Food licence for Distributors
FSSAI registration is a mandatory requirement for anyone involved in the food business in India including a distributor. It ensures compliance with food safety regulations and builds customer trust.
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If you are a food distributor in India, obtaining an FSSAI food license is a legal requirement to ensure food safety and compliance with government regulations. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates that all food businesses, including distributors, adhere to food safety standards to maintain public health. This blog provides a detailed guide on FSSAI registration, covering its types, eligibility, fees, validity, required documents, application procedure, and the benefits of obtaining the license.
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Types of FSSAI License
FSSAI provides three types of licenses based on the size and scale of the food business:
Basic FSSAI Registration – For small businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh.
State FSSAI License – For businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
Central FSSAI License – For businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore or those involved in import/export, large-scale food distribution, or supplying to government agencies.
Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI License
Food distributors must meet specific eligibility criteria based on:
Annual turnover – Determines whether a basic, state, or central license is required.
Business type – Wholesale, retail, or distribution network.
Business location – State or national-level operations require different licenses.
Fee for Food Licence for Distributors
The cost of obtaining an FSSAI license varies based on the type of registration:
| License Type | Annual Turnover | Government Fee (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Up to ₹12 lakh | ₹100 |
| State License | ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Central License | Above ₹20 crore | ₹7,500 |
Validity of FSSAI License
FSSAI licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the applicant’s preference at the time of registration. To avoid penalties, distributors must renew the license before 30 days of expiry.
Documents Required for FSSAI or Food Licence for Distributors
To apply for an FSSAI license, distributors must submit the following documents:
Photograph of the Applicant
Identity proof (Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID, etc)
Address proof of business premises such as utility bill like Electricity bill, Gas bill, etc and rent agreement or NOC from owner if not rented.
Business incorporation certificate like partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, shop and establishment licence or other business registration certificate.
Procedure for Obtaining FSSAI / Food Licence for Distributors Online
Follow these steps to apply for a new FSSAI License or Registration:
- Navigate to the Dashboard of FoSCoS website and click on “License/Registration” in the left-side menu.
- Select “Apply for New License/Registration.”
- Choose your State and carefully read the instructions before proceeding.
- Review the Group Heads of Kind of Business and select Distributor under the Trade/Retail Business Group Head.
- Select the appropriate option based on your business’s annual turnover.
- Complete all mandatory fields in Form B.
- Provide accurate communication details (Mobile Number, Email ID, etc.), as all official correspondence will be sent to these contacts.
- Upload the required documents.
- Make the fee payment through the available payment options and click “Apply.”
- After the payment is successfully processed, a receipt will be generated.
- This receipt will contain a 17-digit reference number, which should be saved for future reference and tracking.
FSSAI Registration Status
Distributors applying for FSSAI registration receive SMS and email notifications at different stages of their application processing. They can also check the status manually by entering their application reference number in the ‘Track Application Status’ tab on the FoSCoS website.
FSSAI Registration Status Stages
Application Reverted
- If the status shows ‘Application Reverted’, it means FSSAI authorities have sent the application back for modifications or additional clarifications.
- The applicant must respond within 30 days from the date of reversion to avoid application rejection.
Registration Certificate Issued
- Once the FSSAI authorities approve the application, the status will change to ‘Registration Certificate Issued’.
- The applicant can log in to the FoSCoS portal and download the registration certificate.
Processing Time
The approval process usually takes 7-30 days, depending on the type of license applied for.
Benefits of Procuring FSSAI Food License
Obtaining an FSSAI food license offers multiple advantages for food distributors:
Legal compliance – Avoids penalties and ensures regulatory adherence.
Consumer trust – Enhances credibility and food safety assurance.
Business expansion – Required for partnerships with major retailers and e-commerce platforms.
Government approvals – Essential for bidding in government tenders.
Marketing benefits – Increases brand reputation and consumer confidence.
Renewal of FSSAI License
FSSAI licenses must be renewed 30 days before expiry to avoid penalties. The renewal process is similar to the initial registration:
Log in to the FoSCoS portal
Select the Renew License option
Submit updated documents (if required)
Pay the renewal fee
FSSAI Penalty and Offenses
Non-compliance with FSSAI regulations may result in the following penalties:
| Sl. No. | Offense | Penalty (Fine in Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Food quality not in compliance with the Act | 2 Lakh (Petty Manufacturer – 25,000) |
| 2 | Sub-standard food | 5 Lakh |
| 3 | Misbranded food | 3 Lakh |
| 4 | Misleading advertisement or false description | 10 Lakh |
| 5 | Presence of extraneous matter in food | 1 Lakh |
| 6 | Failure to comply with Food Safety Officer’s directions | 2 Lakh |
| 7 | Unhygienic processing or manufacturing | 1 Lakh |
Failure to comply with food safety regulations can lead to serious consequences, including fines, license cancellation, or legal action. FBOs must ensure strict adherence to FSSAI guidelines to maintain compliance and avoid penalties.
Conclusion
For food distributors, an FSSAI license is not just a legal necessity but also a mark of quality and trust. Ensuring timely registration, renewal, and compliance with food safety standards helps businesses grow while maintaining consumer confidence. If you’re in the food distribution industry, securing an FSSAI license should be your top priority for seamless and lawful operations.
You can contact us at +91 9769647582 for any query or if you require our services to apply for FSSAI licence anywhere in Bharat.
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