What is FSSAI / Food License?
Food License Registration certificate is required to run a food product business. You have to register under Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to manufacture, distribute and transport food products. FSSAI is established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. FSSAI Certificate and FSSAI License are same which ensures the quality, purity and other important factors the customers can rely upon.

Penalty for Non-Renewal of FSSAI License
If the FBO declines to apply for renewal of the FSSAI Food license within the directed time limit, a fine of Rs.100 shall be forced for each day of delay. If the Food license is not renewed within a defined time, then the license is recognized as expired and the FBO has to appeal for a new license if they want to stay or restart their business. Therefore, it is advisable to renew the FSSAI license on the time and usually for evading penalties.

1. What is FSSAI?
FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India which is an organization that monitors and governs the food business in India. It is an autonomous body which is established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act) which is a consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India. It ensures the food products undergo quality checks thereby curtailing the food adulteration and sale of sub-standard products. It is responsible for the registering and licensing of the Food Business Operators (FBO) in India and it lays down the rules and regulation for running the food business in India.

2. Why is FSSAI Registration Required?
Every food business operator involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage distribution and sale of food products must compulsorily obtain FSSAI Registration or License.
FSSAI Registration is different from FSSAI License in the sense that depending on the size and nature of the business, FBO should obtain the necessary registration or license.
It is a 14-digit registration or a license number which is printed on all the food packages. The 14 digit registration number gives details about the assembling state, producer’s permit. This registration procedure is aimed to create more accountability on the FBO to maintain the quality of the food products. The licensing and registration procedure and requirements are regulated by Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of food Business) Regulations, 2011.

3. FSSAI Registration/License Procedure
FSSAI registration or license is based on the business volume and premises. Depending upon the installed capacity or turnover or location, applicant premises are eligible for the license such as basic license, central license, and state license.

4. FSSAI Registration Requirements
FSSAI Registration is a basic license and it is required for all the FBO involved in the small-scale food business. This category covers the following businesses:
1. Any FBO with an annual turnover of not more than Rs.12 lakh.
2. Petty retailer dealing in food products
3. Any person who manufactures or sells any food article by himself
4. Food sale is done by the temporary stall holder
5. Any individual who distributes food in any religious or social gathering except a caterer
6. Small-scale or cottage industries dealing in the food business and the following:

5. Procedure for Obtaining FSSAI Registration
1. FSSAI registration is initiated by submitting Form A (application) to the Food and Safety Department.
2. This application can be accepted or it may be rejected by the Department within 7 days from the date of receipt of an application and the rejection has to be intimated to the applicant in writing
3. If the application is accepted, then the department will grant a registration certificate with the registration number and the photo of the applicant.
4. FBO should prominently display the certificate of registration at the place of business during the business hours.

The common documents required for Basic, State and Central Registration are a passport photo and a photo ID proof.

For State and Central license, the following additional documents will be needed:
• A completed and signed Form B
• Address proof
• List of food category and products
• Layout plan of the proposed location
• List of equipment
• NOC from municipality
• Incorporation certificate
• List of directors/partners
• MOA and AOA
• Water test report
• Import Export Code