FSSAI Certificate in India

Introduction

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body operating under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. It plays a vital role in regulating and supervising food safety across India. Formed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI ensures that every food product sold in India meets quality, hygiene, and safety norms. Its primary objective is to protect consumers from unsafe food and maintain uniform standards for food production, processing, storage, and distribution nationwide.

What is FSSAI?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) serves as the central organization that oversees food safety regulation and standardization in India. Created to unify different food-related laws under one framework, FSSAI ensures consistent food quality control across all sectors. Operating under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, it sets scientific standards for food safety, manages the licensing and registration of food business operators, and enforces hygiene compliance. FSSAI also mandates labeling rules, inspects facilities, and tests samples through accredited labs. Any business involved in food manufacturing, distribution, or import/export must obtain a valid FSSAI License to prove that their products are safe and meet regulatory benchmarks.

Types of FSSAI License in India

1. FSSAI Basic Registration
• Issuing Authority: State Government
• Suitable for: Small food businesses, petty retailers, distributors, and transporters
• Annual Turnover: Below ₹12 lakh
• Validity Period: 1–5 years
• Approx. Approval Time: 7 working days

2. FSSAI State License
• Issuing Authority: State Government
• Suitable for: Medium-sized food manufacturers, distributors, and storage units
• Annual Turnover: ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore
• Area of Operation: Within one state
• Validity Period: 1–5 years
• Approx. Approval Time: 15 working days

3. FSSAI Central License
• Issuing Authority: Central Government
• Suitable for: Large food chains, importers, exporters, or businesses operating in multiple states
• Annual Turnover: Above ₹20 crore
• Requirement: Central license must be obtained for the head office
• Validity Period: 1–5 years
• Approx. Approval Time: 25 working days

Major Functions of FSSAI

1. Setting Food Safety Regulations
FSSAI defines scientific food safety standards and hygiene protocols to ensure uniform compliance across all food sectors.

2. Licensing and Registration
It authorizes licenses and registrations for food business operators before they start any commercial food activity.

3. Food Testing and Quality Monitoring
FSSAI conducts sampling, testing, and regular inspections to verify that food products meet safety norms.

4. Regular Audits and Inspections
Periodic audits help identify potential risks and ensure adherence to food safety regulations.

5. Promoting Public Awareness
Through workshops and awareness drives, FSSAI educates both consumers and food businesses about hygiene and safety standards.

6. Data Management and Reporting
The authority maintains an updated database of licensed businesses and reports any violations or safety concerns to the government.

7. Policy Development Support
FSSAI assists in framing national food safety policies and advises the government on emerging food-related risks.

List of Documents Needed for FSSAI State and Central License

1. Copy of Address Proof (Electricity bill, lease/rent agreement, etc.)
2. Manufacturing Process Flow Chart with detailed steps
3. Manufacturing Layout/Blueprint of the premises
4. Brand Certificate/Trademark Registration (if applicable)
5. Details of In-house Testing Facility (if any)
6. List of Equipment and Machinery used in production
7. Proof of Possession of Premises (ownership or rent agreement)
8. NOC from Municipality/Local Body
9. NOC/PA issued by FSSAI (if applicable)
10. Contact Details of Proprietor/Partners/Directors
11. Filled and signed FSSAI Declaration Form
12. Source of Milk (in case of dairy business)
13. Source of Meat/Raw Materials (if applicable)
14. Water Testing Report (if water is used in food processing)
15. List of Products to be manufactured with category
16. Photo ID Proof of applicant

Fssai Registration Consultant in India

productapproval.net provides expert consultancy for FSSAI Registration and Licensing under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. We assist food manufacturers, restaurants, importers, exporters, and online sellers in obtaining the right FSSAI license (Basic, State, or Central). Our services include documentation support, application filing, license modification, and renewal. With our experienced FSSAI consultants in Delhi and across India, we ensure fast approval, compliance with food safety laws, and end-to-end guidance. Choose productapproval.net as your trusted FSSAI consultant to make your food business legally compliant and customer-ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

FSSAI registration is a license required for food businesses under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It ensures that food products meet safety and quality standards.

Every food manufacturer, trader, restaurant, importer, exporter, retailer, and distributor dealing with food products must obtain FSSAI registration or license.

FSSAI issues three types of licenses:

Basic Registration – For small businesses with turnover up to ₹12 lakh/year
State License – For medium-sized businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore
Central License – For large businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore or operating in multiple states

Yes. Even home-based food businesses, cloud kitchens, and tiffin services need FSSAI registration if they are selling food to consumers.

FSSAI license is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years. Renewal must be applied before expiry to avoid penalties.

Non-compliance can lead to:

Fines up to ₹5 lakh
Closure of business
Imprisonment for severe violations

Commonly required documents include:

ID & Address proof of applicant
Passport size photo
Business address proof
Food safety management plan
Form-B (duly filled)

Normally, it takes about 7–30 working days depending on the license type and the state of application.

Step 1: Builds consumer trust by assuring food safety and quality.
Step 2: Legally authorizes your business to manufacture or sell food products in India.
Step 3: Increases brand credibility and helps in product marketing.
Step 4: Facilitates business expansion into new states or exports.
Step 5: Ensures compliance with national food safety laws and avoids penalties.

Step 1: Visit the official FSSAI online portal (FoSCoS) and create an account.
Step 2: Choose the correct license type — Basic, State, or Central — according to your business turnover and scale.
Step 3: Fill out the online application form with business and food details.
Step 4: Upload the required documents such as ID proof, address proof, and business registration certificate.
Step 5: Pay the prescribed government fee and submit your application.
Step 6: Once verified, the FSSAI authority issues your license or registration certificate.