FSSAI Certification

FSSAI License & Registration – An Overview

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare that regulates food safety and hygiene in India. FSSAI registration and licensing are mandatory for all food business operators (FBOs) involved in manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, sale, or transportation of food products.

Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, all food businesses must obtain an FSSAI license or FSSAI registration, depending on their annual turnover and business scale.

📌 Types of FSSAI Licenses

FSSAI provides three types of food licenses based on annual turnover and business operations:

📌 All food businesses in India, including wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers, e-commerce sellers, distributors, and transporters, must register under FSSAI.

📌 What is FSSAI?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is responsible for ensuring food safety standards in India. The authority:

✔ Regulates food manufacturing, sales, imports, and exports
✔ Sets food quality standards to ensure safety
✔ Issues licenses and registrations for food businesses
✔ Conducts inspections and compliance checks

📌 Every food business in India must obtain an FSSAI license to operate legally and maintain consumer trust.

📌 Benefits of FSSAI Registration

✅ Legal Compliance & Protection – Ensures your business follows food safety laws, reducing legal risks.
✅ Use of FSSAI Logo – Builds consumer trust and enhances brand credibility.
✅ Access to Government Benefits – Eligibility for government subsidies and financial assistance.
✅ Market Expansion Opportunities – Allows businesses to sell to corporate buyers, hospitals, schools, and government agencies.
✅ Better Business Growth – Facilitates partnerships with major retailers and e-commerce platforms.
✅ Reduces Food Safety Risks – Compliance with FSSAI regulations ensures food quality and safety.
✅ Legal Cover Against Complaints – Protects businesses from legal liabilities and penalties.

📌 An FSSAI-certified food business gains a competitive advantage in the market, ensuring long-term growth and success.

📌 Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI Registration

Businesses must apply for FSSAI registration or a license based on their turnover and production capacity:

✅ Basic FSSAI Registration – For small food businesses with an annual turnover below ₹12 lakh.
✅ State FSSAI License – Required for businesses with a turnover between ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore.
✅ Central FSSAI License – Mandatory for businesses with a turnover above ₹20 crore or operating in multiple states.

Who Needs FSSAI Registration?
✔ Small food manufacturers and petty food vendors
✔ Home-based food sellers and cloud kitchens
✔ Individuals selling homemade food products
✔ Temporary food stall operators at events
✔ Small-scale cottage industries dealing with food production

📌 Checklist for FSSAI Registration

To apply for FSSAI registration, businesses need to provide the following details:

✅ Business Name & Type
✅ Registered Business Address
✅ Contact Information
✅ Description of Business Activity
✅ Annual Production Capacity
✅ Business Registration Details
✅ Date of Business Commencement
✅ Seasonal Business Duration (if applicable)

📌 Providing accurate details ensures smooth processing of your FSSAI registration application.

📌 Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

The documents required depend on the type of FSSAI registration:

📌 Having these documents ready will speed up the FSSAI registration process.

📌 Who Needs to Apply for FSSAI Registration?

According to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, all food business operators (FBOs) must be registered or licensed under FSSAI. This includes:

✔ Food Manufacturers – Factories, processing units, and food production businesses.
✔ Retailers & Wholesalers – Grocery stores, supermarkets, and online food sellers.
✔ Restaurants & Cafes – Eateries, cloud kitchens, and food outlets.
✔ Transporters & Distributors – Businesses involved in food storage and distribution.
✔ Importers & Exporters – Companies dealing with international food trade.
✔ Caterers & Event Food Providers – Businesses providing food at events, hotels, and hospitals.

📌 If your business deals with food products, you must register with FSSAI to operate legally.

📌 Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to comply with FSSAI regulations can result in penalties and legal action. Under Section 32 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, authorities can issue improvement notices or cancel licenses for non-compliance.

📌 Maintaining food safety standards is crucial to avoid legal consequences and build consumer trust.

📌 Difference Between FSSAI Registration & FSSAI License

📌 Businesses exceeding ₹12 lakh in turnover must apply for an FSSAI license instead of basic registration.

📌 Renewal & Validity of FSSAI License

✔ FSSAI licenses are valid for 1-5 years.
✔ Renewal must be done before expiry using Form A (Basic) or Form B (License).
✔ Late renewal attracts a penalty of ₹100 per day beyond the deadline.
✔ If the license expires, the food business must cease operations until renewal.

📌 Keep your FSSAI license valid to avoid penalties and ensure uninterrupted business operations.