FSSAI License &
Registration
Food Safety Compliance in India – Mandatory Registration for all Food Business Operators (FBOs). Expert-assisted filing for Central, State and Basic categories.
Fast-Track Filing
Get your FSSAI registration completed entirely online with our digital compliance portal.
Expert CA/CS Filing
Our compliance experts handle all regulatory documentation and advisory for FBOs.
Why Client Filing India?
- Experienced & trusted professionals.
- Transparent & affordable pricing.
- On time support and timely services.
- Data security.
- Happy clients across all over India.
Three Categories of Food License
Detailed Applicability & Turnover Limits
Basic FSSAI
- For small businesses with turnover up to Rs 1.5 crores approximately per annum.
- Suitable for petty retailers, snacks, bakeries, and small eateries.
- Catering businesses must apply for State License regardless of turnover.
State License
- For businesses with annual turnover between Rs 1.5 crores and Rs 50 crores.
- Applicable to medium-sized businesses like distributors and manufacturers.
- Obtained from the respective State Government's FSSAI department.
Central License
- For large businesses with annual turnover exceeding Rs 50 crores.
- Mandatory for Importers, Exporters, and Government Department suppliers.
- National scale operations engaged in food manufacturing and distribution.
FSSAI Approval Process
Seamless, transparent, and fully digital journey from application to certification
Application & Document Submission
Application Scrutiny & Fee Payment
Inspection (if applicable)
Approval / Grant of License
Post-License Compliance
Filing of FSSAI Annual Returns (Form D-1)
Every Food Business Operator must file FSSAI Form D-1 annually, regardless of the previous year's production. This annual return can be filed electronically or in the physical form.
The deadline for filing the return is May 31st. Delay attracts a penalty of Rs 100 per day of delay.
Restaurants, Fast Food Joints, Canteens, and Grocery Stores are generally exempted from filing annual returns.
Who Needs Registration?
- Petty Retailers, Bakery, Snacks, Hawkers
- Dairy Units & Milk Vendors
- Hotels, Restaurants & Bars
- E-Commerce Food Suppliers
Additional FBOs
- Canteens, Cafeterias & Mid-day Meals
- Home-Based Food Services
- Importers and Exporters
- Cloud Kitchens & Banquet Halls
FSSAI Benefits
- Legal immunity & avoiding heavy penalties
- Builds consumer trust & brand credibility
- Access to valuable food safety resources
- Enhances brand reputation & market access
- Reduces foodborne illness risks
- Eligibility for government tenders
FSSAI Offences & Penalties
Important offences and their maximum penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
| Section | Offence | Max Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | Selling food not of nature/quality demanded | Rs 5 Lakhs |
| 51 | Sub-standard food | Rs 5 Lakhs |
| 52 | Misbranded food | Rs 3 Lakhs |
| 53 | Misleading advertisement | Rs 10 Lakhs |
| 54 | Food containing extraneous matter | Rs 1 Lakh |
| 55 | Failure to comply with FSO directions | Rs 2 Lakhs |
| 56 | Unhygienic processing/manufacturing | Rs 1 Lakh |
| 57 | Possessing adulterant | Up to Rs 10 Lakhs |
| 58 | Contravention with no specific penalty | Rs 2 Lakhs |
| 59 | Unsafe food | Up to Rs 5 Lakhs |
| 60 | Interfering with seized items | Rs 2 Lakhs |
| 61 | False information | Rs 2 Lakhs |
| 62 | Obstructing or impersonating FSO | Rs 1 Lakh |
| 63 | Carrying out food business without licence | Rs 5 Lakhs |
| 64 | Subsequent offences | Rs 1 Lakh (daily fine basis) |
| 65 | Compensation for injury or death of consumer | Up to Rs 5 Lakhs |
Note: For petty food business operators, the penalty under Section 50 shall not exceed Rs 25,000.
Documents Required
- Photograph of the Applicant.
- PAN Card and Identity Proof.
- Proof of Business Address.
- Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed.
- List of Directors/Partners with contact details.
- Plan for a food safety management system.
Quick Consultation
Choose Your Plan
Professional solutions tailored for Fssai
Basic Plan
State Governemnt fees of Rs 5000 plus clientfiling charges of Rs 1000 plus gst 180
- State license for one year inclusive of Government fees
Standard Plan
Central Governemnt fees of Rs 8850 plus clientfiling charges of Rs 1150 plus gst 207
- Central license for one year inclusive of Government fees
Premium Plan
Prices are inclusive of gst@18%
- Registration for one year inclusive of Government fees
FAQ's on FSSAI
Your Questions Answered
What is the full form of FSSAI and its purpose?
FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, and its purpose is to regulate the manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food to ensure public health.
Who needs an FSSAI License or Registration?
Every Food Business Operator (FBO) involved in any stage of food handling, from manufacturing to selling, must obtain the required FSSAI registration or license.
What are the three categories of FSSAI approval?
FSSAI approval is divided into three categories based on turnover: Basic Registration (turnover up to Rs 12 Lakh), State License (turnover up to Rs 20 Crore), and Central License (turnover above Rs 20 Crore or for specific businesses like import/export).
Is the FSSAI license mandatory for small home-based food businesses?
Yes, even small home-based food businesses, if they have a turnover above Rs 12 Lakh annually, require at least the FSSAI Basic Registration.
What is the typical validity period of an FSSAI License/Registration?
The FSSAI license or registration can be issued for a period of 1 year up to 5 years, which must be renewed before its expiry.
What happens if a Food Business Operator (FBO) operates without an FSSAI license?
Operating without a license can lead to penalties, fines, and potentially imprisonment, as it is a mandatory legal compliance.
What is the unique number issued after obtaining an FSSAI license?
A 14-digit FSSAI License number is issued, which must be printed on all food packages and signboards of the business.
Do food importers require a special type of FSSAI license?
Yes, food importers are required to obtain an FSSAI Central License, regardless of their turnover, due to the nature of their business.
Is GST required for FSSAI?
FSSAI, on July 27th, 2022 vide a notice announced that GST at the prescribed rate would be applicable on all services provided by FSSAI like issuing a Central license, Food Safety Mitra Fees, Product Approval Fees, Import Clearance Fees, and so forth will attract an 18% service tax.
Does FSSAI Registration cover all food products?
Yes, it covers all food products, including manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, and sale.
Can I transfer my FSSAI Registration to another business or location?
No, FSSAI Registration is non-transferable. You must apply for a new registration if the business ownership or location changes.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
FSSAI is a statutory regulatory body under India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, it protects and promotes public health by regulating and supervising food safety.
Guardians of the Indian Plate
The FSSAI is India's apex statutory body that regulates food safety and mandates licensing for all food businesses to ensure scientific hygiene standards.