FSSAI Registration

What is FSSAI Registration?

FSSAI Registration is a compulsory authorisation for individuals or entities involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, or sale of food products in India. It is governed by the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011. This registration differs from an FSSAI License based on the size and nature of the business.

Importance of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI registration is vital for all Food Business Operators (FBOs), including those planning to open restaurants, bakeries, hotels, cloud kitchens, or food stalls. It is required for anyone engaged in the manufacturing, preparation, sale, transportation, distribution, or storage of food products. FSSAI registration ensures food safety compliance and enhances your business's reputation.

Key Features of FSSAI Registration

• 14-Digit Registration Number: Every FSSAI Registration or License comes with a 14-digit number that must be displayed on all food packages. This number provides vital information about the food product’s origin, including the state where it was assembled and the producer’s permit details.
• Quality Assurance: By compelling Food Business Operators (FBOs) to display their registration details, FSSAI ensures that accountability for quality and safety rests squarely on the entity handling the food.
• Applicability: FSSAI Registration is compulsory for all FBOs, from small-scale vendors to large manufacturing units, though the specific requirement—Registration vs. License—depends on the size and nature of the business.

Issuance of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act), FSSAI governs the food business in India, ensuring that food products meet quality standards and undergo safety checks. Its primary goal is to eliminate food adulteration and the sale of substandard products while maintaining the safety of food products across the country.

Food Business Operators Who Require FSSAI Registration?

The Food Business Operators (FBOs) carrying on the following kinds of food business must have an FSSAI License/Registration:

• Petty retailers, Retail Shops, Snack shops, Confectionery or Bakery shops, etc.
• Temporary stalls, fixed stalls, or food premises involved in preparing, storing, distributing, and selling food products.
• Hawkers selling packaged or freshly prepared food by traveling from one location to another.
• Dairy Units, including Milk Chilling Units, Petty Milkmen, and Milk Vendors.
• Slaughtering houses.
• Fish Processing, Meat Processing, and units.
• All Food Manufacturing units including Repacking food.
• Vegetable Oil Processing Units.
• Proprietary food and Novel food.
• Cold/refrigerated storage facilities.
• Transporters of food products, having several specialised vehicles like insulated refrigerated vans/wagons, milk tankers, food wagons, food trucks, etc.
• Wholesalers, suppliers, distributors, and marketers of food products.
• Hotels, Restaurants, and Bars.
• Canteens and Cafeteria, including mid-day meal canteens.
• Food Vending Agencies and Caterers.
• Dhaba, PG providing food, Banquet halls with food catering arrangements, Home-based canteens, and Food stalls at fairs or religious institutions.
• Importers and Exporters of food items and food ingredients.
• E-Commerce food suppliers, including cloud kitchens.

Types of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI registrations are categorised based on a food business’s turnover, production capacity, and other operational details. Businesses must choose from three main types of registrations/licenses—Basic, State, or Central—depending on their turnover and production scope.

FSSAI Basic Registration

• Who Needs It: Food Business Operators (FBOs) with an annual turnover of less than INR 12 lakh.
• Registration Form: Form A
• Key Point: This registration is generally for small-scale or startup food ventures, such as small retailers or home-based food producers.

FSSAI State License

• Who Needs It: FBOs with an annual turnover between INR 12 lakh and INR 20 crore.
• Registration Form: Form B
• Key Point: Medium-sized ventures—like mid-level restaurants, small to mid-scale manufacturers, and distributors—typically require the State License.

FSSAI Central License

• Who Needs It: FBOs with an annual turnover exceeding INR 20 crore.
• Registration Form: Form B
• Key Point: Large-scale food businesses—such as major manufacturers, major retailers, and large distributors—must apply for the Central License.

By choosing the registration/license that aligns with their business size and turnover, FBOs ensure they comply with the regulations laid down by the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

FSSAI Registration Eligibility

FSSAI Registration serves as a basic license for Food Business Operators (FBOs) who run small-scale food operations. The following categories of businesses must obtain FSSAI Registration:

• Annual Turnover Under INR 12 Lakh
  Applicable to petty retailers dealing in food products or any person manufacturing and selling food articles independently.
• Temporary Food Stalls or Small-Scale Operations
  Individuals who sell food products through temporary stalls or distribute food during religious and social gatherings (excluding caterers).
• Small-Scale or Cottage Food Industries
  Businesses working at a minimal scale, including industries with limited production capacities in food, milk, or meat.
• Capacity-Based Limits
  • Food Production (Other Than Milk and Meat): Up to 100 kg/liter per day.
  • Milk Procurement and Handling: Up to 500 liters per day.
  • Slaughtering: 2 large animals, 10 small animals or 50 poultry birds per day (or fewer).
  • Transportation: Operated by a single vehicle.
  • Vending Machines: Up to 12 machines within one state/UT.

All the above categories must meet FSSAI’s basic registration requirements to operate legally under the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011.

FSSAI License Eligibility

Any Food Business Operator (FBO) that does not qualify as a small-scale business must obtain an FSSAI License. Depending on the size and nature of operations, whether medium-scale or large-scale, businesses must apply for either a State FSSAI License or a Central FSSAI License.

State FSSAI License

• FBOs with an annual turnover ranging from INR 12 lakh to INR 20 crore (up to INR 30 crore for transportation businesses and wholesalers).
• All grains, cereals, and pulses milling units, irrespective of production capacity.

Covered Businesses and Criteria

• Medium-Scale Food Production (Other than Milk and Meat): 1 MT to 2 MT per day
• Milk Procurement, Handling, and Collection: 501 to 50,000 liters per day
• Slaughtering Capacity:
  • 3–50 large animals per day, or
  • 11–150 small animals per day, or
  • 51–1,000 poultry birds per day
• Storage: Up to 10,000 MT
• Transportation: Up to 100 vehicles
• Hotel Rating: One-Star to Four-Star
• Vending Machines: Up to 100 machines in a single State/UT

License Tenure

• Minimum: 1 year
• Maximum: 5 years

Central FSSAI License

• FBOs with an annual turnover exceeding INR 20 crore (up to INR 30 crore for transportation businesses and wholesalers).
• Certain FBOs must obtain a Central License regardless of turnover or size, including operations across multiple states, importers/exporters, proprietary food manufacturers, etc.

Covered Businesses and Criteria

• Large-Scale Food Production (Other than Milk and Meat): More than 2 MT per day
• Milk Procurement, Handling, and Collection: More than 50,000 liters per day
• Slaughtering Capacity:
  • Over 50 large animals per day, or
  • Over 150 small animals per day, or
  • Over 1,000 poultry birds per day
• Storage: More than 10,000 MT
• Transportation: Over 100 vehicles
• Hotel Rating: Five-Star and above
• Vending Machines: More than 100 machines, located in two or more states/UTs

License Tenure

• Minimum: 1 year
• Maximum: 5 years

By choosing the correct license category (State or Central) based on turnover, scale of operations, and nature of the business, FBOs can ensure full compliance with the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations.

Difference between FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration/License

To obtain FSSAI Registration or License, Food Business Operators (FBOs) must submit a set of general and specific documents based on their business type (Basic Registration, State License, or Central License).

General Documents for FSSAI Registration/License

• Photo Identity Proof: Valid ID proof of the FBO (Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, etc.)
• Business Constitution Certificate: Partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, shop and establishment license, or other business registration certificates.
• Proof of Premises Possession: Rental agreement, NOC from owner, utility bills, etc.
• Food Safety Management System Plan
• List of Food Products manufactured or processed
• Bank Account Information
• Supporting Documents (if applicable): NOC from Municipality or Panchayat, Health NOC, License copies, etc.

Additional Documents for FSSAI State License

• Form B
• Processing Unit Plan
• List of Directors/Partners/Proprietor with details
• List of Equipment and Machinery
• Authority Letter from Manufacturer
• Water Analysis Report
• Cooperative Act Certificate (if applicable)

Additional Documents for FSSAI Central License

Includes all documents for State License plus:

• Source of Raw Material details
• Recall Plan (if applicable)
• Ministry of Commerce Certificate (for EOUs)
• NOC/PA Document from FSSAI
• IE Code Document
• Form IX
• Certificate from Ministry of Tourism (if applicable)
• Proof of Turnover and Transportation
• Declaration Form

Consequences of Non-Compliance with FSSAI Regulations

Food businesses registered or licensed under FSSAI must comply with FSS Act, 2006 regulations. Food Safety Officers conduct inspections and classify compliance. Non-compliance can lead to improvement notices and cancellation of licenses.

Validity of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI registration is valid for 1 or 5 years based on the business type and license.

Renewal of FSSAI License

Renewing the FSSAI license before expiry is crucial to continue legal operations without interruption.

Procedure for Obtaining FSSAI Registration Online

Food Business Operators (FBOs) can apply via the official FoSCoS portal:

1. Visit the FoSCoS Portal
2. Choose the appropriate form (Form A or Form B)
3. Upload required documents online or submit offline
4. Application review within 7 days
5. Premises inspection if required
6. Issuance of FSSAI Registration Certificate
7. Display the certificate at the premises

Get expert assistance from Easy My Tax to complete the registration hassle-free.

Benefits of Procuring FSSAI Food Registration

• Legal compliance with food safety laws
• Builds consumer trust and business reputation
• Expands market access and business opportunities
• Competitive advantage and international trade facilitation
• Prevents legal penalties and ensures product quality
• Access to government contracts and support resources

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