The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a legal authority that offers a food license, minitors and governs to all food business operators (FBO) in India. It is an autonomous body that is established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.

Every food business operator involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage distribution and sale of food products must compulsorily obtain FSSAI Registration or License. FSSAI Registration is different from the FSSAI License in the sense that depending on the size and nature of the business, FBO should obtain the necessary registration or license.

In the FSSAI Registration process, the FBO will get a 14 digit number that needs to be printed on food packages. This registration number gives details about the assembling state, producer’s permit. The licensing and registration procedure and requirements are regulated by Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011.

There are 3 types of FSSAI license registration available in India depending upon busines turnover, we have summarised below:

FSSAI Basic Registration:

Food businesses who have an annual turnover of less than Rs.12 lakh.

FSSAI State License:

Food business having annual turnover of more than Rs.12 Lakhs but less than or up to Rs.20 crores. 

FSSAI Central License: 

Large food business having annual turnover above Rs.20 crores.

Documents required for obtaining Basic Registration:

• Photo of Food Business Operator.

• Identity Proof like the Ration Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, driving license, Passport, Aadhar Card, Senior Citizen Card.

• Supporting documents if there are any like the NOC by municipality or panchayat, Health NOC.

Documents required for obtaining State License:

• Form B duly completed and signed

• Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation   

• List of Directors/ Partners/ Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID

• Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity

• List of food category to be manufactured

• Authority letter from manufacturer nominated a responsible person name and address

• Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability

• Proof of possession of premises

• Partnership deed/ affidavit of proprietorship

• NOC and copy of License from the manufacturer

• Copy of certificate obtained under Coop Act 1861/Multi state Coop Act 2002

• Food safety management system plan or certificate

Documents required for obtaining Central License:

• Form B duly completed and signed

• Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation   

• List of Directors/ Partners/ Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID

• Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity

• List of food category to be manufactured

• Authority letter from manufacturer nominated a responsible person name and address

• Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability

• Source of raw material for milk, meat etc

• Recall plan wherever applicable

• Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU

• NOC/PA document issued by FSSAI

• IE code document issued by DGFT

• Form IX

• Certificate from Ministry of Tourism  

• Proof of possession of premises

• Partnership deed/ affidavit of proprietorship

• NOC and copy of License from the manufacturer

• Food safety management system plan or certificate

• NOC from the municipality or local body

• Supporting document for proof of turnover and transportation

• Declaration form

There are mutiple advantages of obtaining FSSAI food license such as it builds goodwill, ensure food safety, create consumer awareness, assist in business expansion and also legal benefits. It helps in regulate, manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of import food. We have summarised below:

a. Consumer awareness

b. Food safety & security

c. Legal benefits

d. Imported food can be regulated and manufactured

e. Expansion in the business in the future

f. Build compassion

g. Create goodwill

h. Helps in enrolling on swiggy, zomato etc. online food delivery platforms

The FSSAI Food License is valid for 1 to 5 years (varies). The business must apply for renewal atleast 30 days in advance before the expiry of current license they hold.

• Canteen

• Club

• Dhaba

• Distributor

• Food processor

• Restaurants

• Retailer

• Storage

• Supplier

• Transporter

• Wholesaler