What is the Procedure for Getting an FSSAI License Number?

Ashish M. Shaji

09 Feb, 2021

Food safety has been one of the top priorities in India, and the government continues to take the necessary steps to uphold the safety of public health. In India, the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India^[1]) is responsible for regulating and ascertaining the availability of safe food for human consumption. This article throws light on getting an FSSAI License Number.

What is an FSSAI License number?

It is a 14 digit numeric that is printed on all food packages. It must be acquired by every food business operator involved in the manufacture, processing, sale of food products, and storage. Moreover, FSSAI is the regulatory body that verifies and validates the food business in India. 

What is the need for FSSAI License Number?

Just like starting any operation requires license without which the work would be illegal, likewise before you start any food business operation in India, obtaining an FSSAI License is mandatory. All traders, restaurants, manufacturers who are involved in the food business are required to obtain a 14 digit license number. The licensing and registration procedure and requirements are regulated by the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of food business) Regulations, 2011.

Who is required to obtain an FSSAI License in India?

According to the rules under the Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006, the following entities must obtain FSSAI registration or license:

• All types of food manufacturer;
• Food Packaging Unit;
• Food Storage Unit;
• Food traders;
• Wholesale food business operators;
• Online food business operator;
• Exporter and importer of food products;
• Transporter and distributors;
• Caters or hotel raw food material suppliers; and
• Food product retailers.

Types of FSSAI License

A Food Business Operator (FBO) must obtain the license upon exceeding a particular turnover. The type of license depends on the scale of business and the kind of business activity that the food business operator performs.

There are three major types of license:

• Basic FSSAI Registration

This form of registration is required for petty food business operators. It is also called the FSSAI Basic License. It is provided to those FBOs that have an annual turnover of up to 12 lakh rupees. All small size industries, storage units, retailers, etc. are included in this.

• State License

This form of license is mandatory for food units having an annual turnover of more than 12 lakh rupees and up to 20 crore rupees. This limit of turnover is similar for an FSSAI state manufacturing license or FSSAI State trading license. All medium size industries, retailers, etc. are included in this.

• Central License

The Central FSSAI License is mandatory for food businesses having an annual turnover of more than 20 crore rupees. All large manufacturers, importers, export-oriented units, etc. are included in this. 

FSSAI Food License registration procedure

Procedure for applying for Central License

• Check the eligibility criteria, and if you are directed to apply for a central license, then fill the application form.
• The data entered in such a form must be accurate and authentic.
• The products mentioned must be approved under the FSSAI Act, 2006^[1].
• Choose the period of time until which you want to take the license.
• Once the form is filled, pay the prescribed fee.

Procedure for applying for State License

• Check the eligibility criteria, and if you are directed to apply for a state license, then fill the application form for getting a state license.
• The data entered in such a form must be accurate and authentic.
• The products mentioned must be approved under the FSS Act, 2006.
• Choose the period of time until which you want to take the license.
• Once the form is filled, pay the prescribed fee.

Documents required for FSSAI Basic, State and Central License

Documents for FSSAI basic License

• Passport-sized photo of the applicant;
• ID proof;
• PAN Card;
• Address Proof;
• Copy of property paper, if the property is owned by you; and
• Copy of rent agreement and NOC from the landlord if the property is on rent.

Documents for FSSAI State License

• Form B completed and signed by the proprietor;
• Layout of the location;
• Proof of possession of premises;
• Contact details and the list of directors/partners/proprietor;
• Details of the type of machinery and equipment used;
• List of food category to be manufactured;
• Authority letter with name and the address of the responsible person;
• NOC and copy of the license from the manufacturer; and
• Food safety management system plan or certificate.

Documents for FSSAI Central License

• Form B completed and signed by the proprietor or the owner;
• The layout of the location;
• Contact details and the list of directors/partners/proprietor;
• Details of the type of machinery and equipment used;
• Proof of possession of premises;
• NOC and copy of the license from the manufacturer;
• Food safety management system plan or certificate;
• Analysis of water report to be used in the process;
• Source of raw materials for meat, milk, etc.;
• NOC/PA issued by FSSAI;
• IE code by DGFT for importers;
• NOC from the municipality and local body;
• Supporting documents  for turnover and transportation proof; and
• Declaration form.

What are the advantages of getting an FSSAI License?

The food business can enjoy a number of benefits such as:

• Increased trust among consumers to consume your product;
• The FSSAI logo can create a goodwill among the customers;
• It ensures the safety of food;
• Leads to business expansion;
• It will help in regulation, manufacture, storage, and sale of food; and
• It creates consumer awareness.

Conclusion

Our Recommendation: How to Apply for Basic FSSAI Registration