FSSAI License

1. What is FSSAI?

FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Any business involved in manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, or sale of food must obtain an FSSAI Licence / Registration.

The licence ensures that:

• Food products meet safety and hygiene standards

• Consumers are protected from adulteration and unsafe products

• Businesses gain legal recognition in the food industry

FSSAI provides a 14-digit licence/registration number that must be displayed on all food packages and premises.

2. Who Needs an FSSAI Licence?

All Food Business Operators (FBOs) such as:

• Restaurants, Cafes, Hotels, Caterers

• Cloud kitchens & Online food sellers (Swiggy, Zomato, etc.)

• Dairy units, Ice cream parlours

• Packaged food manufacturers & processors

• Importers & Exporters of food

• Retailers, Wholesalers, Distributors

• Food transporters & storage warehouses

Even small vendors like tea stalls, bakeries, and tiffin suppliers require at least a basic FSSAI registration.

3. Types of FSSAI Licence

The type of licence depends on annual turnover, scale, and nature of activity:

Basic FSSAI Registration

• For small businesses with turnover up to ₹12 lakh/year

• Local shops, hawkers, petty food manufacturers, small traders

• 14-digit registration number

State FSSAI Licence

• For medium-sized businesses with turnover ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore/year

• Restaurants, small manufacturers, storage units, medium distributors

Central FSSAI Licence

• For large businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore/year

• Importers/exporters of food, large manufacturers, operators in multiple states, airport/seaport caterers

4. Benefits of FSSAI Licence

• Legal authorization to operate food business

• Builds consumer trust & brand reputation

• Mandatory for listing on e-commerce food platforms (Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon Foods)

• Access to government subsidies & loan facilities

• Helps in export of food products

• Prevents penalties & business closures

5. Documents Required for FSSAI Registration/Licence

For Basic Registration

• Aadhaar & PAN card of applicant

• Passport size photo

• Business name & address details

• Food product details

For State & Central Licence

• ID & Address proof of Directors/Partners

• PAN card (Individual/Company)

• Incorporation Certificate/Partnership deed

• Layout plan of the food processing unit

• NOC from local municipality/panchayat

• List of food products to be manufactured or sold

• Water quality report (for manufacturers)

• Import Export Code (for import/export business)

• Proof of turnover (Balance sheet / CA certificate)

6. Process of FSSAI Licence Registration with Nexgenca

1. Consultation to determine correct licence type (Basic, State, Central)

2. Collect required documents from applicant

3. Apply online on FSSAI FoSCoS Portal

4. Submit documents & pay government fees

5. Inspection by FSSAI authorities (for State/Central licence)

6. Issuance of 14-digit FSSAI Licence/Registration Certificate

Timeframe:

• Basic – 3 to 7 days

• State/Central – 30 to 60 days (due to inspection)

7. Validity & Renewal

• FSSAI licence is valid for 1 to 5 years (as chosen at the time of application).

• Renewal must be done at least 30 days before expiry.

• Late renewal attracts ₹100/day penalty.

8. Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Running food business without FSSAI licence → Fine up to ₹5 lakh & imprisonment

• Misleading/false labelling → Fine up to ₹3 lakh

• Sub-standard food → Fine up to ₹5 lakh

• Unsafe/adulterated food → Imprisonment + Fine up to ₹10 lakh

• Obstructing food officer → Imprisonment up to 3 months + ₹1 lakh fine

9. Why Choose Nexgenca for FSSAI Licence?

• Expert team to determine correct licence type

• End-to-end documentation & filing support

• Assistance in inspection & compliance reporting

• Fast-tracked approval process

• Ongoing compliance management (annual returns, hygiene ratings)

• One-stop solution for all food business compliances (GST, ITR, Labour Laws, etc.)