FSSAI registration is legally mandatory for all food businesses in India to ensure food safety and regulatory compliance. Created under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, it makes sure that all food products are safe and meet quality standards before reaching consumers.

FSSAI registration means your food business is officially certified to comply with India’s food safety standards. It allows you to legally produce, store, distribute, or sell food products in India.

Choose the right FSSAI registration type for your food business:

The primary objectives of FSSAI registration in India include:

• Ensuring safety and quality standards across the food supply chain
• Protecting consumer health by preventing adulteration and contamination
• Creating standardized regulations for all food businesses
• Building consumer trust through transparent food safety practices
• Facilitating the organized growth of India’s food sector
• Enabling export opportunities by meeting international food safety standards

FSSAI registration and enforcement in India are governed by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations.

FSSAI registration in India has several distinctive characteristics:

FSSAI registration employs a three-tier licensing system based on business scale and scope:

• Basic Registration for small businesses (14-digit registration number)
• State License for medium-sized operations (14-digit license number)
• Central License for large enterprises (14-digit license number)

Each FSSAI registration category has a specific validity period, as follows:

• Basic Registration: Valid for 5 years from the date of issue
• State License: Valid for 1-5 years based on fee payment
• Central License: Valid for 1-5 years based on fee payment

The jurisdiction of FSSAI registration depends on the operational scope:

• Basic Registration: Limited to the district of registration
• State License: Valid throughout the state of issue
• Central License: Valid across India

All food businesses must prominently display their FSSAI registration number:

• Physical display at business premises
• On food packaging and labels
• In business communications and advertisements
• On vehicles (for food transport businesses)

Watch your food business thrive with these powerful FSSAI registration advantages:

To qualify for FSSAI registration in India, your business must:

• Be engaged in any food business activity (production, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution, or retail).
• Have appropriate facilities matching the scale of operations.
• Comply with Schedule 4 requirements regarding hygiene and sanitary conditions.
• Implement mandatory food safety management systems (based on license category).
• Businesses in specific categories must have qualified food safety supervisors.

Ensure legal compliance and food safety standards with the right registration for your specific business category.

Spice manufacturers must secure the appropriate FSSAI license based on their annual revenue:

• Basic Registration covers small producers earning up to Rs. 12 lakhs yearly.
• State License applies to medium operations with Rs. 12 lakhs to Rs. 20 crores turnover.
• Central License serves large manufacturers exceeding Rs. 20 crores in sales.
• You must clearly label all spice products with batch numbers, ingredient lists, and manufacturing dates to maintain compliance.

Home-based food entrepreneurs need to:

• Obtain Basic Registration when your annual sales remain under Rs. 12 lakhs.
• Maintain certified kitchen hygiene standards.
• Label all products with complete ingredient information.
• Mark the packaging clearly as “homemade.”
• Specify product shelf life on the packaging.
• Follow basic food safety protocols during preparation.

When you repackage food products, you must:

• Apply for the license matching your business turnover.
• Keep detailed records tracing products to the original manufacturers.
• Follow strict hygiene standards during repackaging.
• Mark all packages with “repacked by” information.
• Preserve original batch numbers and manufacturing details.
• Submit to regular facility inspections.

Food traders should:

• Register under Basic Registration for small operations.
• Secure State/Central licenses for larger distribution networks.
• Maintain proper storage with temperature controls where needed.
• Document all product sources thoroughly.
• Implement inventory tracking systems.
• Keep complete product traceability records.

Home bakers must:

• Register under Basic Registration when earning under Rs. 12 lakhs annually.
• Pass the kitchen audit certifications.
• Disclose all ingredients completely.
• Complete regular hygiene training.
• Use packaging that preserves product freshness.
• Include clear allergen warnings on all products.

Food exporters need to:

• Obtain a Central License regardless of turnover.
• Prepare export-specific documentation.
• Meet both FSSAI and international regulatory requirements.
• Implement enhanced traceability systems.
• Secure product quality testing certificates.
• Pass pre-export inspections.

Water packaging businesses must:

• Obtain a Central License regardless of the turnover size.
• Secure BIS Certificate (IS 14543).
• Access water testing laboratories.
• Implement strict quality monitoring protocols.
• Receive source water approval.
• Document regular microbial testing results.

Pan masala producers need to:

• Apply for a State or Central License based on turnover.
• Disclose all ingredients completely.
• Obtain tobacco-free certification (if applicable).
• Include required health warnings.
• Follow additive limitation requirements.
• Submit products for regular testing.

Partnership food businesses must:

• List all partners on the license application.
• Submit partnership deed documentation.
• Provide a joint liability acknowledgment.
• Verify business premises.
• Distribute operational responsibilities.
• Submit ID and address proof for all partners.

Restaurant owners need to:

• Obtain licenses based on seating capacity and turnover
• Provide health certificates for kitchen staff
• Maintain pest control certification
• Undergo regular hygiene audits
• Implement waste management systems
• Document food handler training completion.

Restaurant owners need to:

• Obtain licenses based on seating capacity and turnover
• Provide health certificates for kitchen staff
• Maintain pest control certification
• Undergo regular hygiene audits
• Implement waste management systems
• Document food handler training completion.

Small food business operators should:

• Complete Basic Registration (Form A) for operations under Rs. 12 lakhs
• Use available self-certification options
• Complete basic hygiene training.

The following documents are required for different types of FSSAI registration:

• Completed application form (Form A/B/C depending on license type)
• Photo ID proof of the applicant/business owner
• Business address proof (electricity bill, rent agreement, etc.)
• Business registration documents (as applicable)
• Passport-sized photographs of the applicant
• List of food categories to be manufactured/traded
• The declaration form, duly signed by the applicant

The following documents are required for different types of FSSAI registration:

• Completed application form (Form A/B/C depending on license type)
• Photo ID proof of the applicant/business owner
• Business address proof (electricity bill, rent agreement, etc.)
• Business registration documents (as applicable)
• Passport-sized photographs of the applicant
• List of food categories to be manufactured/traded
• The declaration form, duly signed by the applicant

• Form B filled with business details
• Business registration certificate (Partnership/LLP/Company)
• Blueprint/layout plan of the processing unit
• List of machinery and equipment
• Water analysis report (if applicable)
• Food safety management system plan
• List of directors/partners with address and ID proofs
• NOC from the local authority/municipality

• Form C with comprehensive business information
• IEC Certificate (for importers)
• Certificate of Analysis for imported products
• Copy of label for imported products
• Food safety management certification (HACCP/ISO 22000)
• Manufacturing unit layout plan and process flow chart
• Water potability test report
• Medical fitness certificates of food handlers
• List of suppliers and distributors
• Recall plan and traceability system documentation

Here’s a comprehensive guide on completing your FSSAI registration in India:

Assess your business turnover and operations to identify which FSSAI registration category applies to your business.

• Analyze your annual turnover.
• Consider your operational scope (single/multiple states).
• Determine if you’re a manufacturer, trader, or service provider.
• Check if you need specialized licenses for import/export.

Gather all necessary documents for FSSAI registration based on your license category.

• Compile business identification and address proofs.
• Prepare food safety management documentation.
• Organize regulatory compliance certificates.
• Collect necessary technical documentation for product formulations.

Register on the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal for FSSAI registration online.

• Create your account on the official FSSAI portal
• Fill the appropriate form (Form A/B/C) with accurate details
• Upload all required documents in the specified format
• Verify all information before submission

Pay the applicable FSSAI registration fees securely through the online payment gateway.

• Select your preferred payment method
• Complete the transaction securely
• Save the payment receipt for reference
• Verify payment confirmation in your application status

Your application undergoes review, with potential inspection for license categories.

• Track application status using your application number
• Prepare for a possible physical inspection of the premises
• Address any queries or deficiencies noted by the authorities
• Maintain compliance with food safety standards

After successful verification, receive your FSSAI registration certificate through your registered email and on the portal.

• Download and print your FSSAI registration certificate
• Display the certificate prominently at your business location
• Note the validity period for timely FSSAI registration renewal
• Start using your FSSAI number on products and communications.

Complete your FSSAI registration effortlessly! Contact Taxation Club consultants for free queries!

Understanding the financial aspects helps you budget appropriately for compliance.

Basic Registration Fee:

• Rs. 100 for small food businesses (valid for 5 years)

State License Fees:

• Small businesses: Rs. 2,000 per year
• Medium businesses: Rs. 3,000 per year
• Large businesses: Rs. 5,000 per year

Central License Fees:

• Manufacturer: Rs. 7,500 per year
• Large manufacturer: Rs. 15,000 per year
• Importer: Rs. 10,000 per year
• Large food retailer: Rs. 7,500 per year

Additional Costs:

• Application processing fees
• Inspection fees (if applicable)
• Testing and certification costs

Operating without a valid FSSAI registration can result in:

• Monetary penalties up to Rs. 5 lakhs
• Imprisonment up to 6 months
• Business closure orders
• Product seizure and destruction
• Criminal prosecution for serious violations

Understanding the renewal process helps maintain continuous compliance:

• Submit your renewal application at least 60 days before your registration expires.
• If you apply within 30 days after expiry, you’ll need to pay a penalty.
• After 30 days, you’ll need to submit a fresh application.

• Log in to the FoSCoS portal using your credentials.
• Go to the renewal section.
• Double-check and update your business details.
• Upload any new required documents.
• Pay the renewal fee.
• Apply for processing.

• Your previous FSSAI registration certificate.
• A self-declaration confirming your continued compliance.
• Annual returns from the previous year.
• Updated business information.
• Proof of payment for the renewal fee.

• Update the display of your renewed FSSAI registration certificate
• Communicate the renewed license number to business partners
• Update packaging and labeling with new validity dates.

Let’s examine the circumstances that can lead to registration cancellation:

• Non-Compliance with Standards: FSSAI registration may be revoked if the business fails to maintain food safety standards or violates critical safety regulations.
• Misrepresentation or Fraud: Providing false information during the application process or subsequent inspections can lead to immediate cancellation.
• Repeated Violations: Multiple infractions of food safety rules, despite warnings and penalties, can result in license revocation.
• Business Closure or Change: Failure to notify authorities about significant changes in business operations, ownership, or location can invalidate your registration.
• Court Orders: Judicial intervention due to serious public health concerns or legal violations can mandate registration cancellation.

The FSSAI Registration Certificate is a mandatory license that legally authorizes your food business to operate in India. It ensures compliance with food safety regulations laid down by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and helps build credibility with customers. With RegisterKaro’s expert assistance, you can get your FSSAI certificate quickly and hassle-free.