FSSAI Registration in India
Starting a food business in India—whether it’s a roadside stall, a home-based kitchen, or a large restaurant chain—requires proper licensing, and FSSAI registration is a critical legal step. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the governing body that oversees food safety and hygiene standards across the country. Anyone engaged in activities like food manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, or sale must obtain FSSAI Certificate or licensing to operate lawfully.
FSSAI issues licenses to Food Business Operators (FBOs), ensuring they adhere to defined safety protocols and quality benchmarks. The type of license or registration required depends on various factors such as the scale of the business, the type of food handling involved, and the geographical reach of operations.
Upon successful registration, businesses are issued a 14-digit FSSAI number, which must be displayed on all food packaging. This unique number allows for easier monitoring and helps verify that the product complies with national food safety standards.
Whether you’re a local street vendor, a home-based food seller, or the owner of a large food chain, Food License is mandatory for anyone involved in the food industry. This applies regardless of whether your operations are conducted online, offline, or across international borders through import and export of food products.
Every food business operator (FBO) is required to obtain one of the three types of FSSAI licenses or registrations, depending on the scale of operations and geographical coverage.
A food license becomes essential if your business involves any of the following activities:
- Procuring raw food materials
- Manufacturing or processing food items
- Distributing or transporting food
- Packaging food products
- Storing consumables
- Selling food directly to consumers or through third parties
Simply put, any individual or organization handling food—right from its origin to its final delivery to the consumer—must secure an FSSAI food license to legally and safely run their business.
1. FSSAI Basic Registration-
This is the most fundamental level of registration, suitable for small-scale food businesses.
Who needs it?
- Startups or new food business operators
- Businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs
- Small vendors, home kitchens, temporary stall owners, and local food sellers
Purpose:
Basic registration is designed to bring even the smallest players in the food industry under the umbrella of food safety compliance. It ensures that safety standards are maintained at every level—even at the grassroots.
Government fee: ₹100 per year
Validity: 1 to 5 years (renewable)
2. FSSAI State License-
This license is intended for medium-sized food businesses operating either within a single state or in more than one, depending on their turnover.
Who needs it?
- Food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹12 lakhs but not more than ₹20 crores
- Businesses with turnover less than ₹12 lakhs but operating in more than one state
- Medium-sized manufacturers, storage units, transporters, marketers, and distributors
Purpose:
The state license is required for businesses that have expanded beyond a local level and need greater regulatory oversight due to their scale and distribution network.
Government fee: Varies by state, typically ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per year
Validity: 1 to 5 years
3. FSSAI Central License
This is the highest tier of FSSAI licensing, mandatory for large-scale operations and inter-state or international food businesses.
Who needs it?
- Food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crores
- Businesses operating in multiple states
- Importers and exporters of food products
- Large food manufacturers, corporate food chains, and government agencies
Purpose:
The central license ensures strict compliance for businesses that have a wide footprint and impact. It’s crucial for businesses handling mass food production, global trade, or national distribution
Government fee: Varies by state, typically ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per year
Validity: 1 to 5 years
