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IndianTaxPert — Simplifying Business Registration & Compliance in India | Company Incorporation • LLP Formation •
Whether you require FSSAI Registration, State License, or Central License, every Food Business Operator (FBO) in India must comply with FSSAI regulations before commencing operations. Contact IndianTaxExpert to determine your eligibility and ensure full compliance.
FSSAI, or the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, is the regulatory authority ensuring the availability of safe, hygienic, and wholesome food in India. You might have noticed the FSSAI logo on packaged foods – this signifies that the product meets government-mandated safety and quality standards.
Every FBO, whether small-scale vendors, NGOs distributing surplus food, or temples offering prasad, must either register with FSSAI or obtain a license before starting food-related operations.
FDI in Food Business & FSSAI Overview
FDI in Food Business
India allows 100% FDI in food manufacturing and processing under automatic approval. Retail and e-commerce FDI is allowed up to 100% under the approval route, granted case-by-case by the concerned ministry.
- Automatic Route: Manufacturing, Food Processing
- Approval Route: Retail (including wholesale), E-commerce
What is an FSSAI License or Registration?
Any FBO engaged in manufacturing, trading, storage, processing, transportation, import/export, catering, or sale of food must obtain FSSAI registration or license.
- Manufacturing & Processing
- Storage & Distribution
- Catering & Food Services
- Transportation & Packaging
- Trading & Sale of Food Ingredients
Types of FSSAI Registration and License
| Type | Eligibility | Professional Fee | Government Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| FSSAI Registration | Turnover less than ₹12 lakh in a financial year & operates within a single state | ₹2,999/- | As per government |
| FSSAI State License | Turnover above ₹12 lakh & up to ₹20 crore (retailers) / ₹30 crore (wholesalers) | ₹8,499/- | As per government |
| FSSAI Central License | Turnover exceeds state limits or involves export | ₹11,999/- | As per government |
Legal Framework for FSSAI Registration & License
Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006
Section 31 mandates Food Business Operators (FBOs) to obtain registration or license to operate legally.
Regulations
Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation, 2011 provides detailed rules for registration, licensing, and compliance.
FoSCoS Platform
The Food Safety and Compliance System (FoSCoS) is a cloud-based platform for registration, licensing, inspection, and annual return filings.
- Global food safety standards
- Consistent enforcement across states
- Standardized food testing methods
Term & Renewal
FSSAI registration or license is valid for 1–5 years, depending on the FBO’s choice. Renewal must be applied before expiry. Manufacturing and importing FBOs must also submit annual returns for all food products handled.
Difference Between Food Registration & Food License
| Feature | Food Registration | Food License |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Small FBOs with turnover < ₹12 L | Larger FBOs or manufacturers/processors |
| Government Fee | ₹100 per year | State: ₹2,000–5,000 per year, Central: ₹7,500 per year |
| 14-Digit Number | Starts with 2 | Starts with 1 |
| Authority | State Licensing Authority | State or Central Licensing Authority |
FSSAI Applicability & FBO Categories
Applicability Criteria
FSSAI applicability depends on turnover, production capacity, nature of business, and area of operation.
- Turnover-Based Eligibility:
- FSSAI Registration: Annual turnover < ₹12 L
- State License: ₹12 L – ₹20 Cr (retailers), ₹12 L – ₹30 Cr (wholesalers)
- Central License: Turnover exceeds state limits or involves export; transporters require central license if turnover > ₹30 Cr
FBO Categories
- 1. Manufacturers/Processors: Entities converting raw agricultural or natural products into consumable food items, including contract manufacturers, packers, and processing units.
- Common Sub-Categories: Vegetable Oil Processing, Meat & Slaughter Units, Food/Nutraceuticals, Proprietary Food, General Manufacturing
- 2. Traders (Retailers/Wholesalers): Deal in manufactured/processed food without manufacturing involvement, including distributors, suppliers, cold storage operators, transporters, and retailers.
- 3. Food Service Providers: Offer prepared food or beverages at premises or client sites. Examples: Hawkers / Mobile Vendors, Restaurants / Caterers, Hotels / Clubs / Canteens, Food Vending Establishments.
- 4. Others: Importers & Exporters, Mid-Day Meal Providers, NGOs and Charitable Food Distribution.
