Documents Required For FSSAI Registration
PAN Card : Food Applicant
Aadhaar Card : Food Applicant
GST Certificate
Passport Photo
Business Address Proof
FSSAI License and Registration: A Complete Overview
What is FSSAI License and Registration?
FSSAI License and Registration are mandatory for any food-related business in India that involves manufacturing, storing, transporting, or distributing food. Depending on the nature and scale of the business, either FSSAI registration or a license is required. Once registered, the Food Business Operator (FBO) is assigned a 14-digit unique number that must be printed on all food packages.
Obtaining an FSSAI license not only ensures compliance with the law but also provides legal benefits, enhances brand goodwill, ensures food safety, promotes consumer trust, and facilitates business expansion.
Legal Framework
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) operates under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Section 31(1) of this Act mandates that every food business in India must obtain an FSSAI license. The licensing and registration processes are governed by the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011.
Who Needs FSSAI Registration or License?
The following businesses are required to obtain FSSAI registration or a license:
- Petty retailers, snack shops, bakeries, and confectioneries
- Food stalls (temporary or fixed), hawkers, and food premises involved in preparing, storing, or selling food products
- Dairy units, milk vendors, and milk chilling facilities
- Slaughterhouses, fish, and meat processing units
- Food manufacturing units, including those engaged in repacking
- Proprietary and novel food businesses
- Cold/refrigerated storage facilities
- Food transporters with specialized vehicles like refrigerated vans, milk tankers, etc.
- Wholesalers, distributors, and suppliers of food products
- Hotels, restaurants, bars, and cafeterias
- Caterers, dhabas, banquet halls with food catering services, and mid-day meal canteens
- Importers, exporters, and e-commerce food suppliers (including cloud kitchens)
Types of FSSAI Licenses and Eligibility Criteria
1. FSSAI Registration
This is meant for small-scale food businesses with an annual turnover of less than ₹12 lakh. The registration is mandatory for:
- Petty food manufacturers, hawkers, and small retailers
- Businesses handling up to 100 liters/kilograms of food per day (excluding milk/meat)
- Milk handling up to 500 liters/day or slaughtering up to 2 large animals, 10 small animals, or 50 poultry birds/day
The FSSAI registration is issued by the State Licensing Authority and carries a 14-digit number starting with “2.”
2. FSSAI License
For businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹12 lakh, an FSSAI license is mandatory. It is categorized into:
- State License: Required for medium-sized businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
- Central License: Mandatory for large businesses, including those engaged in food processing, international trade, or having an annual turnover above ₹20 crore.
The FSSAI license carries a 14-digit number starting with “1.”
Key Differences Between FSSAI Registration and License
| Particulars | FSSAI Registration | FSSAI License |
|---|---|---|
| Turnover Limit | Up to ₹12 lakh | Above ₹12 lakh |
| Types | Basic Registration | State and Central Licenses |
| Size of Business | Small-scale businesses | Medium and large-scale businesses |
| Application Form | Form A | Form B |
| Duration | Based on the type of registration | 1-5 years |
| Display Requirement | Must display registration number | Must display license number |
Benefits of FSSAI License
- Legal recognition and compliance
- Assurance of food safety and hygiene
- Increased consumer trust and goodwill
- Simplifies obtaining funding from investors
- Facilitates the regulation of food manufacture, storage, and sale
- Enhances product credibility through the FSSAI logo
Validity and Renewal
FSSAI licenses and registrations are issued for 1 to 5 years, as chosen by the FBO. Renewal must be applied for at least 30 days before the current license expires.
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration
- Passport-sized photo of the FBO
- Government-issued photo ID (AADHAAR, PAN, Voter ID, etc.)
- Proof of business activity address
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI registration or license can result in severe penalties, including:
- Fines up to ₹5 lakh
- Imprisonment for up to six months
Simplified FSSAI Registration with Shaah Solutions
Shaah Solutions provides end-to-end assistance for FSSAI registration, offering:
- Expert Guidance: Assistance in choosing the appropriate category and license type.
- Document Preparation: Ensuring all required documents are complete and accurate.
- Application Submission: Managing the entire application process.
- Compliance Assistance: Ensuring that your business adheres to FSSAI guidelines.
- Hassle-Free Process: Saving time and reducing administrative efforts.
With Shaah Solutions, FSSAI registration and licensing become a seamless and efficient process, allowing you to focus on growing your food business.