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.
FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It sets standards for food and regulates the food industry in India.
The primary purpose of FSSAI is to ensure food safety and hygiene in India. It sets standards for food products, regulates their manufacturing, distribution, and sale, and promotes consumer awareness about food safety.
FSSAI registration is for small food businesses with an annual turnover below a certain limit (specified by FSSAI). FSSAI license is for larger food businesses with turnover above that limit. The requirements and process for obtaining a license are more stringent than for registration.
Any food business operator (FBO) involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, or sale of food products in India needs to obtain either FSSAI registration or license, depending on their turnover and type of business. This includes restaurants, food stalls, manufacturers, packers, distributors, retailers, and importers.
You can apply online through the FSSAI portal.
There are different types of licenses:
o Central License: For FBOs involved in import/export, or those operating in multiple states.
o State License: For FBOs operating within a single state.
o Basic Registration: For small FBOs with turnover below the prescribed limit.
The required documents vary depending on the type of license. Generally, you’ll need:
o Proof of identity.
o Proof of address.
o Business registration documents.
o Food safety management plan.
o Details of food products.
o Premises plan.
o NOC from the municipality (sometimes).
The fee varies based on the type of license and the scale of the business. Check the FSSAI portal for the current fee structure.
The processing time varies. Registration is usually faster than obtaining a license. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
No, operating a food business without FSSAI registration or license is illegal and can result in penalties and legal action.
FSSAI has laid down detailed food safety standards and regulations that cover various aspects of the food business, including hygiene, sanitation, labeling, packaging, and storage. Refer to the FSSAI website for the complete regulations.
Businesses must comply with the FSSAI regulations, maintain proper records, and undergo periodic inspections.
Non-compliance can lead to fines, suspension or cancellation of license, and legal action.
The type of registration/license depends on your annual turnover and the nature of your food business. Refer to the FSSAI guidelines on their website.
The FSSAI logo is a mandatory mark that must be displayed on all packaged food products. It signifies that the product meets the FSSAI standards.
Covered in the application process details.
For updated rate, check the FSSAI portal for the fee structure.
Varies by license type, but generally includes proof of identity, address, business registration, etc.
Through the FSSAI portal.
Available on the FSSAI website.
Varies depending on the type of license; typically 1 to 5 years.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
You will need either registration or a license, depending on your turnover.
