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FSSAI License Or Registeration

FSSAI Registration & Licence in India

Introduction

The food industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in India, yet ensuring food safety and consumer trust remains a major challenge. Issues such as adulteration, excessive additives, contamination, and poor hygiene practices pose serious risks to public health.

To address these concerns, the Government of India established the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). FSSAI regulates, monitors, and inspects food manufacturing, processing, storage, packaging, distribution, and handling activities across the country. Its

primary objective is to ensure safe, wholesome, and hygienic food for consumers while promoting fair practices within the food industry.

Any business involved in food-related activities must obtain FSSAI Registration or Licence before commencing operations.

What is FSSAI?

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is an autonomous statutory body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. It was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which consolidated various food laws into a single regulatory framework.

FSSAI is responsible for:

  • Laying down science-based food standards
  • Regulating food manufacturing and distribution
  • Ensuring food safety through licensing, inspection, and surveillance

FSSAI operates through six regional offices located in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Cochin, and Guwahati.

As per the Act, no person shall start or operate a food business without an FSSAI registration or licence.

Types of FSSAI Registration / Licence

FSSAI issues three categories of registration/licences based on the nature, scale, and turnover of the food business:

1. FSSAI Basic Registration
  • For petty food manufacturers and small food business operators
  • Applicable where annual turnover is below ₹12 lakh
  • Issued by the State Government
  • Validity: 1 to 5 years
  • Processing Time: ~7 days

Suitable for: Small retailers, hawkers, cottage industries, small storage units, transporters, etc.

2. FSSAI State Licence
  • For small and medium-sized food businesses operating within one state
  • Applicable where annual turnover exceeds ₹12 lakh
  • Issued by the State Government
  • Validity: 1 to 5 years
  • Processing Time: 15–30 days

Suitable for: Manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, storage units, transporters, hotels, restaurants, etc.

3. FSSAI Central Licence
  • Mandatory for:
    • Food importers and exporters
    • Businesses operating in multiple states
    • Large manufacturers
  • Applicable where annual turnover exceeds ₹20 crore
  • Issued by the Central Government
  • Validity: 1 to 5 years
  • Processing Time: 30–60 days

Functions of FSSAI

FSSAI performs the following key functions:

  • Setting Food Standards: Establishes hygiene, safety, and quality standards
  • Licensing & Registration: Grants licences to food business operators
  • Food Testing & Surveillance: Monitors food quality through accredited labs
  • Inspection & Audits: Conducts periodic inspections of food premises
  • Consumer Awareness: Promotes awareness about safe and hygienic food
  • Data & Record Management: Maintains records of registered FBOs
  • Policy Support: Advises government on food safety matters

Non-compliance can result in penalties, suspension, or cancellation of licence.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

Document requirements vary depending on licence type, but commonly include:

  • Address proof of premises
  • Proof of possession of premises (Rent Agreement / Ownership)
  • Manufacturing process & flow chart
  • Layout plan of manufacturing unit
  • List of machinery & equipment
  • Brand authorisation (if applicable)
  • Testing facility details
  • NOC from local body / municipality
  • FSSAI declaration form
  • Director/Partner contact details
  • Source of milk (for dairy units)

Procedure for FSSAI Registration

Step 1: Documentation

Collection and preparation of all required documents as per FSSAI norms.

Step 2: Online Application

Submission of application through the FSSAI FoSCoS portal.

Step 3: Hard Copy Submission (if required)

Submission of physical documents to the Food Safety Department.

Step 4: Scrutiny

Authorities verify the application and may accept or reject it within 7 days.

Step 5: Inspection (If Applicable)

On-site inspection of the premises by FSSAI officials.

Step 6: Grant of Licence

Issuance of FSSAI Registration Certificate with a 14-digit licence number and photograph.

Who Requires an FSSAI Licence?

FSSAI registration or licence is mandatory for:

  • Food manufacturers & processors
  • Raw food suppliers
  • Food importers & exporters
  • Storage & packaging units
  • Food traders & retailers
  • Online food businesses
  • Hotels, restaurants & caterers
  • Transporters & distributors
  • Wholesalers & marketers

Timeline for FSSAI Licence

Licence Type Processing Time
Basic Registration ~7 days
State Licence 15–30 days
Central Licence 30–60 days

Renewal of FSSAI Licence

  • Validity: 1 to 5 years
  • Renewal must be initiated at least 30 days before expiry
  • Late renewal may attract penalties or licence cancellation

Why Choose Qualitance India for FSSAI Licence?

Qualitance India provides end-to-end FSSAI compliance services, including:

  • Licence category assessment
  • Document preparation & verification
  • FoSCoS portal filing
  • Coordination with FSSAI authorities
  • Inspection & compliance support
  • Renewal & modification services

We help food businesses start, operate, and scale legally and confidently.

Need Help with FSSAI Registration?

Contact Qualitance India for fast, reliable, and compliant FSSAI licensing support.

Email: info@qualitanceindia.com

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