FSSAI REGISTRATION VS. LICENSE FOR HOTELS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)has established food safety regulations that hotel establishments serving food must abide by. It's crucial to know if a hotel needs an FSSAI license or registration in order to prevent fines, damage to its reputation, and to guarantee the safety of its visitors. Understand thing the different between FSSAI registration and a hotel FASSI license is vital for compliance, guest safety and maintaining brand reputation.

The most recent changes, eligibility, documentation, and everything you need to know to keep your hotel legal are covered in this article.

WHY FSSAI COMPLIANCE MATTERS FOR HOTELS

Under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, hotel facilities are required by law to comply with FSSAI; this compliance is not optional. This is why it's important:

Legal Obligation: Depending on its size and operations, every hotel that serves food must either obtain a hotel FSSAI license or register as a hotel with the FSSAI. Failure to do so may result in fines, business suspension, or even closure.
Consumer Trust: Because it guarantees safety, hygienic conditions, and adherence to national food standards, guests favor hotels that prominently display their hotel FSSAI license.
Standardized Food Safety: Under Schedule 4 of the FSS Act, the FSSAI for hotels makes sure that food prepared in banquets, kitchens, and room service satisfies safety and hygienic requirements.
Brand Reputation: A hotel that has a current FSSAI license gains respect from corporates, tourists, and internet aggregators, which increases its advantage over rivals.
Qualifications for Internet: Listings Before they can list or collaborate with food delivery apps and travel portals, hotels must have an FSSAI for hotel compliance certificate.

FSSAI REGISTRATION VS. LICENSE FOR HOTELS

$C:\Users\lenovo\Desktop\1 october 2025\STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS TO APPLY FOR POLLUTION NOC IN U.P..jpg$

Not all hotels are in the same compliance category. The primary distinction between a hotel's FSSAI license and its FSSAI registration is the size of its operations and turnover.

FSSAI Registration (Basic)

Small hotels with annual turnover up to Rs.12 lakhs.
Limited food service operations
Low Risk
Minimal inspections

Hotel FSSAI License (State or Central)

Hotels with turnover above Rs.12 lakhs (State License) and those with turnover above Rs.20 crores, 5-star hotels, or interstate operations (Central License).
Comprehensive oversight for kitchens, banquets, in-room dining, and large catering.
Medium to high risk
Strict audits, FSMS obligations, detailed hygiene compliance

ELIGIBILITY AND DOCUMENTATION FOR HOTEL FACILITIES

Eligibility under FSSAI for hotel businesses

Turnover up to Rs.12 lakhs: Basic Registration
Turnover Rs. 12 lakhs Rs. 20 crores: State hotel FSSAI license
Turnover above Rs. 20 crores, five-star hotels, or interstate business: Central hotel FSSAI license

Documents Required

To obtain FSSAI for hotel registration or license, the following are essential:

Identity proof of proprietor/partners/directors
Proof of premises ownership/lease
Incorporation or partnership documents
Water analysis report for hotel kitchens
Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan
Blueprint/layout of kitchen & food preparation area
Star rating certificate for applicable hotels

(This is the process on How to apply for FSSAI for hotels for a hotel FSSAI license must also provide staff details, supplier list, and sanitation protocols.)

STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO APPLY FOR FSSAI REGISTRATION OR LICENSE

Applying for FSSAI for hotel compliance via the FoSCoS portal is as follows:

Identify Category – Decide whether your hotel qualifies for registration or requires a hotel FSSAI license (state or central).
Prepare Documents – Gather IDs, premises proof, water reports, FSMS plan, etc.
Apply on FoSCoS Portal – Fill Form A (registration) or Form B (license).
Fee Payment – Pay applicable fees based on star rating and turnover.
Inspection – For licenses, an officer will inspect the hotel kitchen and dining areas.
Approval & Certificate – Once cleared, your hotel FSSAI license will be issued and must be displayed prominently.
Renewal – Apply for renewal before expiry to avoid penalties.

HOTEL FOOD SERVICE STANDARDS: KITCHENS, BANQUETS, AND IN-ROOM DINING

Hotel kitchens should have hygienic surfaces, potable water, adequate ventilation, and a separate area for raw and cooked food. According to FSSAI hotel hygiene regulations, these are required.
Banquets and Catering: Safe cooking, storage, and serving practices are essential for large gatherings. These facilities must adhere to the specific requirements of the hotel's FSSAI license.
In-Room Dining: FSSAI's requirements for hotels include labelled pre-packaged food items, clean utensils, and safe reheating.

CLAIMS, NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION, AND LABELLING REQUIREMENT

Labelling regulations must be followed by hotels that sell or serve pre-packaged food (souvenirs, minibar items, and packed snacks).

The 2020 Labelling & Display Regulations must be followed in order to maintain the hotel's FSSAI license.
Scientific evidence must support nutritional claims such as "low fat" or "sugar-free."
Hotel kitchens must refrain from making false health claims, according to the FSSAI.

FEES, VALIDITY, AND RENEWAL TIMELINES

Basic Registration: Rs. 100 per year.
State Hotel FSSAI License: Rs. 2,000–5,000 annually depending on hotel category
Central Hotel FSSAI License: Rs. 7,500 annually, mandatory for five-star hotels and inter-state operations.

VALIDITY, AND RENEWAL TIMELINES

Basic Registration: Validity ranges for basic registration from 1 to 5 years, and renewal must be initiated before expiry. (Late renewal may attract penalties under FSSAI regulations.)
State and Central License: State and central licenses have a one-year validity period, and renewals must be started prior to the expiration date. (Late renewal may attract penalties under FSSAI regulations.)

AUDITS, INSPECTIONS, AND HOW TO PREPARE

Inspections are routine under FSSAI for hotel compliance:

Pre-license inspections ensure kitchens meet hygiene standards.
Annual audits focus on food safety management, labelling, and water testing.
Hotels holding a hotel FSSAI license must appoint trained Food Safety Supervisors.

COMPLIANCE CHECKLISTS AND BEST PRACTICES

Verify the hotel's FSSAI license category.
Keep track of kitchen hygiene records.
Regularly test the water.
Educate employees on food safety procedures.
On-time license renewal

(Show the FSSAI license number on the hotel's menus and property.)