• Food Manufacturers: Entities involved in the manufacturing, processing, packaging, labeling, and storage of food products require FSSAI registration or licensing. This includes small-scale manufacturers, medium-scale processors, and large-scale food processing units.

• Food Importers: Businesses engaged in the import of food products into India from other countries must obtain an FSSAI license to ensure compliance with Indian food safety standards and regulations.

• Food Distributors and Wholesalers: Entities involved in the distribution, wholesale, and trading of food products within India require FSSAI registration or licensing to ensure the safety and quality of the products they handle.

• Food Retailers and Outlets: Retail establishments such as grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, food stalls, restaurants, hotels, and eateries require FSSAI registration or licensing to ensure the safety of the food products they sell to consumers.

• Food Caterers and Food Service Providers: Catering services, food service providers, canteens, institutional kitchens, and food vending establishments require FSSAI registration or licensing to ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulations.

• Food Transporters and Logistics Providers: Entities involved in the transportation, storage, and logistics of food products require FSSAI registration or licensing to ensure the safety and quality of the products during transit.

• Food Testing Laboratories: Laboratories engaged in the testing and analysis of food samples for quality, safety, and compliance with food safety standards require FSSAI accreditation to ensure the credibility and reliability of their test results.

• Food Packaging and Labeling Companies: Companies involved in the manufacturing of food packaging materials and labels require FSSAI registration or licensing to ensure compliance with packaging and labeling regulations.

• Food Exporters: Businesses engaged in the export of food products from India to other countries require FSSAI registration or licensing to ensure compliance with international food safety standards and regulations.

• Food Ingredient Suppliers: Suppliers of food ingredients, additives, and raw materials to food manufacturers require FSSAI registration or licensing to ensure the safety and quality of the products they supply.

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The category of FSSAI registration or licensing you should apply for depends on the scale of your food business operations and turnover. Here are the categories of FSSAI registration/licensing and the criteria for each category:

1. FSSAI Registration: This category is suitable for small-scale food businesses with annual turnover below a specified threshold. The criteria for FSSAI registration are as follows:

   • Annual turnover of food business not exceeding Rs. 12 lakhs.
   • Small-scale manufacturers, processors, retailers, distributors, and transporters of food products.

2. FSSAI State License: This category is applicable to medium-scale food businesses with annual turnover above the specified threshold but below another specified threshold. The criteria for FSSAI state license are as follows:

   • Annual turnover of food business exceeding Rs. 12 lakhs but not exceeding Rs. 20 crores.
   • Medium-scale manufacturers, processors, distributors, and retailers of food products operating within a single state.

3. FSSAI Central License: This category is required for large-scale food businesses with annual turnover above a specified threshold. The criteria for FSSAI central license are as follows:

   • Annual turnover of food business exceeding Rs. 20 crores.
   • Large-scale manufacturers, processors, exporters, importers, distributors, and retailers of food products operating across multiple states or having a presence at the national level.

1. Determine the Category: Assess the scale of your food business operations and turnover to determine the appropriate category of FSSAI registration or licensing. You can choose between FSSAI registration, state license, or central license based on your business size and scope.

2. Prepare Documents: Gather the necessary documents required for FSSAI registration or licensing. These may include identity proof, address proof, proof of ownership or tenancy of premises, food safety management plan, NOC from municipality or local authority, and other relevant documents.

3. Fill Application Form: Fill out the FSSAI application form corresponding to the chosen category of registration or licensing. You can obtain the application form from the official FSSAI website or through authorized service providers.

4. Submit Application: Submit the completed application form along with the required documents to the designated FSSAI office or online portal. Ensure that all information provided in the application form is accurate and up-to-date.

5. Pay Fees: Pay the applicable registration or licensing fees as per the FSSAI regulations. The fee amount varies depending on the category of registration or licensing and the duration of validity.

6. Inspection and Verification: After receiving your application, the FSSAI authorities may conduct an inspection of your food business premises to verify compliance with food safety standards and regulations. Ensure that your premises meet the required hygiene and safety standards.

7. Issue of Registration/License: Upon successful verification and inspection, the FSSAI authorities will issue the registration certificate or license for your food business. The registration certificate or license will contain a unique FSSAI registration or license number that you must display prominently at your premises.

8. Renewal: Ensure timely renewal of your FSSAI registration or license as per the prescribed schedule. FSSAI registration is typically valid for one to five years, depending on the chosen category, and must be renewed before the expiry date to maintain compliance with food safety regulations.

9. Compliance: Ensure ongoing compliance with FSSAI regulations by maintaining hygiene and safety standards, following good manufacturing practices (GMP) and good hygiene practices (GHP), and adhering to labeling and packaging requirements.

10. Display FSSAI Logo: Once you receive your FSSAI registration or license, display the FSSAI logo with your unique registration or license number on all food packages, labels, and promotional materials associated with your food products.

1. Identity Proof:

   • Aadhaar Card
   • Voter ID Card
   • Passport
   • PAN Card
   • Driver’s License

2. Address Proof:

   • Utility Bill (Electricity/Water/Gas)
   • Rent Agreement
   • Property Tax Receipt
   • Municipal Corporation Receipt
   • Lease Deed

3. Proof of Business Ownership or Tenancy:

   • Sale Deed
   • Rent Agreement
   • Lease Deed
   • NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the landlord (if applicable)

4. Food Safety Management Plan:

   • Details of food safety management practices implemented in your food business, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan, and other relevant documentation.

5. List of Food Products:

   • Detailed list of food products manufactured, processed, distributed, or sold by your food business.

6. Form-B:

   • This form is the application form for FSSAI registration or licensing and includes details such as business name, address, contact information, category of registration/licensing, and other relevant information.

7. Declaration Form:

   • A self-declaration form stating that the information provided in the application form and supporting documents is true and accurate.

8. Affidavit:

   • An affidavit affirming that the food business complies with all relevant food safety regulations and standards.

9. NOC from Local Authority or Municipality:

   • No Objection Certificate from the local authority or municipality confirming compliance with local zoning and land use regulations.

10. Photographs:

• Passport-sized photographs of the proprietor/partners/directors/authorized signatories.

11. Additional Documents:
    • Any additional documents requested by the FSSAI authorities based on the specific requirements of your food business or the category of registration/licensing.

1. Ensures Food Safety: FSSAI is dedicated to ensuring the safety and quality of food products consumed by the public. It sets stringent standards and regulations for food safety, hygiene, and quality, thereby reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and ensuring consumer health and well-being.

2. Consumer Confidence: FSSAI certification or licensing instills confidence among consumers regarding the safety and quality of the food products they purchase. The FSSAI logo on food packaging indicates compliance with food safety standards, helping consumers make informed choices about the food they consume.

3. Legal Compliance: Obtaining FSSAI registration or licensing is a legal requirement for food businesses operating in India. Compliance with FSSAI regulations ensures that food businesses adhere to the necessary standards and regulations, reducing the risk of penalties, fines, or legal consequences.

4. Facilitates Trade: FSSAI certification enhances the acceptability of Indian food products in domestic and international markets. Compliance with FSSAI standards facilitates trade by ensuring that Indian food products meet the required safety and quality standards, thereby promoting exports and boosting the economy.

5. Promotes Innovation: FSSAI encourages innovation in the food industry by supporting research and development activities aimed at improving food safety, quality, and technology. It fosters innovation in food processing, packaging, and preservation techniques, leading to the development of safer and healthier food products.

6. Creates Level Playing Field: FSSAI regulations create a level playing field for all food businesses by ensuring uniformity in food safety standards and regulations. This promotes fair competition in the food industry and prevents unfair practices that could compromise consumer safety.

7. Supports Small-Scale Businesses: FSSAI offers simplified registration procedures and fee structures for small-scale food businesses, making it easier for them to comply with food safety regulations. This supports the growth and sustainability of small-scale food enterprises and encourages entrepreneurship in the food sector.

8. Enhances Brand Reputation: FSSAI certification or licensing enhances the reputation and credibility of food businesses in the eyes of consumers, suppliers, and other stakeholders. It demonstrates a commitment to food safety and quality, which can lead to increased customer loyalty and trust.

9. Protects Public Health: By setting and enforcing food safety standards, FSSAI plays a crucial role in protecting public health and preventing foodborne diseases. It ensures that food businesses follow hygienic practices, maintain sanitary conditions, and adhere to safety protocols throughout the food supply chain.

10. Promotes Consumer Awareness: FSSAI conducts consumer awareness campaigns and educational programs to promote awareness about food safety, hygiene, and nutrition among the public. These initiatives empower consumers to make informed choices about the food they eat and adopt healthier dietary practices.