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Know More About FSSAI LICENCE
Introduction and Its Compliance
The FSSAI Licence is a mandatory certification for all food businesses setup in India. It is regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Whether you are a manufacturer, trader, restaurant owner, operating a cloud kitchen or online food business operator, you must obtain an FSSAI registration or licence depending on the scale and nature of your operations.
The compliance of FSSAI includes following the food safety standards, maintaining hygiene, ensuring proper labelling/relabelling and packaging, undergoing regular inspections and renewing licences on time. Any non-compliance may lead to suspension of business operations and attract heavy penalties.
Why It Is Needed
The FSSAI Licence is necessary requirement of law in order to ensure the safety, quality and hygiene of food products supplied to the consumers. It builds trust and transparency in the food business and also protects the public health by regulating food related operations. It is also a legal requirement for operating any food related business in India, whether big or small.
Benefits and Advantages
- Legal Authorization & Business Legitimacy: FSSAI licence is a legal mandate that gives an authenticity to your food business as per the food safety standard regulations of India. It allows you to operate your business without the fear of penalties or business suspension.
- Builds Consumer Trust & Brand Reputation: An FSSAI licence improves your brand credibility, as the consumers are more likely to trust and choose those food products and services that are certified for safety and hygiene.
- Facilitates Expansion & Investment: Licenced businesses find it easier to attract investors, expand operations across states and partner with reputed suppliers and distributors.
- Access to Government Schemes & Subsidies: Food businesses with an FSSAI licence can benefit from various government schemes, including startup incentives and food export approvals.
- Easy Compliance & Industry Recognition: Holding an FSSAI licence ensures your business is registered in the national database, making it easier to comply with laws, secure loans and participate in food tenders or online marketplaces.
Eligibility Criteria
FSSAI registration or licence is required by:
- All food manufacturers, processors, packers and transporters.
- Food traders and wholesalers.
- Restaurants, hotels, catering businesses.
- Online food businesses, cloud kitchens, tiffin services.
- Food importers/exporters.
- Retailers and food vending units.
The type of licence depends on annual turnover and operational scale:
- Basic Registration: Turnover up to ₹12 lakhs/year.
- State Licence: Turnover between ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores/year.
- Central Licence: Turnover above ₹20 crores/year or businesses involved in import/export.
Documents Required
- Passport-sized photograph of the applicant.
- KYC Documents of the applicant (Email id, Mobile No. PAN, Aadhaar, Voter id, Bank Statement etc.)
- Business address proof (rent agreement, electricity bill).
- Form B – completed and signed.
- Food safety management plan (for manufacturers).
- List of food products or items to be dealt with.
- Proof of business registration (Company/LLP/Shop & Establishment).
- Import/export code (for importers/exporters).
- Layout plan (for manufacturers and processors).
- NOC from the municipality or local body (if applicable).
Steps for Getting Registration
- Determine the Licence Type: Identify whether you need Basic, State or Central licence based on your business model and turnover.
- Document Preparation: Collect and organize all the necessary documents.
- Online Application Filing: Submit the application via the FSSAI official portal (https://foscos.fssai.gov.in).
- Fee Payment: Pay the prescribed government fee based on your licence type.
- Inspection (if applicable): An FSSAI official may inspect your premises, especially for State and Central licences.
- Licence Approval & Issuance: After verification, your FSSAI licence is issued within the stipulated timeline.
- Renewal: Licences are valid for 1 to 5 years and must be renewed before expiry.
Penalties
- Operating Without License Operating without an FSSAI licence can attract a fine up to ₹5 lakhs and imprisonment up to 6 months.
- False Information Providing false information can lead to cancellation of the licence.
- Non-Compliance Non-compliance with food safety standards can attract penalties ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakhs.
- Repeated Violations Continued non-compliance may result in licence suspension or permanent cancellation.
Timelines
Basic Registration
Typically, the basic registration of FSSAI licence takes around 2 to 3 working days, depending on document readiness and government processing time.
State Licence
The state licence takes around 15 to 20 working days, depending on document readiness and government processing time.
Central Licence
The central licence takes around 25 to 30 working days, depending on document readiness and government processing time.
Timelines may vary depending on document verification and government approvals.
Fee
Frequently Asked Questions
Because every great business starts with the right answers.
Yes, even home-based food businesses must obtain Basic Registration under FSSAI.
You can choose validity from 1 to 5 years and it must be renewed before expiry.
No, each outlet must have a separate licence or registration, unless a Central Licence is obtained for head office managing multiple units.
No. All online food businesses, including those on Swiggy, Zomato or own platforms, must be FSSAI registered.
You must renew it before the expiry date. Delayed renewals may attract penalties and legal action.
You can check the status on the FSSAI’s FoSCoS portal using your application reference number.
Not always. For basic registration, inspection is generally not required, but for State or Central licences, it may be mandatory.
In case of death of the licence holder, legal heirs can apply for transfer. Otherwise, licences are non-transferable.
Yes, businesses involved in repackaging or relabelling must obtain a licence from FSSAI.
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Anil Yadav
Shaperz India Grain Private Limited
“From FSSAI to Trade License, Lawfinity handled all our approvals efficiently. One-stop solution for all licensing needs.”
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