GST Rate on Air Conditioners: Find HSN Code & GST Rate
30 Apr, 2025
By Online Legal India
Published On 08 Mar 2021
Updated On 01 May 2025
Category FSSAI
In today's competitive food industry, establishing trust and credibility is paramount. Consumers are increasingly vigilant about the safety and quality of the food they consume. You have to obtain an FSSAI license is not just a legal requirement for food businesses in India, it reflects their dedication to upholding food safety and hygiene standards.
An FSSAI license not only ensures compliance with legal requirements but also enhances a brand's reputation, instills consumer confidence, and opens doors to broader market opportunities.
In the sections that follow, we will delve deeper into the specific advantages that an FSSAI license offers to food businesses in India.
An FSSAI license is a mandatory certification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the apex body responsible for regulating food safety and hygiene in India. Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the FSSAI license ensures that food products are safe for consumption by setting science-based standards for their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import.
Any individual or entity involved in the food business, including manufacturers, processors, packagers, distributors, retailers, and importers, must obtain an FSSAI license or registration to operate legally in India.
An FSSAI license acts as a symbol of trust and reliability, showing consumers that the food products meet the required safety and quality regulations. It also facilitates business expansion by enhancing brand reputation and consumer trust.
If you operate a food-related business in India, obtaining an FSSAI license is compulsory. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issues different types of licenses depending on the size and turnover of your business. Here are the main types:
The FSSAI Basic Registration is intended for petty food business operators with an annual turnover of up to RS.12 lakh. This category includes small-scale entities such as petty retailers, hawkers, itinerant vendors, temporary stall holders, small or cottage-scale industries, and home-based food businesses.
The registration process is straightforward and requires submission of an application in Form A along with a nominal fee of RS.100 per annum. Upon approval, the registering authority issues a registration certificate and a photo identity card, which must be displayed prominently at the business premises.
This basic registration ensures that even the smallest food businesses adhere to the necessary hygiene and safety standards as mandated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
The FSSAI State License is mandatory for food businesses in India with an annual turnover between Rs.12 lakh and Rs.20 crore. This category includes medium-sized enterprises such as mid-level restaurants, food manufacturers, processors, storage units, transporters, and distributors operating within a single state.
The respective State Licensing Authority is responsible for issuing the license. It ensures that these businesses comply with the food safety and hygiene standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Obtaining this license is crucial for legal operation and demonstrates the business's commitment to maintaining food safety and quality standards.
The registration or renewal fee is between RS.2,000 to RS.5,000.
The FSSAI Central License is mandatory for food businesses in India that have an annual turnover exceeding Rs.20 crore or are involved in activities such as food import, export, or operations across multiple states. This license is issued directly by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) at the central level. It applies to large-scale food manufacturers, importers, exporters, and operators with multi-state presence. Obtaining the Central License ensures compliance with national food safety standards and is essential for businesses aiming to operate on a larger scale within the country.
The FSSAI central license fee is Rs. 7,500 per year plus 18% GST.
There are various benefits of obtaining an FSSAI License, which are discussed below:
Acquiring an FSSAI license is essential to ensure your food business complies with the legal regulations set by Indian law. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 mandates that all food business operators (FBOs) must acquire the appropriate license or registration based on their business size and nature.
If you operate without a valid FSSAI license, it can lead to significant penalties, including fines up to Rs.5 lakh and imprisonment for severe violations. Moreover, non-compliance can result in the suspension or cancellation of the license, thereby halting business operations.
By acquiring an FSSAI license, businesses not only demonstrate their commitment to food safety and hygiene but also protect themselves from potential legal issues, fines, and penalties. This compliance fosters consumer trust and ensures smooth business operations within the legal boundaries set by the authorities.
An FSSAI license serves as a symbol of authenticity, which assures consumers that your products have undergone rigorous safety checks, thereby building trust and confidence.
Displaying the FSSAI license number on product packaging and at business premises signals to consumers that the food items meet the safety and quality standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This transparency fosters consumer trust and confidence in the products offered.
Furthermore, initiatives like the Hygiene Rating Scheme, introduced by FSSAI, allow food businesses to showcase their compliance with hygiene and safety standards. By prominently displaying these ratings, businesses can enhance their credibility and reassure consumers about the safety of their food products. Such measures not only build consumer confidence but also provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace
If you hold a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license, it ensures compliance with legal requirements and unlocks significant opportunities for business growth. Many companies, especially large retailers, hospitality chains, and institutional buyers, prioritize working with suppliers who possess valid FSSAI certifications.
If you have the license, it enhances a business's credibility, which makes it easier to enter into lucrative contracts, collaborations, and partnerships. It also opens avenues to expand into new markets, including exports, where food safety certification is a mandatory prerequisite. Thus, an FSSAI license acts as a powerful tool in building trust, increasing market reach, and fostering long-term business success.
Obtaining an FSSAI license significantly boosts your brand’s reputation by showcasing your commitment to maintaining high standards of food quality and safety. In today’s competitive market, consumers are increasingly conscious of the products they consume and prefer brands that prioritize their health and well-being. An FSSAI certification serves as an assurance that your business adheres to strict food safety norms, thereby building greater trust and loyalty among customers. It not only strengthens your brand image but also gives you a competitive edge, which makes your business more appealing to both consumers and business partners.
Holding an FSSAI license grants businesses access to a wealth of resources and guidelines aimed at improving food safety and operational efficiency. FSSAI regularly issues best practices for food handling, storage, preparation, and distribution, which help businesses align with the latest industry standards. These resources enable continuous improvement in operational processes, minimize risks, and ensure better compliance with safety regulations. By following FSSAI’s recommendations, businesses can enhance product quality, reduce wastage, and foster a safer environment for consumers, ultimately contributing to sustainable growth and customer satisfaction.
Adhering to FSSAI regulations is vital for reducing food safety risks. By following the standards for hygiene, storage, preparation, and distribution, businesses can greatly lower the risk of foodborne illnesses and contamination. This not only protects the health and well-being of consumers but also shields the business from potential legal liabilities, financial losses, and reputational damage. Proactive compliance helps to build a safer, more reliable brand, which ensures long-term success and stability in the highly competitive food industry.
If you have an FSSAI license greatly streamlines the procedure for importing and exporting food products. Customs authorities require proof that food items meet established safety and quality standards, and an FSSAI license serves as credible evidence of compliance. With a valid license in place, businesses can experience faster customs clearance, reduced risk of shipment delays, and smoother international trade operations. If you partner with trusted advisors like Online Legal India it ensures that your licensing and documentation are handled efficiently. This allows you to focus on the growth of your business across borders.
If you display the FSSAI logo on your packaging and promotional materials, it instantly builds trust with consumers. It serves as a mark of quality and safety, which assures buyers that your products meet strict food safety standards. This credibility not only enhances your brand image but also gives you a strong marketing edge in a competitive market. With support from Online Legal India, you can register your FSSAI license seamlessly and leverage it to attract more customers and grow your business.
An FSSAI license plays a critical role for businesses that are looking to export food products or sell them through online platforms. It is often a mandatory requirement to obtain export licenses, and is essential for listing food items on major e-commerce websites. If you have an FSSAI license, it not only ensures compliance with legal norms but also opens up greater opportunities to expand your market reach, both within India and globally. With GSTN Registration alongside your FSSAI license, your business is better positioned for smooth operations and faster growth across multiple channels.
An FSSAI license not only ensures compliance with food safety standards but also opens doors to various government schemes, subsidies, and financial assistance programs. These initiatives are designed to support businesses that prioritize food safety and quality and that provide valuable financial aid and resources. If you acquire an FSSAI license, your business can tap into these opportunities, which help you expand, modernize, and strengthen your operations with government-backed support.
Conclusion
The FSSAI license is not optional; it is an essential document in this fast-evolving food industry. From ensuring legal compliance and building customer trust to expanding into new markets and accessing government benefits, the advantages of an FSSAI license are numerous and transformative. It acts as a powerful tool that not only safeguards your business but also opens up opportunities to export. It strengthens your brand growth both domestically and internationally.
If you are looking to register an FSSAI license smoothly and efficiently, Online Legal India is here to help. Our experts will guide you throughout the process. Our professional guidance can make the process hassle-free and focus on what matters the most. Visit Online Legal India today.
Redirecting to payment page...
