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Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

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Ensuring the safety and quality of what reaches consumers' plates is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a commitment to public health and brand trust. Whether you're starting a food business or expanding operations, navigating the FSSAI compliance landscape is crucial. From small manufacturers to large-scale exporters, FSSAI registration or licensing ensures your food products meet the national safety benchmarks. This initial step isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a strategic gateway to credibility, market access, and long-term success in the food industry.
FSSAI Registration
  • For small food business operators
  • Annual turnover below ₹12 lakhs
  • Basic license for petty traders
  • Mandatory for homemade food sellers
  • Quick and minimal documentation process
FSSAI State License
  • For mid-sized food businesses
  • Turnover between ₹12L to ₹20Cr
  • Required for manufacturing and distribution
  • Applies within a specific state
  • Involves moderate documentation scrutiny
FSSAI Central License
  • For large-scale food businesses
  • Turnover exceeds ₹20 crores annually
  • Mandatory for import/export of food
  • Needed for interstate food distribution
  • Extensive compliance and documentation needed
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Food Safety Compliance

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

Explore the different types of FSSAI registrations and licenses available
for food businesses in India and their respective requirements.

FSSAI Registration

FSSAI Basic Registration is mandatory for all food-related businesses in India with an annual turnover below ₹12 lakhs, under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This includes petty food manufacturers, hawkers, small retailers, dhabas, home-based food sellers, and small-scale processors. It is issued by the local FSSAI authority and requires submission of Form A, identity proof, and photos. The FSSAI registration grants a 14-digit FSSAI number, which must be displayed on food packages or premises. This basic form of registration ensures that even small players maintain minimum hygiene standards while operating legally. As the business grows, it must upgrade to a State or Central License based on turnover and operational scale.

+ Advantages

  • Mandatory Legal Compliance
    Ensures lawful food business operation.
  • Low Cost and Simple Process
    Quick application and low government fee.
  • Improves Market Credibility
    Boosts consumer trust in home or small setups.
  • FSSAI Logo Usage
    Allows use of logo to promote safety and hygiene.
  • Online Application Facility
    Can be applied easily via FSSAI portal.
  • Encourages Hygiene
    Promotes basic safety and sanitation standards.
  • No Professional Help Needed
    Registration is DIY-friendly.

- Disadvantages

  • Turnover Cap
    Only valid for businesses with turnover < ₹12 lakhs.
  • Limited Validity
    Must be upgraded as the business grows.
  • Limited Operations Scope
    Not valid for large-scale distribution.
  • Not Recognized Outside Local Jurisdiction
    Applicable only within local limits.
  • Frequent Renewals Needed
    Typically granted for 1 to 5 years.
  • No Export Validity
    Not accepted for export-oriented units.
  • Limited Enforcement Support
    Enforcement varies across regions.

FSSAI State License

The FSSAI State License is required for food businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores, or for those operating in a single state. This applies to medium-sized manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, marketers, and distributors. The application must be submitted using Form B, along with proof of premises, food safety management plan, and identity documents. The State License is issued by the State FSSAI Authority, and typically granted for 1-5 years. It allows wider operational activities within a state while ensuring compliance with food safety standards. This license is more detailed and regulated than the basic registration, with stricter documentation and inspection norms.

+ Advantages

  • Enables Business Growth
    Required for expanding medium-scale operations.
  • Improves Legal Standing
    Shows food safety compliance for larger businesses.
  • Applicable to Broad Categories
    Includes manufacturing, transport, storage, etc.
  • Builds Consumer Confidence
    Offers credibility for outlets and packaging.
  • Eligibility for e-Commerce
    Allows tie-up with platforms like Zomato, Swiggy.
  • Valid for 1-5 Years
    Flexibility to choose license duration.
  • Online Application & Tracking
    Transparent application process on FSSAI portal.

- Disadvantages

  • Applicable Within One State
    Cannot operate in multiple states.
  • More Stringent Norms
    Documentation and inspections are more rigorous.
  • Time-Consuming Process
    Approval may take 30-60 days depending on jurisdiction.
  • Higher Government Fees
    Costlier than basic registration.
  • Need for Regular Audits
    Must maintain records and undergo checks.
  • No Inter-State Validity
    License not valid outside the registered state.
  • Need for Food Safety Officers
    May require appointment of trained personnel.

FSSAI Central License

The FSSAI Central License is mandatory for large food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crores, or those operating in more than one state, or engaged in import/export of food products. It is issued directly by the FSSAI Central Authority (New Delhi) and applies to large manufacturers, importers, food processing units, airports, ports, and e-commerce platforms. The application requires Form B, detailed plant layout, testing reports, and Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan. This license also applies to units involved in food exports and is valid for 1-5 years. It ensures national-level compliance, necessary for operating or selling across state or international borders.

+ Advantages

  • National Validity
    Allows operations across multiple states in India.
  • Export & Import Eligibility
    Essential for international trade in food items.
  • Trusted by Government & Institutions
    Needed for supplying to large buyers.
  • Professional Brand Image
    Demonstrates highest food safety compliance.
  • Regulated by Central FSSAI Authority
    Offers consistent enforcement.
  • Mandatory for Large Units
    No alternative if turnover exceeds ₹20 crores.
  • Online & Trackable Process
    Applications processed via FSSAI central portal.

- Disadvantages

  • Extensive Documentation
    Requires detailed plant and safety info.
  • Higher Fees
    Costlier due to business size and operational reach.
  • Time-Intensive Approval
    May take longer for processing and inspection.
  • Complex Renewal Procedures
    Renewal involves scrutiny similar to initial process.
  • More Frequent Inspections
    Central officers may conduct surprise checks.
  • Strict Penalties
    Heavy fines for non-compliance or misreporting.
  • Need for Technical Advisors
    May require in-house or third-party consultants.

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