Applicability Of FSSAI For Food Business In India
Are you looking to obtain the necessary Registration or License under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)? Look no further! We are dedicated to assisting thousands of businesses in acquiring FSSAI Registration or License, ensuring compliance with the applicable standards and regulations.
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FSSAI Registration & License
A Food License is a necessary permission granted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to operate a food business. This license is specific to the location and has a designated duration. It is identified by a unique 14-digit registration number. In India, it is mandatory for food businesses to obtain licensing or registration as prescribed by the law. The legal framework for this requirement is established by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, applicable nationwide. The objective of this act is to consolidate the laws pertaining to food and to establish the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The authority lays down scientifically-based standards for food articles, regulates their manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale, and import, ensuring the availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.
Determining whether a food business operator (FBO) requires registration or a central/state license depends on various factors. Small food business operators that do not engage in manufacturing or processing, have an annual turnover of less than 12 lakhs, and operate within a single state are typically required to obtain FSSAI registration. On the other hand, other food business operators need to procure a license. The eligibility criteria for registration and licensing are discussed in detail in the eligibility section of this page.
It’s important to note that even non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in the distribution of surplus food or temples organizing langar or bhandara and offering prashad must obtain the necessary FSSAI license or registration based on their specific eligibility criteria.
View all Eligibility Criteria Details for Food License
( FSSAI Registration or FSSAI License)
1. Petty Food Business Operators
- Petty Food Business Operators: Manufactures or sells any kind of food by himself/herself, Petty retailer, hawker, itinerant vendor, temporary stall, Thela, Sweets Shop, Juice Stall etc. e.g Gol gappa stall, fruits/vegetables vendors, snacks stall, Tea Stall, Samosa, Bread pakoda, retail shops,
- Temporary Food Stalls like Chinese food stall, South Indian Food etc. Temporary or fixed stall or food premise involved in preparation, storage, distribution and sale of food products that can be served as a snacks/ tea/coffee and similar variants.
- Hawker – Selling packaged or freshly prepared food by travelling (usually on foot or movable carts) from one location to other
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| Annual Turnover upto Rs. 12 Lacs | FSSAI Registration | Rs. 100 |
2. Dairy Units including Milk Chilling Units
Dairy processing means handling, processing, manufacturing, packing, storing, distribution & transportation of milk and milk products.
Note: Registration for Petty Milkman, Milk Vendors, License for rest according to Eligibility criteria
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| FSSAI State License | Rs. 5000 |
| FSSAI State License | Rs. 3000 |
| FSSAI Registration | Rs. 100 |
3. Vegetable Oil Processing Units
Vegetable oil processing means processing of vegetables to produce vegetable oils by the process of solvent extraction/expeller and refining including oil expeller units.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| Proceesing is more than 2 MT per day | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| Processing is Between 1-2 MT per day | FSSAI State License | Rs. 5000 |
| Processing Below 1 MT per day | FSSAI State License | Rs. 3000 |
| Turnover upto Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | FSSAI Registration | Rs. 100 |
4. Slaughtering House
Slaughtering means a process of transporting, stunning, butchering, dressing, processing, storing & distribution of live animal/poultry birds
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| FSSAI State License | Rs. 2000/- |
| FSSAI Basic Registration | Rs. 100 |
5. Meat Processing Unit
Meat processing means further processing of slaughtered animals/poultry birds into meat & meat products, packaging, storing & transportation of meat & meat products.
Fish processing means handling, processing of fish, manufacturing of fish products, packing, storing, distribution & transportation of fish and fish products
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| More than 500 Kg Meat per day or More than 150 MT Meat per annum | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| Upto 500 Kg Meat per day or Upto 150 MT Meat per annum | FSSAI State License | Rs. 3000/- |
| Turnover upto Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | FSSAI Basic Registration | Rs. 100 |
6. All Food Manufacturing/ Processing units other than Dairy Units, Vegetable Oil, Meat Processing and Slaughtering Houses
Manufacturing/Processing Unit means a person/entity which owns or operates an establishment that manufactures or processes a food product.
This term includes, but is not limited to contract manufacturers, contract packers and other entities that manufactures or processes a food product.
Manufacturing or processing means each step in conversion of raw material derived from livestock and agricultural produce into products for intermediate or final consumption. The process includes procurement, receipt, preparation,Manufacturing/processing, packaging, storage, distribution & transportation of food products.
Repacking means packing of food product into different sizes with labelling after doing minimal processing as required like sorting, grading, sieving etc. from wholesale packages. The food product is not manipulated & the composition or formulation is not affected or changed.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| FSSAI State License | Rs. 3000/- |
| FSSAI State License | Rs. 5000/- |
| FSSAI Basic Registration | Rs. 100/- |
7. Proprietary Food
Proprietary food means an article of food that has not been standardised under these regulations, but doesnot include novel foods, foods for special dietary uses, foods for special medical purposes,functional foods, nutraceuticals, health supplements and such other food articles which the Central Government may notify in this behalf.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| No restriction on production capacity | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500 |
8. Food or Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals etc.
As per Food Safety and Standards (Food or Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Foods for Special Dietary Uses, Foods for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Foods, and Novel Food) Regulations, 2016].
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| No restriction on production capacity | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500 |
9. Non-specified food
“Non-specified food” means any food other than proprietary food or food ingredients, including additives, processing aids and enzymes for which standards have not been specified in any regulation made under the Act.
(They needed to apply for product approval under Food Safety and Standards (Approval of non-specified food and food ingredients) Regulations at FSSAI-HQ separately before applying for license.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| No restriction on production capacity | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500 |
10. Radiation processing of food
Radiation processing of food or food irradiation is a physical process in which food commodities, bulk or pre-packaged are exposed to controlled doses of energy of ionizing radiation such as gamma rays or X-rays to achieve different technological objectives.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| No restriction on production capacity | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500 |
11. Substances added to Food
Substances added to Food means Food Additives, Enzymes and their preparations, Source, Flavouring agents and their preparations, Processing Aids, Nutrients and their preparations, Microorganisms and Microbial Preparations & Functional Ingredients added to food as specified under Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| Production Capacity: More than 2 MT per Day | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500/- |
| Production Capacity: Up to 2 MT per Day | FSSAI State License | Rs. 5000/- |
| Turnover upto Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | FSSAI Basic Registration | Rs. 100/- |
12. Storage - Cold/Refrigerated Cold/refrigerated
Storage is an activity where refrigerated/ frozen food products in packedor unpacked condition is stored for further distribution in refrigeration/ freezing storage facilities.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| Storage Capacity of More than 10,000 MT | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500/- |
| Storage Capacity Upto 10,000 MT | FSSAI State License | Rs. 2000/- |
| Turnover upto Rs. 12Lacs per annum | FSSAI Basic Registration | Rs. 100/- |
13. Storage - Atmospheric Controlled + Cold Controlled Atmosphere
Storage is an activity where food products in packed or unpacked condition is stored for further distribution in controlled atmosphere storage facilities. A controlled atmosphere, generally used for storage of dry commodities & agricultural produce in which the concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen, as well as the temperature and humidity of a storage room are regulated.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| Storage Capacity of More than 1,000 MT | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500/- |
| Storage Capacity Upto 1,000 MT | FSSAI State License | Rs. 2000/- |
| Turnover upto Rs. 12Lacs per annum | FSSAI Basic Registration | Rs. 100/- |
14. Storage - Without Atmospheric Controlled + Cold
Storage is an activity where food products in packed or unpacked condition is stored for further distribution in storage facilities, also called warehouses, godowns, etc
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| Storage Capacity of More than 50,000 MT | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500/- |
| Storage Capacity Upto 50,000 MT | FSSAI State License | Rs. 2000/- |
| Turnover upto Rs. 12Lacs per annum | FSSAI Basic Registration | Rs. 100/- |
15. Transporter
Transporter (having a number of specialised vehicles like insulated refrigerated van/wagon, milk tankers etc.)
Transportation is an activity of transporting food products (both packed and bulk) from one location to another in vehicles/containers including specialized vehicles like insulated refrigerated van/ wagon, oil/milk tankers etc. Food Trucks are also covered in this category.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| More than 100 Vehicles and Turnover more than Rs. 30 Crores per annum | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500/- |
| Upto 100 Vehicles and Turnover upto Rs. 30 Crores per annum | FSSAI State License | Rs. 2000/- |
| Single Vehicle and Turnover upto Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | FSSAI Basic Registration | Rs. 100/- |
16. Wholesaler
Wholesale is an activity in the distribution channel where food product is procured in bulk and then sold to resellers/retailers rather than to consumers.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| Turnover more than Rs. 30 Crores per annum | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500/- |
| Turnover upto Rs. 30 Crores per annum | FSSAI State License | Rs. 2000/- |
| Turnover upto Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | FSSAI Basic Registration | Rs. 100/- |
17. Distributor
Distribution is an activity in the distribution channel where food product is distributed from the original place of manufacture to the person who makes the final delivery or sale of the food product to the ultimate consumer.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| Turnover more than Rs. 20 Crores per annum | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500/- |
| Turnover upto Rs. 20 Crores per annum | FSSAI State License | Rs. 2000/- |
| Turnover upto Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | FSSAI Basic Registration | Rs. 100/- |
18. Retailer
Retail is an activity where food products is procured from a manufacturer, distributor or wholesaler and sold to the ultimate end user. E.g. Retail Shop/ Fish/ Meat/Poultry shop/ seller/Sweet Shop/Snacks/Confectionery or Bakery Shop.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| Turnover more than Rs. 20 Crores per annum | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500/- |
| Turnover upto Rs. 20 Crores per annum | FSSAI State License | Rs. 2000/- |
| Turnover upto Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | FSSAI Basic Registration | Rs. 100/- |
19. Hotel
Hotel is a commercial establishment providing lodging, meals, and other guest services. In general, to be called a hotel, an establishment must have a minimum of six letting bedrooms, at least three of which must have attached (ensuite) private bathroom facilities.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| Five Star and Above | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500/- |
| Three Star and Four Star | FSSAI State License | Rs. 5000/- |
| One Star, Two Star or Hotel without Star Rating by Ministry of Tourism (HRACC) | FSSAI State License | Rs. 2000/- |
| Turnover upto Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | FSSAI Basic Registration | Rs. 100/- |
20. Restaurant
Restaurant is a type of food service operation which prepares, serves food and drinks to customers in exchange for money. Meals are generally served and eaten on the premises, but many restaurants also offer take-out and food delivery services, and some offer only take-out and delivery.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| Turnover more than Rs. 20 Crores per annum | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500/- |
| Turnover upto Rs. 20 Crores per annum | FSSAI State License | Rs. 2000/- |
| Turnover upto Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | FSSAI Basic Registration | Rs. 100/- |
21. Club/Canteen
Canteen or Cafeteria is a dining area in an institution/ establishment serving food (being prepared in the premises or procured from other location or source) to individuals associated with or visiting the institution.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| Turnover upto Rs. 20 Crores per annum | FSSAI State License | Rs. 2000/- |
| Turnover upto Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | FSSAI Basic Registration | Rs. 100/ |
22. Caterer
Food Service Establishment involved in preparation, storage, serving and /or transport of food for consumption of a group at a venue of ceremony/celebration /ritual/institution.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| Turnover more than Rs. 20 Crores per annum | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| Turnover upto Rs. 20 Crores per annum | FSSAI State License | Rs. 2000/- |
23. Food Vending Agencies
Sale of packaged/fresh food from a temporary or fixed stall/cart/ machine by an individual or by automation.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| More than 100 Vending Machines and/or located in two or more States/UTs | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500 |
| Upto 100 Vending Machines in only one State/UT | FSSAI State License | Rs. 2000/- |
| Turnover upto Rs. 12 Lacs per annum or Upto 12 Vending Machines in only one State/UT | FSSAI Basic Registration | Rs. 100 |
24. Dhaba /Banquet halls with food catering arrangements / Home Based Canteen
- Dhaba: Food service establishment generally located near roadside/highway involved in processing, storing, packaging and selling of food to
customers for consumption - Boarding houses serving food:A building providing food and lodging for paying guest.
- Banquet halls with food catering arrangements: A specified area such as hall which is used for the purpose of hosting parties/ ceremonies involved in preparation and serving of food to customers for consumption.
- Home Based Canteens/ Dabba Wallas: An individual or establishment involved in distribution of packed meals (usually packed lunch) from food service establishments such as home based caterer or restaurants to customers.
- Permanent/ Temporary stall Holder: A stand/booth/compartment/small covered area being used for preparation and /or sale of freshly prepared or packaged food for consumption. This structure maybe temporary or permanent (fixed).
- Food stalls/ Arrangements in religious gatherings/ fairs etc: A stand/booth/compartment/small covered area being used for preparation and /or sale or distribution of freshly prepared or packaged food being offered as Prasad in a religious institution.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| Turnover more than Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | FSSAI State License | Rs. 2000/- |
| Turnover upto Rs 12Lacs per annum | FSSAI Basic Registration | Rs. 100 |
25. Importers
Importers importing food items including food ingredients and additives for commercial use Import is an activity where articles of trade from a foreign source is brought into a domestic market in the course of trade.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| Importing any type of food product with no limit on the capacity | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500 |
26. Food Business Activities at premises of Central Govt Agencies
Food Business Activities at premises of Central Govt Agencies such as Storage, Wholesale, Distribution, Retail etc.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| No limit on Capacity or Turnover | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500 |
27. Departmental Canteens at the premises of Central Govt. Institutions
Food Service Establishment involved in preparation and serving of food for consumption of a group of individuals working or visiting central government agencies.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| Turnover More than Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500/- |
| Turnover upto Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | FSSAI Registration | Rs. 100/- |
28. Food Business Activities at premises of Airport/Seaport
- Food Business Activities at premises of Airport/Seaport such as Storage, Wholesale, Distribution, Retail etc.
- Food Service Establishment involved in preparation and serving of food at airports/seaports
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| No limit on Capacity or Turnover | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500/- |
29. Mid-day Meal Caterer –
The Midday Meal Scheme is a school meal programme of the Government of India designed to better the nutritional standing of school-age children nationwide. The programme supplies free lunches on working days for children in primary and upper primary classes in government, government aided, local body, Education Guarantee Scheme, and alternate innovative education centres, Madarsa and Maqtabs supported under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, and National Child Labour Project schools run by the ministry of labour. Caterer preparing and transporting food to institutions under Midday meal scheme.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| Turnover More than Rs 20 Crores per annum | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500/- |
| Turnover upto Rs. 20Crores per annum | FSSAI State License | Rs. 2000/- |
30. Mid-Day Meal Canteen
Canteens serving food under mid-day meal scheme in Schools.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| Turnover more than Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | FSSAI State License | Rs. 2000/- |
| Turnover upto Rs 12 Lacs per annum | FSSAI Basic Registration | Rs. 100 |
31. Exporters
- 100% EOU – FBO having certificate from Ministry of Commerce
- Manufacturer Exporter
- Merchant/Trader
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| No limit on Capacity or Turnover | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500/- |
32. Caterers/Restaurants/Canteens/Hawkers/Petty Retailers at the premises of Railway Stations
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| Turnover More than Rs. 12 Lacs per annum | FSSAI State License | Rs. 2000/- |
| Turnover upto Rs 12 Lacs per annum | FSSAI Basic Registration | Rs. 100 |
33. E-Commerce
E-commerce also known as electronic commerce or internet commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods or services using the internet, and the transfer of money and data to execute these transactions. Ecommerce is often used to refer to the sale of physical products online, but it can also describe any kind of commercial transaction that is facilitated through the internet.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| No limit on Capacity or Turnover | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500/- |
34. Head Office/Registered Office
Food Business Operators having food business activities in two or more States/UTs have to declare one Head Office/Registered Office. Documents for Head office License only Documents for Head Office License along with Food Business Activity.
| Criteria | Required License or Registration | Govt Fee Per Annum |
| No limit on Capacity or Turnover | FSSAI Central License | Rs. 7500/- |
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
FSSAI licenses issued to food businesses are valid for a period of 1 to 5 years.
It is mandatory to apply for licence renewal 30 days before the expiry of the existing licence. Non-renewal of licences can fetch a fine of ₹100 per day until the renewal is done.
Yes, you do. You need a central licence registered from the address in the import export code.
Yes, whether you manufacture, distribute, transport or trade food additives, you will need an FSSAI licence to do it.
It is mandatory for all catering establishments, even the railways, defence and airport to get an FSSAI licence.
Perhaps you have a few separate warehouses within one city, then you will need a separate licence for each. If all your warehouses are confined to one campus, however, you can apply for a single licence citing the campus’s address.
Yes, the process is 100% online. We will provide you with a dashboard in which you can comfortably do everything.
For a basic FSSAI registration, it takes 7-10 days from the day the application is filed. For state and central licence, it may take up to 30 days to get your licence.
You will need to obtain an FSSAI Central License if you are distributing food products in multiple states. This is because a Central License is valid throughout India, while a State License is only valid in the state where it is issued.