Food License: Mandatory for Food Businesses

Food license or FSSAI license is granted to all manufacturers, traders, restaurants carrying out any food business which may involve manufacturing or processing or Trading. Food License or FSSAI Registration is mandatory for all Food Businesses. Not Having food license may cause heavy Penalty on Food business Operator. Contact Us to check which food license apply on your businesses .

Request Quotation or Call Back

    Food License: Overview

    Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a self-governing body under the Foods Safety and Standards Act, 2006. FSSAI Registration is a 14-digit registration number that is used by food-related businesses. The number is printed on the food products along with the license number. FSSAI registration is mandatory for a food business as it deals with food processing, food manufacturing, packaging, and distribution. This article looks at the procedure to obtain an Uttar Pradesh FSSAI registration.

    What is a FSSAI License?

    A FSSAI license is a legal document issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to food businesses that operate in India. It is necessary for all food businesses, regardless of their size or type, to obtain a food license.

    The objective of Food License

    The objective of the FSSAI Registration is to facilitate food safety and regulate the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of foods.

    FSSAI Registration, FSSAI Basic Registration, FSSAI State License, FSSAI Central Licensse, Food license, Food Licence Registration

    Type of FSSAI License

    Depending on level of manufacturing, production capacity and business activity there is 3 different type of Food license or FSSAI License. Click here to check Which Food License is applicable for you >>

    1. FSSAI Basic Registration

    FSSAI Basic Registration is a type of food license issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to small food and beverage businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs. It is the most basic type of FSSAI license and is relatively easy to obtain. Food Business Operators who do not have a valid FSSAI Basic Registration certificate can be fined up to ₹5 lakhs or imprisoned for up to six months, or both.

    2. FSSAI State License

    FSSAI State License is a type of food license issued by the State Food Safety Authorities (SFAs) in India to food businesses with an annual turnover of more than ₹12 lakhs but less than ₹20 crores. It is the second tier of FSSAI licenses, after FSSAI Basic Registration. Food Business operators who do not have a valid FSSAI State License certificate can be fined up to ₹10 lakhs or imprisoned for up to one year, or both.

    3. FSSAI Central License

    FSSAI Central License is a type of food license issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to food businesses with an annual turnover of ₹20 crores or more, or to businesses that manufacture or export food products. It is the highest tier of FSSAI licenses and is required for businesses that operate across multiple states or that export food products.

    Benefits of FSSAI License

    There are many benefits to having a food license, including:

    1. Legal compliance: A food license is a legal requirement for all food businesses in India. Having a license shows that your business is operating legally and in compliance with all applicable food safety regulations.
    2. Consumer confidence: Consumers are more likely to trust food businesses that have a valid food license. This is because a license indicates that the business has been inspected and approved by the government and that it is committed to food safety.
    3. Brand reputation: A food license can help to build and protect your brand reputation. It shows that your business is serious about food safety and that it is committed to providing high-quality products to its customers.
    4. Access to new markets: Having a food license can open up new markets for your business. For example, many retailers and food service establishments will only do business with suppliers that have a valid license.
    5. Better supply chain management: A food license can help you to better manage your supply chain. For example, you can use your license to track the movement of food products from your suppliers to your customers. This can help you to identify and address any potential food safety risks.
    6. Increased competitiveness: A food license can help you to be more competitive in the marketplace. Many customers are willing to pay a premium for food products that they know are safe and high-quality. Having a food license can help you to demonstrate to your customers that your products meet these standards.

    In addition to these general benefits, a food license can also provide specific benefits to different types of food businesses. For example, food businesses that export their products may need to have a food license in order to comply with the requirements of the importing country.

    Overall, having a food license is essential for any food business that wants to operate legally, ethically, and successfully.

    Renewal of food license

    Food licenses are valid for a period of one year or five years, depending on the type of license. Food businesses must renew their food license before it expires. The renewal process is similar to the application process.

    Penalties for not having a FSSAI license

    The penalties for not having a food license in India vary depending on the type of license required and the severity of the offense.

    • For FSSAI Basic Registration, the penalty for operating without a license is up to ₹5 lakhs or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
    • For FSSAI State License, the penalty for operating without a license is up to ₹10 lakhs or imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
    • For FSSAI Central License, the penalty for operating without a license is up to ₹25 lakhs or imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

    In addition to these penalties, food businesses that do not have a valid license may also be subject to the following:

    • Confiscation of food products
    • Closure of business premises
    • Cancellation of food safety certification (if applicable)
    • Damage to brand reputation
    • Loss of business opportunities

    It is important to note that these are just the maximum penalties. In practice, the severity of the penalty imposed will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of food business, the size of the business, and the nature of the offense.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    1. What is an FSSAI License?

    The FSSAI License is a mandatory certification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to all food business operators (FBOs) in India to ensure food safety and hygiene standards.


    2. Who needs an FSSAI License?

    Any business involved in the manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, or sale of food products must obtain an FSSAI license. This includes:

    • Restaurants
    • Food manufacturers
    • Catering services
    • Food importers/exporters
    • Home-based food sellers
    • Food delivery services (like cloud kitchens)

    3. What are the types of FSSAI Licenses?

    There are three types of FSSAI registrations/licenses:

    • FSSAI Basic Registration (for small FBOs with annual turnover below ₹12 lakh)
    • FSSAI State License (for mid-sized FBOs with turnover between ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore)
    • FSSAI Central License (for large FBOs with turnover above ₹20 crore or operating in multiple states)

    4. How can I apply for an FSSAI License?

    You can apply online through the official FSSAI portal: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in

    Steps:

    1. Create login credentials
    2. Choose license type (Basic, State, Central)
    3. Fill in the application form (Form A or B)
    4. Upload required documents
    5. Pay the fee
    6. Await approval and inspection (if applicable)

    5. What are the documents required for an FSSAI License?

    Some commonly required documents include:

    • Photo ID and passport-size photo of the applicant
    • Business registration certificate (e.g., GST, MSME)
    • Address proof of premises
    • Food safety management plan (for State and Central License)
    • List of food products to be handled

    (Requirements vary based on type of license)


    6. How long does it take to get an FSSAI License?

    It typically takes 7–60 working days depending on the license type and whether an inspection is required.


    7. What is the validity of an FSSAI License?

    The license is valid for 1 to 5 years, based on the choice made during application. It must be renewed before expiry.


    8. Is it possible to renew an FSSAI License?

    Yes. Renewal should be done at least 30 days before the license expires via the FSSAI portal.


    9. What happens if I operate without an FSSAI License?

    Operating without a valid license is a punishable offense under the FSS Act, 2006. Penalties include:

    • Fine up to ₹5 lakhs

    • Imprisonment up to 6 months


    10. Is the FSSAI License number mandatory on food packages?

    Yes. As per FSSAI regulations, the 14-digit FSSAI license number must be printed on all food packaging labels and displayed at food outlets.


    11. Can I transfer my FSSAI License to another person or business?

    FSSAI license is non-transferable. However, in case of the death of a proprietor, it can be transferred to a legal heir upon request and submission of documents.


    12. What is FoSCoS?

    FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) is the new online platform launched by FSSAI to replace the older FLRS system for applying, renewing, and managing FSSAI licenses.