FSSAI Licensing and FSSAI Registration: A Complete Guide

India is home to 1.4 billion people. To ensure everyone eats safe and healthy food, the FSSAI sets science-based standards for how food is made, stored, distributed, sold, and imported.    

Do you also own or want to open a food business? You need a FASSI license.   

In this article, we will provide a step-by-step process for FASSI registration and license. Also, you will find the relevant documents required for FASSI registration and license and many other key details. 

This article focuses on the various types of FSSAI food licenses issued and what the FSSAI is.  

What is FSSAI? 

FASSI was The FSSAI established under the Food Safety and Standards Act in 2006. It was designed to establish science-based specifications for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import to ensure wholesome and safe food is available for human consumption.

What is the FSSAI Act?  

FSSAI Act regulates food safety and standards in India through comprehensive legislation. As a result of the Act, multiple food-related laws have been consolidated and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been established to oversee their implementation. 

Objective: Provide human consumption with healthy and safe food. 

Who Needs FSSAI Registration?    

An FSSAI registration certificate is required for petty food business operators who manufacture or sell food items, hawkers, petty retailers, itinerant vendors, temporary stall-holders and industries related to the food business:  

1. A turnover of less than Rs.12 lakh is achieved annually
2. Producing food products up to 100 liters or kg per day
3. Daily handling, procurement, and collection of up to 500 liters of milk
4. The capacity of the slaughterhouse to slaughter two large animals, ten small animals, or fifty poultry birds per day

Who Needs FSSAI Licensing?  

An FBO that has medium and large-scale food businesses must obtain a license from the FSSAI. If their business is large enough, they will need a state license or a central license.  

Types of Food Licenses issued by FSSAI    

India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority issues three types of licenses:

1. Central License
2. State License
3. Basic Registration

Central License    

1. Milk producers sell more than 50,000 liters of liquid milk a day or 2500 tonnes of milk annually.
2. Units capable of processing/producing more than 2 MT of vegetable oil per day.
3. All slaughterhouses can slaughter over 50 large animals/150 small animals/1000 poultry birds per day.
4. Processors capable of handling or processing more than 500 kg of meat per day or 150 MT per year.
5. All food processing plants with a capacity greater than 2 MT/day, excluding mills that process grains, cereals, and pulses.
6. Units that are 100% export-oriented.
7. Importers of food products, food ingredients, and food additives.
8. Any operator engaged in manufacturing, processing, or importing proprietary foods for which the FSSAI has granted an NOC.
9. A registered/head office of an FBO that is located in more than one state.
10. Provide food catering services for establishments, units, and departments of the national government such as railways, airports, ports, and defense units.
11. Accredited hotels that are 5 stars and higher.

State License    

1. All FBOs except those eligible for registration and central licensing
2. All units for milling grains, cereals, and pulses

Basic Registration License 

To acquire this license, small manufacturers, storage units, transporters, marketers, and distributors must obtain permission from the State Government.  

A total of 12 lakhs are generated by the company each year 

A minimum of one year and a maximum of five years are allowed for the issuance of a license    

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration   

A Registration Certificate requires the following documents:

1. Photo
2. Photo ID issued by the government, such as AADHAAR, PAN, and voter ID.
3. Proof of address of business activity (if different from photo ID card address)For more details, Click Here

Documents Required for FSSAI Licensing 

The IX form

1. 1. The form B has been duly filled out and signed 
   2. Dimensions and areas allocated operation-wise for the processing unit 
   3. The names, addresses, and contact information for the Directors, Partners, and Proprietors
   4. A list of the equipment and machinery used, along with their numbers and capacities
   5. Authorization letter from manufacturer naming and addressing the responsible person
   6. Analyses of the water that will be used in the process to verify portability
   7. Copies of certificates issued under the Multi-State Coop Act 2002 and the Coop Act 1861
   8. FSSAI Central licenses require additional documents in addition to the general license:
   9. Completion and signature of Form B
   10. An operating-based area allocation plan for the processing unit
   11. Listed below are the names, addresses, and contact information for the Directors, Partners, and Proprietors
   12. A list of the equipment and machinery used, along with their numbers and capacities
   13. Manufacturer’s authority letter naming and addressing a responsible person
   14. Analyses of the water that will be used in the process to verify portability
   15. The source of milk, meat, etc.
   16. If applicable, develop a recall plan
   17. A certificate from the Ministry of Commerce certifying 100% EOU
   18. FSSAI’s NOC/PA document
   19. The DGFT has issued an IE code document
   20. The IX form
   21. The Ministry of Tourism’s certificate
   22. Transport and turnover proof document
   23. Documentation of declarations

FSSAI Registration Guide: Step-By-Step

In accordance with the food business’s size and annual turnover, determine if it falls into the Basic, State, or Central license category.

Identify business type-specific requirements before registering with the FSSAI (e.g., manufacturer, distributor, retailer).

2. Gather Necessary Documents:

Obtain essential documents, such as proof of identity and address, and a passport-sized picture of the applicant.

Prepare documents related to your business, such as the business registration certificate, proof of premises (rent agreement, utility bill), and a list of food products you will handle.

3. Submit Application:

Visit the FSSAI registration online portal. Click Here

Fill in the FSSAI registration application form:

For Basic Licenses: Form A

For State & Central Licenses: Form B

Upload Documents: Upload the required documents in the specified format.

4. Fee Payment:

Calculate the registration fee based on the type and scale of the food business.

Make online payments through the online portal.

5. Application Review and Inspection:

Review of the application: The FSSAI authorities verify that the application and documents submitted are accurate and comply with the regulations.

Food safety standards can be verified by an FSSAI officer during a site inspection for State and Central licenses.

6. Issuance of FSSAI Registration:

A FSSAI registration certificate is issued after a successful inspection and review, enabling the business to legally operate under FSSAI regulations.

Obtain the registration certificate from the FSSAI portal, and display it prominently throughout the premises.

Step-by-Step FSSAI Licensing Process

To ensure ease and efficiency, the FSSAI registration process can be completed online. The steps involved are as follows:

• Log onto the official FSSAI website to begin.
• Choose between a basic registration, a state license, or a central license based on your business’s scale and nature.   
• The application form must be filled out online with all the necessary business details. 
• The required documents must be uploaded, including proof of address, identification proof, and plans of the kitchen.
• Depending on the type of license, you will need to pay the prescribed fee online.

• Once you have submitted your application, you can track its status through the portal.    

  A FSSAI license is more than just compliance, it is an essential asset for any Indian food business that seeks to enhance trust and quality assurance. In the food industry, obtaining an FSSAI license ensures that you meet legal requirements and gives you an edge over your competitors.  

Benefits of a Food Licence 

FSSAI license registration has the following main benefits:    

• Enhancing Brand Recognition:  

A FSSAI license signals food safety and enhances brand recognition.    

• Building Credibility:  

An FSSAI license gives businesses credibility by demonstrating compliance with regulatory requirements.    

• Increasing Customers:  

Customers are assured of food safety and are attracted to businesses that are certified.    

• Regulatory Stability:  

Compliance with the FSSAI Licence is protected by legal stability.    

• Improving the Supply Chain:    

FSSAI regulations simplify supply chain management.    

• Loyalty and Trust in Consumers:    

Trust and loyalty are built between consumers and FSSAI Licences through safety standards.    

• Developing new markets:    

Businesses with an FSSAI licence have access to new markets.    

• Recognized internationally:    

Global market entry is enabled by the FSSAI Licence, which indicates international standards.    

• Improving continuously:    

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India encourages businesses to continue to adapt to food safety regulations.  

Challenges in FSSAI License Registration

In India, the FSSAI license or food safety registration process poses several challenges for food businesses.   

• Choosing the Right License Type:    

The determination of the proper FSSAI license type based on the type of business, scale, and operations can be time-consuming and error-prone.   

• Documentation is extensive:    

To get an FSSAI license, you need a lot of documentation, including proof of identity, business details, and food safety management plans.   

• Quality and safety of food:    

Businesses with tight margins have a difficult time adhering to food safety and hygiene standards, which takes consistent effort and resources.   

• GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices) are:    

Limited resources and the need for training are often challenges for small-scale businesses when it comes to GMP compliance.   

• Managing complex regulations:    

Professional consulting can be beneficial, especially for new businesses because of the broad and intricate FSSAI regulatory framework.   

Are you facing similar issues? Consider consulting a trusted FSSAI licensing consultant Legal Vistaar to navigate these challenges efficiently.     

Streamline your FSSAI license process with Legal Vistaar    

Through Legal Vistaar, you can obtain your FSSAI license seamlessly and efficiently. Our team of experienced professionals will assist you at every step along the way. With our expert assistance, all paperwork and requirements are handled correctly, making the process stress-free and straightforward. Legal Vistaar can assist you with acquiring your FSSAI license regardless of whether you’re just starting out or you’re trying to ensure compliance after you’ve been in business for a while.