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FSSAI LICENSE

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What is an FSSAI License?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the governing body responsible for ensuring food safety compliance among food business operators (FBOs). Whether you are a manufacturer, wholesaler, trader, retailer, importer, exporter, or raw material supplier, obtaining an FSSAI License or Registration is mandatory. This 14-digit FSSAI Registration Number must be displayed on food packaging and at business premises.

FSSAI operates under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and enforces food safety regulations across India. Every food business, regardless of turnover, must register with the FSSAI before commencing operations.

Types of FSSAI Licenses

FSSAI offers three categories of licenses based on the scale of operations and turnover:

FSSAI Basic Registration

Applicable for small businesses with an annual turnover below INR 12 lakh.
Ideal for petty manufacturers, small retailers, and home-based food businesses.

FSSAI State License

Required for food businesses with an annual turnover between INR 12 lakh to INR 20 crore.
Also applicable for manufacturers and specific food processing units, such as:
- Dairy Units: Producing between 501 LPD to 50,000 LPD of milk or 2.5 to 2500 metric tonnes of milk solids annually.
- Vegetable Oil Processing: Producing up to 2 metric tonnes per day.
- Cereals, grains & pulses processing: Producing 100 kg to 2 metric tonnes per day.
Other businesses needing this license include:
- Storage Facilities: Normal (up to 50,000 metric tonnes), Cold (up to 10,000 metric tonnes), and Atmosphere Controlled (up to 1,000 metric tonnes).
- Wholesalers: Turnover up to INR 30 crore.
- Food Vending Agencies: Operating 12-100 vending machines.
- Transporters: Managing up to 100 vehicles with a turnover of up to INR 30 crore.
- Hotels: Up to 4-star rating.
- License approval time: 45-60 days.

FSSAI Central License

Required for food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding INR 20 crore.
Applicable to larger manufacturers and exporters/importers, including:
- Dairy Units: Producing more than 50,000 LPD of milk or over 2,500 metric tonnes of milk solids.
- Vegetable Oil Processing: Producing over 2 metric tonnes per day.
- Cereals, grains & pulses processing: More than 2 metric tonnes per day.
Other businesses requiring this license:
- Storage Facilities: Normal (above 50,000 metric tonnes), Cold (above 10,000 metric tonnes), and Atmosphere Controlled (above 1,000 metric tonnes).
- Wholesalers: Turnover exceeding INR 30 crore.
- Food Vending Agencies: More than 100 vending machines in one or more states.
- Transporters: Managing over 100 vehicles or turnover exceeding INR 30 crore.
- Hotels: More than a 4-star rating.
- License approval time: 20-30 days.

For food importers/exporters, obtaining an FSSAI Central License is mandatory before beginning operations.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration & Licensing

Basic FSSAI Registration

Aadhaar card of the business owner
Scanned signature and passport-size photograph
Business activity details
Business address proof

State FSSAI License

Declaration form
Aadhaar card of the owner
MOA/AOA/Partnership deed (if applicable)
Company GST number (if available)
List of food products handled
NOC from the property owner and rent agreement
Electricity bill of premises
Additional documents for food manufacturers:
- Factory blueprint
- Machine list with photographs
- Water test report
- Product testing reports (if required)

Central FSSAI License

All documents required for the state license
Audited balance sheet (for food manufacturers)
Import Export Code (IEC) (for import/export businesses)

Additional Requirements for Food Manufacturing Units

List of food categories
Manufacturing unit layout plan
Equipment details with capacity
Water contamination report
Production unit photographs

Procedure to Obtain an FSSAI License

Determine Your Business Category – Identify whether your business requires Basic, State, or Central FSSAI License.
Gather Required Documents – Ensure all necessary paperwork is ready for submission.
Online Application – Submit the application through the FSSAI portal.
Fee Payment – Pay the government fees as applicable.
Inspection & Verification – The designated FSSAI officer may conduct a physical inspection of the business premises.
Approval & License Issuance – Upon successful verification, the license is issued.

Why is an FSSAI License Important?

Legal Compliance: Avoid hefty penalties and ensure smooth business operations.
Consumer Trust: Enhances brand credibility and consumer confidence.
Market Expansion: Enables businesses to scale operations, export food products, and enter retail chains.
Food Safety Assurance: Ensures hygiene, quality, and standard compliance.

Obtaining an FSSAI License is a crucial step for any food-related business in India. Whether you run a small home-based kitchen or a large manufacturing unit, compliance with FSSAI regulations is non-negotiable. Ensure food safety, build consumer trust, and grow your business with the right FSSAI registration. Contact us today for expert assistance and hassle-free registration.