Food License (FSSAI)

FSSAI Registration

Every person (natural or artificial) involved in food business, such as manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution and sale of food products must compulsorily obtain FSSAI Registration or License.

FSSAI Registration is different from the FSSAI License depending on the size and nature of the business. FBOs should obtain the necessary registration or license depending on the size of their businesses.

FSSAI Registration is a 14-digit registration or a license number that is printed on all the food packages. The 14-digit registration number gives details about the assembling state and producer’s permit. This registration procedure is aimed to create more accountability on the FBO to maintain the quality of the food products.

The licensing and registration procedure and requirements are regulated by Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011.

Food Business Operators (FBOs) Who Require FSSAI Registration

The FBOs carrying on the following kinds of business are mandatorily required to obtain an FSSAI Registration/License:

Petty retailers and retail shops such as a retail shop, snacks shop, confectionery or bakery, etc.

Hawkers who sell packaged or freshly prepared food by travelling (usually on foot or movable carts) from one location to another.

Temporary stalls or fixed stall or food premise involved in the preparation, distribution, storage and sale of food products such as Gol Gappa stall, chat stall, fruits/vegetable vendors, tea stall, snacks stall, bread pakoda stall, samosa stall, chinese food stall, South Indian food stall, sweet stall, juice shops, etc.

Vegetable oil processing units.

Dairy units including milk chilling units, petty milkman and milk vendors.

Slaughtering houses such as meat shops, mutton shops, chicken shops, lamb meat, etc.

Meat processing and fish processing units.

Proprietary food and Novel food.

All food manufacturing or processing units that include repacking of food.

Proprietary food and Novel food.

Transporter of food products having a number of specialised vehicles like insulated refrigerated van/wagon, milk tankers, food wagons, food trucks, etc.

Cold/refrigerated storage facility.

Wholesaler, supplier, distributor and marketer of food products.

Canteens and cafeteria including mid-day meal canteens.

Food vending agencies and caterer.

Dhaba, PG providing food, Banquet halls with food catering arrangements, home based canteens and food stalls in fairs or religious institutions.

Importers and exporters of food items including food ingredients.

E-commerce food suppliers including cloud kitchens.

Types of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI registration is based on the business types, turnover and capacity of production. Depending upon the installed capacity and turnover, FBOs are eligible for license such as basic license, central license, and state license.

FSSAI Basic Registration : FBOs having a turnover of less than Rs.12 lakh p.a must obtain FSSAI basic registration. The FSSAI registration form that the applicant has to fill to obtain FSSAI basic registration is Form A.

FSSAI State License : FBOs having a turnover of more than Rs.12 lakh p.a and less than Rs.20 crore p.a must obtain the FSSAI state license. The FSSAI registration form that the applicant has to fill to obtain an FSSAI state license is Form B

FSSAI Central License : FBOs having a turnover of more than Rs.20 crore p.a must obtain the FSSAI central license. The FSSAI registration form that the applicant has to fill to obtain FSSAI central license is Form B.