*Why FSSAI Registration is Non-Negotiable
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If you're dreaming of starting a food business in India—whether it’s a cozy bakery, a cloud kitchen, or a spice export brand—you must get FSSAI registration. It’s not just a legal formality; it’s your gateway to running a compliant, professional, and trustworthy operation.
FSSAI, short for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, is the government’s arm for regulating food quality and safety. As a food entrepreneur, FSSAI registration gives your business legitimacy. It tells your customers that you’re serious about hygiene and quality. Without it, your business is operating illegally, no matter how tasty or innovative your offerings may be.
And let’s be clear—consumers today are cautious. They want to know the food they're eating is prepared in a clean environment and complies with government standards. An FSSAI license is more than just a document—it’s a trust badge that can make or break your brand.
Overview of the FSSAI Authority
FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Its mission is to protect and promote public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety. It consolidates various laws and standards into one cohesive framework, making it easier for entrepreneurs to understand and follow.
Here’s what FSSAI does:
Frame regulations for food safety practices
Issues licenses and registrations
Conducts inspections and audits
Facilitates food safety awareness and training
Monitors and penalizes non-compliant businesses
So when you register your food business under FSSAI, you're entering a regulated ecosystem designed to maintain quality across the food supply chain.
Understanding the FSSAI Licensing Structure
What Are the Different Types of FSSAI Licenses?
The FSSAI license structure is designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes. There are three main types of licenses:
Basic Registration: For businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs.
State License: For businesses with a turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores.
Central License: For large enterprises with turnover above ₹20 crores or those operating in multiple states or dealing in exports/imports.
Each category has specific document requirements, compliance measures, and fees. Knowing which license applies to you is critical to avoid legal trouble and unnecessary rework.
Which License Do You Need Based on Your Business Type?
Let’s break it down with some examples:
Business Type Annual Turnover FSSAI License Required
Home-based food seller Up to ₹12 Lakhs Basic Registration
Small café or restaurant ₹12L to ₹20 Crores State License
Large food manufacturer/exporter, above ₹20 Crores or multi-state Central License
Don’t fall into the trap of underestimating your category just to save on fees. The wrong license can lead to application rejection, fines, or even business suspension.
Who Needs FSSAI Registration?
Mandatory for All Food Business Operators (FBOs)
Anyone involved in the food business in any capacity needs to be registered with FSSAI. This includes:
Manufacturers
Processors
Packers
Distributors
Wholesalers
Retailers
Importers and exporters
Food transporters
Food aggregators (like Zomato, Swiggy)
Even if you’re just starting and your business is small, you’re still considered a Food Business Operator (FBO) and must be compliant.
From Home Cooks to Restaurants to Exporters
Think FSSAI is only for big brands? Think again. Here’s a list of food entrepreneurs who must be registered:
Home Bakers selling online or through local delivery
Cloud Kitchens operate via food delivery platforms.
Dairy Businesses producing milk or curd
Packaged Snacks Manufacturers
Cold Storage Providers handling perishables
Food Exporters shipping items overseas.
Farmers are selling produce with minimal processing.g
The reach of FSSAI is vast, t—and for good reason. Food safety is a public concern, and every link in the food supply chain plays a part.
Step-by-Step Process to Get FSSAI Registration
Step 1: Choose the Right Type of License
Start by identifying the correct category for your business based on turnover, operations, and geography. If you plan to operate in more than one state, you may need both a Central and a State license.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
Each license type requires specific documents. Basic registration is fairly straightforward, but State and Central licenses need more comprehensive paperwork, like:
Food safety plans
NOCs from local bodies
Water testing reports
Proof of ownership/lease
More on this in the next section.
Step 3: Register on the FoSCoS Portal
FSSAI uses an online platform called FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System). Create an account, and select your license type to begin the registration.
Step 4: Submit Application and Pay Fees
Fill out the application, upload all necessary documents, and pay the fee based on your license type and validity (1 to 5 years).
Step 5: Inspection and Final Approval
For State and Central licenses, an inspector may visit your premises. They’ll assess hygiene practices, cleanliness, and infrastructure. Once approved, you’ll get the license digitally, ready to print and display.
For more info: https://www.psrcompliance.com/blog/fssai-license-for-importers
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