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Our FSSAI experts recommend the right license for your business: basic, state, or central.
Every food business in India, whether a small vendor or a large manufacturer, is legally required to complete FSSAI Registration online and obtain a food license to ensure food safety and consumer trust. FSSAI registration is mandatory for anyone involved in the production, processing, packaging, distribution, or sale of food. From home-based food entrepreneurs to established restaurants and food importers, every food business operator must comply with FSSAI guidelines. Ignoring this requirement can lead to heavy penalties or business closure.
What is FSSAI Registration
FSSAI registration is a basic license requirement set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India for food business operators. It monitors the quality of Food products manufactured, freshly prepared food, Health supplements, Novel food, Proprietary food, Food packages and food ingredients.
FSSAI is a regulatory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act. It ensures that food businesses across the country adhere to proper safety standards and regulations, minimizing the risk of food adulteration and ensuring public health. Every food business operator is required to obtain the appropriate food license registration to legally operate.
After FSSAI registration, FBO’s will be provided with FSSAI license or food license. It guarantees safe and hygienic food production, storage, and distribution. It acts as a food license in India, helping protect consumers and build trust. Every food business must obtain food business registration to operate legally.
Taxmaan specialises in handling the FSSAI registration online process with precision and efficiency, ensuring full legal compliance for food businesses. Our expert team streamlines every step, making the registration hassle-free and reliable.
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (India) 
This act establishes the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and regulates food safety and standards in India. FSSAI registration is mandated under this act for businesses involved in activities like manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, and sale of food items.
As per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, it is mandatory for all food business operators to complete FSSAI registration. A FSSAI license is mandatory for every food product business in India, and the food license number is provided post-registration. Irrespective of whether you are a retail, wholesaler, manufacturer, e-commerce seller, or involved in the distribution or transport of food products, FSSAI registration is mandatory. The FSSAI registration application can be filed online by food product business owners through Taxmaan.
Who Needs FSSAI Registration?
FSSAI registration or license is mandatory for any individual or entity involved in food business operators. This includes:
- Petty retailers
- Dairy units
- Vegetable oil processing units
- Pulses milling units
- Medical stores selling food items or supplements
- Merchant exporters of food
- Temporary stall holders
- Foot or movable carts
- Fixed stalls
- Food vending agencies
- Large-scale food businesses
- Food businesses operating from food premises or food business premises
Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI Registration
To be eligible for food license registration in India under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), an individual or entity must meet certain criteria based on the nature and scale of their food business. The eligibility for each type of FSSAI registration Basic Registration, State License, and Central License is determined primarily by the business’s annual turnover and operational reach, here is an outline of the same:
Criteria for FSSAI Basic Registration
- FSSAI Basic registration is for small-scale or petty food business operators.
- This category covers home-based food entrepreneurs, small vendors, local tea stalls, and small retailers who operate on a limited scale.
- The turnover criteria is upto ₹12 lakhs per annum
Criteria for FSSAI State License
- FSSAI State License is applicable to medium-sized food businesses.
- This covers businesses typically including mid-level manufacturers, food processors, restaurants, and caterers operating within a single state.
- The turnover criteria for state license is ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores per annum
Criteria for FSSAI Central License
- FSSAI Central License is mandatory for large food businesses and those engaged in import and export of food products.
- It also applies to food businesses operating in multiple states or supplying food to government institutions such as railways, airports, and defense.
- The turnover criteria for central license should be more than ₹20 crores per annum or interstate operations
Checklist for FSSAI Registration
Before applying for FSSAI registration or license, it’s important to ensure you have all the necessary information and documents ready. Here is a checklist that helps food business operators confirm they meet the basic requirements for a smooth application process.
FSSAI Registration Checklist:
- Valid Documents: Ensure you have government-issued identity proof, address proof of the business, and passport-sized photographs of the applicant and key personnel
- Food Business Type: Identify the nature of your food business, whether it’s manufacturing, retail, catering, storage, distribution, or a home-based operation
- Turnover Bracket: Know your annual turnover to determine whether you need basic registration, state license, or central license
- Business Address: Have a fixed and verifiable business location, which is essential for license issuance and inspections
- FSSAI Compliance Practices: Be aware of and implement food safety and hygiene practices as per FSSAI guidelines to ensure eligibility and smooth approval.
Benefits of FSSAI Registration
Obtaining FSSAI registration or license offers several significant advantages to food business operators. It not only ensures compliance with food safety standards but also provides various benefits that help grow and legitimize your business.
Advantages of FSSAI Registration:
- Legal Recognition: Grants your food business official authorisation to operate, ensuring compliance with food safety laws and avoiding legal penalties
- Business Expansion: Facilitates smoother entry into new markets, retail outlets, and partnerships by proving your adherence to safety standards
- Can use FSSAI Logo: Allows you to display the trusted FSSAI logo on your products, enhancing brand credibility and consumer confidence
- Consumer Trust: Builds customer assurance by signaling that your products meet rigorous safety and quality benchmarks
- Easier Access to Finance and Investors: Helps in securing loans, funding, and investor interest as financial institutions and partners prefer licensed businesses.
Types of FSSAI Licenses
In India, food businesses must obtain one of three types of FSSAI licenses or registrations depending on their scale, turnover, and operational reach. Understanding the differences between Basic Registration, State License, and Central License helps ensure you apply for the correct license type.
| License Type | Turnover Criteria | Scale of Operations | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Up to ₹12 lakhs per annum | Small-scale food businesses, petty vendors | Local/State Food Safety Dept. |
| State License | ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores per annum | Medium-sized manufacturers, restaurants, food processors operating within one state | State Food Safety Authority |
| Central License | Above ₹20 crores per annum or interstate operations | Large manufacturers, multi-state businesses, importers/exporters, government suppliers | Central Food Safety Authority |
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration in India
To apply for FSSAI registration or license, you must submit certain essential documents that verify your identity, business legitimacy, and food safety compliance. The exact documents required may vary depending on the type of license you are applying for.
Commonly Required FSSAI Registration Documents:
- Photo ID Proof: Government-issued identification such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, or voter ID of the applicant
- Business Registration Proof: Certificate of incorporation, partnership deed, or any other document proving your business’s legal existence
- Address Proof: Valid proof of your business premises such as rent agreement, utility bills, or property ownership documents, Rental agreement or proof of ownership for food premises.
- Food Safety Plan: A document outlining your food safety management practices, required mainly for certain license types and food business categories.
- To obtain FSSAI registration: you must also require to submit the following required documents, including:
1. Supporting documents like declaration forms
2. List of food products or food category
3. Details of food business activities
4. NOC from the municipal corporation
5. Improvement notice, if previously issued
6. Annual return for manufacturers
FSSAI Registration Process in India
Getting FSSAI registration in India involves a straightforward process that food businesses must follow to ensure legal compliance and food safety certification. Below are the key steps involved in the food licensing and registration procedure:
Steps for FSSAI License Registration
- Choose the Appropriate License Type
Check whether your business requires Basic Registration, State License, or Central License based on your turnover, scale, and operational reach - Prepare Required Documents
Gather all necessary documents such as identity proof, business registration proof, address proof, and food safety plans (if applicable) - Submit Application (Form A or Form B)
1. Fill and submit Form A for Basic Registration (small-scale businesses)
2. Fill and submit Form B for State and Central License applications. - Pay the Government Fees
The fee varies according to the license type and validity period (usually 1 to 5 years). Complete the payment online during the application submission. - Verification and Inspection (if applicable)
For State and Central Licenses, the concerned authority may conduct a physical inspection of your premises within 7–15 working days. - Receive FSSAI Registration Certificate
Once the application is approved, you will receive your FSSAI registration/license certificate digitally, typically within 7–30 working days depending on the license type and inspection.
FSSAI Registration Fees
FSSAI registration fees vary based on the type of registration and the validity period you choose, which ranges from 1 to 5 years. The government fee is nominal for small businesses and increases with the scale and complexity of the food operation.
| FSSAI License Type | Government Fee (₹) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | ₹100 per year | 1 to 5 years |
| State License | ₹2,000 per year | 1 to 5 years |
| Central License | ₹7,500 per year | 1 to 5 years |
Note: If you use our professional service, the fee will be extra.
Validity and Renewal of FSSAI License
FSSAI licenses are valid for a period ranging from 1 to 5 years, based on the applicant’s choice at the time of registration. It is important for food business operators to keep track of their license expiry date to ensure uninterrupted compliance.
- When to Apply for Renewal: Renewal applications should be submitted at least 30 days before the license expiry date to avoid any legal complications or business disruptions
- Late Renewal Penalty: If you miss the renewal deadline, a late fee penalty may be imposed, and operating without a valid license can lead to fines or penalties under food safety laws.
Advantage of FSSAI License Renewal
Timely renewal of your FSSAI license offers several important benefits that help keep your food business compliant and trusted by customers. Renewing early ensures smooth operations without legal or financial hurdles.
- Continuity of Business: Avoid any disruption in your food business operations by maintaining a valid license at all times.
- Avoiding Fines: Prevent penalties and legal action that may arise from operating with an expired FSSAI license
- Maintaining Customer Trust: Show your commitment to food safety and quality by keeping your license up to date, which builds confidence among consumers.
Legal Penalties for Not Having FSSAI Registration
FSSAI Registration is mandatory for all food business operators in India under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. As per Section 32, authorities are empowered to issue improvement notices to food business operators. Failure to comply with these notices or operate without a valid FSSAI license can lead to serious consequences, including license cancellation. Here is a detailed outline of the penalties collected:
| Sl.No | Particulars | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Food quality not up to the act’s standards | ₹2 Lakh (Petty manufacturer – ₹25,000/-) |
| 2 | Sub-standard food | ₹5 Lakh |
| 3 | Misbranded Food | ₹3 Lakh |
| 4 | False description or deceptive advertising | ₹10 Lakh |
| 5 | Extraneous matter in food | ₹1 Lakh |
| 6 | Disregard for the food safety officer’s instructions | ₹2 Lakh |
| 7 | Unhygienic processing or manufacture | ₹1 Lakh |
Note: If you use our professional service, the fee will be extra.
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