Ready to Launch Your Food Business in India? Here’s How to Get Your FSSAI License

8 min readMay 11, 2023

Introduction

India is a country that is known for its rich and diverse culinary traditions. From street food to fine dining, Indian cuisine has something to offer for everyone. With the growing demand for food products and services, starting a food business in India can be a lucrative opportunity. However, before you can start selling food products, you must obtain a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about getting your FSSAI license and launching your food business in India.

What is FSSAI?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a government agency that is responsible for regulating and overseeing food safety in India. The FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and is responsible for setting food safety standards, regulating the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food products, and promoting public health and safety.

Why do you need an FSSAI License?

If you are planning to start a food business in India, you must obtain an FSSAI license. This license is a legal requirement and is mandatory for all food business operators in India. The FSSAI license ensures that your food business complies with food safety standards and regulations, and that the food products you sell are safe for consumption.

Types of FSSAI Licenses

There are three types of FSSAI licenses that you can apply for, depending on the size and scale of your food business:

FSSAI Basic Registration: This license is suitable for small-scale food businesses such as street food vendors, small food manufacturers, and petty retailers. The FSSAI Basic Registration can be obtained by submitting Form A to the FSSAI.
FSSAI State License: This license is suitable for medium-sized food businesses such as restaurants, food processors, and medium-sized manufacturers. The FSSAI State License can be obtained by submitting Form B to the FSSAI.
FSSAI Central License: This license is suitable for large-scale food businesses such as importers, exporters, large food manufacturers, and 100% export-oriented units. The FSSAI Central License can be obtained by submitting Form C to the FSSAI.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

To apply for an FSSAI license, you will need to submit the following documents:

Form A/B/C, depending on the type of license you are applying for.
Proof of identity of the food business operator such as PAN Card, Voter ID Card, Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Driving License.
Proof of address of the food business operator such as Voter ID Card, Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Driving License.
Proof of ownership of the business premises such as property tax receipt, electricity bill, water bill, or rent agreement.
List of food products to be manufactured, stored, or sold.
Details of machinery and equipment to be used for food production.
Photographs of the food business premises.
Declaration form signed by the food business operator.

FSSAI license fees

The fees for FSSAI license vary depending on the type of license and the duration for which it is being obtained. Here is a general overview of the FSSAI license fees:

FSSAI Basic Registration: The fees for FSSAI Basic Registration is Rs. 100 per year.
FSSAI State License: The fees for FSSAI State License depend on the turnover of the food business. If the annual turnover is less than Rs. 12 lakh, the fees are Rs. 2,000 per year. If the annual turnover is between Rs. 12 lakh to Rs. 20 crore, the fees are Rs. 5,000 per year. If the annual turnover is more than Rs. 20 crore, the fees are Rs. 7,500 per year.
FSSAI Central License: The fees for FSSAI Central License also depend on the turnover of the food business. If the annual turnover is less than Rs. 20 crore, the fees are Rs. 7,500 per year. If the annual turnover is between Rs. 20 crore to Rs. 100 crore, the fees are Rs. 75,000 per year. If the annual turnover is more than Rs. 100 crore, the fees are Rs. 5 lakhs per year.

It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, and you should check the latest fees on the FSSAI website before applying for an FSSAI license. Additionally, there may be additional fees for services such as testing and analysis of food samples, which may be required as part of the FSSAI license application process.

An FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) certificate is a document issued by the FSSAI to food businesses that comply with the food safety and quality standards set by the government. The FSSAI certificate serves as proof that a food business is authorized to sell or manufacture food products in India and is compliant with the FSSAI regulations.

The FSSAI certificate is issued to food businesses that have obtained an FSSAI license. There are three types of FSSAI licenses: Basic, State, and Central. The type of license required by a food business depends on the scale and size of the business.

The FSSAI certificate contains important information such as the name and address of the food business, the type of FSSAI license obtained, the validity period of the license, and the FSSAI license number. The certificate also contains information on the food products that the business is authorized to sell or manufacture.

It is important for food businesses to display their FSSAI certificate prominently in their premises as it is mandatory under the FSSAI regulations. The certificate serves as proof that the food products being sold or manufactured by the business are safe for consumption and meet the quality standards set by the government.

In conclusion, the FSSAI certificate (FSSAI license validity) is a crucial document for any food business in India. It is issued to businesses that have obtained an FSSAI license and serves as proof that the business is compliant with the food safety and quality standards set by the government. It is mandatory for food businesses to display their FSSAI certificate in their premises to ensure that customers are aware that the food products being sold or manufactured are safe for consumption.

Steps to Get Your FSSAI License

The FSSAI registration process of obtaining an FSSAI license can be divided into the following steps:

Step 1: Determine the Type of License You Need

As discussed earlier, there are three types of FSSAI licenses that you can apply for depending on the size and scale of your food business. You need to determine which type of license is appropriate for your business.

Step 2: Apply for the FSSAI License

Once you have determined the type of license you need, you can apply for the FSSAI license by submitting the relevant form along with the required documents to the FSSAI. The forms can be downloaded from the FSSAI website or obtained from the FSSAI office.

Step 3: Pay the Fees

After submitting the form, you need to pay the requisite fees for the license. The fees vary depending on the type of license and the duration for which it is being obtained.

Step 4: Inspection of Premises

Once the application and fees are submitted, the FSSAI will conduct an inspection of your food business premises to ensure that it complies with food safety standards and regulations.

Step 5: Issuance of License

If your premises meet the requirements of the FSSAI, your license will be issued. The FSSAI license is valid for a period of 1–5 years, depending on the type of license obtained.

FSSAI registration renewal

The FSSAI license needs to be renewed before it expires to ensure that your food business is compliant with the latest food safety standards and regulations. The renewal process is similar to the initial application process and requires the submission of the relevant form along with the required documents and fees.

FSSAI compliance: Penalties for Non-Compliance

It is mandatory for food business operators to obtain an FSSAI license, and failure to do so can result in penalties and legal action. The penalties for non-compliance with FSSAI regulations can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the violation.

FSSAI registration online

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) registration is mandatory for any food business in India, whether it is a small-scale food manufacturer or a large food importer. It is a legal requirement to ensure that the food products being sold or manufactured meet the safety and quality standards set by the government.

With the increasing digitization of processes in India, it is now possible to apply for FSSAI registration online. This has made the process much easier and faster, reducing the time and effort required to obtain the license. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for FSSAI registration online:

Step 1: Visit the FSSAI Website

The first step is to visit the official website of FSSAI at https://www.fssai.gov.in/. This website provides all the necessary information about the FSSAI registration process and guidelines.

Step 2: Create an Account

If you are a new user, you need to register by creating an account on the FSSAI website. You can do this by clicking on the “Register” button on the home page and entering your details.

Step 3: Choose the Type of License

There are three types of FSSAI licenses — Basic, State, and Central. Choose the type of license you require based on the scale and size of your food business.

Step 4: Fill the Application Form

Once you have selected the type of license, fill in the application form with accurate details. The form will ask for your personal information, such as your name, address, contact details, and information about your food business. You will also need to upload the necessary documents, such as proof of identity and address, proof of business ownership, and food safety management plan.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Once you have filled in the application form and uploaded the necessary documents, click on the submit button to submit the application.

Step 6: Make Payment

After submitting the application, you will be redirected to a payment gateway to make the payment. The fees for FSSAI registration vary depending on the type of license and the duration for which it is being obtained.

Step 7: Receive the License

Once the application and payment have been processed, you will receive the FSSAI license. This license is valid for a certain period, and you will need to renew it before it expires.

In conclusion, FSSAI registration is mandatory for any food business in India, and it is now possible to apply for it online. By following the steps mentioned above, you can easily obtain an FSSAI license and ensure that your food business is compliant with the food safety and quality standards set by the government.

Conclusion

Obtaining an FSSAI license (FSSAI registration consultant) is a crucial step in starting a food business in India. It ensures that your food products comply with food safety standards and regulations, and that they are safe for consumption. The process of obtaining an FSSAI license may seem daunting, but by following the steps outlined in this blog, you can ensure that your food business is compliant with FSSAI regulations and ready to launch.