Food License (FSSAI) Registration

Food License (FSSAI) Registration

Food License (FSSAI) Registration

FSSAI License is mandatory for all food-related businesses in India under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

It is a 14-digit registration/license number issued by FSSAI.

This number must be printed on all food packages and displayed at the place of business.

It ensures that food products meet safety, hygiene, and quality standards.

Benefits of FSSAI Registration

  • Legal Authorization - Mandatory compliance with Indian food laws.
  • Consumer Confidence - Builds trust and credibility among customers.
  • Business Expansion - Essential for e-commerce, exports, and large-scale operations.
  • Avoid Penalties - Non-compliance can lead to fines, imprisonment, or closure of business.
  • Brand Value - Enhances reputation and marketability of food products.

Who Should Register?

  • Restaurants & cafes
  • Food manufacturers
  • Food traders & wholesalers
  • Cloud kitchens
  • Home-based food businesses
  • Food delivery businesses
  • Importers & exporters of food items

Requirements for FSSAI Registration

Application Form: Form A (Basic Registration) or Form B (State/Central License).

PAN Card of applicant/business

Aadhaar Card / ID Proof

Business Address Proof

Food Business Details

Passport Size Photograph

Additional documents (depending on license type)

Validity: 1–5 years (renewable).

FSSAI Registration Fees

The fees for FSSAI registration are not fixed. They vary depending on several factors such as:

  • Type of license (Basic, State, or Central).
  • Scale of operations and annual turnover.
  • Nature of food business (manufacturing, trading, catering, import/export, etc.).
  • Number of years for which the license is applied (1–5 years).
  • Location and category of the business.

Because of these variables, the exact fee amount can only be determined at the time of application.

Types of FSSAI Food Licenses

  • Basic Registration :

    Applicable for small food businesses with annual turnover less than ₹12 lakh.

    Suitable for petty retailers, hawkers, home-based food units.

    Validity: 1–5 years.

    Issued by local FSSAI authority.

  • State License :

    Applicable for medium-sized businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.

    Required for manufacturers, storage units, transporters, restaurants, wholesalers.

    Validity: 1–5 years.

    Issued by State FSSAI authority.

  • Central License :

    Applicable for large businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore or operating in multiple states.

    Required for importers, exporters, e-commerce food businesses, and large chains.

    Validity: 1–5 years.

    Issued by Central FSSAI authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions.

Yes, even small-scale or home-based businesses must register if they sell food.

Usually 7–30 working days depending on the type of license.

Yes, if operating in different states or handling multiple categories of food.

Heavy penalties, including fines up to ₹5 lakh and imprisonment.

Yes, renewal must be done before expiry to avoid penalties.