The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a regulatory body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It ensures food safety and regulates food-related businesses under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The official website for FSSAI is fssai.gov.in.
FSSAI registration is mandatory for all Food Business Operators (FBOs) engaged in food processing, storage, distribution, and sale. The Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 govern the licensing and registration requirements.
FSSAI registration is classified into three categories based on business size and capacity:
Suitable for small businesses or startups with an annual turnover of up to INR 12 lakhs.
Applicable for businesses with an annual turnover between INR 12 lakhs and INR 20 crores.
Required for large businesses with a turnover exceeding INR 20 crores, including importers, exporters, large manufacturers, and storage units.
| Category | Basic Registration | State Registration | Central Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dairy Units | Up to 500 LPD of milk or 2.5 MT per annum | 501 to 50,000 LPD or 2.5 to 2500 MT per annum | More than 50,000 LPD or 2500 MT per annum |
| Slaughterhouses | Up to 2 large animals, 10 small animals, or 50 poultry birds per day | 2 to 50 large animals, 10 to 150 small animals, 50 to 1,000 poultry birds per day | More than 50 large animals, 150 small animals, or 1,000 poultry birds per day |
| Food Processing Units | Turnover up to INR 12 lakhs | Turnover exceeding INR 12 lakhs | Turnover exceeding INR 20 crores |
| Category | Basic Registration | State Registration | Central Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage, Retailers, Distributors, Wholesalers, Restaurants | Turnover up to INR 12 lakhs | Turnover between INR 12 lakhs and INR 20 crores | Turnover exceeding INR 20 crores |
| Transporters | Turnover up to INR 12 lakhs | Turnover up to INR 30 crores | Turnover exceeding INR 30 crores |
| Export-Oriented Units | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Required |
| Importers of Food Products | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Required |
| Food Catering in Defence Establishments | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Required |
| 5-Star Hotels | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Required |
FSSAI registration is conducted online through the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) portal: foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in.
Steps to Register
Determine Eligibility: Identify whether you need Basic, State, or Central Registration.
Submit Online Application: Fill out Form A (for Basic Registration) or Form B (for State/Central Registration).
Attach Documents: Required documents include:
a. Business Incorporation Certificate
b. Address proof
c. List of food products handled
d. Food safety management plan
e. Import/export code (if applicable)
f. Fee Payment: Pay the applicable registration fee.
g. Inspection & Verification: Authorities may conduct an inspection before granting the certificate.
h. Approval & License Issuance: Once verified, FSSAI issues the registration certificate.
• Legal Compliance: Avoids penalties and legal actions.
• Consumer Trust: Enhances credibility and builds consumer confidence.
• Market Expansion: Facilitates business expansion in India and internationally.
• Government Schemes: Access to government benefits and subsidies.
• Quality Assurance: Ensures compliance with food safety standards.
Example: A bakery business in Mumbai, initially operating without an FSSAI license, faced legal penalties and low customer trust. After obtaining an FSSAI license, they gained consumer confidence, expanded sales to retail chains, and increased revenue by 35% in one year.
• Operating without an FSSAI license can result in fines up to INR 5 lakhs and imprisonment.
• Selling unsafe food can lead to severe penalties and closure of business.
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A FSSAI registration is ideal for businesses looking to trade in food related activities. However, it comes with increased compliance and regulatory requirements. With expert assistance from Return Filings, you can ensure a smooth registration and compliance process for your FSSAI registration. For professional assistance, reach out to us on email: info@returnfilings.com or on whatsapp: https://wa.me/919910123091.
