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    How to Get FSSAI License For Restaurant?

    Updated on: 05 Dec, 2024 12:25 PM

    According to Statista, India’s food service industry was valued at 4.23 trillion Indian Rupees in 2020 and is projected to grab 8.63 trillion Rupees by 2025. The food sector includes different categories like quick-service eateries (QSRs), Coffee shops, fine dining, and could kitchens. Among these, QSRs dominated with 45% of the market share in 2019, while coffee shops accounted for 17%.

    The food industry in India is not solely centered on major metropolitan cities, but also expanding to the tier-2 and tier-3 urban centers and even in small towns. But one must know that every food business must register themselves to FSSAI basic registration or state/central license. Let us discuss how you can register or obtain an FSSAI license for your restaurant.

    Why FSSAI Registration/License is Important for Your Restaurant?

    First of all, all the restaurants in India are mandated to either register or get the FSSAI state/central license. But that’s not the only importance of FSSAI registration or license. Obtaining an FSSAI license or getting registered ensures the quality of the food served. In an era where consumers are increasingly informed and prioritize safe and high-quality dining experiences, having the FSSAI logo displayed on menus and promotional materials enhances your restaurant’s credibility. FSSAI certification builds trust and confidence among foodies toward your restaurant brand.

    Moreover, Getting an FSSAI license can boost the growth and uniformity of your restaurant’s kitchen operations. FSSAI license is given exclusively to restaurants that comply with specific standards set by the regulatory body. These standards essentially work as a blueprint, guiding restaurants to implement efficient and safe designs within limited spaces. By sticking to these guidelines, you can achieve consistent design standards across your restaurant chain, ensuring uniformity and compliance.


    Types of FSSAI Registration/License

    The type of registration/ license you should get for your restaurants depends on the size and nature of your food business and annual turnover:

    • FSSAI Basic Registration: If your restaurant’s turnover is less than ₹12 Lakh p.a, you only need to opt for FSSAI Basic Registration. FSSAI Basic Registration is generally for petty retailers, temporary food stalls, and small-scale food manufacturers.
    • FSSAI State License: If your food business turnover exceeds ₹12 lakh p.a.and up to ₹20 Crores p.a, you would have to get FSSAI State License that is for medium-sized food businesses like hotels, restaurants, food manufacturing units, etc.
    • FSSAI Central License: FBOs with an annual turnover of above ₹20 Crores p.a, would have to opt for FSSAI Central License. FSSAI Central License is mandatory for large-scale food businesses like food exporters, importers, food chains, etc.

    How to get License/Registration for Restaurants?

    Follow the below steps to register or get an FSSAI License for your restaurants:

    • Visit the FoSCoS online Portal. (Screenshot process required)(If Possible
    • On the main page, click on the ‘Apply/License Registration’ tab.
    • From the dropdown list, select the state where your home kitchen business is located.
    • Next, choose the ‘Food Services’ option.
    • Scroll down and select the ‘Restaurants’ category from the available choices.
    • Based on your business turnover, make an appropriate selection and click on the ‘Proceed’ button.
    • You'll be presented with options to either ‘Click here to apply for Registration for all businesses’ or ‘Click here to apply for State License for all businesses’.
    • Fill out the required information in either Form-A or Form-B, then click on ‘Save & Next’.
    • Upload the necessary documents as instructed.
    • Complete the FSSAI registration payment and finalize the submission.
    • After submitting your application, FSSAI officials will review the provided information and documents. If necessary, they may conduct an on-site inspection of your food establishment.
    • Once all requirements are verified and approved, FSSAI will issue the Registration Certificate. You can download this certificate from the FoSCoS portal by logging into your account.
    • FBO (Food Business Operator) should prominently display the certificate of FSSAI registration at the place of business during business hours.

    What are the documents required for FSSAI Registration/License?

    Below is a comprehensive checklist of documents required to obtain a food license for your restaurant:

    • Completed and signed application form by the restaurant owner.
    • Proof of Identity.
    • Address verification issued by governmental authorities.
    • List of key directors and stakeholders in the business along with their identification.
    • Valid email address and phone number.
    • Food Safety Management Plan (Available from a nearby notary or downloadable online).
    • Evidence of premise ownership or possession (e.g., Sale Deed, Rental Agreement, Electricity Bill).
    • No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from Municipal Corporations or local governing bodies.
    • Kitchen layout blueprint.
    • Water quality testing report from an ISI-certified facility.
    • Partnership Deed or Affidavit of Proprietorship, if applicable (for businesses operating in different locations or partnerships).
    • Detailed list of food categories offered.
    • Inventory of equipment to be utilized.
    • Medical certificates for all employees.
    • Passport size photo

    FSSAI Registration/License Fee for restaurants

    Type of License Annual Turnover Fee per Annum
    Basic Registration Less than ₹12 Lakh ₹100
    State License Between ₹12 Lakh to ₹20 Crore ₹2000
    Central License Above ₹20 Crore ₹7500

    Penalties Under FSSAI

    The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) imposes penalties on food businesses that violate food safety regulations.

    Product Quality and Labeling:

    • Substandard Food: Selling or manufacturing sub-standard food can result in a fine of up to ₹5 lakh.
    • Misbranding: Misbranding food products can lead to a fine of ₹3 lakh and corrective action orders.
    • Misleading Information and Advertising: Deceptive practices can incur a fine of up to ₹10 lakh.
    • Unnecessary Ingredients: Adding unnecessary ingredients to food can result in a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.

    Business Operations and Compliance:

    • Operating Without a License: Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI license can result in a fine of up to ₹5 lakh and up to six months of imprisonment.
    • Non-Compliance with Regulations: Failure to comply with FSSAI regulations or directions can lead to a fine of ₹2 lakh.
    • Unsanitary Conditions: Operating in unsanitary conditions can result in a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.
    • Possession of Adulterants: Possessing harmful adulterants can result in a fine of up to ₹10 lakh; for non-harmful adulterants, the fine is up to ₹2 lakh.
    • Unsafe Products: Using hazardous food products can lead to various penalties, including imprisonment and fines, depending on the severity of the consequences.
    • Circulating False Information: Circulating false information about food products can result in imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹2 lakh.
    • Interference with Confiscated Items: Tampering with confiscated items can result in imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹2 lakh.
    • Obstructing Food Safety Officers: Obstructing or impersonating food safety officers can result in imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.

    Repeat Offenses:

    Repeat offenders may face double the penalty and potential license cancellation.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q- What is an FSSAI license?

    An FSSAI license is a mandatory certification for food businesses in India, issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). It ensures that food products comply with the safety and quality standards prescribed by the authority.


    Q- Who requires an FSSAI license?

    Every food business operator engaged in activities like manufacturing, processing, storing, distributing, or selling food products is required to obtain an FSSAI license.


    Q- How long does it take to obtain an FSSAI license?

    The time required to process an FSSAI license can vary, but it typically takes between 30 to 60 days from the date of application.


    Q- What is the validity period of an FSSAI license?

    An FSSAI license is valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the type of license and the fee paid during application. It is important to renew the license before its expiration.


    Q- What are the consequences of operating without an FSSAI license?

    Operating a food business without an FSSAI license can lead to significant penalties, including hefty fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment.


    Q- Is FSSAI license mandatory for restaurant?

    Yes, an FSSAI license is mandatory for operating a restaurant in India. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) requires all food business operators, including restaurants, to obtain this license to ensure that the food served meets safety and quality standards. Operating without an FSSAI license can result in heavy fines and penalties.


    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.

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