FSSAI Registration is a must to be obtained by every food business operator in India. The FSSAI Act[1] has laid down a list of people who are obliged by its guidelines to obtain the food license. Go through this article to know all about the type of food businesses which is obliged to obtain a food license.
What is the FSSAI Registration?
FSSAI registration is mandatory compliance that ensures the safety of food products supplied or manufactured by various food business establishments in India. Basically, it is a certificate issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) which ensures food safety. This governing body is regulated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Obtaining the FSSAI license is compulsory before starting any food business operation in India. All the manufacturers, traders, restaurants owners or any other food-related businesses need to obtain this 14-digit license number which need to be printed on their food products.
Categories of FSSAI Registration with Eligibility Criteria
Basically, there are three types of Food Licenses in India based on the turnover of the Food Business Operator;
- Basic FSSAI Registration:Â is mandatory for the food business operators whose turnover does not exceed the limit of Rs. 12 lakhs per annum. People who come under this category are petty retailers, hawkers, itinerant vendors, or temporary stallholders.
- FSSAI State License: is mandatory for the food Business with annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakhs – Rs. 20 Cr. additionally or annually. The turnover limit is the same for an FSSAI State Manufacturing license or FSSAI State trading license.
- Central FSSAI license: is mandatory for the food business whose annual turnover is above Rs. 20 Cr in Case of trading, manufacturing or storage after certain limited as specified by the laws.
Who needs FSSAI Registration in India?
It is obligatory for the following individuals or entities to obtain FSSAI Registration or License as per the guidelines of the Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006;
- All types of Food Manufacturers
- Food Packaging units
- Food Storage units
- Wholesale food business operators
- Food TradersÂ
- Online Food Business Operator
- Caters or Hotel Raw food material suppliers
- Exporter and Importer of food products
- Food products Transporter and
- Distributors Food Product retailers.
Read our article:A Full Guide on How to set up a Food Business in India
Petty Food Business Operators
Manufactures or sells any kind of food by himself/herself, Petty retailer, hawker, itinerant vendor, temporary stall, Thela, Sweets Shop, Juice Stall etc. e.g Gol gappa stall, fruits/vegetables vendors, snacks stall, Tea Stall, Samosa, Bread pakoda, retail shops, Temporary Food Stalls like Chinese food stall, South Indian Food etc. Temporary or permanent stall or food premise involved in the preparation, storage, distribution and sale of food items that can be served as a tea/snacks/ coffee and similar variants.
Hawker – Selling packaged or freshly prepared food by travelling (usually on foot or movable carts) from one location to other
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| Annual Turnover up to Rs. 12 Lacs | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Dairy Units including Milk Chilling Units
Dairy processing defines handling, processing, manufacturing, packing, storage, distribution & transportation of milk and milk products.
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| More than 50,000 Liters of Milk per day or More than 2500 MT of Milk Solid Per annum | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| 10001 – 50,000 Ltrs of Milk per day or 501 MT – 2500 MT of Milk Solids per annum | State License | Rs. 5000 |
| 501 – 10,000 Ltrs of Milk per day 2.5 MT – 500 MT of Milk Solids per annum | State License | Rs. 3000 |
| Up to 500 Ltrs of Milk per day Up to 2.5 MT of Milk Solids per annum | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Vegetable Oil Processing Units
Vegetable oil processing means processing of vegetables for producing vegetable oils by the process of solvent expeller or extraction and refining including oil expeller units.
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| More than 2 MT per day | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| 1-2 MT per day | State License | Rs. 5000 |
| Below 1 MT per day | State License | Rs. 3000 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Slaughtering House
Slaughtering is a process of transporting, stunning, butchering, dressing, processing, storing & distribution of live animals/poultry birds
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| Large Animals: More than 50 Small Animals: More than 150 Poultry Birds: More than 1000 | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| Large Animals: 3 to 50 Small Animals: 11 to 150 Poultry Birds: 51 to 1000 | State License | Rs. 2000 |
| Large Animals: 2 Small Animals: 10 Poultry Birds: 50 | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Meat Processing
Meat processing is the process of further processing of slaughtered animals/ poultry birds into meat & meat products, storing, packaging, & transportation of meat & meat products. Also, Fish processing means handling, processing of fish, manufacturing of fish products, packing, storing, distribution & transportation of fish and fish products.
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| More than 500 Kg Meat per day or More than 150 MT Meat per annum | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| 500 Kg Meat per day or Up to 150 MT Meat per annum | State License | Rs. 2000 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Read our article:How do you file a Complaint against Food Adulteration?
All Food Manufacturing/ Processing units other than Dairy Units, Vegetable Oil, Meat Processing and Slaughtering Houses
Manufacturing/Processing Unit means a person/entity which owns or operates an establishment that manufactures or processes a food product. However, this term includes, contract manufacturers, contract packers and other entities that manufacture or processes a food product but is not limited to them.
Manufacturing or processing means the steps taken to convert raw material into some product for intermediate and final consumption. The process may include procurement, preparation, receipt, manufacturing, packaging, storage, processing, distribution & transportation of food products.
Also, repacking is the process of packing of food product into different sizes or proportions with labelling after doing a minimal processing as required like grading, sorting, sieving etc. from wholesale packages. However, the food product is not manipulated & the composition or formulation is not affected or changed during this process.
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| Production Capacity: more than 2 MT per day which does not include Grains, Cereals or Pulses Milling Units | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| Production Capacity: 101 Kgs/Ltrs – 1 MT per Day All Grains, Cereals, Pulses Milling units without any limit on Production Capacity. | State License | Rs. 3000 |
| Production Capacity: 1MT – 2 MT per Day | State License | Rs. 5000 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 12 Lacs per annum Or Production capacity up to 100 Kgs/Ltrs per day | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Proprietary Food
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| No restriction on production capacity | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
Novel Food
With prior Product Approval/ NOC from FSSAI
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| No restriction on production capacity | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
Storage – Cold/Refrigerated
Cold or refrigerated storage is an activity where refrigerated or frozen food products in packed or unpacked condition are stored for further distribution in refrigeration or freezing storage facilities.
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| Storage Capacity of More than 10,000 MT | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| Storage Capacity Up to 10,000 MT | State License | Rs. 2000 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Storage – Atmospheric Controlled + Cold
Storage in Controlled Atmosphere is an activity where food products in packed or unpacked condition are stored for further distribution in a controlled atmosphere storage. A controlled atmosphere is generally used for storage of dry commodities & agricultural produce in which the concentrations of carbon dioxide and nitrogen, oxygen as well as the temperature and humidity of a storage room are regulated.
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| Storage Capacity More than 1,000 MT | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| Storage Capacity Up to 1,000 MT | State License | Rs. 2000 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Storage Without Atmospheric Controlled including Cold
Storage is an action where food products in the packed or unpacked condition are stored for further distribution in storage amenities, also called warehouses, godowns, etc.
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| Storage Capacity of More than 50,000 MT | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| Storage Capacity Up to 50,000 MT | State License | Rs. 2000 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Transporter
Transportation is the activity of transporting food products (both packed or bulk) from one location to another in vehicles or containers including specialized vehicles like insulated refrigerated van/ wagon, oil/milk tankers etc. Food Trucks are also covered in this category.
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| More than 100 Vehicles and Turnover more than Rs. 30 Crores per annum | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| Up to 100 Vehicles and Turnover up to Rs. 30 Crores per annum | State License | Rs. 2000 |
| Single Vehicle and Turnover up to Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Wholesaler
Wholesale is the activity in the distribution channel where food product is obtained in bulk and then sold to resellers or retailers instead of consumers.
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| Turnover more than Rs. 30 Crores per annum | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 30 Crores per annum | State License | Rs. 2000 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Distributor
Distribution is an action in the distribution channel where food product is distributed from the place where it is originally manufactured to the person who makes the final delivery or sale of the food product to the ultimate consumer.
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| Turnover more than Rs. 20 Crores per annum | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 30 Crores per annum | State License | Rs. 2000 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Supplier
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| Turnover more than Rs. 20 Crores per annum | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 30 Crores per annum | State License | Rs. 2000 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Retailer
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| Turnover more than Rs. 20 Crores per annum | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 30 Crores per annum | State License | Rs. 2000 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Marketer
Marketing (self) means promoting food product of a brand in the market which is owned by the self. Marketing means promoting food poduct of a brand in the market which is not self owned.
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| Turnover more than Rs. 20 Crores per annum | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 30 Crores per annum | State License | Rs. 2000 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Hotels
Hotel is a commercial establishment providing lodging, pproviding meals, and other guest services. Generally, hotel is a business establishment whcih must have a minimum of six letting bedrooms, at least three of which must have attached bathroom facility.
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| Five Star and Above | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| Three Star and Four Star | State License | Rs. 5000 |
| One Star, Two Star or Hotel without Star Rating by Ministry of Tourism (HRACC) | State License | Rs. 2000 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Restaurant and Bars
Restaurant is a type of foodservice operation which prepares, serves food and drinks to customers in exchange for money. Furthermore, meals are generally served and eaten on the premises, but many restaurants may offer take-out and food delivery services, and some offers only take-out and delivery.
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| Turnover more than Rs. 20 Crores per annum | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 30 Crores per annum | State License | Rs. 2000 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Club/Canteen
Canteen/ Cafeteria is a dining area in an institution or establishment which serves food to individuals associated with or visiting the institution.
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| Turnover More than Rs 12 Lacs per annum | State License | Rs. 2000 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Caterer
Food Service Establishment involved in preparation, storage, serving and transporting food items for consumption of a group of people at the venue of ceremony, celebration, ritual or institution
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| Turnover More than Rs 12 Lacs per annum | State License | Rs. 2000 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Food Vending Agencies
Sale of packaged or fresh food from a temporary or fixed stall, cart or machine by an individual or by automation.
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| More than 100 Vending Machines and/or located in two or more States/UTs | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| Up to 100 Vending Machines in only one State/UT | State License | Rs. 2000 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 12 Lacs per annum or Up to 12 Vending Machines in only one State/UT | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Dhaba
Food business establishment generally located near roadside/highway involved in processing, packaging, storing and selling of food to customers for consumption
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| Turnover more than Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | State License | Rs. 2000 |
| Turnover up to Rs 12 Lacs per annum | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Importers
Importers importing food items including food materials and additives for commercial use
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| Importing any type of food article with no limit on the capacity | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
Food Business Activities at premises of Central Govt Agencies such as Storage, Wholesale, Distribution, Retail etc.
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| No limit on Capacity or Turnover | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
Departmental Canteens at the premises of Central Govt. Institutions
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| Turnover more than Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | State License | Rs. 2000 |
| Turnover up to Rs 12 Lacs per annum | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Food Business Activities at premises of Airport/Seaport such as Storage, Wholesale, Distribution, Retail etc.
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| No limit on Capacity or Turnover | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
Mid day Meal Caterer
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| Turnover more than Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | State License | Rs. 2000 |
| Turnover up to Rs 12 Lacs per annum | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Mid Day Meal Canteen
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| Turnover more than Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | State License | Rs. 2000 |
| Turnover up to Rs 12 Lacs per annum | Registration | Rs. 100 |
Exporter
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| No limit on Capacity or Turnover | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
Caterers/Restaurants/Canteens/Hawkers/Petty Retailers at the premises of Railway Stations or under the control of Indian Railways
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| Turnover more than Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | State License | Rs. 2000 |
| Turnover up to Rs 12 Lacs per annum | Registration | Rs. 100 |
E-Commerce
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| No limit on Capacity or Turnover | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
Head Office/Registered Office
Food Business Operators having food business activities in two or more States/UTs have to declare one Head Office/Registered Office.
| Eligibility | Type of food license | Fees |
| No limit on Capacity or Turnover | Central License | Rs. 7500 |
What Are The Advantages Of Obtaining FSSAI License?
There are several legal benefits after registering the food business:
- The registration gives validity and creates consumer awareness
- The use of FSSAI logo can build goodwill among the consumers.
- It will set down regulations and science-based principles
- It facilitates and ensures food safety
- It is the responsibility of the research and development sector to maintain the safety.
- New regulations are introduced which have to be compatible with the international organization
- There is a huge chance of expansion of the business.
Final words
You need to have FSSAI Registration or an FSSAI License if you want to commence any kind of food related business in India. Also, the FSS Act has given a list of food businesses which are eligible to obtain a food license under its guidelines. This article provides you with all the information regarding those food businesses.
Read our article:How To Obtain FSSAI License Renewal Online in India?
