FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India which is an organization that monitors and governs the food business in India. It is an autonomous body that is established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.

Every food business operator involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage distribution, and sale of food products must compulsorily obtain FSSAI Registration or License. It is a 14-digit registration or a license number that is printed on all the food packages. The 14 digit registration number gives details about the assembling state, producer’s permit. This registration procedure is aimed to create more accountability on the FBO to maintain the quality of the food products. The licensing and registration procedure and requirements are regulated by Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011. FSSAI Registration is different from FSSAI License in the sense that depending on the size and nature of the business, FBO should obtain the necessary registration or license.

FSSAI registration or license is based on the business volume and premises. Depending upon the installed capacity or turnover or location, applicant premises are eligible for the license such as basic license, central license, and state license.

How to get FSSAI Registration?
FSSAI Registration is a basic license and it is required for all the FBOs involved in the small-scale food business. This category covers the following businesses:
  1. Any FBO with an annual turnover of not more than Rs. 12 lakh.
  2. Petty retailer dealing in food products
  3. Any person who manufactures or sells any food article by himself
  4. Food sale is done by the temporary stallholder
  5. Any individual who distributes food in any religious or social gathering except a caterer
  6. Small-scale or cottage industries dealing in the food business and the following:
What is the Procedure to follow?
  1. FSSAI registration is initiated by submitting Form A (application) to the Food and Safety Department.
  2. This application can be accepted or it may be rejected by the Department within 7 days from the date of receipt of an application and the rejection has to be intimated to the applicant in writing
  3. If the application is accepted, then the department will grant a registration certificate with the registration number and the photo of the applicant.
  4. FBO should prominently display the certificate of registration at the place of business during business hours.
How to get FSSAI License?

For all other FBOs apart from small-scale businesses, an FSSAI license has to be obtained. FSSAI License can be classified into two categories i.e. State FSSAI License and Central FSSAI License based on the size of the business whether it is a medium scale or large scale business.

Generally, FBOs who are large manufacturers, importers, exporters dealing in large-scale food business need to obtain FSSAI registration from central government and FBO with small to medium sized manufacturing units, transporters, marketers, traders, etc., need to take FSSAI registration from the state government. To apply for State License the FBO must have a turnover between Rs 12 lakh to Rs 20 crore.

What are the Documents needed?
  • Address proof
  • List of food category
  • Layout plan
  • List of equipment
  • NOC from municipality
  • Incorporation certificate
  • List of directors/partners
  • MOA and AOA
  • Water test report
  • Import Export Code
  • Form B duly completed and signed
  • Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation
  • List of Directors/ Partners/ Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID
  • Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity
  • List of food category to be manufactured
  • Authority letter from manufacturer nominated a responsible person name and address
  • Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability
  • Proof of possession of premises
  • Partnership deed/ affidavit of proprietorship
  • NOC and copy of License from the manufacturer
  • Copy of certificate obtained under Coop Act 1861/Multistate Coop Act 2002
  • Food safety management system plan or certificate
What are the Documents Required For Obtaining the Central License?
  1. Form B duly completed and signed
  2. Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation
  3. List of Directors/ Partners/ Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID
  4. Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity
  5. List of food category to be manufactured
  6. Authority letter from manufacturer nominated a responsible person name and address
  7. Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability
  8. Source of raw material for milk, meat, etc
  9. Recall plan wherever applicable
  10. Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU
  11. NOC/PA document issued by FSSAI
  12. IE code document issued by DGFT
  13. Form IX
  14. Certificate from Ministry of Tourism
  15. Proof of possession of premises
  16. Partnership deed/ affidavit of proprietorship
  17. NOC and copy of License from the manufacturer
  18. Food safety management system plan or certificate
  19. NOC from the municipality or local body
  20. Supporting document for proof of turnover and transportation
  21. Declaration form

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