FSSAI Registration

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the apex body responsible for ensuring the safety and standards of food in India. Every Food Business Operator (FBO) involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, and sale of food products must obtain an FSSAI license or registration. The type of license or registration required depends on the nature and size of the business, primarily determined by the annual turnover and production capacity.

Types of FSSAI Registration/Licenses

Basic FSSAI Registration:
- Eligibility: For small food businesses with an annual turnover of less than ₹12 lakh. This includes petty retailers, hawkers, temporary stallholders, small-scale or cottage industries, and those who manufacture or sell food themselves. Certain capacity limits also apply (e.g., food production up to 100 kg/liters per day, milk handling up to 500 liters per day, slaughtering of 2 large animals or 10 small animals or 50 poultry birds per day).
- Required Form: Form A.
- Fee: ₹100 per year.
FSSAI State License:
- Eligibility: For medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore (₹30 crore for transporters and wholesalers). It also applies to businesses like grain millers without production limits, and those exceeding the capacity limits of basic registration but below those of the central license. This includes manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, distributors, and marketers operating within a single state. Hotels up to 4-star rating and vending machines (up to 100 in one state) also fall under this category.
- Required Form: Form B.
- Fee: ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per year, depending on the type of business.
FSSAI Central License:
- Eligibility: For large food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore (₹30 crore for transporters and wholesalers). It is also mandatory for businesses operating in two or more states, importers, exporters, food businesses operating in Central Government premises (railways, airports, seaports), and specific categories like 5-star and above hotels.
- Required Form: Form B.
- Fee: ₹7,500 per year.

Registration Procedure (Online via Food Safety Compliance System - FoSCoS):

The FSSAI registration/license application process is primarily online through the FoSCoS portal (https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/). Here's a

General step-by-step procedure:

Registration/Login: New users need to register on the FoSCoS portal. Existing users can log in with their credentials.
Apply for New License/Registration: Click on the "Apply for New License/Registration" option.
Select State and Kind of Business: Choose the state where your food business is located and select the appropriate "Kind of Business" (e.g., Manufacturer, Retailer, Restaurant).
Choose Registration Type: Based on your turnover and eligibility criteria, select the appropriate type of registration (Basic Registration, State License, or Central License).
Fill the Online Application Form: Complete all the mandatory details in Form A (for basic registration) or Form B (for state and central license). Provide accurate information about your business, food products, premises, etc.
Upload Required Documents: Scan and upload the necessary documents as specified by the FSSAI. The documents vary based on the type of registration and the nature of the business but generally include:
- For Basic Registration:
  - ID and address proof of the applicant.
  - Proof of possession of premises (e.g., rent agreement, electricity bill).
  - Business details.
  - Passport-sized photograph.
- For State and Central License (additional documents may be required):
  - Duly filled and signed Form B.
  - List of directors/partners with addresses and ID proof.
  - Proof of premises.
  - Layout plan of the processing unit (if applicable).
  - List of equipment and machinery.
  - Food safety management plan.
  - Source of raw materials.
  - Recall plan (if applicable).
  - No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local authority.
  - Water test report (if applicable).
  - Import-Export Code (IE Code) (for importers/exporters).
  - Other specific documents based on the nature of the business.
Pay the Applicable Fee: Pay the prescribed fee online through the available payment gateways.
Submit the Application: After completing the form, uploading documents, and paying the fee, submit the application online.
Application Reference Number: Upon successful submission, a 17-digit reference number will be generated for tracking the application status.
Scrutiny and Inspection (for License): For State and Central Licenses, the FSSAI authorities may scrutinize the application and conduct an inspection of the food premises to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Issuance of Certificate/License: If the authorities are satisfied, they will issue the Registration Certificate (for basic registration) or the Food License (for state and central licenses). This can be downloaded from the FoSCoS portal.

Validity and Renewal:

The FSSAI registration or license is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, as chosen by the applicant. It's crucial to apply for renewal well before the expiry date (preferably 30 days before). Late renewal attracts penalties.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating a food business without an FSSAI license or registration is a punishable offense with penalties, including fines and imprisonment, depending on the nature of the violation. Penalties also apply for non-compliance with food safety standards, misbranding, and selling substandard food.

Important Points to Note

It is mandatory to display the FSSAI license/registration number prominently at the place of business.
FBOs must adhere to the food safety and hygiene standards outlined by the FSSAI.
GST registration may be required separately based on the annual turnover (currently above ₹40 lakh).

Timeline

Basic Registration: 7–10 working days
State/Central License: 25–60 days (with inspection)

FSSAI Compliance

Renew license before expiry
Regular hygiene audits & inspections
File annual return (Form D1 for manufacturers)