Food license for Manufacturing
FSSAI registration is a mandatory requirement for anyone involved in the food business in India including a Manufacturer of food products. It ensures compliance with food safety regulations and builds customer trust.
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If you are planning to start a food manufacturing business in India, obtaining an FSSAI food license is a mandatory legal requirement. Governed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), this license ensures that food products meet safety standards, protecting consumers from adulteration and contamination. The FSSAI registration is not just a regulatory obligation but also a mark of credibility and quality assurance for your business.
There are three types of FSSAI licenses—Basic Registration, State License, and Central License—depending on the scale and nature of the business. The eligibility criteria vary based on annual turnover, production capacity, and business location. Understanding the FSSAI license fee structure, validity, and renewal process is crucial to maintaining compliance.
To apply for an FSSAI food license online, businesses must submit specific documents and follow a step-by-step registration procedure via the FSSAI portal. Applicants can also track their FSSAI registration status online. Apart from legal compliance, procuring an FSSAI food license offers numerous benefits, such as improved brand trust, business expansion opportunities, and consumer confidence.
Failure to comply with FSSAI regulations can lead to severe penalties and offenses, impacting business operations and reputation. Therefore, timely renewal and adherence to food safety norms are essential. This guide will walk you through all aspects of FSSAI licensing to help you navigate the process seamlessly and grow your food manufacturing business with confidence.
Types of FSSAI License
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issues three types of licenses based on the size and nature of the food business:
FSSAI Basic Registration
Suitable for small food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs.
Ideal for small manufacturers, home-based food businesses, petty retailers, and small-scale food vendors.
FSSAI State License
Required for medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores.
Applicable to small- to mid-level food manufacturers, storage units, transporters, and distributors operating within a single state.
FSSAI Central License
Mandatory for large food manufacturers with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crores or businesses operating in multiple states.
Required for food importers, exporters, large-scale manufacturers, and those supplying food to government agencies such as railways or defense.
Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI License
The eligibility for an FSSAI food license depends on factors such as turnover, business scale, and nature of operations.
1. Basic FSSAI Registration Eligibility
Petty food manufacturers
Small food vendors, home bakers, and home-based food businesses
Temporary stall owners, hawkers, and small food retailers
Small dairy units with a daily capacity of up to 500 liters of milk
Small food processing units with a production capacity of up to 100 kg per day
2. State FSSAI License Eligibility
Medium-sized manufacturers, processors, and storage units
Dairy units handling more than 500 liters but up to 50,000 liters of milk per day
Meat processing units producing up to 500 kg per day
Hotels, restaurants, and catering businesses with Rs. 12 lakhs to Rs. 20 crores turnover
3. Central FSSAI License Eligibility
Large-scale manufacturers, exporters, and importers
Food businesses operating in more than one state
Dairy units handling over 50,000 liters of milk per day
Slaughterhouses processing more than 50 large animals or 1000 poultry birds per day
Food catering services for railways, airports, and government institutions
Fee for Food Licence for Manufacturing
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, Manufacturers must renew the license before 30 days of expiry.
Documents Required for FSSAI or Food Licence for Manufacturing
To obtain an FSSAI food license for manufacturing, you must submit specific documents based on the type of license (Basic, State, or Central). Below is a categorized list:
1. Common Documents for All FSSAI Licenses
Passport-size photograph of the applicant
PAN Card & Aadhaar Card of the proprietor/partners/directors
Business registration proof (Partnership Deed, Certificate of Incorporation, or Shop Act License)
Address proof of business premises (Electricity Bill, Rent Agreement, or NOC from the owner)
2. Additional Documents for FSSAI State & Central License
Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Plan or HACCP certification
Manufacturing unit layout plan (showing dimensions, machinery, and operational area)
List of food products to be manufactured
Water test report (for food processing units)
Details of equipment & machinery used
List of directors/partners with contact details
NOC from the local municipality or health department
Import Export Code (IEC), if applicable
3. Extra Documents for Central FSSAI License
MOA & AOA (for companies) or Partnership Deed
Authority letter for the person handling the application
Source of raw materials & procurement details
Recall plan (for large-scale food manufacturers handling sensitive food items)
Procedure for Obtaining FSSAI Food Licence for Manufacturing Online
Follow these steps to apply for a new FSSAI License or Registration:
Visit the FoSCoS Website – Go to the dashboard and click on “License/Registration” in the left-side menu.
Start a New Application – Select “Apply for New License/Registration.”
Choose Your State – Read the provided instructions carefully before proceeding.
Select Business Type – Under the Manufacturer Business Group Head, choose the applicable category as your business category.
Determine Eligibility – Select the appropriate option based on your business’s annual turnover or production capacity.
Fill Out Form B – Complete all mandatory fields with accurate details.
Provide Contact Information – Enter your Mobile Number, Email ID, etc. as all official communication will be sent to these contacts.
Upload Required Documents – Ensure all necessary documents are submitted as per the guidelines.
Make Payment – Complete the fee payment using the available options and click “Apply.”
Save Your Reference Number – Once the payment is processed, a receipt with a 17-digit reference number will be generated. Keep this for future reference and tracking.
FSSAI Registration Status
Benefits of Procuring FSSAI Food License
Obtaining an FSSAI food license is not just a legal requirement but also a strategic advantage for food manufacturers. Here are the key benefits:
1. Legal Compliance & Business Legitimacy
An FSSAI license ensures that your food manufacturing business operates legally and adheres to food safety regulations set by the government.
Avoids heavy penalties and legal actions for non-compliance.
2. Consumer Trust & Brand Credibility
The FSSAI logo on food products enhances credibility and assures customers that the food is safe and of high quality.
Builds trust among consumers, increasing brand reputation and sales.
3. Business Expansion Opportunities
An FSSAI license helps in expanding operations across different states and entering new markets.
Required for selling food products in retail chains, e-commerce platforms, and exports.
4. Better Market Reach & Competitiveness
Essential for listing products on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and BigBasket.
Gives an edge over unlicensed competitors in the food industry.
5. Ensures Food Safety & Quality Standards
Encourages hygienic and safe food production practices, reducing the risk of contamination.
Regular FSSAI audits help maintain high food quality standards.
6. Government Support & Subsidies
Eligible businesses can benefit from government schemes, loans, and subsidies provided to FSSAI-registered food manufacturers.
Helps in obtaining funding for business expansion and infrastructure development.
7. Easy Business Licensing & Renewals
A single FSSAI license is valid across multiple locations (for Central licenses).
Simple online renewal process helps in hassle-free compliance.
Renewal of FSSAI License
To avoid penalties, FSSAI licenses must be renewed at least 30 days before expiry. The renewal process follows the same steps as the initial registration:
Log in to the FoSCoS portal.
Select ‘Renew License’.
Upload 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
Obtaining an FSSAI food license is a crucial step for any food manufacturing business in India. It ensures compliance with food safety regulations, enhances consumer trust, and provides opportunities for business expansion in domestic and international markets. From small-scale manufacturers to large food processing units, having an FSSAI license is essential to operate legally and maintain high-quality standards.
By following the online registration process, submitting the necessary documents, and renewing the license on time, businesses can avoid penalties and build a strong, reputable brand. Moreover, an FSSAI-certified business enjoys better market credibility, eligibility for government schemes, and access to e-commerce and retail platforms.
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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