Food licence for Retail shop
FSSAI registration is a mandatory requirement for anyone involved in the food business in India including a retail shop or kirana store. It ensures compliance with food safety regulations and builds customer trust.
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If you are planning to start a retail food shop in India, obtaining an FSSAI food license is a mandatory requirement. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates food safety to ensure that businesses comply with hygiene and quality standards. Whether you run a grocery store, a bakery, or a packaged food outlet, securing the right FSSAI license is crucial for legal compliance and consumer trust.
In this blog, we will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining an Food licence for retail shop, including its types, eligibility, fees, required documents, and online application process. We will also cover how to check FSSAI registration status, renewal procedures, penalties for non-compliance, and the key benefits of having an FSSAI license. Let’s get started!
Types of FSSAI License
The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) License is categorized into three types based on the scale of operations and turnover of the food business:
FSSAI Basic Registration
- Suitable for small businesses and startups with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh.
- Common for petty food manufacturers, small retailers, and home-based food businesses.
- Issued by the State Government’s Food Safety Department.
FSSAI State License
- Required for medium-sized businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
- Applicable to small to mid-sized retailers, restaurants, and food processing units.
- Issued by the respective State Food Authority.
FSSAI Central License
- Mandatory for large-scale food businesses with an annual turnover above ₹20 crore.
- Required for businesses involved in food import/export, e-commerce food platforms, and large manufacturing units.
- Issued by the FSSAI Central Authority
Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI License
To apply for an FSSAI license, food businesses must meet the following eligibility conditions:
FSSAI Basic Registration:
- Small food retailers, home-based kitchens, and petty food manufacturers.
- Businesses with a turnover below ₹12 lakh per annum.
FSSAI State License:
- Mid-sized food manufacturers, processors, retailers, and food service providers.
- Turnover must be between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
FSSAI Central License:
- Large food manufacturers, importers, exporters, and national-level retailers.
- Businesses with a turnover above ₹20 crore or operations in multiple states.
- Hotels with 5-star ratings, food processing units handling large quantities, or central government agencies.
Fee for Food Licence for Retail shop
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, retail shops must renew the license before 30 days of expiry.
Documents Required for FSSAI or Food Licence for Retail shop
To apply for an FSSAI license, retail shops 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 Retail shop 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 Retailer 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
Retail shop owners 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 is essential for retail shop owners as it ensures compliance with food safety regulations and offers several advantages:
Legal Compliance & Avoidance of Penalties
An FSSAI license ensures that the retail shop operates legally under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Avoids heavy fines, legal action, or business shutdown due to non-compliance.
Builds Consumer Trust & Brand Reputation
Customers prefer purchasing from FSSAI-registered shops, as it assures them of food safety and quality.
Enhances the shop’s credibility and brand image in the market.
Business Expansion & Easy Market Access
Required for expanding the business into new locations, online food delivery platforms, or supermarket chains.
Helps in gaining partnerships with food suppliers and distributors.
Improved Food Quality & Hygiene Standards
Encourages retailers to maintain hygiene and follow standard food safety practices.
Ensures that food products meet the safety and quality guidelines set by FSSAI.
Access to Government Schemes & Loans
FSSAI-registered businesses can avail of government grants, subsidies, and financial assistance.
Makes it easier to get bank loans for business expansion.
Increases Customer Base & Competitive Edge
An FSSAI license differentiates a retail shop from unregistered competitors.
Attracts health-conscious customers who prefer FSSAI-certified food retailers.
Mandatory for Online Food Sales & Delivery Apps
Required to list products on platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, and Flipkart for online sales.
Essential for setting up an e-commerce or home delivery food business.
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
Compliance Requirements
All registered or licensed food business operators (FBOs) must comply with the regulations outlined in the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act, 2006). Food Safety Officers (FSOs) conduct regular inspections to assess compliance levels using a predefined checklist.
Based on the inspection, compliance is categorized as:
- Compliance (C) – Fully adheres to regulations
- Non-compliance (NC) – Does not meet required standards
- Partial compliance (PC) – Meets some but not all requirements
- Not applicable/Not observed (NA) – Regulation does not apply or was not observed
If non-compliance is detected, the Food Safety Officer may issue an Improvement Notice under Section 32 of the FSS Act, 2006. Failure to comply with the notice may result in the cancellation of the license after providing the FBO an opportunity to explain.
If an FBO disagrees with an Improvement Notice, they may:
- Appeal to the State Commissioner of Food Safety
- Further challenge the decision before the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal or High Court
Penalties for Non-Compliance
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
Obtaining an FSSAI food license is a crucial step for any food retail shop to operate legally and gain customer trust. Whether you are a small grocery store or a large food retailer, having the appropriate FSSAI registration ensures compliance with food safety regulations, enhances brand credibility, and opens doors for business expansion.
By following the online registration process, keeping track of your FSSAI application status, and renewing your license on time, you can avoid penalties and focus on growing your food business. A valid FSSAI license not only protects consumers but also empowers your business to thrive in the competitive food industry.
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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