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food license with taxaj

FSSAI (Food License) Registration

An F.S.S.A.I. or food License Registration certificate is required to run a food product business. You have to register under India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (F.S.S.A.I.) to deal in any kind of food product. F.S.S.A.I. regulates anything relating to the manufacture, distribution, and transport of food items. The food department is established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. The F.S.S.A.I. has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. F.S.S.A.I. Certificate and F.S.S.A.I. License are the same, ensuring the quality, purity and other vital factors the customers can rely upon.

A food license or FSSAI license is granted to all manufacturers, traders, restaurants carrying out any food business which may involve manufacturing or processing. On applying for FSSAI registration, a unique 14-digit license number is issued, which has to be quoted on all food packages. The license number is also required even if food products are not packaged. There are three levels of registrations.

👉 Basic Registration

👉 State Registration

👉 Central Registration

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About This Plan

Starting a restaurant or thinking of selling your home made cookies online? Obtain your FSSAI license with TAXAJ!

Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Timeline

Basic license usually takes 3 to 5 working days. State & central License takes 15-20 working days.

Services Covered
Who Should Buy
How It's Done
Documents Required
Services Covered

  • Drafting documents
  • Filing of forms with Authorities
  • Issue of ESI allotment letter
  • Documented Follow-up
  • Business hours -CA support
Who Should Buy
  • Any business entity or Individual working in Food & related sector
How It's Done

    • Purchase of plan
    • Upload documents on Vault
    • Drafting of documents
    • Submission of documents and application with Department
    • Receipt of Registration letter
Documents Required
  • List of Partners, Owners, and Executive Members of Society with full address and contact details.
  • Latest Passport-sized photograph of the applicant
  • Identification proof (voter ID card or Aadhaar Card)
  • PAN Card
  • Address Proof which can be Telephone, Mobile Bill, Electricity or Gas Bill
  • A Copy of Property papers (if owned)
  • A Copy of Rent Agreement and Landlord’s NOC (if rented)
  • Partnership Deed/ MOA/AOA of the firm
  • A Copy of certificate obtained under the Co-Op Act – 1861/Multi State Co-Op Act – 2002 in the case of Co-Operatives.
  • NOC from the manufacturer (in case of Distributor)
  • Information on Source of raw material
  • NOCs from Municipality or local body
  • E-Code document issued by DGFT
  • Form IX Nomination of persons by a company

Consultation & Documentation

Fill up a simple FSSAI Registration form and Consult with our expert and submit documents online through E-mail or WhatsApp.

Application Filing

We will file FSSAI application with the government authorities, resolve queries and get your FSSAI license approved.

Our Team of professionals will also file the Annual return by Food department from time to time.

All you need to know about Food Licenses in India.

Compliances and Filings for FSSAI License in India

Apply FSSAI Registration Online Here

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF OBTAINING FSSAI FOOD LICENSE?

👉 The food business can get several legal benefits

👉 Creates consumer awareness

👉 You can use FSSAI logo, which can build a goodwill among the customers.

👉 Set down science-based principles

👉 Regulate manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food

👉 To facilitate food safety

👉 The research and development sector is responsible to maintain the safety.

👉 New guidelines are introduced which are compatible with international organization

👉 Set up evidence proof studies for building policies.

👉 There is a huge chance of business expansion.

Why It’s Important to Take FSSAI Registration?

The first and foremost thing is it is mandatory to have the FSSAI license. Apart from that, there are a few other reasons why having the FSSAI license is important. Have a look below to learn in-depth.

  • Since food can directly impact consumers’ health, it is always one of the most subtle subjects for business. That is the distinct reason why the Food Safety and Standard Authority India maintains strict policies related to food safety. So, whenever a food business operator (FBO) has the license, they need to abide by the regulatory policies.
  • At the time of registration of the FSSAI license, government authority proceeds through a verification of the food; hence when one gets the license for the food products, the product becomes much trustworthy to its customer base.
  • The purpose of the food license is to chemically test the food produced by a particular organization so that if any adulteration made to the food does not impact the consumers’ health. As we all know, the food business is already susceptible to too many allegations of adulterations. Therefore, when you have the FSSAI license, you are supposed to get free from this type of accusation.
  • Having the permit can aid you in the marketing of your food product as well. Since you can directly use the FSSAI logo and license number in food packages, your brand becomes much more trustworthy about standards and quality.
  • Lastly, the penalties for not having the FSSAI license while running a food business are much higher than actually the cost of getting the license. Therefore it will always be the wisest choice to have an FSSAI license when you are operating a food business in India.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF FSSAI LICENSE?

Basic License

If the annual turnover of a food business is below Rs. 12 lakh, then basic registration of food licensing is required.

Dairy having capacity less than 500 litres per day or daily manufacturing capacity less than 100kg per day needs to get basic FSSAI registration. Basic registration includes a wide range of businesses starting from small pan shops, tea stalls, home-based food operators, small warehouses, canteen’s, mid-day meal services and food processors. The maximum tenure of this license is five years, and the minimum is one year.

State License

Suppose the annual turnover of the food business is more than Rs. 12 lakhs and less than Rs. 20 crores, then one has to get a state FSSAI License.
Manufacturing units having capacity up to 2 MT per day, Dairy units handling business up to 50000 litres per day, 3-star hotels and above, repackages and relabeling units, clubs canteens, all the catering business irrespective of their turnover needs to apply for a State license. The maximum tenure of this license is 5 years, and the minimum is 1 year.

Central License

If the annual turnover of the food business is more than Rs. 20 Crores, then a central FSSAI License is required.
The importer and exporters mandatorily need a central license. In case you are in a business having multiple outlets across the country. You need to go for a central license for your registered address and get basic state or central licenses depending on the turnover of each outlet. The maximum tenure of this license is 5 years, and the minimum is 1 year.

Eligibility of Food License Registration

The eligibility criteria for which type of registration has been listed as follows:

Basic FSSAI License

FBOs that have a yearly turnover anywhere within in Rs.12 lakh are required to apply for a Basic Food Registration.

These hold all small scale operators, which are working from and within a single area, region, city or town have to be registered under FSSAI as Basic FBO. This sort of Basic certificate has to be applied to the State where the business is based. The terms for eligibility to Basic certificate are as follows:

  • FBO likes a wholesaler, distributor, supplier, and retailer, food vending establishments, hawkers, club, canteen, Dhaba, hotel, restaurants, and storage with an annual turnover of less than Rs. 12 lakh.
  • Retailers selling food items with limited operations.
  • Petty producers manufacturing by itself.
  • A makeshift stall selling food products.
  • Businesses involved in selling food at a social or religious gathering, other than a caterer.
  • Cottage industries associated with food products.
  • Production or processing units of vegetable oil by the process of solvent extraction and refineries including oil expeller system. With a capacity to provide not more than 100 kg/litre per day (except milk or meat).
  • Dairy units, involved in procurement/collection/handling/chilling of milk, having a capacity of not more than 500 liters per day, or up to 2.5 Metric Ton of milk solids annually.
  • A slaughtering capacity of not more than 2 large animals or 10 small animals or 50 poultry birds per day.

State FSSAI License

The necessary criteria for applying for a State Food License is that the annual turnover of your business is dropping somewhere between Rs. 12 lakh up to a maximum of Rs. 20 crores. You require to apply for FSSAI State License to the state government where your business is based in. The rules directing this license are:

  • FBO likes supplier, wholesaler, distributor, retailer, food vending establishments or Dhaba, club, canteen and restaurants with an annual turnover of within Rs. 12 lakh to up to Rs. 20 crores.
  • Proprietary Foods
  • Production and processing units of vegetable oil by the process of solvent extraction and refineries including oil expeller unit. With a turnover within Rs. 12 lacs to Rs. 20 crores annually.
  • Hotels of 4-star ratings or less
  • Storages having a capacity of less than 50,000 metric tonnes yearly.
  • Dairy Units including milk chilling units, with a daily limit to handle or process, among 500 to 50000 litres.
  • A daily slaughtering capacity of more than 2 and up to 50 large animals. Or the capacity of handling more than 10 and up to 150 small animals. Or daily capacity of more than 50 to up to 1000 poultry birds.
  • All food processing units including re-packers, with a daily capacity of not less than 100 kg/litre to up to 2 metric tonnes.

Central FSSAI License

The first state to become eligible for a Central FSSAI Registration is that the yearly turnover is over Rs. 20 crores. The Central Government is to be applied for this license. Besides this basic rule, there are some other factors to be considered. Such as 100% export oriented units, importers, operators linked with the Central Government and related agencies. The FBOs having more than one branch of restaurants or food joints require to apply for a Central Food License. FBOs operating in 2 or more states have to apply for one Central License for its Registered Head Office and separate license or registration for all branches as per the eligibility standards applicable to them. Following Food Businesses require to apply for FSSAI central license by the governing authority:

  • FBO's like Restaurants, Retailers, Distributors and Suppliers with an Annual Turnover of more than Rs. 20 crore.
  • Manufacturing and processing units of vegetable oil by the method of solvent extraction and factories including oil expeller unit, with a capacity of over 2 metric tonnes per day.
  • Dhaba, club, canteen, and other food vending establishments with branches spread in more than one state and an annual turnover of more than Rs. 12 lakh.
  • Wholesalers that have an annual turnover of not less than Rs. 30 crores.
  • Hotels that have been rated 5-star or more.
  • 100 % export oriented units involved in food production or processing.
  • Every Importer including the import of food ingredients or additives.
  • Caterers working under Central Government or related agencies such as Railways, Airlines and airport, Seaport, Defence, etc.
  • Storages with a capacity of more than 50,000 metric tonnes,
  • Dairy Units (including chilling units), with a capacity to handle or process, over 50,000 litres per day,
  • A slaughtering capacity of over 50 large animals or more than 150 small animals or more than 1000 poultry birds per day,
  • All food processing units including re-packers and excluding the grains, pulses & cereals milling units with a capacity of over 2 metric tonnes per day.
  • All FBOs involved in producing an item of food, additive or its ingredient, using some new process or technology, and/or a combination thereof, whose safety has not been established yet by the FSSAI. Or they may not have a history of safe usage. It covers the food articles being introduced in the country, for the first time.

​Documents required for Food License

Basic FSSAI License

  • Declaration form
  • Authority letter
  • Copy of the property paper (if owned)
  • Copy of Rent Agreement (If rented property)
  • License or plan of the food safety management system
  • Electricity bill or water bill of business place
  • Identification proof of proprietor or partners or directors like Aadhar Card, or Voter ID card
  • Form 10 for the designation of persons by a company with the board resolution.


State FSSAI License

  • List of Partners, Owners, and Executive Members of Society with full address and contact details.
  • Latest Passport-sized photograph of the applicant
  • Identification proof (voter ID card or Aadhaar Card)
  • PAN Card
  • Address Proof which can be Telephone, Mobile Bill, Electricity or Gas Bill
  • A Copy of Property papers (if owned)
  • A Copy of Rent Agreement and Landlord’s NOC (if rented)
  • Partnership Deed/ MOA/AOA of the firm
  • A Copy of certificate obtained under the Co-Op Act – 1861/Multi State Co-Op Act – 2002 in the case of Co-Operatives.
  • NOC from the manufacturer (in case of Distributor)
  • Information on Source of raw material
  • NOCs from Municipality or local body
  • E-Code document issued by DGFT
  • Form IX Nomination of persons by a company


Central FSSAI License

  •  Declaration Form of FSSAI license
  •  If applicable a copy of certificate received below the Coop Act – 1861 / Multi-State Coop Act – 2002 in case of Cooperatives.
  • Completed and signed Form- B by the Partner, Authorized Signatory or Proprietor.
  • List and name of machinery and equipment alongside the quantity, installed capacity and horsepower applied. It is compulsory for production and manufacturing units only.
  • DGFT issues a document of the IE code.
  • Proof of turnover in supporting the documentary.
  • NOC from the local body or Municipality. It’s an optional document.
  • The certificate is given by the Ministry of Tourism (Hotel & Restaurant Approval and Classification Committee). In the case of hotels its Mandatory document.
  • PA/NOC documents circulated by FSSAI.
  • Copy of License from the manufacturer. Along with this the NOC of the same. This Compulsory for Repackers and Relabellers.
  • Proof of possession of premises -Sale deed, Rental Agreement or Electricity Bill, it’s optional.
  • List of Partner, Directors, Executive Members of Society, Proprietor, Trust with complete address and contact details. It is Necessary for Companies only.
  • Review report Chemical & Bacteriological of water to be applied as an ingredient in food from a verified or public health laboratory to verify the portability. It’s Necessary for manufacturing and processing units.
  • Listing of the food category wanted to be manufactured it’s for manufactures.
  •  Certificate of Food Safety Management System Plan ( FSMSP) if required.
  • Documentary evidence of turnover or self-declaration of a number of vehicles. It’s a compulsory document for Transporters.

List of food business falling under the purview of Central Licensing Authority (schedule 1 of FSS Regulations, 2011)

    • Dairy units along with milk chilling units can handle the processing of more than 50,000 liters of liquid milk per day or 2500 metric tons of solid milk annually.
    • Vegetable oil-producing or processing units that process vegetable oil through the solvent extraction process and refineries having a capacity of more than 2 metric tons per day.
    • Slaughterhouses that are equipped to slaughter more than 50 large animals or a minimum of 150 small animals are also covered under Schedule 1 of FSSAI Regulations, 2011.
    • Meat processing units can process more than 500 kg of meat per day or 150 metric tons of meat per annum.
    • Except for the units mentioned in I and IV, all other food processing units having types of machinery such as relabelled and repackers with a capacity of 2 metric tons per day except grains, cereals, and pulses milling units.
    • Businesses that import food items or food ingredients and additives for commercial uses.
    • Food business operators who manufacture food items, ingredients, or substances or use certain processing technologies to process or both whose safety is not established by these regulations or don’t have a history of safe use or introduced in the country are also covered under schedule 1.

Cases When to apply Central FSSAI Licenses and State FSSAI Licenses

S. NoConditionCentral FSSAI LicensesState FSSAI Licenses
1If Operation of business in more than one stateCentral License for Head OfficeState License for other offices if others conditions also fulfiled
2Dairy units including milk chilling units equipped to handle or processmore than 50,000 litres of liquid milk/day or 2500 MT of milk solid per annum.upto 50,000 litres of liquid milk/day or 2500 MT of milk solid per annum.
3Vegetable oil processing units and units producing vegetable oil by the process of solvent extraction and refineries including oil expeller unit installed capacity more than 2 MT per day. installed capacity upto 2 MT per day.
4slaughter houses equipped to slaughtermore than 50 large animals or 150 or more small animals including sheep and goats or 1000 or more poultry birds per day.upto 50 large animals or upto 150  small animals including sheep and goats or upto 1000  poultry birds per day.
5Meat processing units equipped to handle or processmore than 500 kg of meat per day or 150 MT per annumupto 500 kg of meat per day or 150 MT per annum
6All food processing units other than mentioned under (2) to (5) including relabellers and repackersinstalled capacity more than 2 MT/day except grains, cereals and pulses milling units.installed capacity upto 2 MT/day except grains, cereals and pulses milling units.
7100 % Export Oriented Units.AllNA
8Importers importing food items including food ingredients and additives for commercial use.AllNA
9Food catering services in establishments and units under Central government Agencies like Railways, Air and airport, Seaport, Defence etc.AllNA
10Hotelswith 5 star and above accreditation.Below 5 Star
11All E-commerce food businesses.AllNA
12Proprietary FoodsAllNA
13Storage (Other than atmosphere controlled or cold)Capacity more than 50,000MTCapacity upto 50,000MT
14Storage (Cold/ Refrigerated)Capacity more than 10,000MTCapacity upto 10,000MT
15Storage (Cold+ controlled atmosphere)Capacity more than 1,000MTCapacity upto 1,000MT
16WholesalerTO greater than 30 CroresTO Upto 30 Crores
17RetailerTO greater than 20 CroresTO Upto 20 Crores
18Distributor/ Supplier/ caterer/ restaurantTO greater than 20 CroresTO Upto 20 Crores
19TransporterHaving more than 100 Wagons/ vehicles or TO above 30 CroresHaving Upto 100 Wagons/ vehicles or TO Upto 30 Crores
20MarketerTO greater than 20 CroresTO Upto 20 Crores
21Storage/ wholesaler/ retailer / DistributorPremises in Central Govt AgenciesNA
22Foot cateringAirport/ SeaportsNA

Results Of Non-compliance of FSSAI License

Under the FSSAI, any licensed or registered individual has to adhere to the FSS Act’s regulations, 2006. The Officer in charge of food safety generally controls the inspection of the FBOs facility & identifies the compliance level under the regulation by maintaining a checklist. On the basis of compliance level, the officer in charge of food safety spots it as:

  • Non-compliance (NC)
  • Compliance (C)
  • Partial compliance (PC)
  • Not applicable/Not observed (NA)


On the basis of the above subject, an up-gradation notice can be issued anytime if it’s required as per Sec 32 under the FSSAI Act, 2006. The license may be canceled if the business organization breaks the Compliance related to the improvement notice. Any FBO affronted by the notice may appeal to the State Commissioner of Food Safety even though the decision will be taken by the Honourable High Court or Food safety tribunal

Penalties Related To The Non-Compliance with FSSAI Act, 2006

Penalties associated with the Non-compliance are listed below:

Sl. NoParticularsPenalties
1Quality of the Food not associated with the Compliance under the Act2 Lakh Petty manufacturer – 25,000/-
2Misbranded Food3 Lakh
3Degrade Food standard5 Lakh
4Misleading advertisement & false information10 Lakh
5Fails to comply with direction of the Food safety officer2 Lakh
6Extraneous food matter1 Lakh
7Unhygienic manufacturers or processings1 Lakh

FSSAI License Renewal

The FSSAI license is effective in commencing the business dealing with food products; likewise, the renewal of the license is an essential factor in operating the business without complexities. 

The validity of the issued license is for 1 or 5 years, so the business must apply for the license renewal 30 days in advance before the expiry of the current license. FSSAI has initiated an online application FLRS- Food Licensing and Registration System. So businesses dealing with the food market can register for licenses using the online platform.

The FLRS is functional in 5 Regional Offices for the certification of entitlements & licenses.

  • Eastern Region – Kolkata
  • Northern Region -New Delhi
  • Western Region – Mumbai and Kerala
  • North Eastern Region – Guwahati
  • Southern Region – Chennai


Anyway, folks, now we have come to the end of the conversation about FSSAI registration and types of FSSAI registration. However, we have already shared all the necessary details you require to get yourself the FSSAI license. If you need further info to talk to expert professionals. Keep following our blogs to keep yourself updated with the latest tax compliance changes news.

Important Points

  • The most important thing about the FSSAI License, if it takes more than 60 days, the applicant can start without the license without waiting for further processing.
  • To protect and enhance the quality and hygiene of food, huge changes have been brought by the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006. As per the act, it is necessary to get an FSSAI Registration and license for a person to start a food business.
  • Thus FSSAI license is needed for all activities linking to the manufacture, process, storage, packaging, and distribution of food.
  •  FSSAI License or Restaurant License is a legal responsibility that is compulsory for every Food Business Operators.
  • The Name defined in the application Form (A or B) will be the name on the Food License Certificate. So make sure it is clearly and accurately spelled.
  • You will receive all further communication on the mobile number and e-mail ID supplied in the Application Form. Make sure these are working.
  • After applying, a unique reference ID will be generated. This ID will be used during all further communications and processes for obtaining the FSSAI certificate.
  • If the operations of the FBO, e.g. a restaurant or hotel, expand to more than one state, a Central FSSAI license has to be procured for the main Branch/Head Office. And a State License or Basic Registration for each branch, as per their eligibility.
  • The Central License Certificate will be issued to the importers only on the address mentioned on their Import Export Code (IEC).
  • A single unit needs a single certificate only. Whether it is handling/producing different varieties or various processes. Just make sure that the Form (A or B) includes all the Food Items and the Processes.

Frequently Asked Questions on FSSAI

Who requires a FSSAI License?

All the Food Business Owners operating in India need to get registered. FBOs with a turnover of more than 12lac p.a need to get registered and licensed. Businesses like hotels, café, packaged food fall under the FSSAI license scheme. The detailed list of businesses that need a license is mentioned in detail under Schedule1 of FSS act 2011.

What food license do I need?

If you are a Food Business Operator then you will need FSSAI registration and license.

Is the Fssai license mandatory?

YES, an FSSAI license is mandatory, for running a food business in India. All the FBOs must obtain a 14-digit license number which is printed on their food products.

What are the different categories of license issued by Fssai?

There are three Categories of FSSAI/ Food Licence, depending upon the turnover of the Food Business Operator.

1. FSSAI Basic License.
2. FSSAI State License.
3. FSSAI Central License.

How much does a FSSAI License Cost?

FSSAI license cost differs from category to category. Schedule 3 of FSS act 2006 gives a detailed fee structure.
You have to pay depending on the category you fall in. The category is based on your turnover, type of business, and assets generated from the business.

1. For Registration- 1799
2. For Central – 7500
3. For State- 7500

Schedule 3 gives a more detailed fee structure.


Note: The requirement of the FSSAI license for registration, center, and state differs depending on the revenue you generate. Also if your turnover is up to 12 lakhs, p.a, then you need to have an FSSAI registration license only and the registration fee for Petty FBO is Rupees 100. The requirement of the FSSAI license for registration, center, and state differs depending on the revenue you generate. Also if your turnover is up to 12 lakhs, p.a, then you need to have an FSSAI registration license only and the registration fee for Petty FBO is Rupees 100.

Is it easy to get a FSSAI License?

Yes, it is easy to get an FSSAI license provided you follow all the procedures and present all the required documents when needed. Though the decision of approving the request for registration and licensing is solely in the hands of the FSSAI officials, you only have to make sure that you comply with the pre-defined set rules and standards to get the license.

How much time will it take to get a FSSAI License?

You will get your FSSAI license within 30 days of filling out your application and submitting the required fee, and you will receive the notification for inspection by the officer within 7 days of your registration. A basic registration license takes up to 7-10 days.


How can I pay the FSSAI Fee?

There are two modes of payment of the fee:-
A.    You can follow the online payment method on the registration portal and opt for payment through a debit card or other options available.
B.    You can also pay through the treasury challan from the treasury office or CSC center. In the case of state or central registration, you need to get the treasury challan signed by the senior officer at the treasury office.

How can I get a FSSAI License online?

To get the FSSAI license you need to go to https://foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in/index.aspx and log in or sign up to your account. Fill up Form A and Form B, and present the required document along with the fee.

When FSSAI is required?

FSSAI is required when you want to enter the food business market of India as a Food Business Operator.

Why is FSSAI License required?

FSSAI license is important for any food business operator operating in India. It is meant for regulating the food business sector and maintaining a standard quality throughout the country. FSSAI license and FSSAI Registration is a legal approval that you can operate your food business or sell your edible item in India, as you have surpassed the requirements set in FSS Act 2006. It increases the credibility of the business and makes sure the set standards are maintained.