FSSAI Registration Online: Apply for Food License in India

Criteria for FSSAI Basic Registration

• FSSAI Basic registration is for small-scale or petty food business operators.
• This category covers home-based food entrepreneurs, small vendors, local tea stalls, and small retailers who operate on a limited scale.
• The turnover criteria is upto ₹12 lakhs per annum

Criteria for FSSAI State License

• FSSAI State License is applicable to medium-sized food businesses.
• This covers businesses typically including mid-level manufacturers, food processors, restaurants, and caterers operating within a single state.
• The turnover criteria for state license is ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores per annum

Criteria for FSSAI Central License

• FSSAI Central Licenseis mandatory for large food businesses and those engaged in import and export of food products.
• It also applies to food businesses operating in multiple states or supplying food to government institutions such as railways, airports, and defense.
• The turnover criteria for central license should be more than ₹20 crores per annum or interstate operations

FSSAI Registration Checklist:

• Valid Documents: Ensure you have government-issued identity proof, address proof of the business, and passport-sized photographs of the applicant and key personnel
• Food Business Type: Identify the nature of your food business, whether it’s manufacturing, retail, catering, storage, distribution, or a home-based operation
• Turnover Bracket: Know your annual turnover to determine whether you need basic registration, state license, or central license
• Business Address: Have a fixed and verifiable business location, which is essential for license issuance and inspections
• FSSAI Compliance Practices: Be aware of and implement food safety and hygiene practices as per FSSAI guidelines to ensure eligibility and smooth approval.

Commonly Required FSSAI Registration Documents:

• Photo ID Proof: Government-issued identification such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, or voter ID of the applicant
• Business Registration Proof: Certificate of incorporation, partnership deed, or any other document proving your business’s legal existence
• Address Proof: Valid proof of your business premises such as rent agreement, utility bills, or property ownership documents, Rental agreement or proof of ownership for food premises.
• Food Safety Plan: A document outlining your food safety management practices, required mainly for certain license types and food business categories.
• To obtain FSSAI registration: you must also require to submit the following required documents, including:
  1. Supporting documents like declaration forms
  2. List of food products or food category
  3. Details of food business activities
  4. NOC from the municipal corporation
  5. Improvement notice, if previously issued
  6. Annual return for manufacturers
  

Steps for FSSAI License Registration

• Choose the Appropriate License Type
  Check whether your business requires Basic Registration, State License, or Central License based on your turnover, scale, and operational reach
• Prepare Required Documents
  Gather all necessary documents such as identity proof, business registration proof, address proof, and food safety plans (if applicable)
• Submit Application (Form A or Form B)
  1. Fill and submit Form A for Basic Registration (small-scale businesses)
  2. Fill and submit Form B for State and Central License applications.
• Pay the Government Fees
  The fee varies according to the license type and validity period (usually 1 to 5 years). Complete the payment online during the application submission
• Verification and Inspection (if applicable)
  For State and Central Licenses, the concerned authority may conduct a physical inspection of your premises within 7–15 working days.
• Receive FSSAI Registration Certificate
  Once the application is approved, you will receive your FSSAI registration/license certificate digitally, typically within 7–30 working days depending on the license type and inspection.