Food Safety License (FSSAI) Registration Consultants in India

Food Safety License (FSSAI) Registration Consultants in India

: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, generally called FSSAI, is an impartial body that Is liable for regulating and supervising the protection and requirements of meals merchandise in India. Established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the FSSAI plays a crucial role in safeguarding public health by ensuring that the food consumed by the citizens meets the desired quality and safety standards. The FSSAI formulates regulations, sets standards, and lays down guidelines to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food for the Indian population. Additionally, it is also responsible for licensing and registration of food businesses, promoting food safety awareness, and monitoring and controlling the import of food products in the country. Overall, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is dedicated to improving the quality of food, protecting consumer interests, and maintaining a robust and trustworthy food regulatory system in India.

major cities in India. cities are Kochi, Trivandrum, Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Karwar, Hubli, Mumbai, Nagpur, Bhiwandi, Pune, Thane, Hyderabad, Andra Pradesh, Coimbatore, Chennai, Madurai, Salem, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Surat, Patna, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Bhuvaneahar, Bhopal, Patna, Vadodara, Ghaziabad, Ludhiana, Agra, Ajmer, Akola, Allahabad, Aurangabad, Amritsar, Cuttak, Faridabad, Erode, cuttack, Durgapur, Guntur, Gwalior, Jammu, Jalandhar, Jodhpur,Meerut, Warangal, Vijayawada, Srinagar, solapur, sillguri, Sangli, Ranchi, Rajkot, Raipur, Noida, Gulbarga, Udupi, Manipal, Faridabad, Rajkot, indore

Types of Food license

In India, there are three main types of food licenses, which are issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which is the regulatory authority responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of food products consumed by the public. FSSAI mandates that all food business operators obtain the necessary food licenses based on the scale and nature of their operations.

  1. Basic Food license Registration
  2. State Food license Registration
  3. Central Food license Registration

Basic Food license Registration

Basic registration is a type of food license issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for small food businesses operating within a limited scale. This registration is suitable for businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs and is aimed at ensuring the safety and quality of food products for consumption.

Basic Food license Registration Criteria

  1. Annual turnover of the food business does not exceed ₹12 lakhs.
  2. Small-scale food businesses, including petty manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, marketers, distributors, and caterers.
  3. Food business operates within a single state.

Documents Required for Basic Registration

  1. Passport-sized photograph of the applicant.
  2. Identification proof of the applicant, such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID, PAN card, etc.
  3. Address proof of the business, such as electricity bill, water bill, lease agreement, etc.
  4. List of food products to be dealt with.
  5. In case of partnerships, a copy of the partnership deed.
  6. Copy of the certificate obtained under the Co-operative Act, if applicable.
  7. Self-declaration of the food safety management system.
  8. Nomination form with details of the designated person in case of the sole proprietor, partner, or authorized signatory for the business.

State Food license Registration

The State License is a type of food license issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for medium-sized food businesses operating within a single state in India. This license is applicable to businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹12 lakhs but not exceeding ₹20 crores.

State Food license Registration Criteria

  1. Annual turnover of the food business exceeds ₹12 lakhs but does not exceed ₹20 crores.
  2. Medium-sized food businesses, including manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, marketers, distributors, and caterers operating within a single state.

Documents Required for State Food license

  1. Passport-sized photograph of the applicant.
  2. Identification proof of the applicant, such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID, PAN card, etc.
  3. Address proof of the business, such as electricity bill, water bill, lease agreement, etc.
  4. List of food products to be dealt with.
  5. Partnership deed, if the applicant is a partnership firm.
  6. Certificate of registration or incorporation of the company, if applicable.
  7. Food safety management system plan and certificate of compliance.
  8. Nomination form with details of the designated person for the business.

Central Food license Registration

A Central License is a type of food license issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for large-scale food businesses operating at a national level in India. This license is mandatory for businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crores. The Central License is required for food importers, large manufacturers, exporters, 100% export-oriented units, and businesses operating in multiple states.

Central Food license Criteria

  1. Annual turnover of the food business exceeds ₹20 crores.
  2. Large-scale food businesses, including importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, and 100% export-oriented units operating across multiple states.

Documents Required for Central Food license

  1. Passport-sized photograph of the applicant.
  2. Identification proof of the applicant, such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID, PAN card, etc.
  3. Address proof of the business, such as electricity bill, water bill, lease agreement, etc.
  4. List of food products to be dealt with.
  5. Certificate of registration or incorporation of the company.
  6. Food safety management system plan and certificate of compliance.
  7. List of directors, partners, or proprietors of the business.
  8. NOC from the Municipality or Panchayat, if applicable.
  9. Import-export code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), if applicable.

Renewal of food license

Renewal of a food license refers to the process of extending the validity period of the existing Food license to continue conducting food-related activities legally. All food businesses in India are required to renew their Food license before the expiry date to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Process

  1. The food business owner needs to initiate the renewal process well before the expiry date of the existing license.
  2. The application for renewal can be submitted online on the FSSAI website or through the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) portal.
  3. The applicant needs to fill in the renewal application form with updated information about the business.
  4. Any necessary documents or updates required by the FSSAI need to be provided during the renewal process.
  5. After submission, the FSSAI authorities will review the renewal application and may conduct an inspection if required.
  6. Upon successful verification and inspection, the renewed Food license will be issued with an extended validity period.

Effect of Non-Renewal of Food License:

  1. Operating with an expired Food license is illegal and can lead to penalties, fines, or closure of the food business.
  2. The business may face legal consequences, including prosecution, for not complying with food safety regulations.
  3. Non-renewal of the Food license can damage the reputation of the business and lead to loss of consumer trust.

Documents Required for Renewal

  1. Copy of the existing Food license.
  2. Updated food safety management system plan.
  3. Any additional documents required for license renewal as specified by the FSSAI.

Modification of food license

Modification of a food license refers to making changes or updates to the existing Food license due to any alterations in the business operations, the food products dealt with, or any other relevant information. Food businesses are required to inform the FSSAI about any modifications to their license to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Modification Process

  1. The food business owner needs to identify the necessary modifications to be made in the existing Food license.
  2. The application for modification can be submitted online on the FSSAI website or through the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) portal.
  3. The applicant needs to fill in the modification application form with the updated information regarding the changes to be made.
  4. Any supporting documents or proofs related to the modifications need to be attached with the application.
  5. The FSSAI authorities will review the modification application and may conduct an inspection if required.
  6. Upon successful verification of the modifications, the updated Food license reflecting the changes will be issued.

Documents Required

  1. Copy of the existing Food license.
  2. Updated information/documents related to the modification (e.g., changes in business operations, product list, location, etc.).
  3. Any additional documents specified by the FSSAI for the modification process.

It is essential for food businesses to promptly inform the FSSAI about any modifications to their license to ensure transparency and compliance with food safety regulations. By following the specified process and providing the necessary documents, businesses can efficiently update their Food license as required to reflect changes in their operations.

Food License Annual Return

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) requires food businesses to file an Annual Return to report their business activities related to food products and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. The Annual Return is a mandatory filing that provides an overview of the business operations and helps in monitoring and maintaining food safety standards.

Process of Filing Annual Return for Food License:

  1. The food business owner needs to gather the necessary information and data related to their business activities during the financial year.
  2. The Annual Return can be submitted online on the FSSAI website or through the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) portal.
  3. The form for filing the Annual Return will require details such as business operations, turnover, categories of food products handled, import/export activities, etc.
  4. The business owner needs to ensure accurate and up-to-date information is provided in the Annual Return form.
  5. After submission, the FSSAI authorities will review the Annual Return filing and may follow up for any additional information or clarification if required.
  6. Once accepted and verified, the filing of the Annual Return is completed for the respective financial year.

Documents Required for Filing Annual Return for Food License:

  1. Relevant financial records and documents related to food business operations during the financial year.
  2. Details of turnover, categories of food products handled, import/export activities, etc.
  3. Any additional documents or information as required by the Food License (FSSAI) for the Annual Return filing.

Surrendering of Food license

Surrendering a food license refers to the process of voluntarily cancelling or relinquishing the existing Food license for a food business. There may be various reasons for surrendering a food license, such as closure of the business, change in ownership, or the business no longer dealing with food products. It is important to follow the proper procedure and inform the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) about the decision to surrender the license.

Process of Surrendering a Food License:

  1. The food business owner needs to decide to surrender the Food license and prepare for the process.
  2. The application for surrender can be submitted online on the FSSAI website or through the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) portal.
  3. The applicant must fill in the surrender application form with all the relevant details and reasons for surrendering the license.
  4. Any supporting documents or proofs related to the surrender request may need to be provided.
  5. The FSSAI authorities will review the surrender application and may communicate with the applicant for verification or clarification.
  6. Once the surrender application is accepted and processed, the FSSAI will cancel the existing license and notify the business owner of the cancellation.

Documents Required for Surrendering a Food License:

  1. Copy of the existing Food license.
  2. Completed surrender application form with necessary details.
  3. Any additional documents or information requested by the Food License (FSSAI) for the surrender process.

It is important for food businesses to follow the proper procedure for surrendering the Food license to avoid any legal implications and ensure compliance with regulations. By submitting the surrender application with all the required information and documents, businesses can smoothly complete the process of relinquishing their food license.

FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

FSSAI Stands for “Food Safety and Standard Authority of India. FSSAI is an Independent organization under the Ministry of Health. FSSAI Registration is mandatory for every individuals or entity that is eligible for an Food Safety Registration or License.

Maintaining the food quality levels in order to ensure safety and providing satisfaction to every consumer is the aim of every Food Business Operator. Food safety and standards authority of India (FSSAI Registration) plays an important role in formulating the controlling procedures.

There are 4 steps including Food License (FSSAI) registration procedure that are following
1. Selection of kind of business
2. Selection of food category
3. Selection of type of license
4. Documentation
5. Issue of certificate

Common documents required for obtaining FSSAI registration
• FSSAI declaration
• Photo Identity of FBO.
• Proof of possession of premises (eg. Rental Agreement )
• Partnership Deed / Certificate of Incorporation / Articles of Association etc.
• List of food products to be dealt with.
• Food safety management system plan

Basic registration: It includes business having turnover up to 12 lakh in a year
State license: business having turnover between 12 lakh to 20 cr in a year comes under state license
Central license: business having turnover above 20 cr comes under central license, any business doing export and import also come under central license

To continue the business it is required to be renewed before the expiry of the Food License (FSSAI) validity. If your food license expiry is keeping close stay attentive and remember you have to apply 30 days prior to the Food License (FSSAI) or registration Expiry date.

It is mandatory for the following individuals or entities to obtain FSSAI Registration or License as per the rules and regulation of the Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006:

All types of Food Manufacturers
Food Packaging unit
Food Storage unit
Wholesale food business operators
Food Traders 
Online Food Business Operator
Caters or Hotel

It is related to the FSSAI Department it works to farming rules regarding the food related articles and completion of the policies. It also provide the technical and scientific support to the central government regarding the food related articles and it act as collection of the food related data consumption with general consciousness about the Food Standards and Food Safety.

The Food License (FSSAI) number is a 14 digit number which provides the information about the manufacturer license FSSAI number provides the registration details FSSAI logo will be displayed by the brand owner with his license number on the label of the food package. The importer shall display FSSAI logo and license number along with the name and address of the importer in the case of the imported food product.

FSSAI has extended its scope to include the applications of e-commerce food services. This category includes delivery services such as Uber Eats, Swiggy and Zomato and online grocery stores such as amazon, Big Basket, etc. Of late, the food e-commerce sector has grown tremendously. As these platforms operate widely, it is important for these services to ensure compliance with FSSAI.

One we submitted application for basic registration , state license or central license with proper documents as per FSSAI norms and regulations inspector will verify all the documents after that our application will approve.

If any mistakes in the application the concerned food officer will send back the application for editing with the Reason. After that we want to clarify and submit if any further documents required. Then Application will get approved.

1. Only Merchant Exporter can file Quarterly annual report through online system
2. FBO manufacturing Milk and/or Milk products shall file half yearly return in the Form D-2 and submit it manually to the to the concerned Central/State licensing Authority for the periods 1st April to 30th September and 1st October to 31st March of every financial within a month from the end of the period
3. (Manufacturers and Importers) have to file Annual Return (Form D-1) and submit it manually to the concerned Central/State licensing Authority on or before 31st May of each year for each class of food handled by him during the previous financial year.

1. Registrations are granted to small or petty FBOs whose annual turn- over does not exceed Rs. 12 lakhs.
2. Registrations are granted by the Registering Authority who may be Designated Officer/ Food Safety Officer or any official in Panchayat, Municipal Corporation or any other local body or Panchayat in an area, notified by the State Food Safety Commissioner.
3. Documents required while applying for a Registration:-
o Application in Schedule-1
o Fees @Rs. 100/- per annum
o Address proof (Government documents like Voter ID card)
o Photograph of applicant
4. Registration Card should be exhibited at a prominent place of business premise.

Food Business Operator operating in more than two States has to get Central License for its registered Office/ Head Office and separate license/ Registration for each units depending upon the capacity/ turnover from the concerned State/ Central Licensing Authority.

Food License (FSSAI)/Registration for food premises under Railways are issued by the Railways Designated Officers/FSO notified by Food Authority from time to time.

Food License (FSSAI) for food premises in Airport/Seaport are issues by APHO/PHO notified by Food Authority from time to time through Online FLRS system

Licensing Officer can reject the application in the case when the required information is not provided within the stipulated time of 30 days

Any change that alters the information contained in the license certificate (Form C) shall apply for modification of license with the fee equivalent to one year license fee. No fee is required for modification of non Form C details.

 An importer cannot submit another application with same IEC code that he has already submitted until and unless he deletes the incomplete/application already submitted

Consumers can connect to FSSAI through various channels. Consumers can register their complaints and feedbacks about food safety issues related to adulterated food, unsafe food, substandard food, labelling defects in food and misleading claims & advertisements related to various food products.

Dairy units including chilling units- handle or process more than 50,000 litres of liquid milk per day or 2500MT of milk solid per annum.
Vegetable oil processing units and units producing vegetable oil by the process of solvent extraction and refineries including oil expeller unit having installed capacity more than 2 MT per day.
All slaughter houses equipped to slaughter more than 50 large animals or 150 or more small animals including sheep and goats or 1000 or more poultry birds per day.
Meat processing units equipped to handle or process more than 500 kg of meat per day or 150 MT per annum.
All food processing units other than mentioned under (a) to (d) including relabellers and repackers having installed capacity more than 2 MT/day except grains, cereals and pulses milling units.
100 % Export Oriented Units.
All Importers importing food items including food ingredients and additives for commercial use.
All food business operators manufacture any article of food containing ingredients or substances or using technologies or processes or combination thereof whose safety has not been established through these regulations or which do not have a history of safe use or food containing ingredients which are being introduced for the first time into the country.
Food Business Operator operating in two or more states.
Food catering services in establishments and units under Central government
Agencies like Railways, Air and airport, Seaport, Defence etc.
Storage units other than those having controlled atmosphere and cold environment having capacity of more than 50,000 MT.
Cold or Refrigerated Storage having capacity of more than 10,000 MT. Controlled Atmosphere + Cold Storage having capacity of more than 1,000 MT.
Wholesalers having turnover of more than Rs.30 crores per annum.
Retailers having turnover of more than Rs.20 crores per annum.
Distributors having turnover of more than Rs.20 crores per annum.
Suppliers having turnover of more than Rs.20 crores per annum.
Caterers having turnover of more than Rs.20 crores per annum.
Hotels – Five Star & Above.
Restaurants having turnover of more than Rs.20 crores per annum.
Transporters having more than 100 vehicles or turnover of more than Rs.30 crores per annum.
Marketers having turnover of more than Rs.20 crores per annum.