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Every food business in India—be it a small street vendor or a major manufacturer—is legally obligated to obtain FSSAI registration and a valid food license through the online process. This is essential to ensure food safety and build consumer confidence. Whether you’re producing, processing, packaging, distributing, or selling food, FSSAI registration is mandatory. This applies to all—from home-based food startups and established restaurants to food importers. Non-compliance with FSSAI regulations can result in hefty fines or even the shutdown of the business.
FSSAI registration is the fundamental licensing requirement mandated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for all food business operators (FBOs). It serves as a key regulatory step to ensure the quality and safety of food products, including manufactured goods, freshly prepared items, health supplements, proprietary foods, novel foods, packaged items, and food ingredients.
Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, FSSAI functions as the central authority to enforce food safety laws across India. It ensures that food businesses follow standardized safety practices to reduce the risk of contamination and promote public health.
Every FBO must obtain the appropriate food license to operate legally. Upon successful registration, businesses receive an FSSAI license that authorizes safe and hygienic practices in food production, storage, and distribution. This license not only protects consumer interests but also enhances brand credibility and trust.
Legal Desk India simplifies the FSSAI registration process by offering expert assistance from start to finish. Our team ensures a smooth, error-free online application experience, helping your food business stay fully compliant with all legal requirements—quickly and efficiently.
This Act led to the establishment of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to regulate food safety and standards across the country. Under its provisions, FSSAI registration is mandatory for all businesses engaged in the manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, or sale of food products.
As per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, all food business operators in India are required to obtain FSSAI registration. Whether you’re a retailer, wholesaler, manufacturer, e-commerce seller, distributor, or transporter of food products, securing an FSSAI license is mandatory. Upon successful registration, businesses are issued a unique food license number, which serves as official authorization to operate. Food business owners can conveniently complete the FSSAI registration process online through Legal Desk India, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
FSSAI registration or license is compulsory for every individual or entity engaged in food-related activities, regardless of the scale or nature of operations. This requirement applies to a wide range of food business operators, including:
No matter the size of the business, FSSAI compliance is essential to ensure food safety and operate legally in India.
To obtain a food license under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), individuals or entities must meet specific eligibility criteria based on the type and scale of their food business. The FSSAI offers three categories of registration or licenses—Basic Registration, State License, and Central License—each determined by the business’s annual turnover and scope of operations.
For small-scale or petty food businesses
Annual turnover: Up to ₹12 lakhs
Applicable for:
Small food vendors
Homemade food sellers
Cottage industries
Hawkers and small retailers
For medium-sized food businesses
Annual turnover: Above ₹12 lakhs and up to ₹20 crores
Applicable for:
Medium-scale manufacturers
Food processors
Storage units, transporters, distributors, and retailers operating within a single state
For large food businesses or those operating in multiple states
Annual turnover: Above ₹20 crores
Applicable for:
Large manufacturers and importers
Exporters of food products
Businesses operating in more than one state
Units operating at airports, seaports, or under central government agencies
Before applying for FSSAI registration or license, it is essential to gather all required information and documentation to avoid delays or rejection. Here’s a checklist to help food business operators (FBOs) ensure they meet the basic requirements for a smooth and successful application process.
Valid Documents
Prepare essential documentation, including:
Government-issued identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
Address proof of the business premises
Passport-sized photographs of the applicant and key personnel
Food Business Type
Clearly define your food business activity:
Manufacturing
Retail
Catering
Storage
Distribution
Home-based food operations
Turnover Bracket
Determine your annual turnover to select the correct license type:
Basic Registration: Up to ₹12 lakhs
State License: ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores
Central License: Above ₹20 crores
Business Address
Ensure you have a fixed and verifiable business location—this is crucial for license issuance and possible FSSAI inspections.
FSSAI Compliance Practices
Understand and implement required food safety and hygiene practices as per FSSAI standards to increase approval chances and ensure smooth operations.
ecuring an FSSAI registration or license offers more than just legal compliance—it adds credibility and long-term value to your food business. Here are some of the key advantages.
Legal Recognition
Grants your food business official authorization to operate, ensuring compliance with food safety laws and protecting you from legal penalties.
Business Expansion
Eases entry into new markets, retail chains, and collaborations by demonstrating your commitment to food safety standards.
Use of FSSAI Logo
Empowers you to showcase the trusted FSSAI logo on your products, strengthening brand credibility and boosting consumer confidence.
Consumer Trust
Reassures customers that your food products meet strict quality and safety benchmarks, helping you build loyalty and a positive reputation.
Access to Finance and Investors
Enhances your chances of obtaining business loans, funding, and investor support, as licensed businesses are viewed as more reliable and compliant.
In India, every food business must obtain an FSSAI license or registration based on its scale of operations, annual turnover, and geographical reach. Choosing the correct type is essential for compliance and smooth functioning.
| License Type | Turnover Criteria | Scale of Operations | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Up to ₹12 lakhs per annum | Small-scale food businesses, petty vendors | Local/State Food Safety Dept. |
| State License | ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores per annum | Medium-sized manufacturers, restaurants, food processors operating within one state | State Food Safety Authority |
| Central License | Above ₹20 crores per annum or interstate operations | Large manufacturers, multi-state businesses, importers/exporters, government suppliers | Central Food Safety Authority |
To apply for FSSAI registration or license, food business operators must submit essential documents that validate their identity, business authenticity, and adherence to food safety norms. The exact documentation may vary based on whether you’re applying for Basic Registration, State License, or Central License.
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 valid document proving the legal existence of your business.
Address Proof:
Acceptable documents include a rent agreement, utility bill, or property ownership papers. Proof of ownership or a rental agreement for the food premises is mandatory.
Food Safety Plan:
A document detailing your food safety and hygiene practices. This is especially required for specific categories of food businesses and higher license types.
To obtain FSSAI registration, you must also submit the following additional documents, including:
Supporting documents such as declaration forms
List of food products or food categories to be handled
Detailed description of food business activities
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the municipal authority
Copy of improvement notice, if previously issued by FSSAI
Annual return (mandatory for manufacturers)
Getting FSSAI registration or a food license in India is a straightforward yet crucial process for ensuring legal compliance and maintaining food safety standards. Below are the key steps involved.
Choose the Appropriate License Type
Determine whether your business needs a Basic Registration, State License, or Central License based on your annual turnover, business scale, and geographic reach.
Prepare Required Documents
Collect all necessary documents including:
Government-issued identity proof
Business registration certificate
Address proof of business premises
Food safety management plan (if applicable)
Submit Application (Form A or Form B)
Use Form A for Basic Registration (for small-scale food businesses)
Use Form B for State or Central License (for medium to large-scale operations)
Pay the Government Fees
Pay the applicable license fee online.
The fee depends on the type of license and the validity period (1 to 5 years)
Verification and Inspection (if applicable)
For State and Central licenses, the licensing authority may conduct a site inspection
Inspection is usually completed within 7–15 working days
Receive FSSAI Registration Certificate
After approval, you will receive the FSSAI license/registration certificate digitally
Processing time typically ranges from 7 to 30 working days, depending on license type and inspection results
FSSAI registration fees depend on the type of license and the validity period, which can range from 1 to 5 years. The government fee structure is designed to be affordable for small businesses, with higher charges applied to larger, more complex food operations.
| FSSAI License Type | Government Fee (₹) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | ₹100 per year | 1 to 5 years |
| State License | ₹2,000 per year | 1 to 5 years |
| Central License | ₹7,500 per year | 1 to 5 years |
Note: If you use our professional service, the fee will be extra.
SSAI licenses are issued for a duration of 1 to 5 years, depending on the validity period selected by the applicant during registration. It is essential for food business operators to monitor their license expiry date to maintain continuous compliance and avoid legal interruptions in business operations.
When to Apply for Renewal:
FSSAI license renewal applications should be submitted at least 30 days before the expiry date to avoid legal issues or disruption in business operations.
Late Renewal Penalty:
Failing to renew the license on time may result in a late fee penalty. Additionally, operating without a valid license can attract fines, legal action, or even suspension under food safety regulations.
Importance of Timely FSSAI License Renewal
Renewing your FSSAI license on time provides several key benefits that help your food business remain legally compliant and trusted by consumers. Early renewal ensures that your operations continue smoothly, without facing legal penalties or financial disruptions.
FSSAI Registration is a legal requirement for all food business operators (FBOs) in India, as mandated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This regulation ensures that every entity involved in the manufacture, storage, distribution, or sale of food complies with prescribed safety and hygiene standards. As per Section 32 of the Act, designated authorities are empowered to issue Improvement Notices to businesses that fail to meet these standards. Continued non-compliance or operating without a valid FSSAI license can result in serious legal consequences, including heavy fines, suspension, or even cancellation of the license. Such violations not only risk business closure but can also permanently damage a brand’s reputation. Below is a detailed overview of the penalties imposed for non-compliance under the Act.
| Sl.No | Particulars | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Food quality not up to the act’s standards | ₹2 Lakh (Petty manufacturer – ₹25,000/-) |
| 2 | Sub-standard food | ₹5 Lakh |
| 3 | Misbranded Food | ₹3 Lakh |
| 4 | False description or deceptive advertising | ₹10 Lakh |
| 5 | Extraneous matter in food | ₹1 Lakh |
| 6 | Disregard for the food safety officer’s instructions | ₹2 Lakh |
| 7 | Unhygienic processing or manufacture | ₹1 Lakh |
Note: If you use our professional service, the fee will be extra.
Choosing the right legal partner is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free FSSAI registration process. Among the top FSSAI consultants in India, Legal Desk India has earned the trust of thousands of food business operators by offering end-to-end support tailored to meet regulatory requirements. With a deep understanding of food safety laws and a streamlined approach, Legal Desk India ensures that your application is accurate, compliant, and processed quickly.
From document preparation to final license issuance, we take care of the entire FSSAI registration process, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely submission—so you can focus on running your food business without worrying about missing any critical legal requirements.
With a team of highly experienced FSSAI consultants in India, we provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific business type and operational needs. Our experts ensure that you receive accurate, up-to-date advice, helping you navigate the registration process smoothly and stay fully compliant with all regulatory requirements.
With a team of highly experienced FSSAI consultants across India, we offer personalized, end-to-end guidance designed to match your business type, scale, and operational model. Our experts stay updated with the latest regulatory changes to provide accurate, business-specific advice, ensuring you navigate the FSSAI registration process with ease and maintain full compliance at every step.
Legal Desk India offers high-quality legal services at competitive prices, making expert support easily accessible for startups, small businesses, and large enterprises alike. Our cost-effective solutions ensure that businesses of all sizes can achieve full legal compliance without compromising on professionalism or reliability.
With over 18,000 verified reviews from clients across India, Legal Desk India has become a trusted name for legal and compliance services. Backed by 4.5+ star ratings on platforms like Google and Trustpilot, our strong reputation reflects the reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction we consistently deliver.
No, GST registration is not mandatory for obtaining an FSSAI license. However, you may need to obtain GST registration separately if your business turnover crosses the prescribed threshold under GST law.
FSSAI Certificate Costs vary by license type: Basic Registration ~₹100/year, State License ~₹2,000/year, Central License ~₹7,500/year, plus optional service fees.
FSSAI offers three types of certifications based on a food business’s annual turnover and operational scale
The turnover limits for different types of FSSAI registration are as follows:
Basic Registration: For businesses with an annual turnover up to ₹12 lakhs
State License: For businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores
Central License: For businesses with an annual turnover above ₹20 crores or involved in multi-state operations, import/export, or large-scale food businesses