FSSAI License and Registration is essential for any food business in India involved in the manufacturing, storage, transportation, or distribution of food. Depending on the size and nature of the business, an FSSAI registration or license may be required. The FSSAI registration process provides the Food Business Operator (FBO) with a 14-digit registration number, which must be displayed on food packages. Obtaining an FSSAI license offers legal benefits, builds goodwill, ensures food safety, raises consumer awareness, and supports business expansion.
At BeyondYourFinance, we facilitate the FSSAI registration and licensing process, helping businesses obtain the necessary certification promptly. Our experts guide you in selecting the appropriate food category and license, ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards.
Governing Law
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a regulatory authority responsible for providing food licenses to all food business operators (FBOs) in India. As per Section 31(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, every FBO in India must obtain an FSSAI license. The process and requirements for FSSAI registration are governed by the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011.
Who Requires FSSAI Registration or License?
The following food business operators (FBOs) must have an FSSAI license or registration:
- Retail shops, snack shops, confectioneries, and bakeries
- Temporary food stalls, hawkers, and itinerant vendors
- Dairy units, including milk chilling units and milk vendors
- Slaughterhouses and meat processing units
- Food processing units, including repackers
- Vegetable oil processing units
- Proprietary and novel food producers
- Cold/refrigerated storage facilities
- Transporters of food products (refrigerated vans, milk tankers, etc.)
- Wholesalers, suppliers, distributors, and marketers of food products
- Hotels, restaurants, bars, canteens, and cafeterias
- Food vending agencies and caterers
- Dhabas, home-based canteens, and food stalls at fairs and religious institutions
- Importers, exporters, and e-commerce food suppliers (including cloud kitchens)
Types of FSSAI License and Registration
- FSSAI Registration:
- Applicable for petty food businesses with an annual turnover of less than Rs. 12 lakhs.
- Issued by the State Licensing Authority.
- The FBO receives a 14-digit registration number beginning with “2”.
- FSSAI State License:
- Applicable to medium-sized food businesses with a turnover between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore.
- Issued by the state government.
- Suitable for medium-sized processors, manufacturers, traders, and marketers.
- FSSAI Central License:
- Applicable to large-scale food businesses with a turnover of more than Rs. 20 crore.
- Issued by the Central Government.
- Required for food import/export businesses and companies involved in large-scale production and processing.
Benefits of Procuring an FSSAI License
- Legal Compliance: Compliance with food safety regulations.
- Food Safety: Assurance of food safety and hygiene.
- Goodwill and Brand Image: The FSSAI logo enhances trust among consumers.
- Consumer Awareness: Increases customer confidence in food quality.
- Ease of Business Expansion: Simplifies access to loans and investor funding.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to food safety laws.
Validity of FSSAI License/Registration
FSSAI licenses/registrations are valid for 1 to 5 years, as per the Food Business Operator’s (FBO) selection. To avoid penalties, FBOs must apply for renewal at least 30 days before the license’s expiry date.
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration
Mandatory Documents:
- Photo of the FBO
- Photo ID Proof (AADHAAR, PAN, or Voter ID)
- Proof of Business Activity Address
Additional Documents (based on business type):
Entity Type Required Documents
Individual PAN card, Aadhar card
Proprietorship GST certificate, PAN card, Aadhar card
Company Incorporation certificate, PAN card, MSME certificate (if applicable), logo (if applicable)
Partnership Firm Partnership deed, PAN card, MSME certificate, logo (if applicable)
LLP LLP deed, incorporation certificate, PAN card, logo (if applicable)
Trust Trust deed, PAN card, logo (if applicable)
Consequences of Operating Without an FSSAI License
Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI license can lead to serious penalties, including:
- Imprisonment: Up to six months
- Fine: Up to Rs. 5 lakh
Businesses must ensure they have valid FSSAI registration or license before starting operations to avoid legal consequences.
Seamless FSSAI Registration with BeyondYourFinance
At BeyondYourFinance, we offer comprehensive support for FSSAI registration and licensing. Here’s how we assist you:
- Expert Guidance: Our team of professionals provides personalized guidance on selecting the right FSSAI license for your business.
- Document Preparation: We help prepare and organize all required documents, ensuring compliance with FSSAI regulations.
- Application Submission: Our team submits your application, reducing administrative effort on your end.
- Application Tracking: We track the status of your application and follow up with authorities to ensure timely processing.
- Compliance Assistance: We ensure your business stays compliant with ongoing FSSAI regulations.
- Hassle-Free Process: Our seamless process makes it simple for you to obtain the FSSAI license.
- Dedicated Support: Our support team addresses any queries or issues during the process.
By choosing BeyondYourFinance, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience in obtaining your FSSAI registration or license. Our expert support helps you focus on your business while we handle all the regulatory requirements.