byShine legal India                        Published On 2025-06-20             

If you want to start a food business in India like a restaurant, bakery, cloud kitchen, hotel or even a small food stall you need to get FSSAI registration. In India, the FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 to ensure that all food available to the public is safe for consumption. FSSAI checks that food businesses follow the rules and do not sell unsafe food. FSSAI gives food licenses/registrations and makes the rules that food businesses must follow. FSSAI requires every food business operator (FBO) to secure either a FSSAI registration or a food license to run their operations legally. This article explores the essential aspects of FSSAI registration, including its various categories, the advantages it offers, consequences of non-compliance and a detailed guide on how to apply for a food license. 

What is FSSAI?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) works to protect public health by regulating and supervising food safety practices in the country. It creates rules and standards for all types of food businesses in India. Under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations of 2011 every business dealing with food whether it is making, storing, processing, distributing, or selling, it must get FSSAI registration. This FSSAI registration includes a unique 14-digit number that makes the business legal and shows it follows safety standards.

Understanding FSSAI Registration/Food License

FSSAI registration is a legal requirement for food businesses in India, ensuring that food products meet safety standards. An FSSAI registration or food license indicates that the food business follows the rules and standards set by the authority. 

The type of food safety certification required by a business depends on its size and activities. FSSAI registration is necessary for small food businesses whose yearly revenue does not exceed ?12 lakh. This typically applies to petty food retailers, hawkers, cottage industries involved in food production and owners of temporary food stalls.The choice between a state or central food license depends on the business’s operational scale and income. For businesses that operate on a larger scale or are involved in more complex food activities such as manufacturing, processing or large-scale distribution, a food licence is mandatory.

Types of FSSAI registration

• Basic registration is suitable for small-scale food businesses with annual earnings up to ?12 lakh.
• State license is required for mid-sized food enterprises with an annual turnover ranging from ?12 lakh to ?20 crore.
• Central license is mandatory for large food companies with revenue exceeding ?20 crore annually.

Eligibility for basic FSSAI registration

• The business must generate no more than ?12 lakh in annual revenue.
• The food production capacity should not exceed 100 litres or kilograms per day excluding meat and dairy products.
• For businesses involved in milk collection or food procurement, the handling limit should be up to 500 litres per day.
  
• If the business involves animal slaughtering, it should not exceed 2 large animals, 10 small animals or 50 poultry birds per day.
• The business should use only one transportation vehicle for food distribution.
• If vending machines are used, there should be no more than 12 machines operating within a single state or union territory.

Eligibility for state FSSAI license

• The annual turnover should be more than ?12 lakh but not exceeding ?20 crore.
• The business should have a production capacity of between 1 to 2 metric tonnes per day excluding dairy and meat products.
• For those involved in milk handling or food procurement, the daily capacity should be between 501 and 50,000 litres.
• In the case of animal slaughter, the permitted limit is 3 to 50 large animals, 11 to 150 small animals or 51 to 1,000 poultry birds per day.
• Storage facilities should hold up to 10,000 metric tonnes.
• The business can operate with up to 100 transport vehicles.
• Hotels rated up to four stars fall under this category.
• Businesses can operate up to 100 vending machines within a single state or union territory.
  
  

Eligibility for central FSSAI license

• The yearly revenue should exceed ?20 crore.
• The business must have a production capacity exceeding 2 metric tonnes per day excluding milk and meat-based products.
• For milk procurement or food handling the capacity must be over 50,000 litres per day.
• Slaughterhouses must handle more than 50 large animals, more than 150 small animals, or over 1,000 poultry birds per day.
• Storage units should exceed 10,000 metric tonnes in capacity.
• The business may operate more than 100 transport vehicles.
• Hotels with a five-star rating or higher must obtain a central license.
• Businesses operating more than 100 vending machines across multiple states or UTs also fall under this category.

Which Food Business Operators (FBO) need FSSAI registration?

A Food Business Operator (FBO) refers to anyone involved in the production, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution or sale of food. This includes a broad spectrum of enterprises, ranging from eateries and food vendors on the street to major food producers and online food delivery services. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, any individual or entity engaged in food-related operations must obtain FSSAI registration. This includes:

• Small food vendors
• Large-scale manufacturers
• Transporters and distributors of food
• Retailers, including hotels and restaurants
• Food exporters and importers

Benefits of FSSAI Registration/Food license 

• Legal compliance
• Consumer trust
• Food safety assurance
• Enhanced reputation
• Regulatory compliance
• Easier Investment
• Quality assurance
• Visible compliance
• Business growth

Documents required for FSSAI registration

The required documents differ depending on the type of registration.

1.Basic registration

• Address proof of the business premises.
• Passport-sized photograph of the applicant.
• Identity proof of the applicant.
• Business details, including the name and type of business.

2.State and Central licenses:

• All documents required for basic registration.
• Proof of food safety management system in place.
• Layout plan of the processing unit.
• Water testing report (if applicable).
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from local authorities.
• Food product test reports from accredited laboratories.

Step-by-Step process to obtain FSSAI registration

• Determine eligibility depending on the type of registration.
• Visit the official FoSCoS portal.
• Create an account by providing your details, such as your name, business type and contact information to set up your profile.
• Fill out the application form with details like your business name, address and the type of food business you run.
• Submit the necessary documents in the correct format and size, as outlined by the portal.
• Pay the government registration fees online via net banking, credit/debit cards or UPI.
• Submit the application
• Inspection by FSSAI (If required)
• Receive the food license

Validity and renewal of FSSAI registration

The validity of FSSAI registrations and licenses ranges from 1 to 5 years, based on the type and the applicant’s selection. It is crucial to apply for renewal at least 30 days before the expiry date to avoid penalties and ensure uninterrupted business operations.

Common errors to avoid during FSSAI license application 

1. Incomplete documentation
2. Overlooking license renewals
3. Neglecting license updates
4. Non-compliance with food safety regulations

Key compliance regulations post FSSAI registration 

• To ensure that safety regulations are being followed, conduct routine food safety inspections.
• Implementation of strict hygiene protocols in food handling and processing.
• Proper labelling of food products with details like FSSAI number, manufacturing date and nutritional information.
• Regular skill-building sessions for employees on maintaining food safety and hygiene.
• FSSAI may conduct random checks to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

FSSAI registration is more than just a legal formality, it is a vital step toward guaranteeing the safety and quality of the food being served or sold. Holding the correct FSSAI registration or food license helps businesses gain customer confidence, grow their presence in the market and operate lawfully under India’s food safety regulations. For any food business operator, understanding the details of the FSSAI process, staying compliant and renewing the license on time are key to building a responsible and successful food venture in India. Getting an FSSAI license is simple with Shine Legal India’s help for food businesses across the country.