FSSAI Registration Process - Documents Required, Benefits, Penalty

FSSAI registration is one of the most important registrations required by every person involved in the food business, such as persons who wish to open a restaurant, bakery, hotel, cloud kitchen or food stall in India. Every Food Business Operator (FBO), such as entities or persons involved in manufacturing, preparation, selling, transportation, distribution and storage of food articles/products, are also mandatorily required to have an FSSAI registration to carry on their food business.

What is FSSAI?

FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is an organisation that monitors and governs the entire food business in India. It is an autonomous body that is established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act) which is a consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India. It ensures the food products undergo quality checks thereby curtailing food adulteration and sale of sub-standard products. It is responsible for the registering and licensing of the FBOs in India and it lays down the rules and regulations for running the food business in India.

Food Business Operators (FBOs) Who Require FSSAI Registration

The FBOs carrying on the following kinds of business are mandatorily required to obtain an FSSAI Registration/License:

• Petty retailers and retail shops (snacks shop, bakery, etc.)
• Temporary or fixed stalls (chat stall, tea stall, etc.)
• Hawkers selling packaged or freshly prepared food
• Dairy units and milk vendors
• Vegetable oil processing units
• Slaughtering houses and meat processing units
• All food manufacturing or processing units
• Cold/refrigerated storage facilities
• Transporters of food products
• Wholesalers, suppliers, and distributors
• Hotels, restaurants, bars, and canteens
• E-commerce food suppliers including cloud kitchens

Types of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI registration is based on the business types, turnover and capacity of production. Depending upon the installed capacity and turnover, FBOs are eligible for licenses such as basic registration, state license, and central license.

Documents Required For Obtaining the FSSAI License

The following documents are generally required to obtain an FSSAI registration or license:

• Photo identity proof of the food business operators.
• Business constitution certificate (e.g., partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, shop and establishment license).
• Proof of possession of business premises (rental agreement, NOC from owner, utility bills).
• Food safety management system plan.
• List of food products manufactured or processed.
• Bank account information.

Note: State and Central licenses require additional specific documents like a floor plan of the processing unit, list of directors, machinery details, water analysis report, etc.

FSSAI License Cost

Consequences of Non-Compliance & Penalty

Any registered or licensed person under the FSSAI has to adhere to the rules and regulations under the FSS Act, 2006. A food safety officer generally conducts inspections of the facility and identifies the level of compliance.