How to Get FSSAI Registration for Restaurants?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the main body responsible for regulating and monitoring food safety across the country. Getting an FSSAI registration is very important for Restaurants. It ensures that the food served is safe, clean, and prepared under proper hygiene standards. This registration plays a crucial role in meeting legal requirements. Moreover, it builds trust among customers. A restaurant with FSSAI approval appears more reliable and committed to maintaining food quality and safety. In this piece of writing, you will learn how to get FSSAI registration for Restaurants.

What is FSSAI Registration?

FSSAI registration is a compulsory requirement for all food businesses in India, including restaurants. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) grants this registration. It confirms that the restaurant follows the necessary food safety and hygiene standards. It ensures the food served is safe and suitable for consumption. If you obtain an FSSAI license, you will be able to comply with legal rules. It also helps to build customer trust. A registered restaurant appears more reliable, professional, and committed to public health and food quality.

Is FSSAI Registration Mandatory for Restaurants?

Yes, every restaurant is required to have FSSAI registration or a license in India. It is a legal obligation that ensures the food served meets safety and hygiene standards. This rule applies to all types of food businesses. It includes dine-in restaurants, cloud kitchens, takeaway joints, and even small roadside food stalls.

Types of FSSAI Licenses

There are three types of FSSAI Licenses for food businesses, including Restaurants:

1. Basic FSSAI Registration: Small food businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakh must obtain Basic FSSAI Registration. This includes home-based kitchens, tea stalls, street food vendors, and small eateries. The application is submitted using Form A. It is processed by local FSSAI authorities. The registration is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years.
2. State FSSAI License: If a medium-sized food businesses operate within one state and has an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore, it must obtain a State FSSAI License. This includes restaurants, food distributors, and storage units. The application is made through Form B and issued by the State FSSAI authority. The validity period ranges from one to five years.
3. Central FSSAI License: The Central FSSAI License is required for large food businesses with an annual turnover of over Rs. 20 crore. It is also needed for businesses involved in interstate trade, import-export, or operating at airports, seaports, or government premises. The license is valid for 1 to 5 years.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration for Restaurants

Listed below are the documents required for FSSAI registration for restaurants:

1. Documents for all types of FSSAI Licenses (Basic, State, or Central):

• Form A for Basic registration, or Form B for State/Central license, duly signed.
• Photo ID Proof such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport, Voter ID, driving license, etc.
• Address Proof: Utility bill (electricity, water), rental agreement, or property tax receipt.
• Business Constitution Proof (Partnership deed, MOA/AOA, etc.)
• Food Safety Management Plan (FSMS)
• List of Food Items/Menu
• Kitchen Layout Plan
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Local Authority
• Water Testing Report (NABL certified)
• Bank Account Details
• Employee Medical Certificates

2. Additional Documents (State & Central Licenses Only)

• List of Partners/Directors with ID proof
• List of Equipment and Machinery
• Turnover Proof / CA Certificate
• Authority Letter for Inspection
• Import Export Code (IEC) (if applicable)
• Tourism Certificate (if applicable)
• Form IX & Board Resolution (for companies)

How to Get FSSAI Registration for Restaurants?

Below is the step-by-step process to get FSSAI registration for Restaurants:

Step 1: Create an Account on the FoSCoS Portal

As a restaurant owner, you need to visit the official FoSCoS Portal. The site shows the “Sign Up” option on the top right. You also need to provide details like name, email ID, mobile number, username, and password. After registration, the user logs in with their credentials to access the application dashboard.

Step 2: Determine the Correct Type of License

A restaurant first checks its annual turnover and area of operation. As a restaurant owner, you must choose the correct license type to avoid rejection.

Step 3: Select and Fill the Appropriate Form

The dashboard displays the option to apply for a new license or registration. The restaurant selects its type of food business as “Restaurant” from the drop-down menu. If the restaurant needs Basic Registration, it fills out Form A. If it qualifies for a State or Central License, it fills Form B. The form includes sections for personal details, business address, contact information, type of food handled, and production or storage capacity.

Step 4: Upload All Mandatory Documents

After filling out the form, the applicant uploads all required documents. These include photo ID proof, address proof, kitchen layout, water test report, and other required documents as mentioned above. Make sure the documents are valid, easy to read, and clearly visible. The system accepts scanned PDFs or JPEGs. Each uploaded file must follow the portal’s size and format instructions.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

Once the form and documents are submitted, the system redirects the applicant to the payment gateway. The amount depends on the license type. You must pay the prescribed fee through internet banking, credit card, UPI, or debit card.

Step 6: Receive the Application Reference Number

After the payment goes through successfully, the portal generates a 17-digit reference number. This number is unique and helps you to track the status of the application online. It also acts as a receipt for submission. The number stays valid until FSSAI issues or rejects the license.

Step 7: Inspection of Premises (If Applicable)

If the restaurant applies for a State or Central License, a Food Safety Officer from the local authority visits the premises. The officer checks cleanliness, food storage, kitchen hygiene, staff health records, and waste management. The officer submits a report to FSSAI after the inspection. If the officer finds serious issues, FSSAI may ask for corrective action before granting the license.

Step 8: Track Status and Download the License

As an applicant, you can regularly check the status of the application using the 17-digit reference number on the FoSCoS portal. Once the authority approves the application, the license becomes available in the dashboard. You can download and print the certificate. The restaurant displays the license at a visible spot on the premises as per the rules.

FSSAI Registration Fees for Restaurants

Here is an overview of FSSAI registration fees for restaurants:

Benefits of FSSAI Registration for Restaurants

There are several benefits of FSSAI registration for Restaurants:

1. Legal Right to Operate

FSSAI registration provides legal permission to run a restaurant in India. Food businesses face penalties and forced closure under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, without this registration. It also protects the restaurant during inspections and audits conducted under food safety laws.

2. Trust Among Customers

Displaying the FSSAI logo on bills, menus, and walls assures customers that the food meets safety standards. This logo builds confidence in the food quality and hygiene maintained in the kitchen. As a result, customers feel safer while dining at the restaurant.

3. Better Business Reputation

Restaurants with FSSAI registration earn a reliable and responsible image in the market. It shows that the business follows food safety regulations. This helps attract more customers, improves word-of-mouth, and strengthens the restaurant’s standing among competitors.

4. Entry into Food Delivery Platforms

Leading food aggregators like Swiggy, Zomato, and Uber Eats allow only FSSAI-registered outlets on their platforms. Registration helps restaurants reach a wider audience and grow sales without opening more physical outlets.

5. Access to Business Loans

Banks and financial institutions prefer lending to FSSAI-registered restaurants. Registration shows regulatory compliance, which reduces financial risk. This makes it easier for restaurants to receive loans, expand branches, or upgrade equipment.

6. Freedom to Operate Across States

Restaurants can supply food across different states or export to other countries with a Central FSSAI License. This license allows a restaurant chain to manage units in airports, railway stations, and seaports without legal restrictions.

7. Support from FSSAI Authorities

FSSAI regularly shares updates, training materials, and guidelines on food safety with registered businesses. This support helps restaurant owners follow the latest hygiene rules and reduce the risk of contamination or unsafe practices.

Conclusion

FSSAI Registration for Restaurants is a legal obligation and a vital step for running a food business responsibly in India. It ensures that the restaurant follows all necessary food safety and hygiene standards. This helps in gaining customer trust and avoiding legal issues. Whether it is a small food stall or a large chain, FSSAI Registration for Restaurants reflects a commitment to quality and supports long-term business growth with a strong and credible reputation. If you want to apply for an FSSAI registration for any kind of food business, contact Online Legal India to get assistance.

FAQ

Q1. Is FSSAI registration mandatory for all restaurants in India?

Yes, FSSAI registration or license is mandatory for every restaurant, regardless of its size or location. This includes dine-in restaurants, food trucks, cloud kitchens, and even small eateries, as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Q2. What type of FSSAI license does a small restaurant need?

A small restaurant having an annual turnover not exceeding Rs. 12 lakh is required to obtain a Basic FSSAI Registration. This is issued by the local food authority and is valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the application.

Q3. How long does it take to get FSSAI Registration for a restaurant?

The processing time for FSSAI registration typically ranges between 7 to 30 working days, depending on the type of license (Basic, State, or Central) and the completeness of submitted documents.

Q4. Can a restaurant operate in multiple states with one FSSAI license?

No, restaurants operating in multiple states require a Central FSSAI License for the head office and State Licenses for each location within different states.

Q5. What is the penalty for running a restaurant without FSSAI registration?

Operating a restaurant without FSSAI registration can lead to penalties up to Rs. 5 lakh and imprisonment under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.