food Safety Management Plan, Declaration Form, Authority Letter, Photo identity of promoters of the food business, Form B, Blueprint/layout plan of the processing unit.
APEDA Enrollment Application Form, Bank Certificate, Import-Export Code (IEC), Company’s Bank Statements, Self-Certified Copy of Import-Export Code, Self-Attested Copy of the Firm’s Incorporation, Details of Registered Office, Head Office, and Branch Office, Duly Signed and Sealed Copy of Application Form.
NGO/Trust PAN Card, Registration Certificate, Bye-Laws/Memorandum of Association (MoA), Trust Deed (for Trusts), Audit Reports, KYC Documents, List of Welfare Activities, Details of Board Members, Donor List, Books of Accounts & Income Tax Return Documents.
Proof of Registration, Address Proof, Proof of the Firm’s Bank Account, Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), PAN Card, Identity Proof, Proof of Constitution of Business, if any – Additional Documents.
Aadhaar (eKYC Service), Telephone Bill, Electricity Bill, Water Bill, Gas connection, Bank Statements signed by the bank, Service Tax/VAT Tax/Sales Tax registration certificate, Driving License (DL)/ Registration certificate (RC).
Time
2-5 working days
15-60 working days
4-7 working days
12-22 working days
10-15 working days
3-7 working days
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration in India
The documents required for FSSAI registration in India include:
- Photo ID and address proof issued by a Government authority for the Proprietor/Partner/Directors/Authorized Signatory.
- Proof of possession of premises (Sale deed/Rent Agreement/Electricity bill).
- Partnership Deed/Self Declaration for Proprietorship/Memorandum and Article of Association towards the constitution of the business.
- Copy of Certificate obtained under Coop Act – 1861.
- Form IX – Nomination of Person as per FSS Rules, 2008.
- Analysis report of water (Chemical and Bacteriological) for certain types of food businesses.
- Importer Export Code and Recall Pan Merchant Exporter for specific types of businesses.
- NOC from Municipal Corporation/Local body for Slaughter Houses.
- Product Specification for Nutraceuticals.
- Composition of each product for Proprietary Foods.
- Pesticide residues report for Packaged Drinking Water.
- Product Approval from FSSAI HQ for Novel Foods.
These documents vary based on the type of food business and whether it is a manufacturing or non-manufacturing kind of business. It is essential to provide accurate documentation to ensure successful FSSAI compliance in India.
FSSAI (Food License) FAQ’s
Who needs an FSSAI License?
License and Registration is required for any food business in India that manufactures, stores, transports, or distributes food. Depending on the size and nature of the company, FSSAI registration or License may be required
What are the types of FSSAI Licenses?
FSSAI licenses are categorized into three types:
- Registration Certificate: For businesses with an expected annual turnover below 12 lakhs.
- State License: For businesses with an expected annual turnover of more than 12 lakhs and less than 20 crores.
- Central License: For businesses with an expected annual turnover of more than 20 crores.
How to apply for FSSAI License or Registration Certificate?
To apply for an FSSAI License or Registration Certificate, FBOs should follow these steps:
- Document Collection: Gather all necessary documents.
- Application Drafting and Submission: Complete the application form (FORM A for Registration Certificate, FORM B for State and Central Licenses) and submit it along with the required documents.
- Generation of License or Registration: After processing, the FSSAI will issue the license or registration certificate
How long does it take to Receive FSSAI License or Registration Certificate?
The time frame for receiving an FSSAI License or Registration Certificate is not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources. However, it generally involves a processing period that can vary depending on the specific requirements and the efficiency of the application submission
Can FSSAI License or Registration be Renewed After Expiry?
The FSSAI license or registration cannot be renewed if it is not applied for renewal within 30 days from the expiry date. Once expired, the FBO has to apply afresh for a new license or registration.
Is FSSAI Registration mandatory for all food business?
Yes, FSSAI registration or licensing is mandatory for all food businesses operating in India. The type of registration or license required depends on the size and nature of the business
Can a single FSSAI License cover multiple locations?
No, FBOs operating in more than one state with the same company name or brand need to apply for an additional Central License for the head office and separate licenses or registrations for each unit or premise, depending on their individual capacity or turnover
What happens if an FBO Fails to comply with FSSAI Regulations?
The Designated Officer (DO) may suspend or cancel the FSSAI license or registration of an FBO if they are not complying with the improvement notice. FBOs have the right to file an appeal against the improvement notice, cancellation, or suspension of their FSSAI License.These FAQs provide a basic understanding of the FSSAI licensing and registration process, requirements, and compliance expectations for food businesses in India
Other Tax Expert- Compliance Service
- Udyam Registration
- ISO Certificate
- FSSAI (Food License)
- APEDA
- CSR-01
- 80G & 12A
- Import & Export Code (IEC)
- Digital Signature (DSC)
