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FSSAI License (Food License)
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What is FSSAI Registration?
FSSAI Registration is an official approval issued to food businesses to operate legally in India. Based on the size, turnover, and nature of operations, a food business must obtain either FSSAI Registration or an FSSAI License.
Each registered or licensed food business receives a 14-digit FSSAI number, which:
- Must be printed on all food packages
- Must be displayed at the business premises
- Helps identify the state and category of registration
- Ensures accountability and food safety compliance
The registration framework is governed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which aims to regulate food quality and prevent adulteration.
Who Needs FSSAI Registration?
- Retail food shops, bakeries, sweet shops, confectioneries
- Street food vendors and temporary food stalls
- Juice shops, tea stalls, snack stalls
- Mobile food vendors and hawkers
- Dairy units, milk vendors, chilling centers
- Oil processing and packaging units
- Meat, fish, poultry and slaughterhouses
- Food processing and repackaging units
- Proprietary and novel food manufacturers
- Wholesalers, distributors, and suppliers
- Hotels, restaurants, cafés, and bars
- Canteens, messes, and mid-day meal kitchens
- Caterers and banquet halls
- PGs providing food facilities
- Food stalls in fairs or religious institutions
- Importers and exporters of food products
- Cold storage and refrigerated warehouses
- Food transporters and logistics providers
Types of FSSAI Registration?
FSSAI Basic Registration
FSSAI State License
FSSAI Central License
Obtaining FSSAI Registration Procedure Online
The FSSAI registration or license application can be completed online through the FoSCoS portal by following these steps:
- Select the appropriate application form (Form A or Form B)
- Fill in the business and applicant details
- Upload the required supporting documents
- Pay the applicable government fee online
- Application is reviewed by the concerned authority
- Inspection of premises may be conducted if required
- On approval, the FSSAI Registration Certificate is issued
- Certificate can be downloaded from the portal
FSSAI Registration Eligibility
FSSAI Basic Registration applies to small-scale food businesses that meet the following criteria:
- Annual turnover not exceeding ₹12 lakh
- Small retailers or vendors dealing in food
- Individuals manufacturing or selling food on a small scale
- Temporary or seasonal food stalls
- Food distribution during religious or social events
- Cottage and small-scale food industries
Capacity Limits for Basic Registration
Business Activity | Permitted Capacity |
Food production (excluding milk & meat) | Up to 120 kg / litre per day |
Milk procurement & handling | Up to 500 litres per day |
Slaughtering | 2 large or 10 small animals or 50 poultry/day |
Transportation | One vehicle only |
Vending machines | Up to 10 machines in one State/UT |
FSSAI License Eligibility
Food businesses that do not fall under the basic category must apply for an FSSAI License, which is divided into State and Central licenses.
State FSSAI License (Medium-Scale Businesses)
Applicable for businesses with:
- Annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore
Capacity Guidelines:
Business Type | Capacity |
Food production | 1–2 MT per day |
Milk handling | 501 – 50,000 litres/day |
Slaughtering | 3–50 large / 11–150 small / 51–1,000 poultry |
Storage | Up to 10,000 MT |
Transportation | Up to 100 vehicles |
Hotels | 1-star to 4-star |
Vending machines | Up to 100 in one state |
License validity ranges from 1 to 5 years.
Central FSSAI License
Central FSSAI License is required for large-scale operations and specific categories regardless of turnover.
Mandatory for:
- Businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore
- Importers and exporters of food products
- Multi-state food operators
- E-commerce food platforms
- Proprietary and novel food manufacturers
- Nutraceutical and health supplement businesses
- Food businesses at airports, railways & central government premises
Capacity Criteria:
Business Type | Capacity |
Food production | More than 2 MT/day |
Milk procurement | Above 50,000 litres/day |
Slaughtering | More than 50 large / 150 small / 1,000 poultry |
Storage | Above 10,000 MT |
Transportation | More than 100 vehicles |
Hotels | 5-star and above |
Vending machines | Operating in multiple states |
Documents Required for FSSAI
Common Documents Required
- Identity proof of applicant
- Business constitution certificate
- Address proof of business premises
- Rental agreement / owner NOC (if applicable)
- Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan
- List of food products
- Bank account details
- Supporting NOCs if applicable
Additional Documents for State License
- Duly filled and signed Form B
- Layout plan of processing unit
- List of directors/partners with ID proof
- Machinery and equipment list with capacity
- Authorization letter for responsible person
- Water testing report
- Cooperative registration certificate (if applicable)
Additional Documents for Central License
- Form B duly filled
- Processing unit layout plan
- List of directors/partners with ID proof
- Machinery list with installed capacity
- Authority letter
- Water analysis report
- Source of raw materials
- Product recall plan
- DGFT IEC certificate
- Ministry approvals (if applicable)
- Turnover proof and transport details
- Declaration form
Benefits of Obtaining FSSAI Registration
- Legal authorization to operate a food business
- Builds trust and credibility among customers
- Ensures food safety and hygiene compliance
- Helps in business expansion and brand growth
- Increases eligibility for funding and investments
- Mandatory for online food platforms
- Enhances consumer confidence with FSSAI logo
- Protects business from penalties and legal action
FAQ
A reassuring message that focuses on clarity and understanding.
It shows a commitment to answering every question with care, one step at a time.
Yes, even small-scale and home food operators must register under FSSAI.
The license is valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the option chosen during registration.
Operating without FSSAI can lead to penalties, legal action, or business closure.
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