FSSAI Registration: A Comprehensive Guide For Registering In India

When we think about food safety in India, the FSSAI is quite important. If your dream is to run a small home kitchen or a large food manufacturing company, FSSAI registration is legally required. Having an FSSAI certification indicates trust and excellence in your food products. So, what is FSSAI in India? This blog furnishes every detail regarding FSSAI, its significance, the benefits of registering, and the steps for registering. Let’s explore the blog.

FSSAI is an acronym for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, a statutory organization set up under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It regulates and oversees food safety across the nation. The prime focus of FSSAI is to make food products in India comply with quality standards, be free from adulteration, and be safe for consumption.

In straightforward terms, FSSAI is the authority that ensures food we consume is safe, healthy, and up to code with all the regulatory requirements. Any food business in India, large or small, has to apply for an FSSAI license or registration depending on the scale of operations.

Before moving towards the process of registration, it is essential to understand why it is crucial for food businesses –

• Legal Requirement: In India, the government has made it compulsory to get an FSSAI license or registration for all food business operators (FBOs). 
• Customer Trust: An FSSAI number on your food products or packaging helps to create trust and confidence among customers.
• Business Expansion: An FSSAI registration boosts brand credibility and assists in expanding your food business across various states and online portals.
• Avoiding Penalties: Following the FSSAI guidelines supports the business to grow and can avoids heavy penalties or termination of the business due to non-compliance. 

The FSSAI registration criteria are different for every food business. It completely depends on the characteristics and scale of your food business. It may need the following –

1. FSSAI Basic Registration
2. FSSAI State License
3. FSSAI Central License

Here are the details of each criterion –

1. Basic FSSAI Registration

• It is for small-scale food businesses having a yearly turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs.
• This includes petty retailers, cottage industries, home-based food businesses, small vendors, etc.

2. FSSAI State License

• It is essential for businesses having a yearly turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores.
• This is perfect for transporters, medium-sized food manufacturers, storage units, and distributors functioning in a single state.

3. FSSAI Central License

• It is for businesses having a yearly turnover above ₹20 crores.
• This is compulsory for importers, large manufacturers, and those operating in various states or exporting food items.

Selecting the right license is related to your annual business turnover, size, and area of business. It is crucial to analyse these factors precisely before applying for registration or a license. 

FSSAI registration provides trust and quality of foods and furnishes several benefits. Here are some important benefits – 

• Brand Recognition: An FSSAI license helps food businesses to increase their brand recognition. This license is a valid proof of maintaining food quality and safety to suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders. A robust brand reputation can result in enhanced customer trust, as consumers are more inclined to buy food products that display FSSAI certification.
• Legal Advantage: One of the major benefits of FSSAI license is its legal compliance. Protects your business from legal challenges and penalties. As per the FSSAI, all food businesses are required to obtain an FSSAI certification or license. It helps those businesses to avoid legal challenges and huge penalties for non-compliance.
• Business Growth: An FSSAI license is essential for incorporation with various food delivery apps, supermarkets, or retailers. 
• Global Reach: Having an FSSAI license facilitates export opportunities or expands food business operations. 
• Access to information – Food businesses with an FSSAI license are allowed to access valuable information and resources related to food safety and its quality. This organization provides continuous guidance and updates on the best ways to food businesses to upgrade their operations and stay updated with the advanced food industry developments.
• Reduced risks – Having an FSSAI license can excellently assist to reduce the risk of food-related illness and other food safety issues. The FSSAI develops rigid standards for food quality and safety, and frequently inspects food businesses to ensure that these food standards are fulfilled.

The FSSAI License or Registration is mandatory for all Food Business Operators (FBOs) operating in the following types of food business –

• All Food Manufacturing sections that involve repacking food
• Cafeteria and Canteens, involving mid-day meal canteens
• Cold or refrigerated storage services 
• Dairy Units, comprising Milk Vendors, Milk Chilling Units, and Petty Milkmen,
• Dhaba, a home-based canteen, PG provides food, a Banquet hall with food catering arrangements, and Food stalls at fairs or religious gatherings.
• E-Commerce food suppliers, comprising cloud kitchens
• Fish and Meat Processing unit
• Food Vending Caterers and Agencies 
• Hawkers who sell freshly prepared food or packaged foods by traveling from one area to another areas.
• Hotels, Bars, and Restaurants
• Importers and Exporters of food ingredients and food items 
• Petty retailers, Snack shops, Retail Shops, Bakery Shops, confectionery, etc
• Proprietary and Novel food
• Slaughtering house
• Temporary stalls, Food courts, or fixed stalls are involved in making, storing, distributing, and selling food products.
• Transporter of food items that have several specialised vehicles such as insulated refrigerated vans, food wagons, milk tankers, food trucks, etc
• Vegetable Oil Processing Units
• Wholesalers, distributors, suppliers, and marketers of food products

The common yet important question is—how to do FSSAI registration? The process is clearly simple, but needs to be followed with attention.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

The primary step is to identify whether your business meets the FSSAI registration criteria, such as Basic Registration, State License, or Central License.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

The required documents may differ, as it depends on the license type. Common documents for registration include –

• Applicant’s passport-size photo 
• Food safety management plan
• Form B (filled out, and signed)
• NOC certificate from the municipality or local authority
• Partnership deed or certificate of incorporation (only for companies)
• Photo ID such as – Aadhaar card, Driving License, or Voter ID
• Proof of business address (electricity bill/rent agreement)

Step 3: Apply Online

• Applicant is required to visit the official FSSAI website: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in
• Select the option of ‘Register’. Enter the required details and submit them. After submission, log in.
• Select the relevant license or registration.
• Enter the details in the appropriate application form (like Form A for Basic registration, Form B for State/Central license).
• Click to upload the required documents.
• Now, pay the FSSAI registration fee online.

 

Step 4: Application Review

The FSSAI will check your application. If all documents are found to be correct, the organization will issue your registration certificate within 7 to 30 working days. In case of any objection, you may be asked to clarify certain documents or submit them again.

 

Step 5: Inspection

For certain categories (mainly for State and Central licenses), a food safety officer will examine your premises before their final approval.

Step 6: Receive Your FSSAI Certificate

After approval, you will receive an FSSAI certificate having a 14-digit registration number. This number should be printed on all your food product labels.

Applicants need to know about the FSSAI registration fees in India. These fees depend on the type of license you are applying for –

• Basic Registration: ₹100/year
• State License: ₹2,000 to ₹5,000/year (differs by type of business)
• Central License: ₹7,500/year

These fees are imposed by the government and do not contain any consultancy or professional charges. You can take help from experts and pay them accordingly. 

Validity of FSSAI Registration

Most applicants don’t know the tenure of FSSAI registration or its validity period. The validity of the registration is subject to the type of license granted. Usually, FSSAI registration is valid for 1 year or 5 years, which is based on the size and eligibility of the business.

Renewal of FSSAI License

The FSSAI license is crucial for running the food business smoothly, in the same way, it is also important to renew the fssai license. The license has a validity of 1 year or 5 years, thus the business require to apply for license renewal 30 days before the expiry of the active license. You can easily apply for the license renewal on the same official portal. 

1. Choosing the wrong license type: Always analyse your annual turnover and scale of operations precisely to choose the correct license type.
2. Incomplete documentation: Check all your documents again before submission to avoid any objections or rejections.
3. Ignoring renewal dates: Always keep reminders to renew your FSSAI license timely manner.
4. Non-compliance with food safety norms: After registration, you should comply with the safety and quality standards of FFSAI regularly.

Registering with FSSAI isn’t only a legal formality—it’s making a promise about quality, safety, and honesty. As a home baker, cloud kitchen operator, or a full-scale food factory manufacturer, being able to do FSSAI registration and maintaining compliance can make your brand stand tall and increase its reach in the marketplace.

This guide presents all the important aspects, such as what is FSSAI in India, the FSSAI registration criteria, and the FSSAI registration fees in India, that you need to start.
Therefore, if you’re looking to launch or scale up a food venture, don’t wait—register your FSSAI and provide your brand the respect it deserves.