FSSAI Registration Guide
FSSAI Registration & Licensing in India: Complete Guide for Food Businesses
From street-food vendors to large food manufacturers—understand who needs FSSAI, types of registration, step-by-step process, compliance, penalties, and how RegistrationMART helps you stay compliant.
Legal Framework of FSSAI Registration
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 consolidates multiple food laws and sets science-based standards for food safety. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the central authority that issues regulations, advisories, and registers/licences FBOs.
Objectives of FSSAI
- Protect public health by ensuring safe and wholesome food.
- Regulate manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food.
- Set standards and promote consumer awareness.
Who Needs FSSAI Registration?
All Food Business Operators (FBOs) must obtain either a Basic Registration or a State/Central License depending on scale and turnover.
Examples include:
- Food manufacturers and processors
- Packaged food businesses
- Restaurants, cafes, cloud kitchens
- Caterers, canteens, retailers, wholesalers
- Online food sellers (delivery app partners)
- Importers, exporters, transporters, warehouses
Types of FSSAI Registration / Licenses
| Type | Turnover / Capacity | Applicable To |
|---|---|---|
| FSSAI Basic Registration | Up to ₹12 lakh | Petty retailers, hawkers, small home kitchens |
| FSSAI State License | ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore | Medium restaurants, manufacturers, distributors |
| FSSAI Central License | Above ₹20 crore OR interstate operations | Large manufacturers, importers/exporters, 100% EOUs, major chains |
Benefits of FSSAI Registration
Legal Recognition
Mandatory for operating a food business; displays regulatory compliance to customers and partners.
Consumer Trust & Market Access
FSSAI logo increases credibility and is often required by ecommerce platforms and corporate buyers.
Business Growth
Helps attract investors, qualify for government contracts, and expand to new markets.
Hygiene & Quality
Encourages adoption of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and periodic checks for quality.
Documents Required
For Basic Registration
- Applicant photo
- Address proof
- Identity proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN)
- Business name & details
For State & Central License
- Form B filled and signed
- Layout plan of unit
- List of food categories and equipment
- Water analysis report (manufacturing)
- NOC from local authority
- Incorporation documents (companies/LLPs)
- Import Export Code (if applicable)
Step-by-Step Process for FSSAI Registration
- Determine eligibility: Identify Basic/State/Central by turnover.
- Prepare documents: Collate identity, address, technical, and business documents.
- Apply online: Use the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) or FoSCoS portal.
- Fee payment: Pay the prescribed fee (approx. ₹100/year for Basic; state/central fees vary).
- Inspection: State/Central authorities may inspect premises.
- Grant of certificate: FSSAI number (14 digits) issued; display at premises.
Validity & Renewal
FSSAI license/registration validity ranges from 1 to 5 years based on fee chosen. Renewal should be applied at least 30 days before expiry; late renewal may attract a penalty (commonly ₹100/day).
Post-Registration Compliance & Penalties
Key compliances
- Maintain hygiene standards as per regulations.
- Submit annual returns (Form D1/D2 where applicable).
- Follow labeling and packaging norms.
- Renew license on time.
Penalties for non-compliance
- Operating without license: imprisonment up to 6 months and/or fine up to ₹5 lakh.
- Substandard food: fine up to ₹5 lakh.
- Misbranded food: fine up to ₹3 lakh.
- Unsafe food causing injury/death: imprisonment up to life and heavy fines.
Practical Insights & Case Studies
Case 1
Cloud kitchen in Mumbai fined ₹2 lakhs for operating without FSSAI license.
Case 2
Packaged food startup boosted sales 3x after adding FSSAI logo on labels.
Case 3
Spice exporter unable to clear customs due to missing Central FSSAI license.
Conclusion: Why Choose RegistrationMART for FSSAI Registration?
FSSAI registration is mandatory and essential for trust and market access. RegistrationMART offers end-to-end support—proper categorization, document prep, filing, inspections, and renewals—so you focus on your food and customers.
We help with:
- Accurate filing and quick approvals
- Layout planning & documentation
- Inspection support & compliance advisory
- Renewal reminders and annual return filing
