The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a regulatory body responsible for monitoring businesses operating in the food sector that are registered under FSSAI. Every business involved in food processing, manufacturing, packaging, or distribution is required to obtain an FSSAI Food License, which is a 14-digit registration or license number that must be printed on food packages.
FSSAI plays a crucial role in maintaining and promoting public health by regulating and overseeing the safety of food products throughout India. This registration provides customers with information about food safety, quality, regulations, purity, and other important factors that they can trust.
There are three types of FSSAI licenses:
- FSSAI Basic Registration: Small businesses, start-ups, small food manufacturers, storage units, transporters, marketers, and retailers with a turnover of less than 12 lakhs are required to obtain basic registration. This registration can be upgraded later to the next level.
- FSSAI State License: Medium-sized companies such as manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, distributors, marketers, etc., with an annual turnover between 12 lakhs and 20 crores, are required to obtain an FSSAI State License. This license is issued by the state government and must be obtained for operations within that state.
- FSSAI Central License: Large businesses including importers, 100% export-oriented businesses, large manufacturers, operators in central government agencies, airports, seaports, etc., with an annual turnover above 20 crores, are required to obtain an FSSAI Central License.
FSSAI licenses issued to food businesses are valid for a period of 1 to 5 years. It is mandatory to apply for license renewal at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the existing license. Failure to renew the license can result in a fine of Rs. 100 per day until the renewal is completed.
The FSSAI Food License offers several benefits to businesses, including:
- Enhanced Credibility: Obtaining an FSSAI License helps businesses improve their credibility. By displaying the FSSAI license number on their packaging, they demonstrate their compliance with food safety regulations.
- Established Goodwill: The FSSAI License logo is widely recognized in India. Its presence on food products instills confidence and goodwill among customers, as it signifies adherence to quality and safety standards.
- Emphasis on Hygiene and Cleanliness: Businesses with FSSAI registration are required to uphold important aspects of hygiene and cleanliness. This ensures that food is prepared and handled in a safe and sanitary manner, protecting consumer health.
- International Food Standards: FSSAI provides a platform for businesses to produce quality food that meets international standards. This facilitates the export of food products, opening up opportunities in global markets.
- Quality Assurance: FSSAI is responsible for establishing guidelines and procedures for quality assurance in accredited laboratories, aligning with ISO17025 standards. This promotes reliable and accurate testing of food samples, ensuring consistent quality and safety assessments.
Checklist/Requirements
- A passport sized photograph
- State & Central License Proof of address
- An identity proof that contains a photograph
- No Objection Certificate from the local municipality
Apart from these if a business is a private Limited Company or LLP additional following document will be required
- A list of directors or partners
- A certificate of incorporation
- The MOA and AOA of the company
For manufacturing units, besides the above-listed documents, the following are also required
- The blueprint of warehouse, plant, etc.
- A list of all machinery
- Report of a water test
- List of all food categories
The process of obtaining an FSSAI Food License or FSSAI Registration typically involves the following steps:
Step 1: Initiate the registration process by submitting Form A (application) to the Food and Safety Department.
Step 2: The department will review the application within 7 days from the date of receipt. They may either accept or reject the application. In case of rejection, the applicant will be notified in writing.
Step 3: If the application is accepted, the department will issue a registration certificate containing the registration number and the applicant’s photograph.
Step 4: It is mandatory for businesses to prominently display the registration certificate at their place of business during operating hours.
Key Deliverables:
- Government fee payment challan
- FSSAI Registration Certificate
- Login credentials to the FSSAI portal
What do you want to know?
For Food Truck business the requirement of Food license is mandatory. Apart from other applicable license like NOC from local authority. You can start your food truck business simply by FSSAI Registration. If estimated turnover in year is less than 12 lacs. If you believe that turnover will be more than 12 Lac in year then you need to apply for State license.
FSSAI registration is issued & approved automatically after 7 days. if authorities demand any clarification or documents before 7 days. Then it may take higher time.
FSSAI State & Central license is approved after 60 days. If authorities demand any clarification or documents before 60 days. Then it may take higher time.
FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. They provide food product standards. Which should be followed by Food Business. Operators (from industrial giants like Coke, Nestle to small players like street food vendors).
To ensure any food product is approved by FSSAI. One can check the label where FSSAI license number of the manufacturer and marketer is mentioned.
To start any business related to food items. one must seek an FSSAI License to manufacture, distribute transport and packaging of food products. It is not necessary for one to go for company registration any individual can take FASSAI License.
When you apply for an FSSAI license, you are allowed to specify the period for which you want such food license to be issued. The period can range from a year up to five years. In fact, the period chosen will determine how much fees you will have to pay.
Yes, you need to obtain the license and get registered before starting your business.