FSSAI Registration Certificate: Ensuring Food Safety and Legal Compliance for Indian Businesses

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Food is more than just a basic need; it is a matter of health, safety, and trust. Whether you are a small street food vendor, a cloud kitchen operator, a food processing unit, or a large restaurant chain, maintaining hygiene and ensuring food quality is non-negotiable. This is where the FSSAI Registration Certificate becomes essential.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the primary regulatory body overseeing food safety in the country. Acquiring an FSSAI registration certificate is not just a legal obligation, but also a symbol of trust for your customers. It signifies that the food served, sold, or manufactured meets India's health and safety standards.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive understanding of the FSSAI registration certificate, its types, benefits, application process, compliance needs, and how it empowers businesses in the food industry.

What is an FSSAI Registration Certificate?

The FSSAI registration certificate is a government-issued license or registration number that allows a Food Business Operator (FBO) to legally run food-related activities in India. This includes food manufacturing, processing, packaging, distribution, transportation, storage, and retailing.

Issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the certificate ensures that the food product meets the safety standards and hygiene practices set by the authority.

Why is FSSAI Registration Important?

Legal Requirement: According to the FSS Act, 2006, it is mandatory for all FBOs to get FSSAI registration or license before starting any food business in India.

Consumer Trust: Displaying the FSSAI certificate builds trust with customers as it assures them that the food is safe and handled hygienically.

Avoids Penalties: Running a food business without FSSAI registration can result in heavy fines or imprisonment.

Expansion and Branding: FSSAI certification helps in brand building, partnerships, and scaling the business to multiple cities or internationally.

Types of FSSAI Registration/Licenses

There are three major categories of FSSAI registrations based on the size and type of the food business:

Basic FSSAI Registration (Form A)

• For small food businesses
  
  

• Turnover: Up to ₹12 lakh per annum
  
  

• Includes: Petty retailers, small-scale manufacturers, street food vendors, hawkers, etc.

State FSSAI License (Form B)

• For medium-scale businesses
  
  

• Turnover: ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore per annum
  
  

• Includes: Small food manufacturers, caterers, storage units, mid-sized restaurants

Central FSSAI License (Form B)

• For large-scale operations
  
  

• Turnover: Above ₹20 crore or operating in more than one state
  
  

• Includes: Importers, exporters, large food chains, food processing companies

Who Needs an FSSAI Certificate?

Any individual or business involved in the following activities must obtain an FSSAI registration/license:

• Food manufacturers and processors
  
  

• Dairy units and milk vendors
  
  

• Hotels, restaurants, and cafes
  
  

• Cloud kitchens and home bakers
  
  

• Food packaging and storage units
  
  

• Wholesale and retail traders
  
  

• Online food delivery platforms (e.g., Swiggy, Zomato)
  
  

• Importers and exporters of food products

Even small food vendors or home chefs making ₹1 lakh per month or more are required to register.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration Certificate

For Basic Registration:

• copyright-sized photo of the applicant
  
  

• Aadhaar card or ID proof
  
  

• Business name and address proof
  
  

• Nature of business
  
  

• Declaration form

For State License:

• Identity and address proof of proprietors
  
  

• Food Safety Management Plan
  
  

• Proof of business premises (rental/ownership)
  
  

• List of food products handled
  
  

• NOC from the local authority
  
  

• Partnership deed or incorporation certificate

For Central License (additional):

• Import/export code (IEC)
  
  

• Source of raw materials
  
  

• List of machinery and equipment
  
  

• Turnover documents (CA certificate)
  
  

• Lab test reports (if manufacturing)

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for FSSAI Registration Certificate Online

The application process is fully online via the official portal:

Go to the Website: Visit the official website of fssai registration. 

Fill Your Details: Type in your name, mobile number, email, business name, address, and what kind of food you deal with.

Upload PAN Card: Take a photo and upload it

Check & Submit: Double-check your info. If all looks good, click Submit.

Pay the Fee: Pay online using UPI, card, or net banking. The amount depends on your business size.

OTP Call: You’ll get a call to confirm your number with an OTP (one-time password). Just tell them the code.

Inspection(If Needed): For some businesses, an officer might visit your place to check cleanliness.

Get Your License: After approval, you can download your FSSAI license from the website.

FSSAI Certificate Validity and Renewal

• The FSSAI certificate is valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the chosen duration.
  
  

• It must be renewed at least 30 days before expiry to avoid penalties.
  
  

• Renewal is also done online through the FoSCoS portal.

FSSAI 14-Digit Number: What Does It Mean?

Every registered food business is issued a 14-digit FSSAI license number, where:

• First 5 digits represent the registration authority
  
  

• Next 2 digits indicate state code
  
  

• Next 2 show year of registration
  
  

• Last 5 digits are the unique license number

This number must be printed on all food packages and displayed at your premises.

Benefits of FSSAI Registration Certificate for Food Businesses

Legal Protection: You stay compliant with food laws and avoid penalties or shutdowns.

Consumer Confidence: An FSSAI number on packaging builds credibility among customers.

Business Expansion: Helps in securing funding, expanding to new markets, and applying for eCommerce platforms.

Participation in Tenders: Mandatory for food suppliers bidding for government or private contracts.

Improved Hygiene Standards: Encourages better food handling and processing practices.

Market Access: Enables sellers to list products on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, BigBasket, etc.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Entering incorrect business details during registration
  
  

• Choosing the wrong category of license
  
  

• Not updating information after business expansion
  
  

• Ignoring renewal deadlines
  
  

• Not printing FSSAI number on food packaging

Displaying Your FSSAI Certificate

According to FSSAI guidelines:

• A copy of the certificate must be displayed at a prominent place in the food business premises
  
  

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