The FSSAI is an autonomous body that offers licenses to Food Business Operators (FBO) in India. The license can be obtained at the state level, or central level, or the applicant can opt for basic FSSAI registration for Retailers

1. Food safety is a critical concern for every individual, and the Indian government has set up the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure the safety and hygiene of the food we consume. FSSAI process of registration is mandatory for all food businesses operating in India, including retailers. Retailers who sell food items, whether packaged or unpackaged, need to obtain FSSAI registration to ensure compliance with the safety standards set by the authority. Obtaining FSSAI registration for retailers helps build consumer trust and ensures that the food items sold by the retailer are safe and of good quality.
2. Food safety plays a critical role in the health of a nation. Administering adultery-free and safe food are of great importance to have a healthier nation. It is therefore crucial that the quality check on food items is strictly carried out by the providers in the supply chain. It is the duty of the government to provide its citizens access to safe food. It was for this purpose that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established to govern and regulate the food business in India. Being an autonomous body, it is established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
3. The organisation plays a key role in regulating food safety and hygiene standards among food business operators across the country. The food retailers must duly obtain a license from FSSAI before commencing their operations. The FSSAI was constituted under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act) which is the consolidating statute that concentrates on food safety and regulation in India. The Act mandates that food producers and those establishments that pack and store food items undergo quality checks thereby curtailing the food adulteration and sale of sub-standard products. 
4. The Food Business Operators (FBO) in India should duly get registered and obtain a license from the FSSAI and abide by the rules established by the FSSAI. Furthermore, consumers have become conscious and aware of food safety and have started to check for FSSAI approval on the packages to ensure that they are consuming healthy food. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act) therefore mandates all retailers who work in the food supply chain to obtain a license under FSSAI.

Significance of FSSAI Process for Retailers:

1. The FBOs that carry out various operations such as manufacturing, processing, sale, and storage of food items, are expected to obtain an FSSAI license. It must be understood that there is a wide difference between FSSAI registration and FSSAI License. Depending upon the size and nature of the business the FBOs should opt for the required registration or license.
2. The FSSAI registration is a unique 14-digit number that is allocated for the registration or license of the FBO. The number basically reveals details about the assembling state, and producer’s permit with respect to the business. The main purpose of registration is to make FBOs more accountable for the maintenance of the quality of food products.

Types of Registration in FSSAI:

The licensing procedures of the FBOs are regulated by Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011. The licensing under FSSAI depends on the business types, turnover, and capacity of production and can be divided into three broad categories:

• Basic Registration

Various FBOs, including retailers, e-commerce, grocery store, restaurants, and others that have a turnover of less than ₹12,00,000 per annum must obtain the FSSAI’s basic registration. The applicant has to fill Form A, which is the registration form for this purpose

• State License

When the turnover of the establishment is more than ₹12,00,000 but is less than 20 crores per annum, the concerned FSSAI must procure a State License. The applicant here needs to fill out Form B to obtain an FSSAI state license in the particular state

• Central License

The establishments that have a turnover of more than 20 crores must obtain the FSSAI central license. Form B has to be filled out for this purpose. Also, FBOs that operate in multiple states have to get registered under the FSSAI Central license. The license has a validity of one year which may be extended to 5 years

Procedure for FSSAI for Retailers

• Step 1: Visit the official website, and verify which category the business would fall into. Depending upon the turnover of the business, the applicant has to opt for State License, Central License, or a Basic License
• Step 2: Click ‘Apply License/Registration Fee: Rs 100 to 7500 per year
• Step 3: The applicant is navigated to the next page wherein the option ‘Apply for License/Registration’ should be selected
• Step 4: The applicant has to select the state in which the business will operate and also the type of business from the given list and click ‘Proceed’
• Step 5: The applicant can now proceed to fill in the details required for the licensing after clicking ‘Click here to apply for State License for all businesses
•  Step 6: Fill in the required details and click ‘Save & Next’. The details of products are displayed, wherein more information on the quantity of product should be entered. Thereafter click ‘Save &Next’
• Step 7: The applicant is navigated to the next page where the information about the owner of the FBO should be given
• Step 8: A verification code is sent to the applicant’s mobile number and email ID, after entering the same, the Login ID is created
• Step 9: Log in to the FSSAI account after you have received an SMS or e-mail confirmation. It should be remembered that the account created would be available for just 30 days, after which automatic deactivation occurs. Similarly, within that time, the account owner must apply for fssai license.
• Step 10: The applicant has to give the information required after logging into the FSSAI account. It is urged that the FSSAI registration process should be finished in one go. Since the form will be deemed unfinished and will be denied otherwise. The required fee for the registration is to be deposited by the applicant
• Step 11: Create a copy of the form and take a printout of it before submitting the completed form. Holding a hard copy of the registration form is always advisable, as it might come in handy in the future
• Step 12: A reference number is given to the applicant which can be used to track the progress of the application
• Step 13: Within 7 days, the registration usually gets accepted, after which a registration certificate with the license number is issued to the applicant. If there is a rejection of the application due to some reason, the applicant will be notified about the same

1. The FSSAI plays a crucial role in regulating food safety and hence has a commendable effect on public health. FSSAI and its several components such as its operational framework, food safety guidelines, testing laboratories, etc play a cumulative role in rendering food safety for all. That being said, the entire process involved in making an application for the FSSAI license might be tedious for a business owner to handle amidst other commitments. 
2. Here at Vakilsearch, we can help you procure the FSSAI license and can also guide you in FSSAI Registration for Retailers. Our legal experts can handle all other compliance-related issues thus enabling you to establish your food outlet easily.
3. In conclusion, FSSAI registration is a vital requirement for retailers selling food items in India. By obtaining FSSAI registration, retailers can demonstrate their commitment to food safety and hygiene, which helps build trust and confidence among consumers. The registration process is simple and straightforward, and retailers can apply online through the FSSAI website. Additionally, FSSAI provides resources and guidance to retailers to help them comply with food safety regulations and maintain the quality of the food items sold. Overall, FSSAI registration is a crucial step for retailers to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and maintain the trust of their customers.

Other Related Articles

• Documents Required for the FSSAI State License
• Types of Food Licenses issued by FSSAI
• FSSAI License for Food Industry