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What is FSSAI?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, playing a crucial role in safeguarding food safety across the country. Established as an autonomous statutory body by the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, FSSAI regulates the manufacturing, sale, and import of food products in India. Its primary objective is to establish and enforce food quality standards across all sectors of the food industry.

For food business operators, obtaining an FSSAI license is mandatory. This ensures compliance with the set standards, enabling smooth and uninterrupted operations. Essentially, FSSAI ensures that every step in the food supply chain—from production to consumption—adheres to stringent safety measures, safeguarding public health and promoting consumer confidence in the food they consume.

Food Business Operators Who Require FSSAI Registration

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates that the following types of Food Business Operators (FBOs) obtain an FSSAI License or Registration:

  • Petty retailers, Retail Shops, Snack Shops, Confectionery or Bakery Shops, etc.**: Any small-scale retailers selling food products.
  • Temporary Stalls, Fixed Stalls, or Food Premises: Involved in preparing, storing, distributing, and selling food products.
  • Hawkers: Selling packaged or freshly prepared food while moving from one location to another.
  • Dairy Units: Including Milk Chilling Units, Petty Milkmen, and Milk Vendors.
  • Slaughtering Houses
  • Fish Processing, Meat Processing, and Units
  • All Food Manufacturing Unit: Including those involved in repacking food products.
  • -Vegetable Oil Processing Units
  • Proprietary Food and Novel Food Manufacturers
  • Cold/Refrigerated Storage Facilities
  • Transporters of Food Products: Using specialized vehicles like insulated refrigerated vans/wagons, milk tankers, food wagons, food trucks, etc.
  • -Wholesalers, Suppliers, Distributors, and Marketers of Food Products
  • Hotels, Restaurants, and Bars
  • Canteens and Cafeterias: Including mid-day meal canteens.
  • Food Vending Agencies and Caterers
  • Dhabas, PG Facilities Providing Food, Banquet Halls with Catering Services
  • Home-Based Canteens and Food Stalls at Fairs or Religious Institutions
  • Importers and Exporters of Food Items and Ingredients
  • E-Commerce Food Suppliers: Including cloud kitchens.

Required Documents for FSSAI Registration

The documents necessary for FSSAI registration vary depending on the type of license required:

For Basic Registration
  • Proof of identity (such as Aadhar card, Voter ID, PAN card, passport, etc.) of the applicant
  • Passport-sized photograph of the applicant
  • List of directors, partners, or proprietor with their addresses and contact details
  • Evidence of premises ownership or possession (rent agreement, utility bill, etc.)
For State FSSAI License (in addition to Basic Registration documents):
  • Layout plan of the processing unit
  • Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership deed, or Affidavit of proprietorship
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local municipality or Panchayat
  • Food Safety Management System plan or certificate
  • Details of raw material sources for meat and milk products
  • Certification from the Ministry of Tourism (for catering businesses)
  • Water analysis report used in the manufacturing process
  • Certificate of analysis for all additives used
• For Central FSSAI License (in addition to State License documents):
  • Layout plan of the processing unit
  • Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership deed, or Affidavit of proprietorship
  • NOC from the local municipality or Panchayat
  • Food Safety Management System plan or certificate
  • Details of raw material sources for meat and milk products
  • NOC from FSSAI (for proprietary foods)
  • Certificate of analysis for all additives used

These documents are essential for ensuring compliance with FSSAI regulations, facilitating the proper registration and licensing of food businesses across India. Each requirement is designed to uphold food safety standards and regulatory practices throughout the food production and distribution chain.

Benefits of FSSAI License

  • Customer Trust: Establishes authentic communication to gain customer trust, ensuring better service and safeguarding against unhealthy food.
  • Government Funding and Loans: Facilitates access to government funding and loans, supporting business operations and growth.
  • Use of FSSAI Logo: Displays the FSSAI logo on products, building consumer confidence and trustworthiness.
  • Brand Value: Enhances company reputation and automatically increases brand value upon FSSAI registration.
  • Business Expansion: Provides opportunities for business expansion into new geographic locations, leveraging the FSSAI license privileges.
  • Government Recognition: Gain recognition from the Government of India, bolstering consumer trust and credibility.
  • Food Business Permit: Assures customers of food safety standards, enhancing the credibility of food businesses.
  • Government Support on Non-Compliance: Government intervention and support in case of non-compliance issues, ensuring regulatory adherence.
  • Business Growth: Boosts business growth by attracting a larger client base and enhancing market presence through FSSAI registration.
  • These benefits underscore the importance of FSSAI certification in ensuring food safety compliance, fostering business growth, and building consumer confidence in the food industry.

Understanding the Differences between FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License

Turnover Limit

FSSAI Registration FSSAI License
For small businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakh. Required for companies with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 12 lakh.

Types

FSSAI Registration FSSAI License
Basic Registration. Includes both FSSAI State License and FSSAI Central License.

Size of Business

FSSAI Registration FSSAI License
Suitable for petty food business operators. Designed for medium and large-sized food businesses.

Duration

FSSAI Registration FSSAI License
The duration depends on the specific registration requirements. Valid for a period ranging from one to five years.

Application Form:

FSSAI Registration FSSAI License
Uses Form A. Requires Form B.

Fees

FSSAI Registration FSSAI License
A fixed fee of Rs. 100 per year. Fees range from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 7500 per year, based on the type and criteria of the license.

Publication

FSSAI Registration FSSAI License
The registration number must be displayed at the business premises and on product packaging. The license number must be displayed on the product packaging by exporters, importers, traders, and producers.

To determine if a food business owner needs to apply for an FSSAI license, consider the following criteria based on turnover and food capacity:

  • Annual Turnover: Any Food Business Operator (FBO) with a yearly revenue of up to ₹12 lakh.
  • Small Dealers: Those dealing in food items on a small scale.
  • Individual Producers or Sellers: Individuals who independently produce or sell any food item.
  • Temporary Food Stalls: Operators of temporary stands that sell food.
  • Cottage or Small-Scale Food Businesses: Small-scale or cottage industries involved in the production or handling of food.
  • These criteria ensure that small food businesses and individuals can easily comply with food safety regulations and operate legally.

FAQs on FSSAI Registration/License

FoSCos (Food Safety Compliance System) is an online platform introduced by FSSAI to streamline licensing, registration, and compliance processes for food businesses in India.

Yes, GST registration is mandatory for businesses with an FSSAI registration, as per the regulations set by the government.

The tagline of FSSAI is ‘Safe Food, Healthy Life,’ reflecting its commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of food for the well-being of consumers.

No, it is illegal to operate a food business without an FSSAI registration or license, as it is mandatory to ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulations.

All food businesses, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and importers, need an FSSAI license to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

Yes, FSSAI licenses can be renewed after expiration by submitting required documents, paying renewal fees, and ensuring compliance with regulations within the specified grace period.