FSSAI License Online | Apply for FSSAI Registration Online

What is FSSAI and Why is it Important?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, FSSAI, is a registered government body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare that ensures food safety and hygiene in India. It directs food businesses to ensure they operate with safety standards to protect public health.

Importance of FSSAI Registration

• Legal Compliance: FSSAI registration is compulsory for every kind of food business running in India.
• Consumer Trust: Displays a commitment to quality, building customer trust.
• Market Opportunities: Enables businesses to expand operations, including partnerships with platforms like Swiggy and Zomato.

Who Needs FSSAI Registration?

FSSAI registration is mandatory for all food-related businesses, small or large. FSSAI demands this registration to ensure food safety and adherence to regulations. Here's a detailed list of different niches that require FSSAI registration or licensing:

1. Food Manufacturers

This category encompasses businesses engaged in the manufacture or processing of food products. Some examples include:

• Food Processing Units: Businesses that manufacture packaged food products, such as snack foods, biscuits, or ready-to-eat foods.
• Dairy and Milk Product Manufacturers: Businesses processing milk and manufacturing cheese, butter, or curd.
• Bakery Units: Businesses manufacturing bread, cakes, pastries, etc.

Why They Require FSSAI Registration:

Ensure that food manufactured is hygienic and only permissible additives are used so that no health risk is caused to the consumer.

2. Food Traders and Wholesalers

Businesses that sell and distribute food products require FSSAI registration to ensure compliance throughout the chain.

• Wholesalers: Large quantity sellers selling their products to retailers.
• Importers and Exporters: Those dealing in international food trade.

Why They Require FSSAI Registration:

Track food safety from the source to the end consumer, so accountability at every level.

3. Restaurants and Cafes

All food establishments that prepare and serve food, such as:

• Fine dining restaurants.
• Small eatery outlets or dhabas.
• Cafes and fast food outlets

Why They Require FSSAI Registration:

Customers are assured about the quality and safety of food outlets, which would increase trust and credibility in the food service sector.

4. Cloud Kitchens

Cloud kitchens are food business establishments that deliver their offerings without a dine-in facility. They are gaining popularity due to portals such as Swiggy and Zomato.

Why They Require FSSAI Registration:

To ensure food safety compliance while operating remotely and delivering large volumes.

Registration is essential to partner with the delivery platforms and gain consumer trust.

5. Caterers and Event Managers

Catering services for weddings, corporate meetings, or festivals must be registered.

Why They Need FSSAI Registration:

Caterers prepare food for large consumption, so adherence to the FSSAI would be crucial for avoiding health complications in large congregations.

6. Warehouse and Godowns

FSSAI registration is mandatory for cold storage units, grain warehouses or vegetable storage units, that stores food products

Why They Require FSSAI Registration:

Food items must be preserved in sound condition so that these food products do not deteriorate or become polluted during storage.

7. Transporter of Food Articles

An organization that transports food items, such as milk tankers, refrigerators, frozen foodstuffs, and grain and oil seed tankers.

Why They Require FSSAI Registration:

To ensure hygiene levels are maintained during transportation, particularly for perishables like milk, meat, or frozen products.

8. Food Retailers

Retailers that sell food to the end consumers include;

• Supermarkets and grocery stores.
• Kirana shops and other small-time retailers.

Why They Require FSSAI Registration:

To ensure that what is sold to the consumer is safe and of quality food.

9. Online Food Businesses

E-commerce platforms include Swiggy, Zomato, and direct-to-the-end-consumer brands operating in the food business.

Online businesses must be compliant to engage with delivery companies and ensure that food is safe for consumers.

10. Food Packaging and Labeling Units

Business units that package or label food products also require FSSAI registration.

Why They Require FSSAI Registration:

Proper labeling informs the consumer about what a packaged food product contains, what is in it, and its safety.

11. Food Testing Laboratories

Testing laboratories for food products' safety and quality also fall under FSSAI regulations.

Why They Require FSSAI Registration:

To guarantee the authenticity and accuracy of food safety tests conducted for businesses and consumers.

Registration Cutoffs:

• Basic Registration: Businesses having an annual turnover of less than ₹12 lakhs.
• State License: Turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores of businesses operating in a state.
• Central License: Turnover of more than ₹20 crores or enterprises operating in multiple states.

Types of FSSAI Licenses

There are three types of licenses, which FSSAI categorizes into three types:

Basic Registration:

• For small-scale food operators.
• Simple application procedure.

State License:

• For medium-sized businesses.
• It covers all operations within one state.

Central License:

• For large-scale business or interstate operation.
• It covers exporters and importers.

Advantages of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI registration offers various benefits crucial for the development, trustworthiness, and hassle-free functioning of food businesses. Here is a detailed description of each advantage:

Legal Compliance

FSSAI registration ensures your food business complies with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, legal notices, or even business closure.

Increased Consumer Confidence

Displaying an FSSAI license increases customer confidence because it shows you care about food safety and hygiene standards.

Access to New Business Opportunities

With an FSSAI license, you can partner with big retailers and e-commerce platforms such as Swiggy or Zomato and export food products.

Improved Brand Credibility

Having an FSSAI registration number on your food products will enhance your brand image and make it easier to compete in the market.

Regulatory Ease

FSSAI registration also helps with inspections, audits, and compliance checks, which might hamper regular business activities.

Better Food Safety

The registered organizations adopt better food safety practices under the guidelines provided by FSSAI, minimizing the risk of contamination or any foodborne disease.

Expansion of International Markets

For exporters, FSSAI registration is mandatory for selling food products worldwide, providing credibility to international buyers.

Avoidance of Legal Penalties

An FSSAI license guards your business from hefty fines or legal action by regulatory authorities in case of non-compliance.

Consumer Awareness

Growing consumer awareness about food safety makes an FSSAI license a differentiator that attracts informed customers.

Business Growth and Revenue

Compliance enhances trust and customer satisfaction, contributing directly to increased sales and revenue growth for your food business.

Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI Registration

The eligibility for FSSAI registration or licensing depends on the size and nature of the food business. Here's a categorization:

Basic Registration

It is given that such a small-sized business turns over an amount not exceeding ₹12 lakhs in a year.

Examples:

• Home-based food manufacturers.
• Small retailers or petty traders.
• Cottage industries engaged in food production.

State License

Businesses with an annual turnover falling between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores

Examples:

• Medium-sized manufacturers.
• Restaurants operating within a state.
• Storage units, wholesalers, or transporters doing local work.

Central License

Large-scale businesses with a turnover exceeding ₹20 crores or operating in multiple states.

Examples:

• Exporters and importers of food products.
• E-commerce platforms.
• Units operating in government-regulated sectors (e.g., airports, seaports).

Detailed Guide: How to Apply for an FSSAI License

Applying for an FSSAI food license involves a few steps, each requiring meticulous attention. Here's a comprehensive step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Determine the Type of FSSAI License Required

• Basic Registration: Small businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs.
• State License: To medium-sized firms with a turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores.
• Central License: Large companies with a turnover exceeding ₹20 crores or operating across multiple states.

Tip: Consult ComplifyXpert for guidance in determining the appropriate license type for your business.

Step 2: Collect Required Documents

The documents are different for every type of business. Commonly asked for are:

• ID proof and passport-sized photographs of the applicant.
• Business registration certificate or GST certificate.
• A rent/lease agreement or property tax receipt is required to prove business premises.
• List of food products that you deal in.
• Plan of the processing unit for manufacturers.

Step 3: Open an Account on FSSAI Portal

• Visit the official FSSAI website: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/.
• Click "Sign Up" to create an account using your email ID and mobile number.
• Choose your user role (Food Business Operator).

Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form

Log in to your FSSAI account.

Navigate to the "Apply for Registration/License" section.

Fill out the form with accurate details, including:

• Business name and address.
• Type of business.
• Turnover details.
• List of food categories you deal with.

Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents

• Scan and upload all the documents needed in the correct format and size.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness to prevent application rejection.

Step 6: Application Fee

It depends on the type of license and business scale. You can pay online via net banking, debit/credit cards, or UPI.

Step 7: Submission

Please review everything and click on "Submit." You will receive an acknowledgment with a unique application reference number.

Step 8: FSSAI Officials Scrutiny

FSSAI officials scrutinize the application. For State and central licenses, a food safety officer may visit the business premises for a physical inspection.

Step 9: Track Application Status

Track the status of your application on the FSSAI portal using the reference number given.

Step 10: Receive Your FSSAI Certificate

Once approved, the Food license registration certificate will be issued.

Download the certificate from the portal and hoist it at your business premises.

List of Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

The requirement for documents is different for each category of business. Here's a general checklist:

General Documents:

• Photographs of the applicant in passport size.
• Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, PAN card, etc).
• Proof of address of the business.
• List of food categories

Additional Documents

• For manufacturers: Blueprint of the processing unit.
• For exporters/importers: Import/Export code
• For cloud kitchens: Agreements with the delivery platforms.

How to Check the Status of the Registration Process

You can check the status of your FSSAI registration online quickly via the FSSAI portal:

• Visit the FSSAI Website: Go to https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/.
• Log In to Your Account: Use your credentials to log in to the portal.
• Navigate to Application Status: Click "Track Application Status" on the homepage.
• Enter Application Details: Provide your application reference number or application ID.
• View Status: The system will show your application's status: "Pending, Under Inspection," or "Approved."

What to do if Registration has been Cancelled

If you find that the FSSAI registration has been canceled, you would need to act within a short timeframe to address possible legal and operation issues:

What is the cause of the cancellation?

Examine the cancellation notice or contact FSSAI officials regarding the reason for the cancellation, be it non-compliance, missed renewal, or violation of some regulations.

Problem Resolution

Correct the fundamental issues, for example, document updation, food safety, or payment of pending fees.

Experts

Reach out to ComplifyXpert for consultation to rectify the problem and make a re-application if required.

How to Revoke FSSAI Registration

In case your registration is canceled, you can appeal for revocation by following the following procedure:

Apply for Revocation

• File a revocation application via the FSSAI portal or submit it through the food safety officer.
• Report any rectifications done to resolve the reasons for the cancellation.

Settlement of Outstanding Dues/ Penalties /Fines :

• Pay all arrears, including penalties and fines, if any, due on account of the cancellation. 

Inspection by Food Safety Officer

• FSSAI may inspect at its discretion and check whether any regulation is met. 
• If it finds everything in place, their registration or license will resume.

ComplifyXpert's Role: We help file revocation applications, fill compliance gaps, and make the reinstatement process smooth to quickly get your business back on track.

Why Choose ComplifyXpert for FSSAI Registration?

• Professional Guidance: Our experts demystify the complexities of online FSSAI registration.
• Full Cycle Support: We take care of everything from documentation to approval.
• Fast Track: Complete the registration process with our speedy services.
• Transparency: No hidden charges or obscure processes.
• Regular Updates: Stay informed about renewal deadlines and regulatory changes.