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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the apex body regulating food safety in India. Whether you run a small home kitchen, a restaurant, a food manufacturing unit, or a large food import business, you need some form of FSSAI authorisation before you can legally operate.
- Basic Registration - For very small/petty food businesses
- State License - For medium-sized food businesses operating in one state
- Central License - For large food businesses, importers, and multi-state operators
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
| Type | Who Needs It | Annual Turnover | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Petty food manufacturers, small retailers, hawkers, home food businesses | Below Rs 12 Lakhs | 1-5 years |
| State License | Restaurants, hotels, food processors, caterers, mid-sized manufacturers | Rs 12 Lakhs to Rs 20 Crore | 1-5 years |
| Central License | Large manufacturers, importers, exporters, multi-state operators, e-commerce food platforms | Above Rs 20 Crore | 1-5 years |
Government Fees
| Type | Fee Per Year |
|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Rs 100 per year |
| State License | Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 per year |
| Central License | Rs 7,500 per year |
Documents Required
For Basic Registration:
- Photo of the food business operator
- Identity proof (Aadhaar / Voter ID / Passport)
- Proof of place of business
For State or Central License (additional):
- Form B - filled and signed declaration
- Blueprint or layout plan of the food processing unit
- List of food products to be manufactured or handled
- Name and list of equipment and machinery with capacity
- Water testing report from a recognized lab (if using groundwater)
- Certificate of Incorporation or Partnership deed (for registered entities)
- Medical fitness certificates of food handlers
Step-by-Step Application Process
All FSSAI applications are filed on the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in. Register with your email and mobile number.
Based on your turnover and business nature, select Basic Registration (Form A) or License application (Form B for State/Central).
Upload all required documents in PDF format. Pay the government fee online. Keep a copy of the payment receipt.
For State and Central license applications, a Food Safety Officer may inspect your premises within 30 days. Ensure your premises meet food safety hygiene standards.
Basic Registration is issued within 7 days. State License: 30 days. Central License: 60 days. The 14-digit FSSAI licence number must be displayed on all food labels and at your premises.
Operating a food business without FSSAI registration or license is a criminal offence under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Penalties include imprisonment up to 6 months and fine up to Rs 5 lakhs. Platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, and Amazon Food will not onboard you without a valid FSSAI number.
FSSAI registration is not just a legal formality - it is the foundation of customer trust and food safety. Legal Chanakya handles FSSAI registration, licensing, renewal, and annual compliance across all food business categories.
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