In India, the safety and quality of food is a matter of national health and economic significance. To ensure a standardized system of food safety, the Government of India enacted the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and established the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). One of the most critical mandates under this law is the compulsory registration or licensing of all Food Business Operators (FBOs). This article breaks down the registration and licensing process, applicable categories, compliance mandates, and penalties under the FSSAI framework.
1. The Legal Mandate: Registration for All Food Businesses
As per the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, every Food Business Operator (FBO)—from a street vendor to a multi-national food manufacturer—is required to obtain either a registration certificate or a license, depending on the nature and size of their operations.
This rule ensures that food being manufactured, handled, stored, distributed, or sold is safe, hygienic, and fit for human consumption. The regulations also help trace accountability in the event of violations or health hazards.
2. Who Needs to Register or Obtain a License?
All FBOs must either:
The term Food Business Operator includes:
3. FSSAI Basic Registration for Petty Food Businesses
Petty food manufacturers, such as small vendors, cottage food units, street food sellers, or local eateries, need FSSAI Basic Registration if:
These operators are required to follow basic hygiene and safety standards outlined in Part I of Schedule 4 of the FSSAI Regulations.
Documents Required:
4. FSSAI License: State and Central Categories
If the annual turnover of a food business exceeds ₹12 lakhs, a license is mandatory instead of basic registration.
5. Forms and Application Procedure
The process of application differs for registration and licensing:
Application must include:
The applicant submits these to the Licensing Authority, which processes the application and issues a certificate or license, typically within 60 days.
6. Registration and Licensing for E-Commerce Food Businesses
The rise of e-commerce in food services—from food delivery platforms to online grocery apps—has led to the introduction of specific FSSAI licensing norms.
7. Labeling, Hygiene, and Safety Compliance
All food businesses must comply with the conditions of the license as listed in Annexure-2 of Form B, as well as the sanitary and hygienic requirements listed under Schedule 4 of the FSSAI regulations.
Compliance categories under Schedule 4 are divided as:
Non-compliance may result in suspension or cancellation of the license.
8. Validity and Renewal of Registration and License
9. Penalties for Non-Compliance
The FSS Act clearly outlines penalties for unlicensed operation:
“Any person (except those exempt under Section 31(2)) who, without obtaining a license, manufactures, sells, stores, distributes or imports any food article shall be punishable with imprisonment up to six months and a fine up to ₹5 lakh.”
This provision ensures strict enforcement and acts as a deterrent against illegal food operations.
10. Licensing Fees as per Schedule 3
Type of FBO | Fee per year |
Registration (Petty FBOs) | ₹100 |
State License (varies by activity) | ₹2,000–₹5,000 |
Central License | ₹7,500 |
Exact fees may vary depending on the food business category—retailers, manufacturers, storage, transportation, etc.
Note: Readers are recommended to check the latest FSSAI circulars for applicable fees for the relevant financial year.
11. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Conclusion
Understanding and adhering to FSSAI registration and licensing requirements is not just a legal obligation—it is a responsibility to consumers and a commitment to food safety. Whether you’re running a cloud kitchen from your home, operating a food truck, managing a hotel kitchen, or building a pan-India FMCG brand, compliance with FSSAI norms is foundational to sustainable and ethical food business in India.
With the growing emphasis on transparency, traceability, and hygiene, the FSSAI regime offers a streamlined path for food businesses to grow responsibly while safeguarding consumer health. Ensuring proper registration or licensing is the first step toward building consumer trust and legal credibility in the Indian food market.
Read more about this Regulation: https://fssai.gov.in/cms/food-safety-and-standards-regulations.php
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