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FSSAI Registration vs License

Updated on: 27 May, 2024 11:41 AM

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was constituted under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. This Act, along with the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation of 2011, prescribes the regulatory framework for the registration and licensing of food businesses within India.

All Food Business Operators (FBOs) engaged in the storage, manufacturing, distribution, or transportation of food products must possess either an FSSAI Registration or an FSSAI License. The FSSAI is the designated statutory body responsible for the issuance of FSSAI registrations or licenses to food business operators across India, contingent upon their scale and operational nature.

What Is The FSSAI License?

The Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSAI) establishes guidelines for the safe distribution of food. The FSSAI License serves as a government mechanism to verify compliance with these standards. Furthermore, the government utilizes the FSSAI License to monitor instances of food adulteration and the distribution of inferior food products, ensuring their prevention. The FSSAI License consists of a 14-digit registration or license code, which must be prominently displayed on all food packaging and within the business establishment.


Need For FSSAI License

All food business operators engaged in the processing, manufacturing, storage, distribution, or sale of food products are required to obtain either FSSAI Registration or License. It is important to distinguish between the two: the type of FSSAI authorization required—be it Registration or License—depends on the scale and nature of the business operations.


What are the types of FSSAI licenses?

Businesses with a turnover exceeding 12 lakh rupees or those engaged in food processing and manufacturing are required to obtain an FSSAI License. This license is bifurcated into Central and State categories and comprises a 14-digit code, with the initial digit being '1'. The type of license—either state or central—depends on the business's magnitude.

  • State License: Businesses such as medium-sized processors, manufacturers, traders, marketers, or transporters fall under the purview of the FSSAI state license, which is issued by the respective state government. An FBO with an annual turnover ranging from more than 12 lakh rupees to 20 crore rupees is categorized as a medium-sized enterprise and is mandated to acquire a state license.
  • Central License: Enterprises engaged in large-scale processing, transportation, manufacturing, or international trade of food products are required to secure the FSSAI central license. Businesses with an annual turnover exceeding 20 crore rupees are deemed large enterprises and are obligated to obtain the FSSAI central license from the Central Government.

What Is The FSSAI Registration?

FSSAI Registration is essential for minor food manufacturers or Food Business Operators (FBOs) with an annual turnover below 12 Lakhs rupees unless such FBOs fall under mandatory licensing requirements.

FBOs categorized as petty, including those involved in food manufacturing or sales, hawkers, small-scale retailers, itinerant vendors, temporary stall holders, or small-scale food industry participants, must secure an FSSAI registration under the following conditions:

  • Annual turnover not exceeding 12 lakhs rupees.
  • Food production capacity (excluding milk and meat products) is limited to 100 liters or kilograms daily.
  • Milk procurement, handling, or collection is limited to 500 liters daily.
  • Slaughtering capacity restricted to 2 large animals, 10 small animals, or 50 poultry birds daily.
  • Distribution of food at religious or social gatherings, excluding caterers.

For clarity, refer to the subsequent table:

Sl.No Business Activity Capacity
1 Food production (excluding milk and meat) Up to 100 kg/ltr per day
2 Milk procurement, handling, and collection Up to 500 ltr per day
3 Slaughtering capacity 2 large animals or equivalent

The FSSAI registration number, issued by the State Licensing Authority, consists of 14 digits, with the initial digit being '2'.


What is the difference between FSSAI registration and the license?

Particulars FSSAI Registration FSSAI License
Turnover Limit Businesses with turnover not exceeding Rs.12 lakh annually. Businesses with turnover of more than Rs.12 lakh annually.
Types Basic Registration. FSSAI Central License and FSSAI State License.
Size of Business Petty food business operators. Medium and large-sized food business operators and food businesses.
Duration Duration varies based on the applicability of the registration. The issuance period is between one and five years, inclusive.
Application Form A. Form B.
Fees Fixed at Rs.100 per year. Varies between Rs.2,000 to Rs.7,500 annually, based on criteria and license type.
Publication FSSAI registration displayed on office premises; number on product packaging. FSSAI license number is mandatory on product packaging for exporters, importers, traders, and producers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q- Why is the FSSAI License necessary for food businesses?

For food business operators (FBOs) involved in the processing, manufacturing, storage, distribution, or sale of food products, possessing either an FSSAI Registration or License is mandatory. The specific requirement—Registration or License—is determined by the scope and nature of the business activities.


Q- Can you explain the categories of FSSAI Licenses available?

There are two primary types:

  • State License: Intended for medium-scale FBOs, this is issued by the respective state government. Businesses with an annual turnover ranging from over 12 lakh rupees up to 20 crore rupees fall into this category.
  • Central License: This is for large-scale FBOs and is obtained from the Central Government. Enterprises with an annual turnover exceeding 20 crore rupees are required to secure this license.

Q- What constitutes the FSSAI Registration?

The FSSAI Registration is specifically for smaller FBOs or those with limited operations. Businesses that have an annual turnover below 12 Lakhs rupees are generally eligible for this registration unless they are subject to mandatory licensing. The specifics include:

  • Businesses with an annual turnover not surpassing 12 lakhs rupees.
  • Food production capacities and other related criteria as detailed in the provided table.

CA Abhishek Soni
CA Abhishek Soni

Abhishek Soni is a Chartered Accountant by profession & entrepreneur by passion. He is the co-founder & CEO of Tax2Win.in. Tax2win is amongst the top 25 emerging startups of Asia and authorized ERI by the Income Tax Department. In the past, he worked in EY and comes with wide industry experience from telecom, retail to manufacturing to entertainment where he has handled various national and international assignments.