FSSAI stands for “Food Safety and Standards Authority of India”. It is an autonomous body established under Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. FSSAI provides food license to every food business unit in India. It ensures that the food products are brought into market after due quality checks and sale of adulterated & sub standard products is mitigated. FSSAI is responsible for setting the rules and regulations for food business in India.
FSSAI registration is required for all food related operations such as manufacturing, trading, restaurants, small eateries, grocery shop, importers, exporters, home based food businesses, dairy farms, processors, retailers etc. Before commencing business, all such business entities are required to obtain 14 digit registration or license number which must be printed on food packages or displayed in premises of restaurants, hotels and eateries etc. Besides, all e-commerce portals engaged in food supply namely Swiggy, Zomato, Ubereats are also required to comply with FSSAI requirements.
FSSAI Central License |
FSSAI State License |
FSSAI Registration |
Meant for: Large Food Business Units |
Meant for: Medium size Business Units |
Meant for: Small Food units |
Eligibility:- Annual Turnover above Rs. 20 Crores |
Eligibility:- Annual Turnover Rs. 12 Lakhs to Rs. 20 Crores |
Eligibility:- Annual Turnover upto Rs. 12 Lakhs |
Registration Authority: Central Government |
Registration Authority: State Government |
Registration Authority: State Government |
Duration of License: 1 to 5 years |
Duration of License: 1 to 5 years |
Duration of Registration: 1 to 5 years |
Following food business operators (FBO) need to apply for FSSAI Central License:
Following food business operators (FBO) need to apply for FSSAI State License:
Following food business operators (FBO) need to apply for FSSAI basic registration:
Yes. You need to have a Central FSSAI license for place where head office is located. The other branches of the business need to have their own state FSSAI licenses.
A Food Business Operator operating in more than two States has to acquire Central License for its registered Office and separate license for each units depending upon the turnover from the concerned State/ Central Licensing Authority.
Documents required for FSSAI Basic Registration:
Documents required for FSSAI License (Central/State) |
Form-B duly filled and signed by proprietor/partner/authorized signatory in duplicate |
Layout plan of processing unit showing dimensions in mtrs./sq.mtr. and operation wise area allocation (for manufacturing and processing units) |
List of directors/partners/proprietor with address and contact details |
Photo ID proof of proprietor/partners/directors/authorized signatory- PAN/Aadhar |
List of equipments along with no., installed capacity and horse power (for manufacturing & processing units) |
Address Proof of proprietor/partners/directors/authorized signatory- Aadhar Card/Voter ID/Driving License/Passport |
List of food categories to be manufactured (in case of manufacturers) |
Authority letter from manufacturer nominating a responsible person with name and address (in case of manufacturers) |
Proof of possession of premises- Sale Deed/Rent Deed/NOC from owner & copy of Utility bill |
Water Analysis Report by a recognized/public health laboratory (in case of manufacturing & processing units) |
Partnership Deed/Incorporation Certificate of company with MOA & LLP agreement/ Trust Deed for Trust or Self declaration in case of proprietor |
NOC & copy of license from manufacturer (in case of re-labellers & re-packers only) |
Food Safety Management System Plan or certificate |
Milk Procurement Plan (in case of milk & milk products processing units) |
Source of meat for meat processing units |
Pesticide Residue Report of water in case of packaged drinking water/carbonated water unit |
Recall Plan wherever applicable |
NOCs from municipality or local body (optional) |
Ministry of Commerce Certificate in case of 100% EOU- [for Central License only] |
Supporting documentary proof for turnover [for Central License only] |
NOC/PA document issued by FSSAI [for Central License only] |
IEC code issued by DGFT, if any [for Central License only] |
Form IX |
Certificate by Ministry of Tourism (in case of hotels) |
Proof of turnover or self declaration for no. of vehicles (in case of transporters) |
Declaration Form |
FSSAI License may be applied for duration of 1 to 5 years at the choice of the applicant. Each Food Business Operator needs to apply for renewal 30 days before the expiry of current food license. If application for renewal of license is not made in stipulated time, a penalty of Rs. 100 per day is levied.
Yes, Pharmacies or medical stores selling health supplements and nutraceuticals have to apply for FSSAI license/registration.
Yes, FSSAI license is required for exporting food products from India. FSSAI License on a product indicates the safety standards as prescribed in the country have been followed.
If a FSSAI license holder is deceased, the license can be transferred to his/her legal heir. The legal heir of such deceased person shall apply to the concerned authority to transfer the license in his/her name.
If a Food Business Operator fails to comply with food safety norms as per the law, an improvement notice can be issued by a Designated Officer of the Food Safety Department. If FBO fails to comply with such improvement notice, the designated officer can suspend his license after show cause.
FBO can file an appeal to the State Commissioner of Food Safety against the improvement notice or suspension/cancellation of license by designated officer. Alternatively, FBO can also approach Appellate Tribunal/High Court to challenge the notice. Time limit of appeal with Commissioner is 15 days from the date on which a notice of the decision was served.
FSSAI license for food under Railways premises are issued by the Railways Designated Officers.
FSSAI license for food under Airport/Seaport premises are issued by APHO/PHO.
Yes, as per the provisions of FSSAI, a separate registration is required for each product category.
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