What Is the Food Licence Registration (FSSAI) in India?

Starting a food business in India requires following certain legal and safety standards to ensure consumer protection and maintain product quality. One of the most important requirements for any food related business is obtaining the food licence registration, also known as FSSAI Registration. Whether your business deals with manufacturing, storing, transporting, distributing, or selling food, holding a valid FSSAI licence is compulsory. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) oversees this registration to ensure that food products across the country meet safety and hygiene standards.

FSSAI Registration establishes the credibility of your business and guarantees that the food you handle or sell is safe for public consumption. For both small and large businesses, having this licence is a key step toward operating legally and responsibly.

What Is FSSAI Registration?

FSSAI Registration is an official approval provided by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to individuals and businesses involved in food-related activities. It ensures that all food products meet the required safety standards and hygiene protocols set by the authority. This registration applies to every stage of the food supply chain, including manufacturing, packaging, processing, storage, catering, and distribution. Businesses involved in e-commerce food delivery or home-based cooking are also required to obtain this registration.

This registration also authorises food operators to operate their businesses legally while maintaining transparency and accountability, thereby promoting consumer confidence in the products they purchase.

Why Is Food Licence Registration Important?

Food licence registration plays a crucial role in ensuring consumer safety, business credibility, and legal compliance. It protects customers from contamination, unsafe food handling practices, and unhealthy ingredients. In India’s growing food industry, businesses with an FSSAI licence are viewed as more trustworthy, as the licence reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining strict hygiene and quality standards.

Operating without a valid licence can lead to heavy penalties, legal consequences, or the shutdown of the business. On the other hand, having an FSSAI Registration increases brand reputation, helps in business expansion, and makes collaborations with distributors, suppliers, and online platforms easier. Many investors and partners also prefer working with FSSAI registered companies, as the licence ensures a higher level of accountability and operational discipline.

Who Needs an FSSAI Registration?

Any individual or business dealing with food in any capacity must obtain an FSSAI Registration. This includes home-based food sellers, tiffin services, small vendors, retailers, e-commerce food brands, restaurants, bakeries, hotels, food processors, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, cold storage units, and transporters. Even those selling food online through platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, or social media must also obtain the appropriate FSSAI licence.

Types of FSSAI Registrations in India

There are three types of FSSAI Registrations available in India, and the appropriate type depends on the business size, annual turnover, and nature of operations. The Basic FSSAI Registration is meant for small businesses with a turnover of up to twelve lakhs per year. This type of registration is suitable for petty food vendors, small retailers, home kitchens, and similar small-scale operations.

The State FSSAI Licence is meant for medium-sized businesses whose turnover ranges between twelve lakhs and twenty crores annually. This type of licence applies to restaurants, medium manufacturing units, small distributors, and retailers.

The Central FSSAI Licence is required for large businesses, especially those whose turnover exceeds twenty crores. It also applies to businesses engaged in import or export, major manufacturers, large processing units, and companies operating across multiple states. Selecting the correct licence type is essential to avoid legal issues or penalties during inspection.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

To complete the FSSAI Registration process, applicants must provide certain documents depending on the type of licence they require. Common documents include a passport-size photograph, a valid identity proof, and proof of the business premises such as a rent agreement or property documents. Business owners must also provide business registration certificates, such as a partnership deed or a company incorporation certificate.

A food safety management plan and a list of food products handled by the business are also necessary. Manufacturing units may require additional documents such as a layout plan of the processing area or equipment details. Importers and exporters need to provide import-export code details. Presenting accurate and complete documents ensures a smoother and faster approval process.

Process of FSSAI Registration in India

The process of obtaining a food licence registration in India is quite straightforward and can be completed through the online FSSAI portal or with the help of a professional service provider such as Online Legal India.

The first step is determining the type of FSSAI Registration your business needs. This is based on turnover, business category, and operational scale. Once the appropriate licence is identified, you must gather and prepare all required documents.

After the documents are ready, the applicant must fill out the respective form, Form A for Basic Registration or Form B for State and Central Licences. This form requires business details such as address, nature of activity, product category, and ownership information. Once the form is completed, it must be submitted online along with scanned copies of the necessary documents.

In certain cases, an FSSAI officer may visit the business premises to inspect hygiene standards and verify the details provided. If everything meets the FSSAI guidelines, the licence is approved and issued. The applicant will then receive a registration certificate containing the fourteen-digit FSSAI number, which must be displayed on food packaging, business premises, delivery vehicles, and invoices.

Validity and Renewal of FSSAI Licence

FSSAI Licences are typically valid for one to five years based on the applicant’s choice at the time of registration. Before the licence expires, it must be renewed to avoid penalties or disruptions in business operations. The renewal process is similar to the initial registration and must be done before the expiry date to maintain compliance. Failure to renew the licence on time may result in fines or disqualification from operating the food business.

Conclusion

Obtaining a food licence registration, also known as FSSAI Registration, is one of the most important steps for starting or running a food business in India. It ensures safety, builds customer trust, and protects your business from legal complications. Whether you operate a home based kitchen or a large manufacturing unit, securing an FSSAI licence is essential for long-term growth and credibility. With platforms like Online Legal India, the registration process becomes effortless, allowing you to operate confidently and meet all necessary food safety standards.