All about FSSAI License in India
FSSAI license is mandatory for anyone in the food industry, including those looking to start a food stall, restaurant, bakery, hotel, or cloud kitchen in India. It is mandatory for all Food Business Operators (FBOs), including those that manufacture, prepare, sell, transport, distribute, and store food items, to be registered with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to conduct business.
The FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority. This organization oversees and regulates the food industry in India as a whole. It is an independent organization that was founded within the Government of India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This FSSAI application is submitted by the owner of the food businesses on the FSSAI website to obtain an FSSAI license. It is to ensure the quality of food they provide.
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act), a consolidated legislation on food safety and regulation in India, provides the legal basis for the establishment of the FSSAI. It makes sure food products go through quality inspections, which reduces food adulteration and the sale of inferior goods. It establishes the guidelines for operating the food industry in India and is in charge of registering and licensing FBOs in that country. At Corpbiz, we assist in obtaining an FSSAI license in India.
Understanding FSSAI Registration
It is mandatory for all individuals, whether natural or artificial, engaged in the food industry to get an FSSAI Registration or License. It includes producing, processing, storing, distributing, and selling food items. Depending on the size and kind of the firm, an FSSAI License is not the same as an FSSAI Registration. FBOs should, based on the size of their companies, acquire the required license or Registration.
Every food packaging bears the 14-digit FSSAI Registration number, which serves as a licensing number. Information regarding the producer's permission and the assembly state may be found on the 14-digit registration number. The purpose of this registration process is to increase the FBO's accountability for maintaining the food items' quality.
The Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011 govern the standards and process for licensing and registering a food business.
Law Pertaining to FSSAI License in India
All food business operators (FBO) in India are eligible to apply for an FSSAI license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which is a legal body.
Every food business operator in the country is required by Section 31(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, to hold a license from the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011 govern the FSSAI licensing, registration process and standards. This can also be known as FSSAI regulations.
FBOs Who Require FSSAI License
The FSSAI License or Registration is required for Food Business Operators (FBOs) operating the following types of food businesses
Types of FSSAI License in India
The basis for the FSSAI license is the kind of business, sales, and manufacturing capacity. FBOs are qualified for licenses such as basic, central, and state licenses based on their capacity of production and turnover.
Basic FSSAI Registration
FBOs that make less than Rs. 12 lakh annually are required to get the basic FSSAI registration. An applicant can simply fill out and submit Form A to receive basic FSSAI registration.
State FSSAI Food License
FBOs that generate more than Rs. 12 lakh in revenue annually but less than Rs. 20 crore annually are required to apply for an state FSSAI Food license. To receive an FSSAI license, the applicant must fill and submit Form B.
Central FSSAI License
FBOs that earn more than Rs. 20 crore in revenue annually are required to apply for the FSSAI central license. To receive an FSSAI central license, the applicant must fill and submit Form B.
FSSAI Registration Eligibility
All FBOs operating in the small-scale food industry must get an FSSAI Registration, which is a fundamental license. This category includes the following companies:
FSSAI License Eligibility
Except for small firms, all other FBOs must get an FSSAI license. Depending on the size of the company, medium or large-scale, FSSAI licenses fall into one of two categories: state and central licenses for FSSAI.
FSSAI State License
The State Government must provide FBOs with medium-sized manufacturing units, transporters, marketers, merchants, etc., with a State FSSAI license. You can obtain the FSSAI state license depending on the size of your business if your business falls under this category
FSSAI Central License
Large manufacturers, importers, and exporters (FBOs) engaged in large-scale food companies must register with the Central Government under the Central FSSAI. The following companies are included in this category
FBOs are required to have a revenue of at least Rs 20 crore (Rs 30 crore for wholesalers and transportation businesses).
Irrespective of revenue or company size, the following FBOs require a central FSSAI License.
Benefits of Obtaining an FSSAI License in India
There are several advantages to obtaining an FSSAI license in India
Necessary Papers Required for FSSAI License or Registration
Every food business owner can apply online along with these necessary papers required to obtain the FSSAI license or registration and to get the FSSAI license number
Necessary Papers for the New FSSAI Registration Certificate
Necessary Papers Needed to Change Your License or Registration
Modifications to the following records or information that were submitted to get the existing food business FSSAI license
Necessary Papers required for State/Central FSSAI License
FSSAI License Cost
The price of getting an FSSAI license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will vary as per several criteria, including the kind of license, the size of the firm, and the time taken to get the license. State licenses, central licenses, and registration costs are also subject to change. For the most recent and correct price structure, it is recommended that you connect with an expert at Corpbiz.
How do you check the FSSAI Registration Status?
At several points during the FSSAI's application procedure, the applicant receives email or SMS alerts. By inputting the application reference number provided after submitting the application to FSSAI on the FoSCoS website's Track Application Status button, the applicant can also verify the status of their FSSAI registration.
By monitoring the application status, one may examine the various steps involved in FSSAI registration status. If the FSSAI authorities have returned the application for any necessary change or explanation when the FSSAI license status is shown as Application Reverted. To prevent rejection of the application, the applicant must revert with a valid answer within 30 days after the reversed date.
After the FSSAI authorities have issued the FSSAI registration certificate, the FSSAI registration status will be shown as Registration Certificate Issued. By visiting the FoSCoS website, the applicants can download the certificate.
FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchen
FSSAI License is needed for cloud kitchen business in India. The cloud kitchen is among the most well-liked concepts for food businesses. Another name for a cloud kitchen is a ghost or dark kitchen. Only food intended for delivery or takeaway is made in this commercial kitchen. At its core, it's a restaurant that delivers food to customers' homes after accepting online meal orders. It serves cuisine from a base kitchen that is sent to customers' doorsteps; it does not have a physical location.
In India, the FSSAI governs the food sector. All Food Business Operators, including cloud kitchens, are required to register. For cloud kitchens, the FSSAI license is thus required. Cloud kitchens are eligible to apply for the FSSAI Central License, FSSAI State License, or FSSAI Basic Registration, contingent on their yearly turnover.
Through the FoSCoS portal, cloud kitchens can apply for FSSAI Licenses/Registration. To submit the registration application, they must choose the kind of food company, determine the yearly turnover, complete Form A or Form B, upload supporting paper works, and make an online payment.
The corresponding department will check the application and carefully review the supporting paper works after receiving the registration application. A registration certificate of FSSAI with the registration number sent to the applicant's email address will be issued by the department once it has determined that the cloud kitchen satisfies all necessary requirements.
Procedure for Obtaining FSSAI License Online
The FSSAI license or registration procedure is mentioned below
Who Needs an FSSAI License?
An FSSAI license is mandatory for every person involved in the food sector, from street sellers to large restaurant franchises, who must register with the FSSAI. It is required to register with the FSSAI, whether you are a local player, operating online or offline, or involved in the import or export of food items. They must obtain one of the three registration/licensing categories that are covered below, depending on their location and size.
An FSSAI license is required for you if your business fits into any of the following categories.
To put it another way, a person or business that deals with food products from farm to plate has to have a FSSAI food license.
Difference between FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License
FSSAI registration or FSSAI license may appear to be the same, but its usage differs from business to business. Let's discuss the same
Criteria |
FSSAI Registration |
FSSAI License |
Applicability |
Small-scale food businesses |
Medium and large-scale food businesses |
Turnover |
FSSAI registration is required for businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs |
Businesses with annual turnover of more than ₹12 lakhs |
Scope |
Limited to a specific local area |
Allows activities across the country |
Stringency |
Less stringent |
More comprehensive and mandatory |
Validity |
Valid for five years |
The license is valid for five years |
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Any individual who is licensed and has food safety registration is required to abide by the rules of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, which offers an FSSAI license to all food businesses in India. A food safety officer often inspects the facility of the operator of the food business and uses a checklist to determine the extent of compliance with the regulations. The food safety officer classifies it as follows based on the degree of compliance
In light of the aforementioned, the food safety officer may issue an improvement note as per Section 32 of the FSS Act of 2006 when necessary. After allowing the licensee a chance to explain themselves, the officer has the authority to revoke the license if the business owner disregards the improvement notice. A complaint about an improvement notice can be sent to the State Commissioner of Food Safety by any operator of a food company. One may contest the ruling by filing an appeal with the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal or High Court.
Penalty for non-compliance
If an FBO is found guilty of conducting business without a current FSSAI license, they might face a sentence as well as a fine of up to Rs. 5 lakhs.
The following criminal clauses are enclosed by the FSS Act and prohibit the following conduct as crimes
FSSAI License Validity and Renewal
Before starting a food company, every operator in India must get a food license or register with the FSSAI. It is also essential that the FSSAI License be renewed on time or before it expires. The food business operator's license may be valid for one year or a maximum of five years. The cost of registering with FSSAI varies depending on the license's duration. The FSSAI regulations require each operator of a food company to apply for renewal thirty days before the expiration of their current food license.
Penalty for FSSAI License Renewal: FSSAI Licenses are subject to a fine of Rs. 100 per day if the FSSAI renewal application (state and central) is not submitted within the allotted period.
Why Choose Corpbiz for FSSAI License in India?
Corpbiz is an Indian professional service provider. You can choose Corpbiz for FSSAI license or Registration due to the following reasons
Expertise and Experience
Our team of 400+ FSSAI experts with 10+ Years of experience are familiar with the FSSAI laws and processes. They can effectively assist you with the registration procedure and make sure that all standards are met.
End to End Support
They provide complete support, taking care of every step of the FSSAI registration procedure, from preparing the necessary paperwork to submitting the application and getting the registration certificate.
Saves Thousands of Hours
Corpbiz strives for prompt service delivery, cutting down on registration time while maintaining necessary paper correctness and completeness.
Legal and Compliance Knowledge
Complying with certain food safety rules and regulations is a prerequisite for FSSAI license and registration. Corpbiz can guarantee compliance with these regulatory standards and offer insights.
Customized Solutions
We provide customized solutions throughout the FSSAI license acquisition process and provide solutions that are designed to meet the demands of your organization.
Online procedure Facilitation
Corpbiz makes it easy for customers to submit papers and monitor the status of their applications by facilitating the FSSAI registration procedure online.
Additional Services
In addition to FSSAI registration, Corpbiz could provide several additional associated services, including GST registration and trademark registration, that might be useful for companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is full of FSSAI.
This Registration is one of the most crucial registrations needed by anybody in the food industry, including those looking to start a food stall, restaurant, bakery, hotel, or cloud kitchen in India.
FSSAI license fee depends upon the type of Registration you are taking, whether it is a state license or a central license. Moreover, the fee also depends on whether you are taking a new license or getting it renewed.
By completing and submitting Form A (application for Registration) or Form B (application for State and Central License) on the FoSCoS site, FBOs can receive FSSAI registration online. By sending Form A or Form B to the Food and Safety Department, FBOs can submit offline or online applications.
You can obtain an FSSAI license or registration by filing Form-A or Form-B on the FoSCoS portal.
- Enter the FSSAI License Number, which is 14 digits, on the FoSCoS website.
- Select Verify Validity to obtain basic data.
- To Log in, you must enter your username and password.
- Obtain Information Regarding Your FSSAI License.
The Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 created the Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) by combining all prior food safety-related statutes and directives that were within the purview of several ministries and agencies so that the FSSAI license can provide food quality and assurance to customers.
When importing food items, the importer must put their name, address, license number, and the FSSA. Paste on a sticker that must be attached before customs clearance.
Your FSSAI license is valid for five years. Form A or Form B must be used to apply for the renewal of the food license (renewal of the FSSAI license) no later than thirty days after the present Registration expires.
If you currently hold a state license issued by the FSSAI, you must amend it or obtain the FSSAI Central License category to add an importer type of business. This change charge must be paid in addition to the difference between the state and central license amounts.
FSSAI registration is required for all food businesses, either small or big.
The number displayed on the food item may be either an FSSAI registration or a food label showing the nutritional value of the product.
If you are a small FBO, you can get your FSSAI certificate, whereas medium-sized food business operators are required to obtain a license.
A food company owner must promptly cease operations upon the suspension or termination of his or her license or Registration. Under the FSS Act of 2006, doing any kind of food business while having a suspended or revoked license or Registration is illegal and is punishable by law.
No, as utensils and packing materials do not come under the definition of food under Section 3(n) of the FSS Act of 2006, there is no need for an FSSAI license or Registration for them.
Six months after the license was cancelled, the applicant may reapply.
Go to Surrender/Transfer and choose Apply for Surrender/Transfer of License/Registration from the drop-down menu
Select the license the user wishes to surrender by clicking on Proceed.
Food business owners now have up to 180 days after the expiration date to renew their FSSAI license or Registration.
Yes, you can start a food business, but you must check other requirements of your local area or vendor partner.