FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is the government body that regulates all food businesses in India. Any person or company that manufactures, processes, stores, distributes, or sells food in India must have a valid FSSAI licence or registration.
If you are starting a food business or working with a food manufacturer in India, understanding FSSAI is essential. This guide explains what FSSAI is, the different types of licences, who needs them, and how the process works.
What is FSSAI
FSSAI, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. It operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
FSSAI sets the standards for food safety, hygiene, labelling, and quality across all food categories in India. It is the single regulatory body that replaced multiple food laws that existed before 2006.
Every food business operator in India, from a street food vendor to a large food processing factory, must be registered or licensed with FSSAI depending on their scale of operations.
Types of FSSAI Licence in India
FSSAI Basic Registration
This is for small food businesses with an annual turnover of less than Rs 12 lakh. This includes small home-based food businesses, petty retailers, and small food stalls. Basic registration is the simplest form and is handled at the local level.
FSSAI State Licence
This applies to medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 20 crore. This includes small to mid-sized food manufacturers, processors, and storage facilities. The State Food Safety Commissioner issues this licence.
FSSAI Central Licence
This is required for large food businesses with an annual turnover above Rs 20 crore. Importers and exporters, large food manufacturers, and businesses with operations across multiple states must hold a Central Licence. The Central Licensing Authority under FSSAI issues this licence.
Who Needs an FSSAI Licence
The following food businesses must have a valid FSSAI registration or licence:
- Food manufacturers and processing units
- Food storage and warehousing facilities
- Food transport and distribution companies
- Restaurants, hotels, and canteens
- Food importers and exporters
- Online food delivery platforms
- Dairy units, slaughterhouses, and meat processing plants
- Cold storage facilities handling food products
Even a home baker selling products online needs at minimum a basic FSSAI registration.
Why FSSAI Licence is Important for Food Manufacturers
For food manufacturers specifically, the FSSAI licence is critical for several reasons:
- It is legally required to manufacture and sell food products in India
- Without it, you cannot sell to organised retail, e-commerce platforms, or institutional buyers
- Buyers and brands look for the FSSAI licence number before partnering with a manufacturer
- For export, FSSAI registration is required along with other certifications like APEDA
- The FSSAI licence number must be printed on every food product label
When you are looking for a contract food manufacturer on platforms like IndiaManufacturer.in, always verify their FSSAI licence number as a first step before discussing any business.
How to Apply for an FSSAI Licence
Step 1: Determine the Right Category
Decide whether you need basic registration, state licence, or central licence based on your business size, turnover, and type of food operations.
Step 2: Prepare Documents
Common documents required include:
- Identity and address proof of the proprietor or directors
- Business registration certificate or partnership deed
- List of food products to be manufactured or handled
- Layout plan of the food processing area
- List of equipment and machinery
- Water analysis report if using your own water source
- NOC from the local municipality or panchayat
Step 3: Apply Online
All FSSAI applications are submitted online through the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in. You fill in the application form, upload documents, and pay the applicable fee online.
Step 4: Inspection
After submission, a food safety officer may inspect your premises before the licence is granted. For manufacturing units, the inspection checks hygiene standards, equipment, water quality, and storage conditions.
Step 5: Licence Issued
If everything is in order, the FSSAI licence is issued digitally. State licences are typically issued within 30 to 60 days. Central licences may take 60 to 90 days.
FSSAI Licence Validity and Renewal
FSSAI licences are valid for one to five years depending on the fee paid at the time of application. Renewal must be applied for at least 30 days before the licence expires. Operating with an expired FSSAI licence is a legal offence and can result in penalties and closure.
FSSAI Labelling Requirements for Packaged Foods
All packaged food products sold in India must display the FSSAI licence number on the label. Other mandatory label information includes:
- Product name and description
- Ingredients list in descending order of quantity
- Nutritional information per 100g or per serving
- Net quantity by weight or volume
- Manufacturing date and best before date
- Manufacturer name and address
- Storage instructions
- Vegetarian or non-vegetarian symbol
Food manufacturers producing under private label arrangements for your brand must include your brand’s FSSAI number (if you hold one as a marketer) or the manufacturer’s number on the label. Understand this requirement before finalising your label design. Find FSSAI-licensed food manufacturers across India at IndiaManufacturer.in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for operating a food business without an FSSAI licence?
Operating without a valid FSSAI licence can result in fines up to Rs 5 lakh, imprisonment, or both depending on the nature of the violation. For serious food safety violations, penalties can be much higher. Always ensure your food business has a valid licence before starting operations.
Can I sell food products online without an FSSAI licence?
No. All food products sold online in India must be manufactured by an FSSAI-licensed unit and must carry the licence number on the label. E-commerce platforms and quick commerce apps require sellers to provide their FSSAI details during onboarding.
How do I verify a manufacturer’s FSSAI licence online?
Go to the FSSAI website at fssai.gov.in and use the licence verification tool. Enter the 14-digit FSSAI licence number to check its validity, the name of the business, and the expiry date. Always do this before finalising a food manufacturing partner.
Does a food manufacturer need a separate FSSAI licence for each product?
No. One FSSAI licence covers all food products manufactured at a single facility, as long as those product categories are listed in the licence application. If a manufacturer wants to add a new product category that requires different handling or equipment, they may need to update their licence.
Is FSSAI certification the same as ISO certification for food?
No. FSSAI is a mandatory government licence required to legally operate a food business in India. ISO 22000 or FSSC 22000 are voluntary international food safety management certifications that demonstrate higher quality standards. A manufacturer can have both, but FSSAI is mandatory and ISO is an optional add-on that adds credibility for export and institutional buyers.