An Indian food business needs more than good recipes and hygiene habits. Food safety legislation compliance is necessary, and central to this compliance is the FSSAI Licence and Registration. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guarantees that food items are safe and of good quality, which guards public health and consumer welfare. All food business operators (FBOs) – small vendors, manufacturers, traders, restaurants, importers, and exporters – all have to go through the FSSAI Licence and Registration to be able to operate legally.

This guide by Lawfinity outlines the fundamentals of FSSAI Licence and Registration, including the process, types, advantages, and FAQs, along with the recent 2024–2025 amendments.

FSSAI LICENCE AND REGISTRATION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

FSSAI Licence and Registration has been divided into two general segments – basic registration for small food businesses and licences for medium and large-scale operations. The nature of compliance varies based on the size, scale, and type of business.

Points to remember:

FSSAI Registration Process is required for businesses with turnover less than ₹12 lakhs annually.
For companies over this limit, procuring one of the FSSAI Licence Types (State Licence or Central Licence) becomes obligatory.
Applications are submitted online via the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal.

By getting FSSAI Licence and Registration, companies not only become legally compliant but also establish trust of customers for their company.

FSSAI LICENCE AND REGISTRATION PROCESS STEP BY STEP

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The FSSAI Registration Process gets eased under the FoSCoS system. Whether for registration or for licence, the process remains organised and transparent.

Determine Eligibility
Small vendors, hawkers, and enterprises up to ₹12 lakh turnover need basic FSSAI registration.
Medium businesses (₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore turnover) need a State Licence.
Large enterprises, importers, or those operating across states must obtain a Central Licence.
Document Preparation
Identity proof, address proof, and passport-size photos of the applicant.
Business incorporation certificate, premises proof, list of food products, and turnover proof.
Additional documents for certain FSSAI Licence Types such as NOCs, food safety management plan, or import-export code.
Online Application via FoSCoS
Register on the FoSCoS portal.
Fill in the form (Form A for registration, Form B for licence).
Upload documents and pay the applicable fee.
Inspection (if required)
Food safety officers may inspect the premises for State or Central licence applicants.
Grant of Licence/Registration
Upon successful authentication, the authority grants the FSSAI certificate bearing a 14-digit number.

The FSSAI Registration Process provides food business operators with guidelines of hygiene, safety, and labeling, which simplifies the complying process for all business sizes.

TYPES OF FSSAI LICENCE AND REGISTRATION

Different food businesses require different FSSAI Licence Types based on turnover, operation, and nature of activity. Below are the primary categories:

Basic Registration
For petty food businesses with turnover less than ₹12 lakh annually.
A simple process under Form A.
State Licence
For medium-scale businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
Includes food manufacturers, storage units, and transporters within a state.
Central Licence
For big business with turnover over ₹20 crore.
Mandatory for importers, exporters, airports, seaports, and firms dealing across states.

These FSSAI Licence Types determine levels of compliance, inspection requirements, and documentation needs so that all types of food operators stay law-abiding.

WHO NEEDS FSSAI LICENCE AND REGISTRATION?

The mandate of FSSAI Licence and Registration applies to almost all entities dealing with food:

Food manufacturers and processors
Retailers, wholesalers, and distributors
Importers and exporters of foodstuffs
Hotels, restaurants, cafes, and catering establishments
Cloud kitchens, home-based food enterprises, and online delivery operations, Storage and warehouse operators

Even the small vendors and hawkers need to go through the FSSAI Registration Process, while medium and large-scale businesses have to apply under the relevant FSSAI Licence Types.

BENEFITS OF FSSAI LICENCE AND REGISTRATION

Opting for FSSAI Licence and Registration offers several long-term advantages for food businesses:

Legal Compliance – Protects from penalties and business closures.
Consumer Trust – The FSSAI logo on food products assures customers of quality.
Business Expansion – Exports and intrastate trade require licenses.
Market Advantage – Assists in establishing brand trust and generating more customers.
Food Safety Assurance – Guarantees compliance with safety and hygiene standards.

The FSSAI Registration Procedure not only maintains businesses up to date but also increases reputation and consumer trust.