How to Obtain an FSSAI License in India: A Complete Guide

Learn how to obtain an FSSAI license in India with our complete guide. Understand the types of licenses, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step application process.

For the Indian government and its people, food safety is a very important issue. To oversee and control the safety and caliber of food items in India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was set up in 2006. In order to produce, store, distribute, or sell food items in India, a company has to get an FSSAI licence. Failure to adhere to FSSAI laws may result in fines or legal action, and acquiring an FSSAI licence can be a difficult and time-consuming procedure. In this manual, we’ll give a thorough overview of the FSSAI licencing procedure and lay out the processes that companies must take to apply for an FSSAI licence in India.

What are the Types of FSSAI License in India?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates the food industry in India, and any entity that wants to manufacture, distribute, or sell food products in India must obtain an FSSAI license. The FSSAI offers three types of licenses, depending on the size and nature of the food business. In this article, we will discuss the three types of FSSAI licenses in India and the criteria for obtaining them.

♦ Basic FSSAI License

The Basic FSSAI License is applicable to small food businesses and startups with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs. This license is also suitable for businesses that involve the handling or manufacturing of food products that do not require refrigeration or temperature control. Some examples of such businesses include small grocery stores, tea shops, and small-scale food manufacturers.

The application process for the Basic FSSAI License is straightforward and can be completed online through the FSSAI website. The following documents are required to apply for a Basic FSSAI License:

Form A, which is the application form for the FSSAI license

A self-attested declaration of food safety management system

Proof of identity of the applicant (such as Aadhar card or passport)

Proof of address of the business (such as electricity bill or property tax receipt)

Once the application is submitted, the FSSAI will verify the documents and issue the license if everything is in order. The Basic FSSAI License is valid for one year and can be renewed easily by submitting the required documents.

♦ State FSSAI License

The State FSSAI License is applicable to medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 20 crores. This license is suitable for businesses that involve the handling or manufacturing of food products that require refrigeration or temperature control. Some examples of such businesses include restaurants, hotels, and mid-sized food manufacturers.

The State FSSAI License application process is comparable to that for the Basic FSSAI License. Nevertheless, the following extra paperwork is necessary:

Form B, which is the application form for the State FSSAI License

A list of food products that will be handled or manufactured by the business

A blueprint or layout plan of the food processing unit

A self-attested declaration of food safety management system

The State FSSAI License is valid for five years and can be renewed by submitting the required documents.

♦ Central FSSAI License

The Central FSSAI License is applicable to large food businesses with an annual turnover of more than Rs. 20 crores. This license is suitable for businesses that have multiple food processing units or locations, or are involved in the import or export of food products. Some examples of such businesses include large food manufacturers, importers, and exporters.

The application process for the Central FSSAI License is more challenging than it is for the Basic and State FSSAI Licenses. The extra documents listed below is required:

• Form B, which is the application form for the Central FSSAI License
• A list of food products that will be handled or manufactured by the business
• A blueprint or layout plan of the food processing unit
• Details of the equipment used for food processing and handling
• Details of the directors or partners of the business
• A self-attested declaration of food safety management system
• Proof of ownership or lease of the premises where the food processing units are located
• Details of the food safety management system of the business, including HACCP plan, recall plan, and traceability plan
• The Central FSSAI License is valid for five years and can be renewed by submitting the required documents

Who can obtain the fssai license or registration?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates and monitors the safety and quality of food products in India. Any entity that wants to manufacture, distribute, or sell food products in India must obtain an FSSAI license or registration. The FSSAI offers different types of licenses and registrations, depending on the size and nature of the food business. In this article, we will discuss who can obtain an FSSAI license or registration in India.

♦ Food Manufacturers

Food manufacturers are entities that are involved in the production, processing, packaging, or storage of food products. This category includes small, medium, and large-scale food manufacturers. Any food manufacturer in India must obtain an FSSAI license or registration, depending on the size and nature of the business.

Small-scale food manufacturers with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs can apply for a Basic FSSAI License. Medium-scale food manufacturers with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 20 crores must apply for a State FSSAI License. Large-scale food manufacturers with an annual turnover of more than Rs. 20 crores must apply for a Central FSSAI License.

♦ Food Business Operators

Food Business Operators (FBOs) are entities that handle, store, distribute, or sell food products. This category includes restaurants, hotels, caterers, canteens, food stalls, and street vendors. Any FBO in India must obtain an FSSAI license or registration, depending on the size and nature of the business.

Small-scale FBOs with yearly revenues of up to Rs. 12 lakhs may apply for a Basic FSSAI Registration. If their yearly sales is up to Rs. 20 crores, medium-sized FBOs are required to apply for a State FSSAI License. If a large-scale FBO has an annual income of more than Rs. 20 crores, it must apply for a Central FSSAI License.

♦ Food Importers and Exporters

Food Importers and Exporters are entities that are involved in the import or export of food products. Any food importer or exporter in India must obtain an FSSAI license or registration, depending on the size and nature of the business.

Small-scale food importers or exporters with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs can apply for a Basic FSSAI Registration. Medium-scale food importers or exporters with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 20 crores must apply for a State FSSAI License. Large-scale food importers or exporters with an annual turnover of more than Rs. 20 crores must apply for a Central FSSAI License.

♦ Food Storage and Transport Operators

Food Storage and Transport Operators are entities that are involved in the storage or transportation of food products. This category includes warehouses, cold storages, and transport companies. Any food storage or transport operator in India must obtain an FSSAI license or registration, depending on the size and nature of the business.

An application for a Basic FSSAI Registration can be made by small-scale food storage or transport businesses with an annual revenue of up to Rs. 12 lakhs. A State FSSAI License must be applied for by medium-scale food storage or transport businesses having an annual revenue of up to Rs. 20 crores. A Central FSSAI License is required for large-scale food storage or transport businesses with an annual revenue of more than Rs. 20 crores.

♦ Online Food Business Operators

E-commerce Food Business Operators are entities that operate food businesses through online platforms. This category includes food aggregators, online food delivery platforms, and e-commerce platforms that sell food products. Any e-commerce food business operator in India must obtain an FSSAI license or registration, depending on the size.

What are the Documents required for FSSAI Registration or License

FSSAI is in charge of making sure that food items are safe and of a high standard in India. An FSSAI license or registration is required for every organization engaged in the production, distribution, or sale of food goods. The kind and size of the firm determines which documents are needed for FSSAI registration or licensing. We will talk about the paperwork needed for an FSSAI registration or licence in this post.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

• Form A: Form A is the basic application form for FSSAI registration. It requires basic information about the business, including the name and address of the business, the type of food business, the category of the business, and the contact details of the owner.

• Photo Identity Proof: The owner of the business must provide a photo identity proof, such as a PAN card, Aadhaar card, voter ID card, or driving license.

• Proof of Address: The owner of the business must provide proof of address, such as a utility bill, property tax receipt, or rent agreement.

• Food Safety Management System Plan: The food safety management system plan outlines the measures taken by the business to ensure the safety and quality of the food products. It includes information on food handling, storage, and transportation, and measures taken to prevent contamination.

Documents Required for FSSAI State License

• Form B: Form B is the application form for FSSAI state license. It requires detailed information about the business, including the name and address of the business, the type of food business, the category of the business, and the contact details of the owner.

• Photo Identity Proof: The owner of the business must provide a photo identity proof, such as a PAN card, Aadhaar card, voter ID card, or driving license.

• Proof of Address: The owner of the business must provide proof of address, such as a utility bill, property tax receipt, or rent agreement.

• Food Safety Management System Plan: The food safety management system plan outlines the measures taken by the business to ensure the safety and quality of the food products. It includes information on food handling, storage, and transportation, and measures taken to prevent contamination.

• Form IX: Form IX is a declaration of conformity with the rules and regulations of the FSSAI.

• List of Directors or Partners: If the business is a company or partnership firm, a list of directors or partners must be provided.

• Certificate of Incorporation or Partnership Deed: If the business is a company or partnership firm, a certificate of incorporation or partnership deed must be provided.

• Copy of FSSAI Central License: If the business has a central FSSAI license, a copy of the license must be provided.

What paperwork is necessary for an FSSAI Central License?

• Form B: Form B is the application form for FSSAI central license. It requires detailed information about the business, including the name and address of the business, the type of food business, the category of the business, and the contact details of the owner.

• Photo Identity Proof: The owner of the business must provide a photo identity proof, such as a PAN card, Aadhaar card, voter ID card, or driving license.

• Proof of Address: The owner of the business must provide proof of address, such as a utility bill, property tax receipt, or rent agreement.

• Food Safety Management System Plan: The food safety management system plan outlines the measures taken by the business to ensure the safety and quality of the food products. It includes information on food handling, storage, and transportation, and measures taken to prevent contamination.

• FSMS Plan: The FSMS Plan is a comprehensive document that details the practises and guidelines the company has for managing food safety. It should contain information on the precautions taken to guarantee food safety and hygiene at the facility, such as personnel training programmes, cleaning and sanitation practises, and pest control techniques.

• List of food products: The business must provide a comprehensive list of food products that it manufactures or sells.

• Proof of possession of premises: The business must provide a proof of possession of the premises where the food products are manufactured or stored. This could be in the form of a rent agreement, lease deed, or property deed.
• Layout plan of the premises: The layout plan should indicate the location of different sections within the premises, such as the production area, storage area, and packing area. It should also include the details of the equipment used in the production process.

• Proof of equipment possession: The business must provide a proof of ownership or possession of the equipment used in the production process.

• NOC from the Municipality or local body: The business must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local body or municipality stating that the premises is suitable for the food business.

• Certificate of Analysis of food products: The business must provide a certificate of analysis of the food products, which indicates the quality of the products in terms of safety, nutritional value, and other parameters.

• Partnership deed, if applicable: If the business is a partnership firm, a copy of the partnership deed must be provided.

• Certificate of incorporation, if applicable: If the business is a company, a certificate of incorporation must be provided.

• List of Directors, if applicable: If the business is a company, a list of directors must be provided.

It is important to note that the documents required may vary depending on the nature and scale of the business. It is advisable to check the FSSAI website or consult a professional to ensure that all the necessary documents are submitted while applying for an FSSAI Central License.

Online registration procedure to obtain fssai food license 

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has made it possible for businesses to apply for FSSAI food licenses online. Here is the step-by-step procedure to obtain an FSSAI food license through online registration:

• Browse the FSSAI webpage here: Click the “License/Registration” link on the FSSAI website (https://www.fssai.gov.in/).

Choose the type of license: Choose the type of license you require based on the scale of your business. The options available are:

i. Central License

ii. State License

iii. Basic Registration

• Create a profile: On the FSSAI website, register an account by entering your name, email address, and cellphone number. Your cellphone number will get an OTP for authentication.

• Fill in the application form: Fill in the online application form with all the relevant details, such as the name and address of the business, the type of food products you deal with, and the details of the person in charge of the food business.

• Upload the necessary documents: Upload the necessary documents required for the particular type of license you have chosen. The documents may include the PAN card, Aadhaar card, and proof of possession of premises.

• Pay the required fee for the specific licence type you have selected. The cost may be paid online with a debit card, credit card, or net banking.

• Submit the application: Once all the details and documents have been uploaded and the fee has been paid, submit the application.

• Wait for the inspection: After submitting the application, an FSSAI official will visit the premises to inspect the food safety standards. The inspection report will be uploaded to the FSSAI website.

• Receive the license: Once the inspection report is satisfactory, the FSSAI food license will be issued and can be downloaded from the FSSAI website.

It is important to note that the time taken for the entire process can vary based on the type of license and the location of the business. It is advisable to ensure that all the necessary documents are in order before starting the application process to avoid any delays.

Want to start a food business in india? 

If you want to start a food business in India, there are several factors you need to consider before beginning the process. Here are some steps you can take to start a food business in India:

• Decide on the type of food business: There are several types of food businesses you can choose from, such as a restaurant, food truck, catering service, or food processing unit. Decide on the type of business you want to start based on your interests and expertise.
• Obtain an FSSAI food license: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license is mandatory for all food businesses in India. Determine the type of license you require based on the scale of your business, and follow the online registration procedure to obtain the license. Get FSSAI license with MUDS Management.
• Develop a business plan: Create a comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, target market, competition, financial projections, and marketing strategy.
• Choose a location: Choose a suitable location for your food business based on factors such as accessibility, foot traffic, and proximity to suppliers.
• Set up the infrastructure: Set up the necessary infrastructure for your food business, such as a commercial kitchen, seating arrangements, equipment, and storage facilities.
• Hire employees: Hire employees with the necessary skills and experience to run your food business. Train them on food safety and handling procedures.
• Source ingredients and supplies: Identify reliable suppliers for the ingredients and supplies required for your food business. Ensure that they meet the quality standards set by the FSSAI.
• Obtain necessary permits: Obtain other necessary permits and licenses, such as a shop and establishment license, GST registration, and fire safety certificate.
• Launch and market your business: Launch your food business and market it through various channels such as social media, word-of-mouth, and advertising.

Starting a food business in India can be a challenging process, but with careful planning, research, and execution, it can also be a rewarding venture.