Check FSSAI License Applicability Avail Free Consultation with us
FSSAI Registration or License, whether the state licence or Central License, applies to every food business operator (FBO). Call us to know the applicability of FSSAI Registration or License to your food business.
Pradeep Vallat
Founder "Autonomo""Setindiabiz’s knowledgeable, disciplined, and organized team made our company registration, tax, and IPR filings smooth, hassle-free, and worry-free."
Setindiabiz is Trusted By Leading Brands
FSSAI must have the data of the businesses who are dealing in the food to ensure compliance with the set standards by the FBO. Thus, every food business operator(FBO), whether small or large, needs to either register themselves with FSSAI or procure a licence before starting the food business or related enterprise. The food licenses are of two types one is a state license, and the other is a central license. The state license is provided by state authorities, whereas the central licensing unit of FSSAI controls the Central Licence.
It is essential to know whether the FBO needs just registration or a central/state licence for its business. Typically, all small food business operators who are not doing any manufacturing or processing and having an annual turnover of less than 12 lacs and are carrying business in one state only need to seek FSSAI Registration. In contrast, the Other food business operator needs to procure a licence. A detailed description of the eligibility is discussed in the eligibility section of this page.
Even NGOs involved in distribution of surplus food or Temples organising langar or bhandara,offering prashad need FSSAI License or Registration as per their eligibility criteria.
Manufacturer of Food Products (FBO)
Each step involves converting raw material derived from natural sources like agriculture produce, livestock, earth, air etc. For intermediate or final consumption is called manufacture or processing. The process includes procurement, receipt, preparation, Manufacturing/processing, packaging, storage, distribution & transportation of food products.
FBO having a manufacturing/processing unit means a person/entity which owns or operates an establishment that manufactures or processes a food product. It includes contract manufacturers, contract packers and other entities that manufacture or process a food product. FoSCoS has further classified the food manufacturing/Processing unit in the below categories:
Vegetable Oil And Processing Units
Vegetable oil processing and refining results in the vegetable oil, extraction of solvents/expeller from the vegetables
Slaughtering Units
Slaughtering means transporting, stunning, butchering, dressing, processing, storing & distributing of live animals/poultry birds.
Meat Processing Units
Processing, packaging, storing & transportation of meat & meat products of slaughtered animals/poultry birds. It also includes Fish Processing, handling, manufacturing of fish products, packing, storing, distribution & transportation.
Food Or Health Supplements And Nutraceuticals Etc
As per Food Safety and Standards (Food or Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Foods for Special Dietary Uses, Foods for Specialised Medical Purposes, Functional Foods, and Novel Food) Regulations, 2016
General Manufacturing
Repacking means packing food products into different sizes with labelling after minimal processing like sorting, grading, sieving, etc., from the wholesale food packages.
Proprietary Food
Proprietary Food means a food article that has not been standardised under the FSSAI Regulations. However, it does not include novel foods, foods for special dietary uses, foods for particular medical purposes, functional foods, nutraceuticals, health supplements and other food articles.
Non-specified food and food ingredients
Though the FSSAI standards apply to almost all food articles, however ther are food articles apart from the proprietary Food or Food ingredients, such as additives, processing aids and enzymes for which the FSSAI has not come up with standards. The FBO dealing in these kinds of food articles must apply for product approval under FSSAI (Approval of non-specified food and food ingredients) Regulations. The licenses for non-specific food items and food ingredients are dealt with by the FSSAI at their headquarter in Delhi.
Substances Added to Food
Substances added to Food means Food Additives, Enzymes and their preparations, Source, Flavouring agents and their preparations, Processing Aids, Nutrients and their preparations, Microorganisms and Microbial Preparations & Functional Ingredients added to Food as specified under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations.
FBO as Traders (Wholesaler or Retailers)
Trading FBO is a person or entity which deals in manufactured/processed food but is not directly involved in the manufacturing/processing of food. FoSCoS has further classified food FBO as Trader in the below categories:
Cold Storage (For Refrigerated or Frozen Foods)
This includes the storage facilities having a facility to maintain controlled temperature, suitable for safe storage of food articles in frozen or refrigerated stage, for its further sale or supply in the usual trade.
Cold Storage (Not For Refrigerated or Frozen Foods)
The Cold Storage facility is commonly used to warehousing the food products in packed or unpacked condition at a controlled temperature. This is generally used to store dry commodities & agricultural produce, where the concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen, temperature and humidity are regulated.
Wholesaler
The wholesaler is an FBO that typically buys the food products in bulk and sells them to small retailers or resellers for further sale to the end-user.
Distributor
The distributors are those food business operators appointed by the manufacturers of food products to sell the products through an established sales network of wholesalers and retailers.
Supplier
In the supply chain of the food products, suppliers play a very significant role in carrying out the supplies to the consumer based on the specific requirement raised by such consumer.
Marketer
Marketing (Self) means promoting the food product of a brand in the market which the self owns. Marketing (Third Party) means promoting the food product of a brand in the market that the self does not own.
Transporters
Transportation is an activity of transporting food products (both packed and bulk) from one location to another in vehicles/containers, including specialized vehicles like insulated refrigerated van/ wagon, oil/milk tankers etc.
Retailer
Retail is an activity where food products are procured from a manufacturer, distributor or wholesaler and sold to the ultimate end user.
Food Vending Agencies
Agencies engaged in selling packaged or fresh food from a temporary or fixed stall/cart/ machine by an individual or through automated vending machines.
FBO as Food Service Providers:
The FBO which is engaged in providing food services whether at its premises or at the premises of clients by way of selling or serving prepared food including the raw food and beverages falls in the category of Food service provider. FoSCoS has further classified food FBO as Food Service Providers is as under :
Hawker (Itinerant / Mobile food vendor)
Selling packaged or freshly prepared food by travelling (usually on foot or movable carts) from one location to another.
Restaurants
Restaurant is a type of food service operation which prepares, serves food and drinks to customers in exchange for money. Meals are generally served and eaten on the premises, but many restaurants also offer take-out and food delivery services, and some offer only take-out and delivery.
Club/Canteen
Food Service Establishment involved in preparation and serving of food for consumption of a group of individuals working or visiting offices of railways.
Caterer
Food Service Establishment involved in preparation and serving of food for consumption of a group of individuals working or visiting offices of railways.
Supplier
In the supply chain of the food products, suppliers play a very significant role in carrying out the supplies to the consumer based on the specific requirement raised by such consumer.
Hotel
Hotel is a commercial establishment providing lodging, meals, and other guest services.In general, to be called a hotel, an establishment must have a minimum of six letting bedrooms, at least three of which must have attached (ensuite) private bathroom facilities
Food Vending Establishment
FBO which sell packaged/fresh food from a temporary or fixed stall/cart/ machine by an individual or by automation come in the category of food vending establishment. The different types of food vending establishment are as under:
- Dhaba: Food service establishment generally located near roadside/highway involved in processing, storing, packaging and selling of food to customers for consumption.
- Boarding Houses Serving Food: A building providing food and lodging for paying guest.
- Banquet Halls with food catering arrangements: A specified area such as hall which is used for the purpose of hosting parties/ceremonies involved in preparation and serving of food to customers for consumption.
- Home Based Canteens/ Dabbawalas: An individual or establishment involved in distribution of packed meals (usually packed lunch) from food service establishments such as home based caterers or restaurants to customers.
- Permanent/ Temporary Stall Holder: A stand /booth /compartment /small covered area being used for preparation and /or sale of freshly prepared or packaged food for consumption. This structure may be temporary or permanent (fixed).
- Food stalls/ Arrangements in religious gatherings/ fairs etc: A stand/booth/compartment/small covered area being used for preparation and /or sale or distribution of freshly prepared or packaged food being offered as prasad in a religious institution.
Our Professional Fee For FSSAI Registration of License
Fssai Registration ₹2,999/-
Fssai State License ₹8,499/-
Fssai Central License ₹11,999/-
Legal Provisions Relating to FSSAI
The Law: Section 31 of The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, provides for Licensing and registration of food businesses. Before starting a Food Business, every person is required to register themselves or obtain a State or Central License under the FSSAI. The applicable regulation is the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation, 2011.
FoSCoS: Recently, FSSAI has launched a Food Safety and Compliance System (FoSCoS) to replace the earlier Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS). Food Safety and Compliance System (FoSCoS) is a cloud-based, upgraded food safety compliance online platform. FoSCoS will be a one-point platform that will enable a data-driven regulatory approach across the country. FoSCoS will be offering licensing, registration, inspection, and annual return modules. The said system is launched with the view of One Nation, One Food Law. The benefits of a centralised law, rules, and regulations are as follows:
- It ensures globally benchmarked food standards and practices.
- Ensures consistency in enforcement
- Foster management in food testing with standardised testing methods and protocols
Term & Renewal: The FSSAI Registration or the Licence is location-specific and is term-bound. FBO could apply for registration or a license at a particular location for a term of one year to five years, depending upon the choice. The government for FSSAI Registration or License will vary as per the term chosen by the FBO while making the relevant application. As the FSSAI Registration or License is valid only until the term for which it is granted, the renewal application must be filed before the expiry of the validity. If the renewal is not done within the time, the applicants need to file a new application for registration or a license for their food business. Further, the FBO engaged in the Manufacturing and Importing of Food Products needs to file returns with FSSAI regarding each class of food products handled by such FBO during the previous financial year.
FDI Business
100% FDI is allowed in India’s food manufacturing and food processing sectors under the automatic approval route. No prior permission for FDI is required in India to set up a food manufacturing or food processing unit. Our startup team shall help you with the formation of a company with foreign investment. However, for retail and e-commerce businesses, the FDI is also permitted up to 100%. However, under the approval route. The concerned ministry grants approval for the FDI in retail and e-commerce on a case-by-case basis.
100% FDI Under Automatic Route
- Manufacturing
- Food Processing
100% FDI Under Approval Route
What is an FSSAI License and Registration
Any Food Business Operator (FBO) engaged in activities related to any stage of food-related business needs to apply for registration/ licence based on its eligibility criteria on the online portal named FoSCoS. No FBO could start its food business without a Food Registration/Licence. It is a mandatory requirement under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The following activities relating to the Food Business are covered under FSSAI.
| Manufacturing | Storage | Distribution of Food | Catering Services |
| Processing | Transportation | Import & Export | Sale of Food |
| Packaging | Trading | Food Services | Sale of Food Ingredients |
Difference between Food Licence and Food Registration
| S.No. | Food Registration | Food Licence |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | It is required by petty food manufacturers or the FBO having a turnover of less than Rs 12 Lakhs, unless the FBO is covered under mandatory licensing. | It is typically required for businesses having a turnover of more than 12 lacs or by the FBO engaged in food processing and manufacturing. |
| 2. | The government fee for registration is Rs 100 for each financial year. | The government fee for a food licence ranges from Rs 2000 to 5000 Per Annum for a State licence and Rs 7,500/-Per Annum for the Central Licence. |
| 3. | FSSAI registration number also carries 14 digits in it, but the first digits start with 2. | FSSAI licence carries 14 digits in it, wherein the first digit starts with 1 |
| 4. | Food Registration. It is always granted by the State Licensing Authority | It is granted by the state licensing authorities in the case of a State licence and the central licensing authority in the case of a Central Licence. |
Applicability of FSSAI Registration/License
Every Food Business Operator needs to seek either registration or a licence from the food department. The applicant’s eligibility for food registration and the licence is determined based on turnover, production capacity, nature of business and area of operation cumulatively. Even if an FBO falls in the category of registration as per turnover, its nature makes it eligible for licences. The FBO has to apply for a licence (State/Central Licence).
FSSAI Applicability Based on Turnover : Turnover of an entity makes it big or small. A petty manufacturer who manufactures or sells any article of food, or a stallholder, petty retailer, hawker, itinerant vendor or temporary stallholder or small-scale or cottage industry, or other industries relating to food business or a tiny food business operator, requires registration only. Apart from the criteria to determine the eligibility of a food business operator to procure registration/licence on the basis of turnover, if FBO is not in manufacturing/ Processing Kind of Businesses, is as follows:
| Type of License | Applicability Based on Turnover |
|---|---|
| FSSAI Registration | FSSAI Registration is applicable if the annual turnover of the FBO is less than Rs. 12 Lakhs |
| State License | FBO led to seek a state licence if the annual turnover is more than 12 lakhs but less than 20 crores |
| Central License | The central licence is required if the annual turnover is more than 20 crores, except for transporters. In the case of Transporters, the central licence is required if turnover is more than Rs. 30 Crores per annum. |
FSSAI Applicability Based on Production Capacity: FBO deals with or manufactures different types of food items. Some foods are highly priced, whereas other food items are basic and are reasonably priced at affordable rates. The turnover cannot be the correct method to determine the applicability of registration /licences of the FBO, so the assessment of the FBO for registration/licencing requirements is also done based on its production capacity. The criteria to determine the eligibility of a food business operator to procure registration/licence based on production capacity are as follows:
| Type of License | Applicability Based on Production Capacity |
|---|---|
| FSSAI Registration |
|
| State License |
|
| Central License |
|
FSSAI Applicability Based on Area of Operation: The Turnover of an entity makes it big or small. A petty manufacturer who manufactures or sells any article of food, or a stallholder, petty retailer, hawker, itinerant vendor or temporary stallholder or small-scale or cottage industry, or other industries relating to food business or a tiny food business operator, requires registration only. Apart from the criteria to determine the eligibility of a food business operator to procure registration/licence on the basis of turnover, if FBO is not in manufacturing/ Processing Kind of Businesses, is as follows:
| Type of License | Applicability Based on the Area of Operation |
|---|---|
| FSSAI Registration | A petty manufacturer who himself manufactures or sells any article of food can do business at one location only and thus requires registration with the concerned food authority. |
| State License | Suppose FBO is operating within the state, and its limit does exceed the turnover and production capacity enumerated above for the central licence. In that case, it requires a state licence or registration at each location at which it carries out its food activity. In simple words, if an FBO has ten outlets in a state, it will require ten state licenses or registrations based on its turnover and/or production capacity, i.e., a separate state license or registration for each location. |
| Central License | FBO carrying business in more than one state needs to apply for the central license in the state in which its head office is located |
FSSAI Applicability Based on Nature of Business: The application of a licence /registration also depends on the nature of business. These are summarised in the table below:
| Type of License | Applicability Based on Nature of Business |
|---|---|
| FSSAI Registration | Registration is required for Petty Milkman and Milk Vendors. A producer of milk who is a registered member of a dairy Cooperative Society registered under the Cooperative Societies Act and supplies or sells the entire milk to the Society does not require registration with FSSAI |
| State License | All Cereals, Grains, units of Pulses Milling without any limit on Production capacity require a state FSSAI licence |
| Central License | Irrespective of the turnover, production capacity and area of operation, the following food businesses require the central licence:
|
Other Categories of FBO
Through most of the food business operators are well covered under the above description of FBO, there are other categories of the food business, that also comes under the preview of FSSAI and are subject to applicable provisions of the FSSAI, following are the other kinds of the FBO to which FSSAI Applies.
Import or Export by Food Business Operator (FBO)
- Importer: Import of food means bringing to the domestic market from a foreign country in the course of trade food products including food ingredients and additives for food.
- Exporters: FBO as an exporter means an individual or an entity sending an Exporter FBO who sends food products including food ingredients and additives for food to the foreign country in course of trade. The exports are further classified in below categories:
- 100 % Export Oriented units
- Trader / Merchant
- Manufacturer
Mid-Day Meal
It is a government designed and supported scheme launched nationwide for school age children in order to provide them better nutrition. This scheme provides for free lunches on working days for school going children supported under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, and National Child Labour Project schools run by the ministry of labour. There are two categories of FBO’s under this scheme as mentioned below:
- Importer: Import of food means bringing to the domestic market from a foreign country in the course of trade food products including food ingredients and additives for food.
- Exporters: FBO as an exporter means an individual or an entity sending an Exporter FBO who sends food products including food ingredients and additives for food to the foreign country in course of trade. The exports are further classified in below categories:
- Caterer: Caterers are those FBO which prepares and transport food to educational institutions under Midday meal scheme.
- Canteen: Canteen or Cafeteria is located inside the institution covered under a mid day meal scheme to serve food to individuals associated with or visiting the institution. They may prepare food in the premises or procure the food from another location or source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any FBO carrying food business needs to register itself with FSSAI by applying through the online portal of FOSCoS.
Food Safety and standards Authority of India issues FSSAI License and Registration through its licensing at the central and state level.These licensing authorities have designated officers for grant of licence /registration in compliance with the procedure laid down under FOOD SAFETY AND STANDARDS (LICENSING AND REGISTRATION OF FOOD BUSINESSES), REGULATIONS 2011.
No, a single licence / Registration will be sufficient to deal in different food products as you are caring business from the same premises. The food licence /Registration is location specific not food specific, meaning thereby if you have ten outlets of a single food product say ice cream in Delhi,you need to procure licence /registration for each outlet based on its turnover.
No, there is no provision of a common licence for all the units located in different States. The food licence is premise-specific. The golden rule is “One premise, one licence”.The FBO need to choose one place as its principal place of business/head office, and for that place, it needs to apply for a Central licence for all other units. It needs to apply for a Central or state licence or registration certificate, as per the eligibility criteria of each unit in that particular state.
An FBO cannot manufacture or process food products that are not mentioned in the Licence. So, before starting any manufacturing or processing of food items, you need to check whether it falls in the food category for which a licence is granted, and if not, you need to file for modification. Once the licence is duly modified as per the desired food category, you can start the business with the same.
The government fee for a licence /registration will vary as per the term for which an application for a food licence/registration is made. A FBO may choose a maximum term of five years as a validity period at the time of making an application for a food licence/registration. Government fee for Food licence and registration is as follows:
- Food Registration- Rs 100 p.a.
- State Licence- Rs 2000 to Rs 5000 p.a, depending on the production capacity of a processing/ manufacturing food unit; in all other cases, the fee is Rs 2000 p.a
- Central Licence- Rs 7500/- p.a
