In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) governs food safety, ensuring that food businesses comply with established quality standards. FSSAI registration and FSSAI license are two key compliance requirements mandated by the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. Both play crucial roles in ensuring food safety but cater to different business needs and operational scopes. This blog provides a detailed comparison of FSSAI registration vs license, covering the importance, eligibility, cost, validity, and application processes.
What is FSSAI Registration?
FSSAI registration is a basic requirement for small food businesses or establishments with minimal turnover, such as small manufacturers, retailers, and food vendors. It certifies that the food business meets the safety standards laid out by FSSAI, providing credibility and legal backing.
Importance and Benefits of FSSAI Registration
- Prevents Penalties: Registered businesses avoid penalties under Section 31 of the Food Safety Act, which mandates food business compliance.
- Builds Customer Trust: An FSSAI registration certificate assures customers that the business complies with food safety regulations.
- Required for Small-Scale Operations: FSSAI registration is essential for businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh, like small eateries and local vendors.
What is an FSSAI License?
An FSSAI license is mandatory for larger food businesses. Unlike FSSAI registration, which covers smaller operations, FSSAI licenses are for businesses with higher turnovers or those operating on a state or central level.
Importance and Benefits of FSSAI License
- Compliance with High Standards: Ensures that large food businesses, including importers, manufacturers, and storage units, meet stringent safety and hygiene standards.
- Covers Both State and Central Operations: Depending on the business scale, food businesses may require either a State or Central FSSAI license.
- Enables Brand Credibility: Possessing an FSSAI license builds brand reputation and customer trust, supporting business growth.
Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI Registration and License
Type | Annual Turnover | Applicable Business Size |
FSSAI Registration | Up to ₹12 lakh | Small manufacturers, retailers, petty food businesses. |
State License | Between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore | Medium-sized manufacturers, storage units, transporters, and retailers operating within a state. |
Central License | Above ₹20 crore | Large-scale businesses, importers, exporters, e-commerce operators. |
Note: Compliance requirements may vary by state and business type.
Fee Structure for FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License
Type of License | Fee (₹) | Duration |
FSSAI Registration | 100 – 500 per year | 1 to 5 years |
State License | 2,000 – 5,000 per year | 1 to 5 years |
Central License | 7,500 per year | 1 to 5 years |
To Know more about the fee structure according to your business, click here.
Validity for FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License
Depending on the application, FSSAI registration and licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years. Food businesses must apply for renewal at least 30 days before expiration to avoid penalties.
Difference between the FSSAI License and FSSAI Registration
Criteria | FSSAI Registration | FSSAI License |
Purpose | For small-scale food businesses | For medium and large-scale businesses |
Turnover Limit | Up to ₹12 lakh | Above ₹12 lakh |
Type | Basic Registration | State or Central License |
Application Duration | 7 days | 15-30 days |
Application Form | Form A | Form B |
Issuing Authority | FSSAI | FSSAI |
Publication Condition | Registration must be prominently displayed on the office premises and the product packaging. | Publication of license numbers on products is essential for exporters, importers, and traders. |
Validity | 1 to 5 years | 1 to 5 years |
Fee | ₹100 | ₹2,000-₹7,500 |
Renewal | Simple online renewal | Requires documentation verification |
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration and License
Document | FSSAI Registration | FSSAI State License | FSSAI Central License |
Passport-sized Photograph | Required | Required | Required |
Identity Proof | Required | Required | Required |
Address Proof | Required | Required | Required |
Business Address Proof | Not Required | Required | Required |
Food Safety Management Plan | Not Required | Required | Required |
List of Food Categories | Not Required | Required | Required |
NOC from Local Authority | Not Required | May be required depending on state requirements | Required |
Water Testing Report | Not Required | May be required for specific types of food businesses | Required for all manufacturing units |
Proof of Turnover (e.g., Income Tax Returns) | Not Required | May be required if turnover is near the ₹20 crore threshold | Required if turnover exceeds ₹20 crore |
Supporting Documents for Import/Export | Not Required | Not Required | Required for businesses involved in import/export activities |
Application Process for FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License
FSSAI Registration Process (for Small Businesses)
- Create an Account: Register on the FoSCoS portal.
- Select Registration Type: Choose FSSAI Registration for small businesses.
- Complete Form A: Fill out basic business details in Form A.
- Upload Documents: Provide minimal documents like a passport-sized photo, ID, and address proof.
- Pay Fees: Submit a registration fee of ₹100-₹500.
- Approval: Typically granted within 7 days with no inspection required.
FSSAI License Process (State or Central License for Larger Businesses)
- Create an Account: Register on the FoSCoS portal.
- Select License Type: Choose State License (₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore turnover) or Central License (above ₹20 crore or multi-state).
- Complete Form B: Fill in comprehensive business details in Form B.
- Upload Required Documents: Provide documents like business address proof, food safety plans, NOC, and water testing reports.
- Pay Fees: Submit a fee ranging from ₹2,000-₹7,500 depending on license type and duration.
- Inspection (if required): An FSSAI official may conduct a site inspection.
- Approval: Depending on inspection and business complexity, this takes 15-30 days.
Offline Process for FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License
Visit the nearest FSSAI office with the required documents, complete the necessary forms, and submit the application in person.
Renewal of FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License
- Renewal Timeline: Apply for renewal 30 days before expiration to avoid penalties.
- Documents Needed: Renewal requires documents similar to the initial registration or license application.
- Process: Renewal can be done online through the FSSAI portal, ensuring your food business remains compliant and uninterrupted.
How do you convert FSSAI Registration into an FSSAI License?
If your business scales up and surpasses the ₹12 lakh turnover limit, you’ll need to convert your FSSAI registration into an FSSAI license:
- Apply for License: Log in to the FSSAI portal, complete the license application form, and submit the necessary documents.
- Documentation and Inspection: Provide additional documents, as required, for a State or Central license. The FSSAI may conduct an inspection to assess compliance.
- Approval and License Issuance: Your registration will be upgraded to a license upon approval.
In Summary:
Whether you need an FSSAI registration or an FSSAI license depends on your business size, turnover, and scope. Registering with FSSAI ensures your business complies with food safety regulations, builds customer trust, and avoids legal penalties. Applying for the appropriate registration or license is essential for any food business in India, ensuring compliance and safeguarding the brand’s credibility.
FAQs
1. Why is the FSSAI License necessary for food businesses?
An FSSAI license ensures that large food businesses adhere to strict food safety standards, protecting public health and maintaining brand integrity.
2. Why is the FSSAI registration necessary for food businesses?
It provides legal certification for small food businesses, ensuring they meet food safety regulations and protecting them from penalties.
3. Which FSSAI License is for which type of food business?
Based on the annual turnover, the State license is for medium-sized businesses, while the Central license is for large-scale or multi-state operations.
4. What is the difference between FSSAI registration and FSSAI License?
FSSAI registration is for small businesses with limited turnover, while an FSSAI license is for larger operations with higher turnover.
5. What is the difference between the FSSAI State and Central License?
Based on the annual turnover, the State license is for businesses within a single state, while the Central license is required for businesses operating across multiple states or with high turnovers.
6. Are the FSSAI registration number and FSSAI license number the same?
FSSAI registration and license numbers vary as they cater to different business scales.
7. Can I have 2 FSSAI licenses?
Yes, you may require separate licenses if you operate in multiple locations or jurisdictions.
8. Is GST required for FSSAI registration and license?
While GST is not required for FSSAI applications, it may be necessary for specific business types.
9. How many days does it take for an FSSAI registration?
Basic registration typically takes 7 days, while licenses may take 15 days to 30 days.
10. Is an FSSAI license mandatory for a grocery store?
Yes, grocery stores must have an FSSAI license or registration as they sell food products.
11. Is an FSSAI license mandatory for a home kitchen?
Yes, if a home kitchen is used to prepare and sell food, it requires FSSAI registration or a license. Based on the annual turnover, you can apply for FSSAI registration or a licence. To learn more about it, click here.
12. How to get an FSSAI license for a cloud kitchen?
To get an FSSAI license for a cloud kitchen, register on the FSSAI FoSCoS portal, select the appropriate license based on turnover, fill out Form B, and upload necessary documents (e.g., identity proof, kitchen layout, and NOC). After paying the fee, FSSAI may inspect the site before granting the license, ensuring the kitchen meets safety standards. To learn more about the step-by-step guide, click here.
