If your business sells food or edible items, adhering to the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) Act regulations is crucial. This legal framework requires your business to be officially registered with the government and obtain a license from the Food Safety Department. Whether you are a small-scale or large-scale food business engaged in manufacturing, storing, transporting, or distributing food, obtaining FSSAI registration or a license, depending on your business’s size and nature, is essential. Complying with these regulations ensures the country’s food products’ safety and quality. At Astute Business Advisors, we understand the significance of obtaining an FSSAI license registration for your business. We’re committed to making the FSSAI License online process seamless and hassle-free.

Licensing and Registration for Food Businesses in India

According to Section 31(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, all Food Business Operators in India must obtain an FSSAI license  from the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India. This legal requirement is governed by the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011. Any food manufacturing, storage, transportation, or distribution business must hold a valid FSSAI License or Registration. The specific type of authorization, whether registration or license, depends on the scale and nature of the food business.

Who Requires an FSSAI License?

In India, any business engaged in activities such as making, storing, distributing, selling, or importing food products is obligated to secure an FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license. This encompasses restaurants, catering services, food processing factories, food delivery ventures, and online food sellers requiring FSSAI license apply online. Both individuals and companies participating in these operations must obtain an FSSAI license online to operate lawfully within India.

FSSAI Registration

FSSAI Registration is mandatory for small-scale food manufacturers or Food Business Operators (FBOs) whose turnover is below Rs. 12 Lakhs unless the FBO falls under the category of compulsory licensing. Petty FBOs involved in producing or selling food items, such as hawkers, petty retailers, itinerant vendors, temporary stall-holders, or small-scale food industry enterprises, need to obtain an FSSAI registration certificate if they meet the following conditions:

• Annual Turnover: The turnover should be less than Rs. 12 lahks.
• Production Capacity: Food products (excluding milk, meat, and fish) should not exceed 100 liters or kg daily.
• Milk Procurement: The milk procurement, handling, and collection should be limited to 500 liters daily.
• Slaughtering Capacity: Slaughtering capacity should be up to ten small animals, two large animals, or 50 poultry birds per day or less.
• Food Distribution: Engaging in food distribution at religious or social gatherings, except as a caterer.

The FSSAI registration number, consisting of 14 digits, is issued by the State Licensing Authority. Notably, the first digit of the registration number begins with the digit 2.

FSSAI License for Food Businesses

An FSSAI License is a crucial requirement for enterprises with a turnover exceeding Rs. 12 lakhs and for Food Business Operators (FBOs) engaged in food processing and manufacturing. This license is divided into two primary types: Central FSSAI License and State FSSAI License. The FSSAI license is identified by a 14-digit code with the initial digit 1. The choice between a State or central license depends on the scale of the business. The validity of the license must be maintained through FSSAI License Renewal. With the FSSAI license online check, you can check the authenticity and validity of your license.

State License

FBOs such as medium-scale processors, manufacturers, traders, marketers, or transporters fall within the jurisdiction of the FSSAI state license, which the respective state government grants. Medium-sized FBOs with an annual turnover surpassing Rs. 12 lakhs but not exceeding Rs. 20 Crores are required to obtain a state license. A central license becomes mandatory if an FBO’s annual turnover exceeds Rs. 20 Crores.

Central License

Large-scale enterprises involved in food processing, transportation, manufacturing, and international trade of food products are obligated to obtain the FSSAI central license. An FBO is classified as a large business if its annual turnover exceeds Rs. 20 Crores, necessitating acquiring the FSSAI central license from the Central Government.

Benefits of Obtaining an FSSAI License for Your Food Business

Obtaining an FSSAI food license apply online offers numerous benefits that contribute to the success and credibility of your food business:

• Legal Compliance: Acquiring an FSSAI license registration ensures your food business fully complies with regulatory mandates, minimizing legal risks.
• Food Safety Assurance: The license guarantees that your food products adhere to stringent safety standards, giving customers confidence in their quality and safety.
• Building Goodwill: Displaying the FSSAI logo on your products and premises establishes consumer trust, elevating your brand’s reputation.
• Consumer Awareness: FSSAI registration highlights your dedication to food safety, promoting consumer awareness, and fostering loyalty.
• Regulation Facilitation: The FSSAI license streamlines the management of various aspects, such as manufacturing, storage, distribution, and selling of imported food items, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Attracting Investors: An FSSAI license adds a layer of credibility to your business, making it more attractive to potential investors who value adherence to quality and safety standards.
• Quality Assurance: The FSSAI registration number prominently displayed at your establishment shows your commitment to hygiene and quality, reassuring customers.

By obtaining an FSSAI food license apply online and regular FSSAI license check, your business benefits from legal adherence, consumer trust, regulatory facilitation, and enhanced credibility, leading to a more successful and reputable food enterprise.

Documents Required

Documents Required for FSSAI license apply online is listed as follows:

Mandatory Documents for Non-Manufacturing KoBs:

For all types of non-manufacturing/processing Kind of Business, the following documents are required:

• A list of Directors, Partners, Proprietor, and Executive members of Society/Trust, including full addresses and contact details, along with the nomination of the authorized Signatory.
• Photo ID and address proof issued by a Government authority for the Proprietor, Partner, Directors, and Authorized Signatory.
• Proof of possession of premises, which can include a Sale Deed, Rent Agreement, or Electricity Bill.
• Partnership Deed or Self Declaration for Proprietorship, Memorandum, and Article of Association related to the constitution of the firm.
• Copy of the Certificate obtained under the Coop Act, 1861.
• Form IX – Nomination of a Person.

  Documents for Manufacturing KoBs

  • Hotels, Restaurants, Food Vending Establishments, Club/Canteen – Analysis report of water to be used as an ingredient in food from a recognized/public health laboratory.
  • Importer – Importer Export Code and Recall Pan.
  • Merchant Exporter – Importer Export Code and a declaration that products meant for export only shall not be exposed for sale and consumption in the domestic market.
  • Head office/Registered office/e-Commerce – Recall Pan.
  • Transporters – List of Vehicle Registration Numbers.

  Documents Required for Manufacturers/Processors:

  For all manufacturing and processing KoBs, the following documents are applicable who prefer for Food licence apply online:
  • List of Directors, Partners, Proprietor, and Executive Members of Society/Trust, including full addresses and contact details, along with the nomination of the authorized Signatory.
  • Photo ID and address proof issued by the Government authority for the Proprietor, Partner, Directors, and authorized Signatory.
  • Proof of Possession of premises, which can include a Sale Deed, Rent Agreement, or Electricity Bill.
  • Partnership Deed or Self Declaration for Proprietorship, Memorandum, and Article of Association related to the constitution of the firm.
  • Copy of the certificate obtained under the Coop Act-1861.
  • Form IX – Nomination of a person as per the FSS Rules, 2008.
  • Blueprint/layout plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions in meters/square meters and operation-wise area location.
  • Production unit photographs.
  • Name and list of equipment and machinery, including the number, installed capacity, and horsepower used.
  • Analysis report (Chemical and bacteriological) of water to be used as an ingredient in food from a recognized/public health laboratory.
  Additionally, certain supplementary documents and FSSAI license fees are necessary to obtain FSSAI registration. Our expert team will provide guidance and assistance during the process of food licence apply online.

  Validity & FSSAI License Renewal

  The FSSAI License / Registration is issued for 1 to 5 years, as the Food Business Operator chooses. This validity period begins from the date of issuance. FSSAI License Renewal is essential for the Food Business Operator (FBO) to initiate the renewal process for the license or registration at least 30 days before the current authorization is set to expire.

  Penalties for Conducting Business without an FSSAI License

  Any individual or food business operator obligated to acquire a license but engages in activities such as manufacturing, selling, storing, distributing, or importing any food item without the required permit shall be subject to penalties. These penalties include:
  • Imprisonment: The offender may face imprisonment for a period that has the potential to extend up to six months.
  • Monetary Fine: In addition to imprisonment, the offender can be imposed with a fine, potentially extending up to five lakh rupees.
  It is important to note that carrying out food-related business activities without the appropriate FSSAI license can lead to legal consequences, including imprisonment and significant financial penalties. Timely FSSAI license checks can help you to reduce the risk of non-compliance penalties and issues.

  Why Choose Astute Business Advisors for Your Food License Needs?

  Obtaining an FSSAI License is essential for adhering to regulations, ensuring food safety, building customer confidence, and expanding within the food industry. Astute Business Advisors is your reliable partner for an FSSAI license apply online in India. Our team of experts simplifies the process, ensuring accurate documentation and a smooth submission experience. Whether you run a small business or a larger enterprise, Astute Business Advisors guides you through FSSAI requirements, streamlining compliance and allowing you to focus on your core business operations. Our experienced professionals will assist you in selecting the appropriate food category and license. FSSAI license apply online through Astute Business Advisors involves a straightforward process:
• • Consultation: Our experts will guide you through the different types of FSSAI licenses based on your business size and activities at an affordable food license price.
  • Document Collection: We’ll assist you in gathering the necessary documents for your specific license category, simplifying the FSSAI license apply online process.
  • Application Preparation: Our team will prepare your FSSAI license application with accurate details and documentation.
  • Submission: We will submit your application to the relevant FSSAI authorities.
  • Follow-Up: Our experts will handle any queries or follow-up requests from the authorities on your behalf.
  • Affordable FSSAI License Fee: Our FSSAI license fees are designed to be affordable while providing high-quality service, including expert consultation, and timely filing, ensuring a seamless compliance process for your food business.
  • License Issuance: Once approved, your FSSAI license will be issued, allowing you to operate your food business legally.
  As specialists in business services, we aid numerous entrepreneurs in acquiring various government licenses every year. Don’t delay to take the initial step to secure your food license today! at a reasonable food license price. For comprehensive information about registration and licensing, consult our experts.