Difference Between FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License

In India’s growing food industry, compliance with food safety laws is crucial for legal operation and business success. Understanding the difference between FSSAI License and FSSAI Registration helps you choose the right approval based on your business size and turnover. Whether you run a small kitchen or a multi-state enterprise, the correct FSSAI authorisation impacts your costs, operations, and credibility. In this article, we will learn in detail about the key differences between FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License.

What is FSSAI?

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, regulates food safety across India as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It sets food quality standards to ensure products are safe for consumption. Food businesses must comply with FSSAI requirements, which come in two types: Registration for small-scale operators with limited turnover, and a License for medium to large businesses with higher turnover. Failing to obtain a FSSAI License or Registration results in business closure.

What is FSSAI Registration?

FSSAI Registration is mandatory for small food business operators with a turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs. It certifies adherence to basic safety and hygiene standards under FSSAI norms.

What is an FSSAI License?

An FSSAI License is essential for a food for all food businesses. It is further mainly has two categories. Any FBOs annual turnover is more than Rs. 12 lakhs but less than 20 crore should apply for FSSAI State license. While any food business that has a yearly turnover of Rs. 20 crore ore more should opt for the Central FSSAI License. These licenses certify adherence to food safety standards and norms.

Difference between FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License

Listed below are the differences between FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License:

Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI Registration and License 

Listed below are the eligibility criteria for FSSAI Registration and License:

1. FSSAI Registration

• Turnover Limit: Business with annual turnover of up to ?12 lakhs
• Business Size: Small or petty food business operators

2. Eligible Business Types: It applies to small or petty food business operators who operate on a limited scale and within the above mentioned turnover.
3. FSSAI State License

• Turnover Limit: Business with annual turnover above ?12 lakhs but less than ?20 crore
• Business Size: Medium to large-sized food business operators
• Eligible Business Types: It caters to medium to large-sized food business operators whose turnover is limited within the above mentioned criteria

4. FSSAI Central License

• Turnover Limit: Business with annual turnover above ?20 crore
• Business Size: Large-scale food business operators and multi-state operations

Eligible Business Types: It is meant for large-scale food business operators who has a turnover of more than Rs. 20 crore.

Procedure for applying for FSSAI License or Registration

Listed below are the procedures for applying for an FSSAI license or registration

Step 1: User Registration

Before applying for the license, you need to create an account. Here are the detailed steps that you need to follow to create your account:

• Visit the official FoSCoS portal.
• Click on the “Signup” button at the top right of the homepage.
• Fill in your Name, Email ID, Mobile Number, Login ID, and Password.
• Click “Signup” to proceed.
• You'll receive a verification code on your registered email and mobile number.
• Enter the code and click “Submit” to verify.
• Once done, log in using your newly created credentials.

Step 2: Submit a New Application

Once registered, you’re ready to apply for your license or registration. Follow the below steps listed below to apply for your license or registration.  

• Log in and go to the dashboard.
• Click on “License or Registration” from the left-side menu.
• Select “Apply for New License/Registration.”
• Choose your State and read all instructions provided on-screen.
• Pick your business category, such as Restaurant, Manufacturer, Retailer, etc.
• Based on your annual turnover, select the appropriate license type.
• If you are applying for FSSAI State License, fill in form A. On the other hand, if you are applying for FSSAI central License, you have to file it through Form B.
• Double-check your contact information – all official communication will go to the mobile number and email you provide.
• Upload the required documents (ID proof, address proof, business plan, etc.).
• Use the available method to make an online payment of the applicable fee.

Step 3: Confirmation

Once payment is successful, a receipt will be generated. This receipt will contain a 17-digit application reference number (ARN) which you need to save. You can use this number to track your application status or for future inquiries.

Validity of FSSAI Registration and License

The FSSAI License or Registration is valid for a period ranging from one to five years. The Food Business Operator (FBO) can choose the duration at the time of application. The validity starts from the date the license or registration is issued.

Renewal of FSSAI Registration or License

The Food Business Operator (FBO) must renew their FSSAI license before it expires. If renewal happens late, penalties apply as follows:

• Renewal Application Timing: Food Business Operators (FBOs) must apply for renewal of their license or registration no later than 30 days before the expiry date indicated in the license.
• Late Renewal Penalty: If you submit the renewal application after the mentioned period but before the expiry date, you need to pay a late fee of Rs. 100 per day of delay.

Post- Expiry Renewal: Once the license or registration expired, FSSAI will not accept any renewal application. In such scenarios, the FBOs must cease all business activities and apply for a new license or registration. For more details visit FoSCoS  FSSAI portal.

FSSAI Registration or License Fees

Listed below are the FSSAI registration or License Fees:

To conclude, if you are running a food business in India, knowing the difference between FSSAI Registration and License matters. It is not just about ticking a box but making sure your business runs legally and earns customer trust. Whether you're starting small or growing bigger, picking the right FSSAI approval makes things easy and hassle-free. Understanding rules to filling out forms takes time and effort. That’s where Online Legal India steps in. We simplify the process, handle paperwork and guide you in every step, so you can focus on growing your business.