FSSAI Registration: Everything You Need to Know

What is FSSAI?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the apex regulatory body responsible for ensuring food safety and quality standards in India. Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Who Needs FSSAI License?

FSSAI registration is mandatory for all food business operators (FBOs) involved in:

• Manufacturing, processing, or packaging of food products
• Storing, transporting, or distributing food items
• Selling or offering food for sale (retail or wholesale)
• Operating restaurants, cafes, cloud kitchens, or food stalls
• E-commerce food businesses and food aggregators
• Hotels, caterers, and event management companies serving food
• Importers and exporters of food products
• Food vending agencies and canteens

Types of FSSAI Licenses

FSSAI offers three types of licenses based on business scale and turnover:

1. Basic FSSAI Registration

• Annual Turnover: Up to ₹12 lakhs
• Validity: 1-5 years
• Issued By: Local health authorities (Food Safety Officer)
• Processing Time: 7-10 days
• Fees: ₹100 per year
• Suitable For: Small food vendors, home-based businesses, small retailers

2. State FSSAI License

• Annual Turnover: ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores
• Validity: 1-5 years
• Issued By: State Food Safety Commissioner
• Processing Time: 30-60 days
• Fees: ₹2,000-₹5,000 (based on category and period)
• Suitable For: Medium-scale restaurants, manufacturers, distributors

3. Central FSSAI License

• Annual Turnover: Above ₹20 crores
• Validity: 1-5 years
• Issued By: Central FSSAI office
• Processing Time: 60-90 days
• Fees: ₹7,500+ (varies by category)
• Suitable For: Large-scale manufacturers, importers/exporters, multi-state operators
• Also Mandatory For: Businesses operating in multiple states, 100% Export Oriented Units, importers

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

For Proprietorship

• Passport-size photograph of applicant
• Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Passport)
• Address proof of business premises
• Proof of possession of premises (Rent agreement/Ownership deed)
• List of food products to be manufactured/sold
• Food safety management system plan
• Water testing report (if applicable)
• NOC from municipality/local body

For Company/LLP/Partnership

All above documents plus:

• Certificate of Incorporation/Registration certificate
• Partnership deed/LLP agreement
• List of directors/partners with ID proofs
• Memorandum and Articles of Association (for companies)
• Board resolution authorizing the application

Additional Documents (Category-Specific)

• Manufacturers: Factory layout plan, process flow chart
• Importers: Import license, country of origin certificate
• Restaurants: Menu list, kitchen layout plan
• Transporters: Vehicle details, transport plan

Step-by-Step FSSAI Registration Process

Step 1: Determine License Type

Calculate your annual turnover to identify whether you need Basic Registration, State License, or Central License.

Step 2: Gather Documents

Collect all required documents as per your business type and category.

Step 3: Online Application

Visit the FSSAI FoSCoS portal (foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in) and:

1. Create an account or login
2. Select "Apply for New License"
3. Choose appropriate license type
4. Fill Form A (Basic) or Form B (State/Central)
5. Upload scanned documents
6. Pay the required fees online
7. Submit application and note reference number

Step 4: Inspection (State/Central License)

For State and Central licenses, a Food Safety Officer will conduct a physical inspection of your premises to verify:

• Hygiene and cleanliness standards
• Food storage conditions
• Manufacturing processes
• Water quality and waste disposal systems

Step 5: License Issuance

Once approved, you'll receive:

• FSSAI license certificate (download from portal)
• 14-digit FSSAI license number
• This license must be displayed prominently at your business premises

FSSAI License Number Format

The 14-digit FSSAI license number follows this format:

• First 2 digits: License type (10-Basic, 11-State, 12-Central)
• Next 3 digits: State/UT code
• Next 9 digits: Unique business identifier

FSSAI Compliance Requirements

Display Requirements

• Display FSSAI license/registration number prominently
• Include license number on all food packages and labels
• Show license certificate at business premises

Labeling Requirements

All packaged food products must display:

• Product name and brand name
• List of ingredients in descending order
• Nutritional information
• FSSAI logo and license number
• Manufacturing date and best before/expiry date
• Net quantity
• Manufacturer's name and address
• Country of origin (if imported)
• Veg/non-veg symbol (green/brown dot)

Annual Returns

• State License Holders: Must file annual returns by May 31st
• Central License Holders: Must file annual returns by May 31st
• Basic registration holders are generally exempt from annual returns

Record Maintenance

All FBOs must maintain records of:

• Raw material procurement
• Production/manufacturing details
• Sales and distribution records
• Quality testing reports
• Hygiene and sanitation records
• Employee health certificates

FSSAI License Renewal

FSSAI licenses are valid for 1-5 years depending on what period you opt for during application.

Renewal Process

• Apply for renewal at least 30 days before expiry
• Login to FoSCoS portal
• Submit renewal application with updated documents
• Pay renewal fees
• Inspection may be conducted for State/Central licenses

FSSAI for Different Business Types

Restaurants & Cafes

• License type based on annual turnover
• Must maintain hygiene rating
• Regular inspections by FSOs
• Menu should display FSSAI number

Cloud Kitchens & Home-Based Food Business

• Basic registration sufficient if turnover under ₹12 lakhs
• Kitchen should meet hygiene standards
• Delivery packaging should show FSSAI number

Food Manufacturers

• State/Central license required based on scale
• Manufacturing unit inspection mandatory
• Quality testing reports required
• All products must carry FSSAI logo

E-commerce Food Platforms

• Platform must have Central FSSAI license
• All partner vendors must be FSSAI registered
• Platform responsible for compliance verification

Food Importers

• Central FSSAI license mandatory
• Import clearance from FSSAI required
• Product samples may be tested
• Country-specific documentation needed

Common FSSAI Violations & Penalties

Operating Without License

Fine up to ₹5 lakhs and/or imprisonment up to 6 months

Selling Adulterated/Misbranded Food

Fine up to ₹10 lakhs and imprisonment up to 6 years

Non-Compliance with Standards

Fine up to ₹5 lakhs or revocation of license

Improper Labeling

Fine up to ₹3 lakhs

Failure to Submit Returns

Late fees and possible license suspension

Benefits of FSSAI Registration

• Legal Compliance: Operate your food business legally
• Consumer Trust: FSSAI logo builds customer confidence
• Business Expansion: Required for selling on e-commerce platforms
• Avoid Penalties: Protection from legal actions and fines
• Export Opportunities: Essential for international food trade
• Quality Assurance: Ensures food safety standards
• Government Tenders: Mandatory for supplying to government
• Bank Loans: Required for food business financing

FSSAI Hygiene Rating Scheme

FSSAI has introduced a voluntary hygiene rating system for food businesses:

• Rating Scale: 1 to 5 stars
• Assessment: Based on food handling, hygiene, and sanitation
• Display: Ratings can be displayed at premises and online
• Benefit: Higher ratings attract more customers

Recent FSSAI Updates (2026)

• Mandatory display of nutritional information on front-of-pack
• Stricter regulations for food supplements
• Enhanced monitoring of e-commerce food platforms
• Digital FSSAI certificates now available
• Simplified process for basic registration
• Increased focus on food waste management

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start my food business before getting FSSAI license?

No, FSSAI registration/license is mandatory before commencing any food business operations. You should apply for the license during the setup phase.

How long does FSSAI registration take?

Basic registration: 7-10 days; State license: 30-60 days; Central license: 60-90 days (subject to inspection and document verification).

Can I apply for multiple FSSAI licenses?

Yes, if you have multiple units or locations, you need separate FSSAI licenses for each premises.

Is FSSAI registration required for home-based food business?

Yes, even home-based food businesses need at least Basic FSSAI registration if annual turnover is above ₹12 lakhs.

How We Can Help

At MyCASathi, we provide complete FSSAI registration and compliance services:

• Free consultation to determine the right license type
• Documentation support and application filing
• Liaison with FSSAI authorities
• Inspection preparation assistance
• Annual return filing
• License renewal services
• Compliance advisory