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FSSAI Basic Food license
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    FSSAI Food License Registration - An Overview

    The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, responsible for regulating and supervising the food safety standards in India. It ensures that the food sold in the country is safe, healthy, and meets the necessary quality standards. The FSSAI Food License Registration is a mandatory process for food business operators (FBOs) who are involved in manufacturing, processing, packaging, distribution, or selling food.

    Applicability for FSSAI Food License Registration

    Here’s an overview of who needs to apply for an FSSAI Food License:

    1. Food Manufacturers
    • Who it applies to: Businesses engaged in the production, processing, and manufacturing of food products.
    • Examples: Food processing units, dairy production units, snack manufacturers, beverage manufacturers, and packaged food producers.
    • Requirement: Manufacturers must register or obtain an FSSAI license depending on the scale of their operation (Basic Registration, State License, or Central License).

    2. Food Retailers
    • Who it applies to: Businesses involved in selling food products directly to consumers.
    • Examples: Grocery stores, supermarkets, food retail outlets, and convenience stores.
    • Requirement: Retailers with an annual turnover below ₹12 lakh need Basic Registration, while those above ₹12 lakh require a State License.

    3. Restaurants, Hotels, and Foodservice Operators
    • Who it applies to: Businesses involved in preparing and serving food to consumers.
    • Examples: Restaurants, hotels, cafes, food courts, food trucks, and catering services.
    • Requirement: All such businesses must register with FSSAI, and depending on the size of the business, they must obtain either Basic Registration, State License, or Central License.

    4. Distributors and Wholesalers
    • Who it applies to: Businesses involved in the wholesale distribution of food products.
    • Examples: Wholesale distributors of packaged foods, beverages, or raw ingredients.
    • Requirement: Distributors with an annual turnover exceeding ₹12 lakh need a State License, while large distributors may require a Central License.

    5. Food Importers and Exporters
    • Who it applies to: Businesses involved in importing and exporting food products.
    • Examples: Importers of packaged food, ingredients, and other food products; exporters of Indian food products.
    • Requirement: Central License is mandatory for importers and exporters due to the scale and nature of cross-border transactions.

    Who Requires FSSAI Registration/License in India?

    1. Food Manufacturers – Includes food processing units, dairies, and packaged food producers.
    • License: Basic Registration (small), State or Central License (medium/large).
    2. Food Retailers – Grocery stores, supermarkets, and food shops.
    • License: Basic Registration (turnover < ₹12 lakh), State License (higher turnover).
    3. Restaurants/Hotels/Foodservice – Restaurants, cafes, catering services, food trucks.
    • License: Basic Registration, State License, or Central License.
    4. Wholesalers/Distributors – Involved in bulk distribution of food products.
    • License: State License or Central License.
    5. Food Importers/Exporters – Importing or exporting food products.
    • License: Central License.
    6. Street Food Vendors – Small food carts or hawkers.
    • License: Basic Registration or State License.

    7. Food Transporters/Storage – Cold storage units, food logistics.

    • License: Registration or State License.
    8. Home-Based Food Businesses – Home bakers or small-scale producers.
    • License: Basic Registration or State License.
    9. E-Commerce Food Platforms – Online food delivery platforms.
    • License: State or Central License.
    10. Food Testing Labs – Accredited food testing labs.
    • License: Central License.

    Documents Required for FSSAI Food License Registration:

    Basic Registration (for small businesses):
    • Business address proof (rent agreement, utility bill).
    • Identity proof (Aadhar, passport, etc.).
    • Passport-sized photo.
    • Business constitution proof (partnership deed, incorporation certificate).
    • Food safety plan (optional but recommended).

    FAQs for Darpan Registration

    An FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license is a certification required by food businesses to ensure that they comply with food safety standards and regulations in India.

    Any business involved in the manufacture, distribution, storage, or sale of food products in India must have an FSSAI license. This includes manufacturers, restaurants, retailers, food wholesalers, importers, and others.

    • Basic Registration: For small businesses with an annual turnover of less than ₹12 lakhs.
    • State License: For medium-sized businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
    • Central License: For large businesses with an annual turnover of more than ₹20 crore or involved in complex activities like import/export.

    You can apply for an FSSAI license online through the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) on the official FSSAI website. You will need to submit details about your business and necessary documents.

    Documents typically required include:
    o Proof of business registration (e.g., partnership deed, certificate of incorporation).
    o Identity and address proof of the applicant.
    o Food product list.
    o Proof of business premises (e.g., rental agreement, utility bill).

    The process can take anywhere from 7 to 30 days, depending on the type of business, the category of license, and whether additional verification or inspection is required.

    An FSSAI license is valid for 1 to 5 years depending on the type of license and your business needs.

    Yes, if you operate multiple food businesses, you need to apply for a separate FSSAI license for each location or unit where food operations take place.

    Related Business Registrations

    In addition to registration or incorporation, a business may require other registrations depending on the business activity undertaken. Talk to an Advisor to find out registrations your business may require post registration.