Getting FSSAI registration in India involves a straightforward process that food businesses must follow to ensure legal compliance and food safety certification. Below are the key steps involved in the food licensing and registration procedure:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Choose the Appropriate License Type | Check whether your business requires Basic Registration, State License, or Central License based on your turnover, scale, and operational reach. |
| Prepare Required Documents | Gather all necessary documents such as identity proof, business registration proof, address proof, and food safety plans (if applicable). |
| Submit Application (Form A or Form B) |
|
| Pay the Government Fees | The fee varies according to the license type and validity period (1 to 5 years). Payment is done online during submission. |
| Verification and Inspection (if applicable) | For State and Central Licenses, the authority may conduct a physical inspection within 7–15 working days. |
| Receive FSSAI Registration Certificate | Once approved, you will receive your FSSAI certificate digitally, typically within 7–30 working days depending on license type and inspection. |
FSSAI registration fees vary based on the type of registration and the validity period you choose, which ranges from 1 to 5 years. The government fee is nominal for small businesses and increases with the scale and complexity of the food operation.
| FSSAI License Type | Government Fee (₹) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | ₹100 per year | 1 to 5 years |
| State License | ₹2,000 per year | 1 to 5 years |
| Central License | ₹7,500 per year | 1 to 5 years |
FSSAI licenses are valid for a period ranging from 1 to 5 years, based on the applicant’s choice at the time of registration. It is important for food business operators to keep track of their license expiry date to ensure uninterrupted compliance.
Timely renewal of your FSSAI license offers several important benefits that help keep your food business compliant and trusted by customers. Renewing early ensures smooth operations without legal or financial hurdles.
FSSAI Registration is mandatory for all food business operators in India under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. As per Section 32, authorities are empowered to issue improvement notices to food business operators. Failure to comply with these notices or operate without a valid FSSAI license can lead to serious consequences, including license cancellation. Here is a detailed outline of the penalties collected:
| Sl.No | Particulars | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Food quality not up to the act's standards | ₹2 Lakh (Petty manufacturer – ₹25,000) |
| 2 | Sub-standard food | ₹5 Lakh |
| 3 | Misbranded Food | ₹3 Lakh |
| 4 | False description or deceptive advertising | ₹10 Lakh |
| 5 | Extraneous matter in food | ₹1 Lakh |
| 6 | Disregard for the food safety officer's instruction | ₹2 Lakh |
| 7 | Unhygienic processing or manufacture | ₹1 Lakh |