The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) works tirelessly to ensure that food products in India are safe and of high quality. Any food business operator (FBO) who manages, operates, processes, stores, distributes, or sells food items is required to have FSSAI registration or a license. This guide explains FSSAI registration, its types, the application procedure, required documents, and the advantages of acquiring the license.

Types of FSSAI Registrations

FSSAI has categorized registrations or licenses into three classes depending on the size and type of the food business activity:

1. Basic FSSAI Registration

This type is allotted to small food businesses with a turnover upto ₹12 lakhs per annum. It includes petty retailers, hawkers, itinerant vendors, small scale manufacturers and others. The registration is easy and involves very few documents.

2. State FSSAI License

This is available for semi-large scale food businesses whose annual turnover is between ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores. This includes low to mid-level manufacturers, construction storage, transport, retail, marketing, and distribution activities.

3. Central FSSAI License

This license is for big food businesses whose turnover is above ₹20 crores or those doing business through multiple states, engaging in import and export business, or supplying food to government offices and departments.

Eligibility Criteria

• Being familiar with the eligibility criteria will aid in making an informed choice while registering or applying for a license:
  Basic Registration: Annual turnover should not exceed ₹12 lakhs.
• State License: Annual turnover should meet the criteria of ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores.

Central License: Must have an annual turnover greater than ₹20 crores or particular types of businesses such as importers, exporters, and big manufacturers.

Moreover, if a business operates in several states, it is required to have a Central License for the head office as well as each location having separate individual licenses/registrations according to their turnover and scale.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

These documents differ based on the type of registration or license issued:

1. Basic Registration:

• One (1) passport-sized picture of the applicant.
  A picture identification card issued by the Government (AADHAAR, PAN, Voter ID, etc.).

Evidence of the Business’s Premises Address (if it is different from the ID’s Address).

2. State and Central Licenses:

• All documents of Basic Registration.
• A list of food products produced or processed.
• A food processing unit blueprint or layout plan.
• A list of food processing unit equipments and machines.
• Evidence of possession of premises (for example, a rental agreement).
• A food safety management system plan/certificate documentation.
• Local municipality or panchayat No Objection Certificate (NOC)
  
  

  FSSAI Registration Process

  The process for registration with FSSAI is straightforward and completely online:
  1. Decide if you are eligible: Determine the correct registration/license type considering your company’s turnover and scale.
  2. Submission of Application:
  
  
• Visit the FoSCoS portal.
• New users should register on the portal, while old users may log directly.
• Choose the state your business operates in.
• Select the most appropriate type of business activity that is applicable (e.g, Manufacturer, Retailer).
• Complete the application form (Form A for Basic Registration; Form B for State and Central Licenses) with correct information that as provided.
  
  3. File Upload: As per your registration/license type, upload the required document files.
  4. Payment: Depending on the type and duration of the license, pay the corresponding fee.
  5. Review Application: Appropriate authorities will process the application and conduct site visits as required.
  6. Verification and Approval: In the case of successful verification, registration certificates or licenses will be issued by the FSSAI, which will contain a unique number of 14 digits.
  
  

  Benefits of FSSAI Registration

  There are multiple benefits when obtaining FSSAI registration or an issued license:
  
  Legal Advantages: Ensured compliance. No legal disputes or fines resulting from negligence.
  Consumer Faith: Increases trust and provides assurance about the safety and quality of the foods offered to customers.
  Business Development: Encourages business partnerships and entry into other countries or regions.
  Brand Awareness: Quality is enhanced with the mark of the FSSAI logo on products which aids look in brand recognition.
  Regulatory Fulfilment: Compliance with food safety measures and regulations is made easier.
  
  

  Penalties for Non-Compliance

  FSSAI registration or license without valid registration could lead you into greater challenges in terms of payable hefty penalties coupled with prison time. Exact penalties depend on the offense nature, such as sub-standard food manufacturing or misleading advertisement selling unsafe food.
  
  

  Renewal of FSSAI License

  As one applies for the FSSAI license, it is normally valid for a duration of 1 to 5 years depending on the selection made during the application period. To avoid penalties or business hitches, ensure that the renewal application is done minimum of 30 days before the expiry of the license.