FSAAI (Food License) Registration

Simplify your Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license registration in India with DigiAstra Get expert guidance, follow a streamlined process, and ensure hassle-free compliance. Secure your food license effortlessly today.

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In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, hygiene, and quality of food products. Every food business, whether small or large, must obtain an FSSAI license to operate legally.

At DigiAstra Consultancy Services, we make FSSAI registration simple and hassle-free. Our team guides you through the entire process, from understanding requirements to submitting applications, ensuring your business complies with all food safety regulations.

Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI regulates and supervises food safety standards across the country. An FSSAI license is a mark of trust and credibility, assuring consumers that the food they purchase is safe, hygienic, and of high quality. With DigiAstra, you can secure your FSSAI license efficiently and focus on growing your food business with confidence.

FSSAI (Food License) Registration Process:

Registering for an FSSAI license involves the following steps:

Step 1 : Determine License Category

First, an applicant must figure out which FSSAI license category fits their food business’s type and size. There are three main options: Basic Registration, State License, or Central License.

Step 2: Application Submission

Applicants need to submit their FSSAI license application online using the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) portal. The form requires accurate details like the business name, address, type of food products, and production or storage capacity.

Step 3:Upload Documents

The applicant needs to upload the required documents as per the checklist provided in the application form. The documents typically include identity proof, address proof, proof of business ownership, food safety management plan, etc.

Step 4 :Payment of Fees

You need to pay the required license fee online through the FLRS portal. The cost changes based on the type of license you’re applying for and your food business’s annual turnover.

Step 5: Inspection (if applicable)

Sometimes, FSSAI authorities will inspect the premises to check if the business follows food safety standards and regulations.

Step 6: License Issuance

After FSSAI verifies the application and documents—and completes any required inspections—the license is issued electronically. The applicant will receive a license certificate and a unique FSSAI license number.

Key Updates from FSSAI (2020)

  1. Implementation of the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS)

In 2020, FSSAI launched the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS), a centralized online platform for food businesses to apply for, renew, and manage their licenses and registrations. This system aims to streamline the licensing process, reduce paperwork, and enhance transparency.

  1. Amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020

FSSAI introduced amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, effective from July 1st of each year. These amendments include:

  • Mandatory Display of FSSAI Logo and License Number: Food businesses are required to display the FSSAI logo and license number on all premises where food is stored, processed, distributed, or sold. This ensures consumers can easily verify the authenticity of the food products.
  • Standardized Labelling Requirements: The regulations prescribe standardized labelling requirements for pre-packaged foods, including nutritional information, ingredients list, and allergen declarations. These measures aim to provide consumers with clear and accurate information about the food products they purchase.
  1. Extension of License Renewal Period

To facilitate food businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, FSSAI extended the grace period for renewing licenses and registrations. Food businesses could renew their licenses even after the expiry date, up to 180 days, with the payment of a penalty. This extension aimed to alleviate the challenges faced by food businesses during the lockdown period.

How DigiAstra Can Assist You

At DigiAstra Consultancy Services, we offer comprehensive support for FSSAI registration, including:

  • Guidance on License Type: We help determine the appropriate FSSAI license (Basic, State, or Central) based on your business size and operations.
  • Document Preparation: Assistance in gathering and preparing the necessary documents for application.
  • Online Application Submission: We handle the submission of your application through the FoSCoS portal, ensuring all information is accurate and complete.
  • Follow-Up and Communication: We monitor the status of your application and communicate with FSSAI on your behalf to address any queries or additional requirements.
  • Renewal and Compliance Support: We provide reminders and assistance for timely renewal of your FSSAI license, ensuring continuous compliance with food safety regulations.

Pros and Cons of FSSAI (Food License) Registration:

Pros
1. Legal Compliance – FSSAI registration ensures your business meets government food safety regulations, reducing the risk of legal penalties and operational issues.
2. Consumer Confidence – A registered FSSAI license acts as a symbol of trust, assuring customers that your food products are safe and high-quality.
3. Market Access – Many retailers, supermarkets, online platforms, and export markets require an FSSAI license, enabling you to expand your business opportunities.
4. Enhanced Brand Reputation – FSSAI registration boosts your brand credibility and differentiates your products from unregistered competitors.
5. Access to Government Programs – Registered businesses can avail government benefits, incentives, and schemes aimed at promoting food safety and hygiene.

Cons
1. Cost and Time – Obtaining an FSSAI license involves fees, documentation expenses, and inspections, along with the time needed to prepare and submit the application.
2. Ongoing Compliance Burden – After registration, businesses must continually follow regulations, renew licenses, and submit annual returns.
3. Inspection Requirements – FSSAI authorities may conduct regular inspections, which can require additional resources and may temporarily disrupt operations.
4. Complexity for Small Businesses – For smaller enterprises, the process can be complicated due to limited resources, technical knowledge, and understanding of regulations.
5. Risk of Non-Compliance – Failure to adhere to FSSAI rules can result in fines, penalties, product recalls, or even business closure, posing financial and reputational risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) Registration is a crucial license that all food businesses in India must obtain. Think of it as a government stamp of approval that certifies a food business is following the safety and quality rules set by the FSSAI. This registration helps ensure that the food being produced, processed, stored, or sold is safe for consumers.

The primary goal of FSSAI Registration is to protect public health. By mandating this registration, the FSSAI can regulate and monitor the entire food industry, from small-scale street vendors to large-scale manufacturers. This ensures that all food businesses are held accountable and that consumers can trust the quality and safety of the food they're buying. Without it, the food industry would lack a standardized system for quality control, potentially leading to widespread health issues.

Any individual or entity involved in the food business in India, regardless of their size or the nature of their operations, is legally required to obtain FSSAI registration or a license. This includes a wide range of food business operators (FBOs) such as:

  • Manufacturers and Processors: This covers anyone who manufactures, processes, or repackages food products.

  • Restaurants, Hotels, and Caterers: All food service establishments that prepare and serve food to consumers.

  • Wholesalers, Distributors, and Retailers: This includes grocery stores, supermarkets, and all businesses that store and sell food products.

  • Small-Scale Businesses and Petty Traders: Even small businesses like street food vendors, hawkers, temporary stall holders, and home-based food businesses with low turnover must register.

  • Transporters and Storage Units: Entities involved in the transport of food products or their storage, including cold storage facilities.

  • Importers and Exporters: All businesses that import or export food products.

  • E-commerce Food Suppliers: Online platforms that facilitate the sale of food products, including cloud kitchens.

The specific type of FSSAI certification—Basic Registration, State License, or Central License—depends on the business's turnover, production capacity, and geographical scope of operations.

  • Identity proof of the business owner (e.g., Aadhar card, PAN card).

  • Proof of address of the business premises (e.g., rent agreement, electricity bill).

  • Business documents like a partnership deed or Certificate of Incorporation.

    A list of food products and a Food Safety Management Plan

Yes, you can apply for an FSSAI Registration or License online through the official Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal. This online platform was created to simplify the application process, making it more efficient and accessible for all food business operators.

The validity of an FSSAI Registration or License is flexible and can be chosen by the Food Business Operator (FBO) at the time of application, ranging from one to five years. After this period, the FBO must apply for renewal to continue their business legally. It is important to note that the renewal process should be initiated well before the expiration date to avoid penalties. The renewal window for an FSSAI license opens as early as 180 days before the expiry date. If the license is not renewed within this period, it may lead to late fees or even a requirement to apply for a fresh license.