HOW TO OBTAIN FSSAI CERTIFIED FOOD LICENSE/REGISTRATION IN INDIA

ABSTRACT

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been constituted to lay down science-based standards for food products and to regulate the activities of Food Business Operators (FBOs), including transporters, distributors, manufacturers, retailers, storage units, marketers, and other entities engaged in the food sector. This paper begins with a concise introduction to the establishment, objectives, and regulatory scope of FSSAI under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It further discusses the three categories of food licenses issued in India—Basic FSSAI Registration, State FSSAI License, and Central FSSAI License—along with their eligibility criteria. Subsequently, the procedures and documentation requirements for obtaining such licenses based on the annual turnover of the FBO are elaborated. The paper concludes with an overview of the renewal process, including the penalty applicable for failure to renew within the prescribed period.

INTRODUCTION

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established under Section 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and became operational in August 2011. It functions as an autonomous statutory authority under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. FSSAI is tasked with regulating and supervising food safety standards across the country. It ensures that food products entering the market are safe, non-toxic, non-hazardous, and conform to prescribed quality standards.

Under Indian law, every food business involved in activities such as manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, and sale must comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Licensing and registration of FBOs are mandatory and regulated by FSSAI through its designated online portal, FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System). The issuance of a license generally takes approximately 60 days, whereas product approval for new food items can take up to 6 months.

TYPES OF FSSAI FOOD LICENSE AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

FSSAI issues the following categories of food licenses in India, based on the nature and scale of operations:

1. Basic FSSAI Registration

This registration is applicable to petty or small-scale FBOs such as small manufacturers, transporters, distributors, marketers, retailers, and storage units whose annual turnover does not exceed ₹12 lakhs. It is issued by the State Authority for a period ranging from 1 to 5 years.

2. State FSSAI License

Applicable to medium-scale FBOs, this license must be obtained when the annual turnover exceeds ₹12 lakhs but does not exceed ₹20 crores. The license is granted by the State Licensing Authority and is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years.

3. Central FSSAI License

This license is mandatory for large-scale FBOs, including importers, 100% export-oriented units, large manufacturers, operators in Central Government establishments, and units functioning at airports or seaports. It is required when the annual turnover exceeds ₹20 crores. The license is issued by the Central Licensing Authority for a duration ranging from 1 to 5 years.

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING FSSAI LICENSE / REGISTRATION

The stepwise procedure to obtain FSSAI registration or license is as follows:

1. Application Submission:
   1. For Basic Registration, Form ‘A’ is to be submitted.
   1. For State or Central License, Form ‘B’ must be duly filled and submitted through the FoSCoS portal or directly to the Food Safety Department.
2. Document Submission:
   1. Relevant supporting documents must be uploaded online or submitted physically along with the application.
3. Scrutiny of Application:
   1. The concerned authority will accept or reject the application within 7 days from the date of receipt. In case of rejection, the reasons must be communicated in writing.
4. Grant of License/Registration:
   1. If the application is accepted, the authority will issue a Registration Certificate or License, bearing the photograph of the applicant and the registration/license number.
5. Payment of Fees:
   1. Prescribed license/registration fees may be paid either online or via Demand Draft.
6. Display of License:
   1. The FBO shall prominently display the Registration Certificate or License at the business premises during working hours.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

A. For Basic FSSAI Registration

• Government-issued Photo ID and Address Proof (e.g., electricity bill, telephone bill, etc.).
• Latest passport-size photograph of the applicant.
• PAN card of the applicant.
• Proof of premises (ownership documents or rental agreement with NOC from the landlord).

B. For State FSSAI License

• Duly filled and signed Form-B.
• Proof of possession of business premises.
• Blueprint/layout plan of the unit.
• Partnership deed or affidavit (if applicable).
• Contact details and photo ID/address proof of the Proprietor/Partners/Directors.
• List of equipment and machinery used.
• List of food categories to be manufactured/handled.
• NOC and copy of manufacturer’s license (if applicable).
• Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan/certificate.
• Authority letter naming the person responsible for compliance.

C. For Central FSSAI License

• All documents required for the State License.
• Water analysis report from a recognized public health laboratory.
• Pesticide residue report (for mineral/carbonated water units).
• NOC/PA issued by FSSAI.
• Declaration form under FSSAI regulations.
• IEC (Import Export Code) for importers (issued by DGFT).
• Additional documents, if applicable:
  • Proof of milk/meat source for relevant industries.
  • Certificate from the Ministry of Tourism (if applicable).
  • MCA Incorporation Certificate for companies.
  • NOC from local municipal authority.
  • Financial proof of turnover (e.g., balance sheet, CA certificate).

RENEWAL & PENALTY FOR NON-COMPLIANCE

• Renewal must be initiated 30 days prior to the expiry of the existing license/registration.
• Failure to renew within the stipulated time attracts a penalty of ₹100 per day until the renewal is completed.
• Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI license is a punishable offence under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and may lead to penalties and closure of the business.

CONCLUSION

FSSAI plays a vital role in regulating and ensuring the safety, hygiene, and quality of food products in India. It mandates that every FBO obtains the appropriate license or registration depending on the scale and scope of operations. Timely application, adherence to documentation protocols, and proactive renewal of licenses are essential for compliance with the statutory food safety regime in India.