FSSAI Registration in India

FSSAI Registration is a compulsory authorisation for individuals or entities involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, or sale of food products in India. It is governed by the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011. This registration differs from an FSSAI License based on the size and nature of the business.

Ensuring food safety and compliance is paramount for any food business operator (FBO) in India. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates registration or licensing for all entities involved in the food sector. This guide provides an updated overview of the FSSAI registration process, recent amendments, and essential documentation required in 2025.

Key Features of FSSAI Registration

• 14-Digit Registration Number: Every FSSAI Registration or License comes with a 14-digit number that must be displayed on all food packages. This number provides vital information about the food product’s origin, including the state where it was assembled and the producer’s permit details.
• Quality Assurance: By compelling Food Business Operators (FBOs) to display their registration details, FSSAI ensures that accountability for quality and safety rests squarely on the entity handling the food.
• Applicability: FSSAI Registration is compulsory for all FBOs, from small-scale vendors to large manufacturing units, though the specific requirement—Registration vs. License—depends on the size and nature of the business.

Issuance of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act), FSSAI governs the food business in India, ensuring that food products meet quality standards and undergo safety checks. Its primary goal is to eliminate food adulteration and the sale of substandard products while maintaining the safety of food products across the country.

Food Business Operators Who Require FSSAI Registration

The Food Business Operators (FBOs) carrying on the following kinds of food business must have an FSSAI License/Registration:

• Petty retailers, Retail Shops, Snack shops, Confectionery or Bakery shops, etc
• Temporary stalls, fixed stalls, or food premises involved in preparing, storing, distributing, and selling food products.
• Hawkers selling packaged or freshly prepared food by traveling from one location to another.
• Dairy Units, including Milk Chilling Units, Petty Milkmen, and Milk Vendors
• Slaughtering house
• Fish Processing, Meat Processing, and units
• All Food Manufacturing units that include Repacking food
• Vegetable Oil Processing Units
• Proprietary food and Novel food
• Cold/refrigerated storage facility
• Transporter of food products, having several specialised vehicles like insulated refrigerated vans/wagons, milk tankers, food wagons, food trucks, etc
• Wholesalers, suppliers, distributors, and marketers of food products
• Hotels, Restaurants, and Bars
• Canteens and Cafeteria, including mid-day meal canteens
• Food Vending Agencies and Caterers
• Dhaba, PG provides food, Banquet hall with food catering arrangements, Home-based canteen, and Food stalls at fairs or religious institutions.
• Importers and Exporters of food items and food ingredients
• E-Commerce food suppliers, including cloud kitchens

Types of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI registrations are categorized based on a food business’s turnover, production capacity, and other operational details. Businesses must choose from three main types of registrations/licenses—Basic, State, or Central—depending on their turnover and production scope. Below is an overview of each registration type and the corresponding eligibility criteria:

FSSAI Basic Registration

• Who Needs It: Food Business Operators (FBOs) with an annual turnover of less than INR 12 lakh.
• Registration Form: Form A
• Key Point: This registration is generally for small-scale or startup food ventures, such as small retailers or home-based food producers.

FSSAI State License

• Who Needs It: FBOs with an annual turnover between INR 12 lakh and INR 20 crore.
• Registration Form: Form B
• Key Point: Medium-sized ventures—like mid-level restaurants, small to mid-scale manufacturers, and distributors—typically require the State License.

FSSAI Central License

• Who Needs It: FBOs with an annual turnover exceeding INR 20 crore.
• Registration Form: Form B
• Key Point: Large-scale food businesses—such as major manufacturers, major retailers, and large distributors—must apply for the Central License.

By choosing the registration/license that aligns with their business size and turnover, FBOs ensure they comply with the regulations laid down by the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

FSSAI Registration Eligibility

FSSAI Registration serves as a basic license for Food Business Operators (FBOs) who run small-scale food operations. The following categories of businesses must obtain FSSAI Registration:

• Annual Turnover Under INR 12 Lakh
• Applicable to petty retailers dealing in food products or any person manufacturing and selling food articles independently.
• Temporary Food Stalls or Small-Scale Operations
• Individuals who sell food products through temporary stalls or distribute food during religious and social gatherings (excluding caterers).
• Small-Scale or Cottage Food Industries
• Businesses working at a minimal scale, including industries with limited production capacities in food, milk, or meat.
• Capacity-Based Limits:
  • Food Production (Other Than Milk and Meat): Up to 100 kg/liter per day.
  • Milk Procurement and Handling: Up to 500 liters per day.
• Slaughtering: 2 large animals, 10 small animals or 50 poultry birds per day (or fewer).
• Transportation: Operated by a single vehicle.
• Vending Machines: Up to 12 machines within one state/UT.

All the above categories must meet FSSAI’s basic registration requirements to operate legally under the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011.

Procedure for Obtaining FSSAI Registration Online

1. Determine the Type of License Required
   • Basic Registration: For businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh.
   • State License: For businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
   • Central License: For businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore or operating in multiple states.
2. Gather Necessary Documents
   
   • Ensure all required documents are prepared and up-to-date.
3. Apply Online via FoSCoS Portal
   • Visit the FoSCoS portal.
   • Register and fill out the application form.
   • Upload the necessary documents.
   • Pay the applicable fees online.
4. Inspection and Approval
   • The application is reviewed by FSSAI officials.
   • An inspection may be conducted, especially for manufacturing units.
   • Upon approval, the FSSAI registration certificate is issued.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

• Proof: PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, or Voter ID of the proprietor/partners/directors.
• Address Proof: Utility bills, rental agreement, or property tax receipt of the business premises.
• Business Constitution Certificate: Partnership deed, Certificate of Incorporation, or other relevant documents.
• Food Safety Management Plan: Detailed plan outlining safety measures.
• List of Food Products: Items to be manufactured or sold.
• Form B: Duly completed and signed.
• NOC from Municipality or Local Body: If applicable.

Note: Additional documents may be required based on the type of license and nature of the business.

Recent Amendments in FSSAI Regulations (2025)

• Unified Compliance Date: FSSAI has designated July 1st as the annual date for implementing changes to food safety and labeling regulations. This provides businesses with a clear timeline for compliance.
• Enhanced Labeling Requirements: Draft amendments mandate the display of the percentage of Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium on packaging, aiming to enhance nutritional transparency.
• Migration to FoSCoS Platform: FSSAI has mandated the migration of existing licenses to the unified Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) platform, streamlining the licensing process and ensuring consistency.

Benefits of FSSAI Registration

• Compliance: Ensures adherence to food safety laws.
• Consumer Trust: Enhances brand credibility and consumer confidence.
• Business Expansion: Facilitates smooth expansion and access to new markets.
• Government Support: Eligibility for government schemes and subsidies.

Why Choose CACSFinacc for Your FSSAI Registration?

• Expert Guidance: Our experienced professionals ensure compliance with all legal requirements.
• End-to-End Support: From documentation to obtaining necessary licenses, we handle it all.
• Transparent Pricing: No hidden charges; clear breakdown of all costs involved.
• Timely Delivery: We prioritize prompt processing to get your business up and running swiftly.