FSSAI Licence: The country boasts a diverse culinary landscape, and its people are passionate about food and drink. This passion often draws them into the food business. Nowadays, numerous online platforms actively engage in the food trade, selling a wide variety of products. The food market has evolved to such an extent that everything from snack outlets and tea/coffee stalls to small food corners is generating significant profits. If you are planning to launch a major food venture—such as a restaurant, café, food processing unit, or food chain—obtaining a licence from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is mandatory.
If you are considering starting a food business, securing an FSSAI licence is essential. Food business operators are responsible for ensuring the safety, quality, and standards of their products, which helps maintain customer trust. Licensing is crucial because adulterated food products are frequently sold in the market; obtaining an FSSAI licence requires verifying the quality and standards of the food products, which significantly reduces the risk of adulteration.
Why obtain an FSSAI licence?
Food enthusiasts abound worldwide. Today, with growing health awareness, consumers prefer purchasing food that meets high-quality and safety standards. FSSAI certification establishes the credibility of food products. This is important not only for protecting consumer interests but also for enhancing the reputation of the manufacturing company. It assures consumers that every product from the brand is genuine and safe to eat. To this end, FSSAI issues a 14-digit licence number that the food product must display.
How to obtain a food licence?
To start a food business, you can apply for an FSSAI licence online by registering on the official website. Once the prescribed fee is paid, the licence can be obtained. However, the licensing process and associated charges vary depending on the type of business.
You can check your eligibility by visiting the official website: https://foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in. The licensing process begins thereafter. If you wish to apply offline, you may contact the local Food Safety Officer; the applicant is required to submit certain necessary documents for this purpose.
Documents to be submitted
Regarding the required documents, the applicant needs to provide a PAN card, Aadhaar card, passport-sized photograph, a photograph of the person managing the food business, a certificate of association or partnership deed, a list of food items handled by the Food Business Operator (FBO), and a Food Safety Management System plan, among others.
What are the different types of licences?
FSSAI issues licences across different categories, depending on the nature of your business. Under the regulations, FSSAI issues Basic Registration, State License, and Central License. If the food business has an annual turnover of less than ₹12 lakh, one can obtain Basic Registration under FSSAI; this can be upgraded as the business expands.
An FSSAI state-level licence is issued for food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹20 crore. A national-level licence is mandatory if the annual turnover exceeds ₹20 crore; this licence is granted to traders whose food business operates across multiple states. Failure to register the business can result in penalties, including imprisonment for up to six months and a fine of ₹5 lakh.