How to Apply for FSSAI License Registration in India

FSSAI Registration is an approval issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 to regulate food business operators (FBOs) in India.

Under Section 31 of the FSS Act, food businesses are required to obtain an appropriate registration or license. FSSAI registration is generally intended for petty food businesses, while businesses crossing the applicable threshold or falling under specified licensing categories require a State or Central License.

The registration/license number is generally required to be displayed at the food business premises and on applicable food-related documents and packaging.

Who Needs FSSAI Registration or License?

FSSAI approval may be required for businesses such as:

Restaurants and cafés
Cloud kitchens
Bakeries and confectionery businesses
Food manufacturers and processors
Food retailers and wholesalers
Food distributors
Caterers
Food storage businesses
Food transporters
Importers and exporters of food products
E-commerce food businesses
Home-based food businesses
Food vending businesses

The exact approval depends on the nature of business, turnover, food activity, production capacity and other applicable criteria.

Types of FSSAI Registration and License

There are broadly three categories:

A. Basic FSSAI Registration

Basic Registration is generally applicable to petty food manufacturers, retailers, hawkers, itinerant vendors, temporary stall holders and small/cottage-scale food businesses having annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh, subject to the applicable eligibility conditions.

B. State FSSAI License

A State License is applicable to food businesses that do not fall under Basic Registration and are eligible for licensing at the State level.

Examples may include certain restaurants, manufacturers, retailers, storage businesses, distributors and other food operators depending upon their scale and activity.

C. Central FSSAI License

A Central License is required for businesses falling under the Central Licensing Authority based on their activity, scale or other prescribed criteria.

For example, certain importers, exporters and specified food businesses may require Central Licensing.

Therefore, the correct license should be determined based on the business’s Kind of Business (KoB) and applicable eligibility criteria rather than turnover alone. FoSCoS provides an eligibility facility to help identify the appropriate category.

FSSAI Registration Eligibility

Before applying, the applicant should determine:

Nature of food business
Location of the food business
Annual turnover, where relevant
Production capacity, where applicable
Type of food products handled
Whether the business is involved in manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, retail or food services
Whether the business involves import/export or other activities requiring Central licensing

FoSCoS allows applicants to select their State and Kind of Business (KoB) while initiating an application.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

The documents depend on the type of application and nature of food business.

Common documents may include:

PAN Card
Aadhaar/identity proof of proprietor, partner or directors
Address proof of the business premises
Passport-size photograph
Proof of possession of premises
Partnership Deed, LLP Agreement or Certificate of Incorporation, as applicable
List of partners/directors, where applicable
Authorization letter, where applicable
Details of food products
Details of machinery and equipment for applicable manufacturing businesses
Layout/blueprint of the processing unit, where applicable
Additional technical documents depending upon the food activity

For example, FSSAI’s Central License documentation includes Form-B and, where applicable, layout plans, details of directors/partners, machinery and equipment details and food-category information.

How to Apply for FSSAI Registration Online

FSSAI applications are submitted through the FoSCoS portal.

Step 1: Visit FoSCoS

Visit the official FoSCoS portal and select the option for New License/Registration.

Step 2: Select the State

Select the State/UT where the food business premises is located.

Step 3: Select the Kind of Business

Choose the appropriate category based on the nature of the food business, such as:

Manufacturer
Retailer
Wholesaler
Distributor
Food Services
Storage
Transporter
Importer/Exporter
Other applicable categories

Correct selection of the Kind of Business is important because the documentation and licensing requirements can vary according to the activity.

Step 4: Select Registration or License

Based on the eligibility displayed by the portal, select the applicable FSSAI Registration, State License or Central License.

Step 5: Fill Form A or Form B

Basic Registration applications generally involve Form A, while license applications involve Form B, along with the required information and documents.

Step 6: Upload Documents

Upload the applicable documents and information as prescribed for the selected category.

Step 7: Pay the Applicable Fee

Pay the prescribed government fee online through the available payment options.

Step 8: Submit the Application

After submission, an application/reference number is generated. This can be used to track the application status on FoSCoS.

Step 9: Inspection, If Applicable

Depending on the category and application, the authority may scrutinize the documents and may conduct an inspection of the premises.

Step 10: Receive FSSAI Certificate/License

Once the application is approved, the FSSAI Registration Certificate or License is issued.

FSSAI Registration Fees

FSSAI fees depend upon the type of approval and the nature of the food business.

The FoSCoS portal currently displays the applicable fee structure while applying, with the new application interface indicating a fee range of ₹100 to ₹7,500 per year, depending on the applicable category.

Apart from government fees, professional fees may apply if the applicant engages a consultant for documentation, application filing, clarification, inspection coordination or compliance support.

FSSAI License Processing

After submission, the application may undergo document scrutiny. If additional information or clarification is required, the applicant may need to respond through the prescribed process.

The processing time can vary depending on the type of application, completeness of documents, inspection requirements and response time.

Applicants can use FoSCoS to track their application status.

Validity and Renewal of FSSAI License

FSSAI Registration / License is issued for certain validity period and it needs to be renewed within due time to maintain continuous compliance.

FoSCoS offers online renewal facility and as per the information available at its website, it can be renewed till 180 days before its expiry.

It is important that any changes in business activities / product / premises or any other relevant particulars be made through appropriate modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is FSSAI registration compulsory for food business?

Yes, Food Business Operator must register himself under the provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act & Regulations.

2. What is the turnover limit for Basic FSSAI Registration?

Basic Registration is mostly for petty food businesses having annual turnover up to ₹12 Lakh only.

3. Is there provision for online application for FSSAI Registration?

Yes, application for FSSAI Registration/License is made online through FoSCoS Portal.

4. Is FSSAI Registration required for home based food business?

Yes, even for a home based food business.

5. Can I get FSSAI License Registration?

Yes. Private limited companies, LLPs, partnerships, proprietary firms, and others who qualify can file for the relevant FSSAI license registration.

6. What is the cost of FSSAI License?

The cost of the government FSSAI registration varies based on the type of registration/license and business classification. Additional fees from consultants can arise where a consultant makes the application.

7. What if my FSSAI License registration requires some clarifications?

There might be need for providing additional details/documents as per the prescribed procedure.

8. Can FSSAI License be renewed online?

Yes. Renewal applications can be submitted through FoSCoS.

9. Is one FSSAI License sufficient for multiple business premises?

FSSAI requirements are location and activity dependent. FoSCoS guidance states that each location generally requires a separate license, while multiple kinds of business may be endorsed on one license for the same premises, subject to applicable rules.

10. Where can I apply for FSSAI Registration?

Applications can be made through the official FoSCoS portal.

Conclusion

It is very crucial to get proper registration or license from FSSAI when you are dealing in food business in India. It is an online process, however, getting the right Kind of Business along with proper documentation and the correct license category is key.

It is important to understand your activities and eligibility before applying through the FoSCoS portal. In case you have complex manufacturing, export/import, multilocation or special food business then professional assistance can be helpful for you.