FSSAI Registration Online in India

Overview of Food License Online

A food license is a legal document certifying that a food business operator complies with food safety standards and regulations set by the government. It is mandatory for any business involved in the handling, processing, manufacturing, packaging, storing, distributing, or selling of food or food products. A food license ensures that the food is safe for human consumption and prevents adulteration, contamination, and fraud.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the apex body that issues food licenses in India. FSSAI has three categories of food licenses: basic registration, state license, and central license.

To obtain a food license, a food business operator must apply for FSSAI registration online or offline through the FSSAI website or designated state authorities. The application must include required documents such as identity proof, address proof, business details, layout plan, and a list of products. The license is valid for one to five years and must be renewed before expiry.

Who Needs FSSAI Registration Online in India?

FSSAI license/registration is mandatory for all food-related businesses to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. The following entities need to obtain FSSAI registration:

1. Food Manufacturers: Any business involved in the manufacturing, processing, packing, or storage of food items.
2. Food Traders: Businesses engaged in selling food products, including wholesalers, distributors, and retailers.
3. Food Importers: Importers of food products from other countries.
4. Food Packaging Units: Entities manufacturing packaging materials used for food items.
5. Food Storage Units: Businesses operating storage facilities for food products.
6. Food Transporters: Entities involved in the transportation of food products.
7. Food Caterers: Catering businesses that provide food services at events or gatherings.
8. Food Sellers on E-commerce Platforms: Sellers on e-commerce platforms selling food products.

Key Functions Performed by FSSAI in India

FSSAI is the apex regulatory body for food safety and quality in India. Some of its key functions are:

1. Framing and implementing food safety standards, regulations, and guidelines for various food products and processes.
2. Licensing and registering food businesses and ensuring compliance with food safety norms.
3. Conducting food testing and analysis through a network of accredited laboratories and research institutions.
4. Monitoring and supervising food import and export activities and ensuring adherence to international standards.
5. Promoting awareness and education on food safety and hygiene among consumers, food handlers, and stakeholders.
6. Coordinating with central and state governments and international organizations on food safety matters.
7. Encouraging innovation and research in food science and technology to enhance safety and quality standards.

What Is the FSSAI License Number?

FSSAI issues licenses and registration certificates to food businesses that comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The FSSAI license number is a 14-digit alphanumeric code printed on food products along with the FSSAI logo. It confirms that the food product has undergone quality checks and is approved by FSSAI. The number also helps trace the origin and history of a food product in case of complaints or recalls.

The 14 digits are divided into five sections:

• The first digit indicates whether the food business is registered (1) or licensed (2).
• The second and third digits represent the state code where the food business is located.
• The fourth and fifth digits represent the year of manufacture or packaging.
• The sixth, seventh, and eighth digits represent the enrollment or application number of the food business.
• The ninth digit represents the kind of business activity: manufacturing (1), processing (2), packing (3), storage (4), distribution (5), retailing (6), catering (7), transport (8), or others (9).
• The last five digits represent the unique identity number of the food business operator.

Types of FSSAI License

FSSAI issues different types of licenses based on the size, nature, and turnover of the food business:

1. Basic License: Required for food businesses with an annual turnover of less than Rs. 12 lakhs or involved in petty food retailing, manufacturing, or storage. Can be obtained online or offline from the local authority.
2. State License: Required for food businesses with annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crores or involved in medium-scale food operations. Can be obtained from the state authority.
3. Central License: Required for food businesses with annual turnover of more than Rs. 20 crores or involved in large-scale food operations. Obtained from the central authority.

The license is valid for one to five years depending on the type of license and fee paid. It must be renewed before expiry to avoid penalties.

FSSAI Registration Fee

The FSSAI registration fee varies depending on the type and size of the food business and the duration of the license:

• Petty Food Business: Rs. 100 per year
• State License: Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 per year (depending on turnover)
• Central License: Rs. 7,500 per year
• Import License: Rs. 3,000 per year

Penalties and Offences for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with the FSSAI license can result in serious penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006:

1. Operating without a valid license or registration: Penalty of up to Rs. 5 lakhs and/or imprisonment for up to six months.
2. Selling or distributing substandard or adulterated food: Penalty of up to Rs. 10 lakhs and/or up to seven years imprisonment.
3. Selling or distributing misbranded or misleading food: Penalty of up to Rs. 3 lakhs and/or imprisonment for up to three years.
4. Selling or distributing unsafe or contaminated food: Penalty of up to Rs. 10 lakhs and/or life imprisonment.
5. Obstructing inspection or sampling by FSSAI officials: Penalty of up to Rs. 1 lakh and/or imprisonment for up to three months.
6. Failing to comply with directions issued by FSSAI officials: Penalty of up to Rs. 2 lakhs and/or imprisonment for up to six months.

Who Is Mandatory to Secure FSSAI Basic Registration?

FSSAI basic registration is mandatory for all food businesses with an annual turnover of less than Rs. 12 lakhs or involved in petty food retailing, manufacturing, or storage. This includes:

• Small-scale or cottage industries producing food products such as pickles, jams, and papad.
• Hawkers, vendors, or temporary stall holders selling items such as chaat, samosa, and tea.
• Dhabas, canteens, or small eateries serving cooked food to customers.
• Small-scale distributors, retailers, or suppliers of food products such as biscuits, snacks, and beverages.
• Any other food business that does not fall under the category of state or central license.

Documents Required for FSSAI Basic Registration

To apply for FSSAI basic registration, the following documents must be submitted:

• A duly filled and signed Form A (application form for FSSAI basic registration), available on the official FSSAI website.
• Passport-sized photograph of the food business operator (FBO) or authorised signatory.
• Self-declaration of the food safety management system (FSMS) plan.
• Proof of identity and address of the FBO — Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, or driving license.
• Proof of possession of the premises — rent agreement, electricity bill, or property tax receipt.
• Any other document as required by the local authority depending on the nature and scale of the business.

Procedure for Applying for FSSAI Basic Registration

1. Visit the official FSSAI website (https://foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in) and click on "Apply Online".
2. Fill in required details such as name, address, contact number, and email, and create a user ID and password.
3. Log in and select "Basic Registration" from the dashboard.
4. Fill in the application form with details of your food business and upload the necessary documents.
5. Pay the application fee of Rs. 100 online via debit card, credit card, or net banking.
6. Submit the application and take a printout of the acknowledgement receipt.
7. Wait for verification by the designated FSSAI officer. You will receive an SMS or email once your application is approved or rejected.
8. If approved, download and print your FSSAI registration certificate from the website.
9. If rejected, you can appeal to the higher authority within 30 days of receiving the rejection notice.

How to Renew the FSSAI License

The FSSAI license is valid for 1 to 5 years depending on the type and fee paid. The license holder must apply for renewal at least 30 days before the expiry date; otherwise a penalty of Rs. 100 per day will be levied.

The renewal process is similar to the initial application. The applicant must fill in the online form, upload required documents, and pay the renewal fee. Documents required may include:

• A copy of the existing FSSAI license
• A self-declaration of compliance with FSSAI regulations
• Proof of annual turnover or production capacity
• Copy of the GST registration certificate
• Copy of the PAN card
• Any other document specified by the FSSAI authority

Benefits of Securing an FSSAI Basic Registration

1. Legal Compliance: FSSAI registration is mandatory for all food businesses in India. It ensures your business operates legally and avoids fines or penalties.
2. Consumer Trust: FSSAI registration certifies compliance with food safety regulations, building consumer confidence in your products.
3. Quality Assurance: FSSAI regulates food safety, hygiene, and quality standards, helping maintain product consistency and customer satisfaction.
4. Business Expansion: FSSAI basic registration is a prerequisite for scaling up a food business and avoids legal hurdles during expansion.
5. Access to New Markets: Many retail chains, supermarkets, and online marketplaces require FSSAI registration for listing food products.
6. Brand Reputation: FSSAI registration adds credibility to your brand and demonstrates commitment to food safety and quality.
7. Government Support: FSSAI-registered businesses receive guidance from regulatory authorities and stay informed about the latest food safety updates.
8. Consumer Safety: FSSAI ensures food products in the market are safe for consumption, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Why LegalTax?

• End-to-end support for the entire licensing process.
• Seamless paperwork management.
• Experienced professionals and field experts for hassle-free assistance.

The licensing process involves delicate steps that require a clear and careful approach. Any error can result in rejection, forcing the applicant to restart the entire process. LegalTax minimises the risk of rejection and ensures prompt and hassle-free disbursement of licenses.

FAQs

Q1. Give an overview of the FSSAI License.

FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is a statutory body that regulates and monitors the food business in India. An FSSAI license is mandatory for any food operator involved in the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, or import of food products.

Q2. Who needs FSSAI registration in India?

FSSAI registration is required for all food operators with an annual turnover of less than Rs. 12 lakhs or who sell food products at a small or petty retail level. It is also required for hawkers, street vendors, temporary stalls, home-based food businesses, and online food delivery platforms.

Q3. What are the key functions performed by FSSAI in India?

• Framing and enforcing food standards and regulations
• Granting and renewing licenses and registrations to food operators
• Conducting inspections and audits of food establishments
• Collecting and analysing food samples for testing
• Issuing guidelines and advisories on food safety issues
• Promoting awareness and education on food safety among consumers and stakeholders
• Coordinating with state and central authorities on food safety matters