Online FSSAI Registration Procedure Explained

FSSAI license registration is an essential requirement for operating any food- business in India. It ensures that food products meet safety and hygiene standards set by the authorities. This license helps build trust and avoid legal complications. In this article, you will learn about the steps for FSSAI License Registration, the types of licenses available, necessary documentation, processing time, and post-registration compliance.

What is FSSAI?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, to regulate food safety across the country. It provides mandatory licensing for all businesses involved in the manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale, import, or export of food items. This licensing system ensures that food is produced and handled safely and hygienically, helping to protect public health. FSSAI licenses are classified into three categories, depending on the size and type of the food business.

Types of FSSAI License

FSSAI provides three categories of licenses, determined by the scale and nature of the food business. These types of FSSAI License/Registration are detailed below.

1. Basic FSSAI Registration

This is for small food businesses with yearly turnover of up to ?12 lakh. It applies to petty food manufacturers, small retailers, and local vendors. The FSSAI registration is simple and requires minimal documents.

2. State FSSAI License

This license is meant for medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover between ?12 lakh and ?20 crore. The state government issues this certificate. It applies to businesses operating within a single state.

3. Central FSSAI License

This is required for large-scale food businesses with a turnover above ?20 crore or those involved in import-export, or operating in more than one state. The Central Government issues this license.

Who Needs an FSSAI License?

Any person or business involved in the food sector must get an FSSAI license or registration, depending on the size and nature of the operation. This rule applies to a wide range of food-related activities, including:

• Local Vendors and Stalls: This includes tea stalls, golgappa stands, snack corners, fruit or vegetable sellers, pakoda stalls, sweet shops, and juice vendors.
• Mobile Food Sellers: Food hawkers or vendors who move from one place to another using carts or mobile setups.
• Retail Shops: Grocery stores, bakery outlets, snack counters, and shops selling confectionery items.
• Dairy Operators: Milkmen, milk vendors, and businesses running milk chilling centres.
• Oil Producers: Units involved in the production or sale of edible vegetable oils.
• Meat and Fish Sellers: Includes shops that sell chicken, mutton, lamb, or fish, and those that process or pack these items.
• Food Manufacturers: Businesses that make or process food, including those that repackage items for sale.
• Cold Storage Facilities: Units that keep food items under refrigeration to prevent spoilage.
• Food Transporters: Those using vehicles like food trucks, refrigerated vans, or milk tankers to move food.
• Distributors and Wholesalers: Businesses involved in distributing, supplying, or marketing food, both packaged and loose.
• Hotels and Restaurants: Places that serve food to the public, including bars and cafes.
• Canteens and Cafeterias: Setups in schools, offices, hospitals, and other institutions.
• Caterers and Dhabas: This includes food stalls at events, banquet halls, roadside eateries, and hostels or PGs that serve meals.
• Importers and Exporters: Anyone involved in the import or export of food items or ingredients.
• Online Food Businesses: Cloud kitchens, food delivery platforms, and other digital food service operators.

Documents Required for FSSAI License

The type of FSSAI license determines the set of documents needed. Here's a breakdown:

1. For Basic FSSAI Registration

• A recent passport-size photo of the applicant
• Valid ID proof (such as Aadhaar, PAN Card, or Voter ID)
• Proof of business location (like rent agreement, electricity bill, or owner's NOC)
• List of food products to be handled or sold
• A simple declaration regarding food safety practices

2. For FSSAI State License

• Filled and signed Form B
• The layout of the area used for food production or processing
• List of owners, partners, or directors with ID and contact details
• Details of machines and equipment with capacity
• Lab test report of the water used in the unit
• Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan
• Proof of company registration (like incorporation certificate or partnership deed)
• Authorisation letter for the person in charge
• If applicable, a certificate under the Cooperative Act
• Municipal NOC or Health NOC if required by local authorities

3. For FSSAI Central License (for large businesses and those involved in import/export)

• Information about the source of key raw materials (e.g., milk, meat)
• Product recall plan (if necessary for your type of business)
• Import-Export Code (IE Code) from DGFT
• NOC or prior approval documents from FSSAI
• Certificate from the Ministry of Commerce (only for 100% export-oriented units)
• Form IX – for the nomination of authorised personnel
• Certificate from the Ministry of Tourism (if the business falls under tourism).
• Proof of annual turnover and transportation arrangements.
• Signed declaration form from the applicant.

Steps for FSSAI License or Registration

Listed below are the steps that you need to follow for an FSSAI license or registration:

Step 1: Access the official FoSCoS portal

Visit the official website of the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS). This platform helps you apply for a new FSSAI license or registration. Ensure that you only use the official government site to avoid fake portals and ensure the authenticity of your application.

Step 2: Select the correct options

After accessing the portal, go to the "new license" section. You see options to select the type of premise and your state. Choose “General” if it matches your business type and ensure that you select the accurate classification to match your business.

Step 3: Select the Appropriate Application Form

Choose the form that fits your business scale. Form A works for small businesses with a turnover below ?12 lakhs. Form B suits medium and large businesses that need State or Central Licenses, depending on the turnover limit.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

Fill in accurate details about your business owner’s name, address, type of food products, and contact details. Ensure every field has the right information to avoid delays. Leave no blank spaces in the mandatory sections of the form.

Step 5: Upload the Required Documents

Upload scanned copies of required documents. These include proof of identity, business address, and other relevant papers. Follow the file size and format instructions on the portal to make the upload process easy and hassle-free.

Step 6: Submit your Application

Review the entire form and check if the documents are clear. Once you ensure everything is accurate, submit the application on the portal. This step confirms your official request for an FSSAI license or registration.

Step 7: Verification and Inspection Process

The Food Safety Authority checks your application and verifies your details. If required, officials may visit your business location to confirm that you meet food safety and hygiene standards. This step ensures your business follows the law.

Step 8: Approval Notification within 7 Days

The department processes your application within seven working days. You receive a confirmation if your documents are complete and meet the required standards. In case of any mistakes, you get clear instructions to make necessary corrections.

Step 9: Download your FSSAI certificate

Once your application is approved, log in to the FoSCoS portal to download FSSAI certificate. This certificate serves as legal proof that your food business follows national food safety standards and allows you to operate your business.

Step 10: Display the Certificate Prominently

Place the FSSAI certificate in a spot at your business where customers can see it. This certificate shows that your business follows the food safety rules and builds trust with your customers and clients.

FSSAI Eligibility Criteria

Listed below are the eligibility criteria to obtain an FSSAI license or registration:

1. Eligibility for FSSAI Registration

Below is a list of the eligibility criteria for FSSAI registration:

• Food business operators with an annual turnover of up to ?12 lakh.
• Petty retailers selling food products.
• Individuals who manufacture or sell food on their own.
• Temporary food stall holders.
• Individuals distributing food at religious or social events, excluding professional caterers.
• Small-scale or cottage food industries.
• Food production (excluding milk and meat) is limited to 100 kilograms or litres per day.
• Milk procurement and handling are limited to 500 litres per day.
• Slaughtering is permitted for 2 large animals, 10 small animals, or 50 poultry birds daily.
• Food transportation is allowed using a single vehicle.
• Operation of up to 12 vending machines within one state or union territory.

2. Eligibility for State FSSAI License

Listed below are the eligibility criteria for a state FSSAI license:

• Food business units with annual turnover between ?12 lakh and ?20 crore.
• All types of grain, cereal, and pulse milling units with no production limits.
• Hotels rated from 1-star to 4-star.
• Medium-scale manufacturing, storage, and transport units.
• Traders, marketers, and retailers operate within a single state.
• Vendors operating up to 100 vending machines within one state or union territory.

3. Eligibility for Central FSSAI License

Listed below are the eligibility criteria for a central FSSAI license:

• Food business units with annual turnover exceeding ?20 crore.
• Businesses operating in two or more states.
• Importers and exporters of food products.
• Units producing proprietary or non-specified food items.
• Manufacturers of nutraceuticals and health supplements.
• Units engaged in radiation processing of food.
• Food businesses operating within central government facilities.
• Caterers, hawkers, and canteens are located at railway stations.
• Food-related e-commerce platforms.
• Vendors operate more than 100 vending machines across multiple states.

FSSAI License Cost

Based on your business type and turnover limit FSSAI certificate cost varies. Below is a list of the FSSAI certification costs for various types of licenses or registration:

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Below is the list of the penalties that an FBO needs to pay for being non-compliant with FSSAI norms:

• Non-compliance with Food Quality: Regular manufacturers face fines up to ?2 lakh; petty manufacturers up to ?25,000 for failing to meet food quality standards.
• Selling Sub-standard Food: Selling unsafe or poor-quality food results in penalties up to ?5 lakh.
• Misbranded Food: Using false or misleading labels on food can lead to a ?3 lakh fine.
• Misleading Advertisement: Providing deceptive or incorrect information about food products attracts fines of up to ?10 lakh.
• Extraneous Matter in Food: The presence of foreign substances in food can incur a penalty of ?1 lakh.

Benefits of FSSAI Registration/License

The benefits of FSSAI registration of licenses are mentioned below:

1. Legal Compliance and Authorization

FSSAI registration provides legal recognition to food businesses under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Operating a food business without FSSAI registration is illegal and can result in heavy penalties or business closure. Therefore, having an FSSAI license ensures that your business is officially authorized and compliant with Indian food safety laws.

2. Enhanced Consumer Trust

Displaying an FSSAI license helps build trust among consumers. It assures customers that the food being prepared, stored, or sold meets government-approved safety and hygiene standards. This trust can significantly boost customer loyalty and brand reputation, especially in a competitive market.

3. Improved Food Quality and Safety

FSSAI encourages businesses to follow strict hygiene and food quality standards. Registered entities are more likely to adopt safe practices related to handling, preparation, and storage of food. This results in better quality food products and reduced chances of contamination or foodborne illnesses.

4. Facilitates Business Expansion

FSSAI registration is essential for food businesses looking to expand, whether by opening new outlets, selling through online platforms like Swiggy and Zomato, or entering retail chains. Additionally, for businesses planning to export food products, FSSAI certification is often a prerequisite for international approvals.

5. Use of FSSAI Logo as a Marketing Tool

Once registered, businesses are allowed to use the FSSAI logo and FSSAI license number on their packaging and promotional materials. This adds credibility to the product and acts as a strong marketing tool, influencing consumers to prefer your brand over unregistered competitors.

6. Access to Government Schemes and Support

Registered food businesses are eligible for various government incentives, training programs, and financial support schemes. These benefits are aimed at improving infrastructure, quality assurance, and capacity-building for small and medium-scale food enterprises.

7. Legal Protection and Dispute Resolution

FSSAI registration offers a layer of legal protection. In case of consumer complaints or legal disputes, registered businesses can rely on documented compliance to defend their case. It also ensures you are on the right side of regulatory audits and inspections.

Conclusion

To sum up, in today’s busy world, food safety is key to gaining your customers’ trust. Understanding the steps for FSSAI registration helps you set up your food business the right way. Getting the proper license not only keeps you legally safe but also boosts your brand’s credibility. With good planning and timely registration, your business can run smoothly and grow confidently.

Although the process might seem tricky, having expert help makes it much easier. Among other service providers, Online Legal India is a reliable partner that guides you through all the paperwork and rules, so you can focus on building a trustworthy and successful food business.