Food License
Who requires a Food License?
Every Food Business Operator is required to be licensed/registered under the FSSAI. FSSAI Registration is
required by small businesses like hawkers, petty retailers, etc whose annual turnover is less than Rs.12
lakhs per year. All food businesses exceeding this annual turnover limit of Rs 12 lakhs per year require a
FSSAI License.
FSSAI State License and FSSAI Central License are issued to food businesses based on their size whether it
is a medium scale or large-scale. Usually, large manufacturers, exporters, importers, etc obtain Central
Licence while mid-sized entities like transporters, traders, etc need State Licence.
If your business falls in any one of the below-listed categories, then a food license is mandatory for
you.
- Procurement
- Manufacture
- Distribution
- Processing
- Packaging
- Storage
- Hotels
- Wholesaler
- Restaurants
To be more elaborate, any individual or a company that operates with food substances from farm to plate
must obtain the FSSAI food license. A more detailed list of those who require FSSAI registration
Certificate is here:
- Food chains
- Food sellers and resellers
- Dairy and dairy processing
- Food importers and exporters
- Processors like pickle and dry fruit maker
- Raw material suppliers to food businesses
- Retailers & establishments who have a retail outlet
- Simple transporters who transfer items from one location to another
- Canteens in corporations, schools, colleges, hospitals or government institutions
- Packaged food manufacturers who produce items such as biscuits and ready to eat products
Storage units and warehouses require a food safety registration instead of a production license.
FSSAI license types in India
According to the FSSAI Act, 2006 all food businesses are required to be registered/licenced:
FSSAI registration: This is the primary kind of food license and it is issued for:
- Businesses that are small in turnover - 12 Lakh INR approximately
-
FBO that is at the budding stage like a dairy with a capacity of less than 500 ltr/day.
- Trades like tea shops, canteens, food processors and small warehouses ideally require this licence. It
can be upgraded when the business begins to expand in capacity and profit.
- Dairies with a capacity of over 50,000 litres/day
- Hotels with a 3-star rating and above
The State Licence: Companies that have a profit greater than 12 lakhs and less than 20 Crores INR
require the state license.Some examples are:
An exception here is the catering business. Irrespective of their turnover, they have to apply for a
state license and not a basic FSSAI license.
The Central License: The above to licences were for small and mid-sized trades. The central
registration is for bigger businesses. It is issued to:
- Companies that supply food to government offices and departments.
- Trades that have a turnover of over Rs. 20 Crores.
- Food import and export commerce
Significance of FSSAI
Significance of FSSAI license number format
- A 14-digit food license will contain a State Code and registration.
- Every food package must have a label. This label should mandatorily contain.
- The logo of FSSAI
- License number
How can we help?
How can we help in FSSAI Registration and Food License? Why Vakilsearch?
We provides an end-to-end service for food licensing and FSSAI registration. Our promise to every food
product business is:
- FSSAI Registration at the least time frame
- Comprehensive help with FSSAI online application filling
- Guidance on selecting the right food license type
- Hand-holding through the entire registration procedure
- Solution to all your questions and concerns
our guiding principle is to guarantee that your food business begins as soon as possible and as
seamlessly as practical.
Non-compliance with FSSAI regulations
Non-compliance with the FSSAI regulations can prove to be costly. Production and distribution of food
products without the FSSAI registration or license will incur a severe penalty and may cause risk to your
brand reputation.
Food inspections will be conducted by Food Safety Officers and compliance levels will be granted for the
food business. Compliance will be graded as below -
- Compliance(C)
- Non-compliance(NC)
- Partial Compliance
- Not Applicable/ Not Observed (NA)
In accordance with the above markings, the Food Safety Officer might issue an improvement notice. The
officer might also cancel the license if the standards are not maintained even after warnings.
In addition to this, if the FBO is not satisfied with the Food Safety Officer's improvement notice, they
can appeal to the State Commissioner of Food Safety. Their decisions can also put to a challenge via an
appeal towards Food Safety Appellate Tribunal / High Court.
Benefits
Benefits of Acquiring FSSAI License:
FSSAI license and registration help businesses in the following ways:
- Consumers are becoming more aware of the quality of the food which they eat, thanks to the digital
era. Having a valid FSSAI license helps businesses in enhancing their credibility.
- The FSSAI logo is widely recognized and hence it can ensure goodwill among consumers.
- Streamlines all the processes involved from manufacturing to distribution and sale of the food
products.
- Makes food manufacturing more dependable on science-based principles.
The important aspects of hygiene and cleanliness are regulated and followed when FSSAI registration is
involved.
- FSSAI license or registration provides a platform to produce quality food products that are on par
with international food standards.
- FSSAI license positively influences the dependability and production of the company, thus giving it a
huge chance to expand and grow.
- FSSAI license is important for exporting food products to other countries.
FSSAI is also responsible for setting guidelines and procedures for quality assurance of the
accredited labs as per ISO17025.
FSSAI license validity:
FSSAI license rules are hard and fast. FSSAI licenses issued to food businesses are valid for a period of
1 to 5 years. It is mandatory to apply for license renewal 30 days before the expiry of the existing
license. Non-renewal of licenses can fetch a fine of Rs.100 per day until the renewal is done . Any lapse
in renewal within the stipulated date can result in the old license becoming defunct and businesses will
have to apply for a fresh license.
Guidelines to be followed for FSSAI License Number:
Similar to the guidelines for FSSAI license, there are certain rules for FSSAI license numbers.
- The FSSAI logo and license number must be displayed clearly on the label of the food package in a
color that is in contrast to the background.
- If multiple units are involved in the production process, the brand owner's FSSAI logo and license
should be printed on the package with the address of the other units displayed on the label with FSSAI
license number.
- There is no exemption for imported food products from following the FSSAI guidelines. It is mandatory
for the importer's FSSAI license number, name, address and FSSAI logo to be pre-printed on a label or
sticker and affixed to the imported food product before it can be given customs clearance.
- It is compulsory that the guidelines given for the height of the letters and numerals of the license
number shall remain as prescribed in 2.3.3 of Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling)
Regulation ,2011. Similarly, the Regulation 2.6.1 of the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and
Labelling),2011, must be applicable to display FSSAI license number and logo.
- The FSSAI logo should not be taken as a certification of any kind. It solely denotes that the FBOs'
license is valid under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.
FSSAI Rules and Regulations for the Food Industry and Food Businesses:
- The FSSAI registration and license must be on prominent display on the premises of the business
affixed with passport size photo of the person under whose name the license is obtained.
- It is the responsibility of the food business operator to inform the FSSAI authorities of any change
or modification he/she plans to make in the food business.
- It is mandatory that atleast one person with technical skills is employed by the FBO to supervise the
production.
- Annual returns for a period extending from 1st April to 31st March of the consecutive year must be
promptly filed before the 31st of May of that year.
- FSSAI licensees must strictly adhere to the conditions given for food preparation, processing and
storage.
Guidelines to modify FSSAI License and FSSAI Registration:
- All necessary documents must be duly submitted while applying for a modification approval.
- Form C is an important document that must be filled with the necessary criteria to seek approval for
changes or modifications in the business. Form C can be used to add a new business to the already
existing one, change details like addresses, contact numbers, product names,etc.
- Designated officers in the FSSAI department can help with the filing process along with some support
from professional liaisons.
- The NON-FORM C MODIFICATION is to support all other information and documents.
- The FBO must also submit necessary evidence and proof of change along with all the applications. All
submitted documents and forms will be subjected to scrutiny by the Designated Officers or DO. Any query
or objection raised by the DO , must be answered by the FBO within 30 days along with additional
information and documents if necessary.
FAQs
1. Renewing FSSAI registration
Renew your FSSAI license 30 days before your current license expired. To do this, you will have to give
Grow-Hill your present license number. Once we receive the license number, we will submit Form A and Form
B i n order to renew your FSSAI registration. This process should take between 30 and 40 days. The renewal
fee is the same as the cost of a new license as per the government.
2. For multiple manufacturing units in different states, I require a common license for the company,
or separate licenses for each unit?
The registered office of your company will need a central license. Your manufacturing units will also
need individual state licenses for each state they're in.
3. Do I need an FSSAI license for the import of foodstuff to sell in India?
Yes, you do. You need a central license registered from the address in Import Export Code.
4. Is it mandatory for 100% export units to get FSSAI licensing?
Yes, whether it is import or export of food items, FSSAI licensing is necessary.
5. Is a license from FSSAI mandatory for the manufacture of food additives alone?
Yes, whether you manufacture, distribute, transport or trade food additives, you will need an FSSAI
license in order to do it.
6. Is the FSSAI license needed for a catering business authorised by the Central Government?
It is mandatory for all catering establishments, even the railways, defense and airport require this
license.
7. What is the requirement when there is more than one warehouse, within the same locality but
separate entities?
Perhaps you have a few separate warehouses within one city, then you will need separate licenses for
each. If all your warehouses are confined to one campus, however, you can apply for a single license
citing the campus's address.
8. How do I renew my FSSAI license?
At Us, we provide FSSAI license registration and renewal services. Refer to the following link.
9. What is the procedure to get a restaurant license?
At Grow-Hill, we streamline this process so that you can do it easily and fast. Just fill in a form
online and send the required documents and we will get your FSSAI restaurant license for you. We'll
intimate you within 20 to 40 working days about the status of your license and you can sit back and focus
on your business.
10. How to process FSSAI online registration in India?
Starting a food business is one of the most interesting things for a person who enjoys cooking, baking,
experimenting with different types of cuisine, and one who is a big-time gourmand. However, if they wanted
to do it legally there needs to be done in-depth research in the industry trends, marketing strategies,
planning and also a basic understanding of the legal requirements the sector demands. Of all the most
important requirement for a food business is the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI)
registration which has to be done by the Ministry of Family Health & Welfare, Government of India. A
valid FSSAI food license contributes to the safety and standardization of food products manufactured and
sold in India.
11. Under which FSSAI license category you should apply for your food business?
Any person who is involved in food business in India has to mandatorily apply for an FSSAI license as per
the FSSAI Regulation 2011. Depending on the type of business, the Government has several thresholds
prescribed; crossing which, there is an absolute need to apply for the FSSAI License. The set thresholds
are on the basis of turnover, production, installed capacity, star rating, vehicles possessed for food
transport, etc. Irrespective of whether the individual is the owner of a commercial unit or a home-based
food supplier, whether the mode is online or offline, the scope is very wide. It covers all food service
providers which include hotels, restaurants or boarding houses, clubs serving food, canteens at commercial
places and educational institutions, catering service providers, food vendors, persons dealing with
organic products, etc.
12. What is the need of FSSAI food license for food businesses in India?
Every day, more than a hundred businesses are launched that work around food - from dairy and meat to
vegetables, spices, and beverages. But does anybody really know whether the eatables coming on to our
plates are palatable? The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license is aimed at doing
just that. The basic legislative intent behind introducing food license is to keep a tab on the quality of
the output of food products. As it is an accepted fact that food has got increased of chances of getting
contaminated due to reasons like unhygienic processing, improper collection, exposure to temperature and
air or when it is being sold past it shelf life, a governing body to regulate the industry practice was
needed. Hence, the FSSAI undertakes scientific food safety management and works closely with businesses to
ensure that the food that is made available to people is safe for human consumption.
13. How to start a restaurant in India?
The word restaurateur may sound fancy but it is not as easy as it may appear. Anyone can start and manage
a restaurant whether it is a person with a 9 to 5 job, a chef, a celebrity, a retiree, etc., But before
rushing to success, just like any other normal business there are important things required like hiring
the right employees, finalizing the type of restaurant and location, assessing the opportunities, planning
of marketing activities and more. Also one needs to ensure whether the legal documents and licenses are in
place.
14. How to arrange a tie-up between restaurant and an online food delivery app?
When the restaurant is set-up, staff are recruited and the tables are set, next comes the task of
popularising the business and a