FSSAI License
in India
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FSSAI License and Registration in India – An Overview
A Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license is mandatory for operating a food business in India. Any person or entity engaged in this industry -manufacturing, processing, distribution and sale of food products – must obtain FSSAI license registration, enabling them to operate their business legally.
The FSSAI food license ensures that business owners and operators follow safety and quality compliances, which helps keep public health under check and promotes consumer confidence in the products sold. FSSAI License registration establishes trustworthiness and boosts business credibility to meet legal regulations and standards. Make your food business journey blissful with our FSSAI license consultants and meet your FSSAI compliance needs.
Who are Food Business Operators (FBOs)?
Food Business Operators (FBOs) are individuals or organizations engaged in producing, processing, distributing, or selling food products in India. FBOs, including small grocery stores, wholesale distributors, restaurants, food processing plants, bakeries, and supermarkets, are mandated to get an FSSAI license.
FBOs are categorized based on:
- Type of food products
- The scale of business operations
FSSAI License Benefits
Food Business Operators (FBOs) that obtain FSSAI food licenses are exposed to multiple benefits. Some of the FSSAI license benefits include:
Legal Compliance
Manufacturers, processors, distributors, and food product sellers who obtain the mandatory FSSAI licenses follow compulsory compliance to operate their business legally in India. An FSSAI food license assures that the company has fulfilled its obligations in line with all Indian food and safety laws. It helps them avoid legal penalties arising out of non-compliance.
Consumer Trust
Businesses with a valid FSSAI food license can display their certificate, which helps them build consumer trust. Displaying the certificate also reflects the business's confidence in following safety standards mandated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It boosts consumer loyalty and strengthens their trust in the business.
Market Expansion
Every business aims to expand its operations, and FSSAI is a gateway to many such opportunities. The FSSAI license plays a pivotal role in helping businesses in the food industry venture into new markets and capitalize on opportunities. Businesses with a valid FSSAI certification can explore sectors like retail and online platforms.
Business Credibility
A food business with a valid FSSAI license earns credibility from customers. Such businesses are trusted by consumers over companies with no license. Not just customers, but such firms also gain potential investors' and partners' trust and credibility by prioritizing safety and regulatory compliance.
Improved Hygiene Standards
Obtaining an FSSAI food license requires the applicant businesses to follow stringent safety standards and measures. The process allows companies to focus on maintaining high hygiene quality standards, which in turn reduces the risk of contamination and prevents foodborne diseases. Overall, the FSSAI license helps businesses improve their product quality.
Government Support
A business that has obtained an FSSAI food license becomes eligible for various central and state government schemes, subsidies, and other support initiatives. Government support plays an important role in improving the business and expanding operations, especially for companies seeking financial support.
Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI License in India
Checklist for applicants to apply for FSSAI license:
Annual Turnover: State License – INR 12 lakhs to INR 20 crore, Central License – Above INR 20 crore
Production Capacity: State License – Up to 2MT/day (food), 50,000 litres/day (dairy), Central License – Over 2MT/day (food), 50,000 litres/day (dairy)
Business Type: State License – Single state operations, Central License – E-commerce, import-export, multi-state operations
Area of Operation: State License – Within a single state, Central License – For multiple states
Storage Capacity: State License – Up to 50,000 metric tons, Central License – Above 50,000 metric tons
Checklist - Who all needs an FSSAI License?
Food manufacturers, processors, importers, exporters, distributors, wholesalers
Food retailers, including grocery stores and supermarkets
Food caterers, restaurants, clubs, dhabas, hawkers, marketers
Food transporters & logistics providers
Food packaging & labelling units
Food storage facilities, service providers and online food businesses
Documents Required for FSSAI License and Registration
It’s important for FBOs to understand FSSAI license requirements. The documents required to obtain an FSSAI license are:
Form IX is required for basic and state registration and nomination in state registration.
Address Proof to verify the business address.
Government-issued ID Card as Identity proof for the applicant.
Form A for Declaration for basic registration declaration.
NOC from Local Municipality as No Objection Certificate
Detailed Layout Plan with premise details (state registration).
Raw Material Source for information on the source of raw materials.
Form B as the application/renewal form for state and central registrations.
Food Safety Management Plan to outline the food safety procedures (central registration).
Partnership Deed/Self-Declaration as proof of business structure (state registration).
Step-by-Step FSSAI License Process
FSSAI license process has to be followed by all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to get FSSAI certification. This is how to get FSSAI food license
Violations & Non-Compliance and Penalty & Offences
Violations and non-compliance of FBOs with food safety rules lead to different penalties and legal outcomes.
Violations and Non-Compliance
Food manufacturers, processors, importers, exporters, distributors, wholesalers
Food retailers, including grocery stores and supermarkets
Food caterers, restaurants, clubs, dhabas, hawkers, marketers
Food transporters & logistics providers
Food packaging & labelling units
Food storage facilities, service providers and online food business
Violations and Non-Compliance
Food manufacturers, processors, importers, exporters, distributors, wholesalers
Food retailers, including grocery stores and supermarkets
Food caterers, restaurants, clubs, dhabas, hawkers, marketers
Food transporters & logistics providers
Food packaging & labelling units
Food storage facilities, service providers and online food businesses
Different categories of FSSAI Licenses
The Food Safety and Standards (Licensing & Registration) Regulations, 2011, licenses and registrations have divided Food Business Operators (FBOs) into three categories based on business type, revenue and manufacturing capacity:
FSSAI Registration
FSSAI Registration is mandatory for FBOs with revenue generation or turnover of less than INR 12 Lakh annually. Petty FBOs must also obtain FSSAI registration to operate legally. Any business seeking this registration must complete Form A to complete the formalities.
State License
FSSAI State License is mandatory for all FBOs with revenue generation or turnover of over INR 12 Lakh but less than INR 20 Crore per annum. FBOs like small to medium-sized manufacturing units, storage, transporters, retailers, marketers, and distributors under this category must fill out Form B to complete the registration formalities.
Central License
FSSAI Central License is mandatory for all FBOs with annual revenues of over INR 20 Crore. Businesses classified as 100% Export-Oriented Units, importers, airports, food business operators in central government agencies, large manufacturers, seaports, etc., must obtain this license by filling out Form B to complete the registration formalities.
Features of FSSAI License
FSSAI license ensures food businesses comply with safety standards, promoting public health and consumer trust.
Mandatory for food-related businesses, the FSSAI food license ensures compliance with food safety regulations.
FSSAI certification validates the compliance of food products with safety and hygiene standards set by the FSSAI.
It helps boost consumer confidence by validating the adherence to quality standards and food safety guidelines.
It enhances the credibility of food businesses, helping them attract more customers and expand opportunities.
It facilitates maintaining uniform food safety standards across all the states in India.
It requires businesses to label their food products correctly, including ingredients, nutritional information, and expiry dates.
It mandates food safety audits at regular intervals to comply with FSSAI guidelines.
It helps businesses avoid penalties and fines for non-compliance with food safety compliances.
It provides different license categories depending on the business size – Basic, State, and Central licenses.
It mandates timely renewal to ensure businesses maintain compliance and avoid legal issues.
Post Registration Compliance for FSSAI License
Once the FSSAI license is obtained, businesses must comply with different post-registration compliances listed below:
Annual Returns Submission
Compliance with submission of annual returns via Form D1 to FSSAI by the ends...
Annual Returns Submission
Compliance with submission of annual returns via Form D1 to FSSAI by the end of May 31st each year to ensure meeting regulatory requirements and avoid penalties.
Record Keeping
To ensure traceability, comprehensive records of food procurement, prod...
Record Keeping
To ensure traceability, comprehensive records of food procurement, production, and sales must be maintained. This is a mandatory post-registration requirement in accordance with regulations.
Food Safety Audits
Conducting internal audits at regular intervals is a must to identify and add...
Food Safety Audits
Conducting internal audits at regular intervals is a must to identify and address potential food safety risks and help maintain compliance.
Hygiene Maintenance
Businesses must ensure they maintain high hygiene standards in all their food...
Hygiene Maintenanc
Businesses must ensure they maintain high hygiene standards in all their food handling areas as a part of their mandatory post-registration compliance with FSSAI's safety and cleanliness requirements.
Food Labelling Compliance
Businesses must ensure compliance with food labelling according to FSSAI...
Food Labelling Compliance
Businesses must ensure compliance with food labelling according to FSSAI guidelines. This includes labelling ingredients correctly, sharing nutritional details, and clearly displaying expiry dates.
License Renewal
Businesses must remember to renew their FSSAI food license before it reaches its...
License Renewal
Businesses must remember to renew their FSSAI food license before it reaches its expiration date, which varies between 1 and 5 years, depending on the business category.Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS)
The Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) is a new digital platform that simplifies food safety management and offers an improved user experience, real-time updates, and enhanced efficiency compared to the outdated FLRS.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Violations and Non-Compliance
Food manufacturers, processors, importers, exporters, distributors, wholesalers
Food retailers, including grocery stores and supermarkets
Food caterers, restaurants, clubs, dhabas, hawkers, marketers
Food transporters & logistics providers
Food packaging & labelling units
Food storage facilities, service providers and online food business
Violations and Non-Compliance
Food manufacturers, processors, importers, exporters, distributors, wholesalers
Food retailers, including grocery stores and supermarkets
Food caterers, restaurants, clubs, dhabas, hawkers, marketers
Food transporters & logistics providers
Food packaging & labelling units
Food storage facilities, service providers and online food businesses
Difference between FSSAI License and Registration
The difference Between FSSAI license and registration is explained in the table below:
| Aspects | FSSAI License | FSSAI Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | Mandatory for medium to large scale businesses | Smaller scale or petty food businesses |
| Validity | License is valid lasts between 1–5 years | Up to 1–5 years |
| Annual Turnover Ceiling |
State License – Turnover is more than INR 12 lakhs & less than INR 20 crore Central License – Turnover is more than INR 20 crore |
Annual turnover is not more than INR 12 lakhs |
| Application Form | Form – B is mandatory | Form – A is mandatory |
| Compliance | Strict FSSAI compliance requirements | Minimal FSSAI compliance requirement |
| Approval Authority | Central/State government | Local municipal authorities |
Who Needs FSSAI License for Food Business?
Packaged food, beverages, dairy products, and bakery items.
Supermarkets, grocery stores, and wholesale food product distributors.
Hotels, restaurants, cafes, and catering services.
Importers and exporters of food products.
Food packaging & labelling units
Online food delivery platforms, cloud kitchens and food delivery services.
How Corpbiz Helps Simplify the FSSAI License Process?
Expert FSSAI Licensing Consultants
With a network of 500+ FSSAI consultants, Corpbiz specializes in FSSAI license registration to help food entrepreneurs start their food business journey.
Paperwork Assistance
Our consultants help collect and prepare all your necessary documents for FSSAI registration to ensure nothing is missed.
Application Filing
Our team handles the entire application filing process on your behalf for a hassle-free FSSAI food license process.
FSSAI Regulation Guidance
We offer expert advice and guidance on FSSAI regulations to help you meet all your compliance requirements.
Communication Management
We manage all communications and follow-ups with FSSAI authorities to ensure quick turnaround time and efficient approvals.
Streamlined Process
Our services streamline the food licensing process to help you maintain seamless business operations.
FSSAI License Renewal Assurance
We help you renew your FSSAI license promptly so that you don't miss deadlines and avoid paying penalties.
Compliance & Regulation Support
We ensure your adherence to FSSAI compliance requirements, so your business complies with all the mandated regulations.
Focus on Business Operations
Let Corpbiz handle your FSSAI registration so that you can focus on your business operations without worrying about regulatory issues.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fssai License
Have a look at the answers to the most asked questions about FSSAI Registration.
What does FSSAI stand for?
What is the FSSAI license required for?
Is FSSAI Registration and License mandatory?
Yes, FSSAI registration and license are mandatory for all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to run their businesses in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. FBOs include manufacturers, processors, distributors, retailers, and food service providers to ensure food safety and compliance.
Who is eligible for FSSAI?
All Food Business Operators (FBOs), including manufacturers, processors, distributors, retailers and importers, are legally eligible for FSSAI. However, to apply for FSSAI license or FSSAI registration depends on the size and turnover of the business.
Is GST required for FSSAI?
Which are the three types of FSSAI licenses?
There are three types of FSSAI Registration and Licenses. They are identified as:
- FSSAI Registration
- FSSAI State License
- FSSAI Central License
How much time does it take to get FSSAI registration?
What is FSSAI license verification?
FSSAI license verification is the process of checking whether an FBO’s license is valid. You can do this independently by entering the license number to check the business details and current status online.
Authors
Written by Sishanki Kashyap . Last updated on Jul 12 2025, 03:34 PM
Sishanki Kashyap has 4+ of strong experience in content writing. Her main expertise lies in creative writing and story building, web content writing, and blogging on topics related to finance, startup, environment, law, etc.