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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. This article covers the difference between FSSAI registration and 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.
FBOs operating medium or large-scale food businesses must obtain an FSSAI license, either a state or central license, based on their business size and turnover.
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.
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.
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:
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'.
| 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. |
The FSSAI License or Registration is issued for a duration of 1 to 5 years, based on the preference of the Food Business Operator (FBO), starting from the date of issuance. FBOs must initiate the renewal process at least 30 days before the license or registration expires.
Food Business Operators (FBOs) must pay the following fees for obtaining and maintaining an FSSAI License/Registration:
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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.
There are two primary types:
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:
Petty Food Business Operators (FBOs) are small-scale food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh. They include manufacturers, petty retailers, hawkers, temporary stallholders, and small or cottage industries involved in food-related activities. These FBOs are defined by specific criteria, such as a production capacity not exceeding 100 kg or liters per day, milk handling of up to 500 liters per day, or a slaughtering capacity of up to 2 large animals, 10 small animals, or 50 poultry birds per day.
If a food business operator’s license or registration is suspended or canceled, they must immediately cease all food business activities. Continuing operations under a suspended or canceled license/registration is considered unlawful and will result in penal actions as per the FSS Act, 2006.
Applicants must respond to queries raised by the Licensing or Registering Authority within 30 days. The option to edit or modify the application will be available on the applicant's dashboard. Failure to respond within the specified time will result in the application being automatically rejected.
