India's food business is booming with daily fresh food processing, manufacturing, retailing, and distribution activities. With business boom comes the very important task of food safety, of keeping it in proper condition, and of maintaining hygiene. This is why the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) includes it as a mandatory requirement for all food businesses to have an FSSAI license or FSSAI registration according to business nature and size.
If your business is a small food cart, cloud kitchen, or export-pack food overseas, being in the right FSSAI license registration isn't just a rule to follow—it's an expression of your commitment to food safety.
What is FSSAI?
FSSAI refer to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and a self-regulated autonomous organization under the Department of Health and Family Welfare. FSSAI governs the manufacture, storage, supplying, selling, and import of food to make them safe for human consumption. All Food Business Operators (FBO) in India need to possess a valid FSSAI license or FSSAI registration before conducting business operations.
This applies to all individuals associated with the food supply chain—manufacturers, processors, wholesalers, restaurants, transporters, retailers, exporters, and importers.
Why FSSAI License is so Important?
FSSAI license or FSSAI registration does have a few benefits over legal requirement:
- Legal Requirement: FSS Act, 2006 makes it mandatory for all food business to opt for an FSSAI license registration. Non-availability of FSSAI License can lead to severe penalties or business closure.
- Consumer Trust: The FSSAI license is a logo of quality and purity, and the consumer will have trust in your brand.
- Brand Reputation: The visibility of the FSSAI logo on your packaging speaks about the brand reputation and faith in the brand, and also generates confidence among the consumers regarding food safety.
- Business Expansion: To expand your business or for starting new markets, e.g., exports, FSSAI food license registration is compulsory.
- Access to easy finance: FBOs that are licensed by FSSAI are the lender's and investor's preference as it reflects the stability and responsibility of the business.
Types of FSSAI License
Based on company size, annual turnover, and business operation location, FSSAI issues three types of licenses:
1. Basic FSSAI Registration
Appropriate for small-scale food enterprises with a turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs. Street food vendors, small eating houses, home-based caterers, and street hawkers are under this category.
2. State FSSAI License
Medium-scale food businesses with a turnover ranging from ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores. Small mid-food processors, transporters, storages, and restaurants of a single state normally avail themselves of it.
3. Central FSSAI License
The License is applicable for food business operators with a turnover of over ₹20 crores or food import/export units. It is also compulsory for units located in more than one state or establishments applying for an FSSAI export license or FSSAI manufacturing license.
The correct category must be determined before FSSAI registration to avoid rejection or delay.
Documents Required for FSSAI License Registration
Papers differ for different licenses. The following documents are typically applied for FSSAI license registration of any sort:
- Proof of applicant identity and business address
- Passport size photograph
- Proof of constitution of business (e.g., MOA/AOA, Registration Certificate, Partnership Deed)
- Proof of business address
- Food safety management plan or certificate
- Import Export Code (IEC) in the event of FSSAI export license
- NOC of local municipal authority, if needed
For manufacturing facilities, there could be some additional documents like plant layout, description of machinery, and water test report which will be required for FSSAI manufacturing license.
Procedure to Apply for FSSAI License
FSSAI license application is a step-by-step process to be completed through the concerned online portal—FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System). The following is step by step:
1. Select the Right License Type
Evaluate your business operations and turnover within the year to confirm whether you need basic FSSAI registration, central license, or state license.
2. Document Gathering
Gather all the documents as per your class of license to give hassle-free application.
3. Apply Online
Move to the FoSCoS portal and complete the online FSSAI license registration application. Provide correct information to prevent future issues.
4. Government Fees
Pay according to the category and duration of the license (1–5 years).
5. Inspection of Facility (if required)
FSSAI may, in some cases, for manufacturing units, inspect your facility before issuing the license.
6. Obtain Your License
After successful verification, the license is published online. You may download your online FSSAI license from the portal.
Conclusion
FSSAI license is the backbone of every food enterprise in India. It's not compliance with law—it's creating a brand on which the consumer trusts. FSSAI registration adds infinite value to your organization by rendering your food items of the best possible safety level.
SKMC Global help you select the appropriate category of license—basic, state, or central—based on your business needs. Our experts help in document preparation and attestation for trouble-free filing within deadline. We complete the entire process of online filing with ease and professionalism. Easy inspections and clarifications by FSSAI authorities are also facilitated by SKMC. SKMC offers end-to-end service for FSSAI manufacturing and export licenses for manufacturers and exporters. Whether you own a food export business or small home-based operation, we assist you in availing quicker and convenient compliance. Let the FSSAI registration process be handled by professionals at SKMC Global.