Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Registration in India

Starting a food business in India, whether it is a roadside stall, a home-based kitchen, or a large restaurant chain, requires proper legal approval. FSSAI registration is a mandatory step to operate lawfully. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the statutory body responsible for regulating food safety and hygiene standards across the country.

Any individual or entity involved in food manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, or sale must obtain an FSSAI registration or license. This ensures that food products meet prescribed safety and quality standards and are safe for consumption.

FSSAI issues licenses to Food Business Operators (FBOs) based on the size, nature, and reach of their business. Once approved, a 14-digit FSSAI license number is issued, which must be displayed on food packaging and business premises. This number helps authorities track compliance and gives consumers confidence in the safety of the food products.

At Mauli Pawar & Associates, we provide professional support for FSSAI registration Pune, handling the entire process from document preparation to filing. Whether you are looking for FSSAI license registration or guidance on how to apply FSSAI registration, our team keeps the FSSAI registration process & documents simple and easy to understand. As trusted FSSAI registration consultants Pune, we ensure your FSSAI application is submitted accurately and efficiently, so you can focus on running your food business.

Who Is Required to Apply for FSSAI Registration?

FSSAI registration is mandatory for all food business operators, regardless of the size of the business. This includes street vendors, home-based food sellers, small shops, restaurants, manufacturers, and large food chains. The requirement applies to businesses operating offline, online, or through import and export of food products.

Every FBO must obtain one of the three types of FSSAI registrations or licenses based on turnover and geographical operations.

An FSSAI license is required if your business is involved in any of the following activities:

• Procuring raw food materials
• Manufacturing or processing food items
• Packaging food products
• Storing food or consumables
• Transporting or distributing food
• Selling food directly to consumers or through third parties

In simple terms, anyone handling food at any stage, from sourcing to final sale, must obtain an FSSAI food license to operate legally and safely.

Types of FSSAI Registration/Licenses

1. Basic FSSAI Registration

This is the entry-level registration designed for small food businesses.

Who needs it?

• Startups and new food business operators
• Businesses with annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh
• Small vendors, home kitchens, temporary stall owners, and local food sellers
• Storing food or consumables

Purpose:

registration ensures that even small food businesses follow minimum food safety and hygiene standards.

2. FSSAI State License

This license is meant for medium-sized food businesses operating within a state or expanding beyond a local area.

Who needs it?

• Businesses with annual turnover above ₹12 lakh and up to ₹20 crore
• usinesses operating in more than one state with lower turnover
• Medium-scale manufacturers, distributors, transporters, and storage units

Purpose:

The State License applies to businesses that require closer regulatory supervision due to their scale and distribution network.

3. FSSAI Central License

This is the highest level of FSSAI licensing and is mandatory for large and nationally operating food businesses.

Who needs it?

• Businesses with annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore
• Food businesses operating in multiple states
• Importers and exporters of food products
• Large manufacturers, corporate food chains, and government agencies

Purpose:

The Central License ensures strict compliance for businesses with large-scale operations, national distribution, or international trade.

Documents required for FSSAI Registration / License:

Common documents for all applicants

• PAN card of business or proprietor
• Aadhaar card of proprietor / partners / directors
• Passport size photograph
• Mobile number and email ID
• Details of food business activity

Address proof of business

• Electricity bill / Water bill / Property tax receipt, or
• Rent agreement + NOC from owner (if rented), or
• Sale deed (if owned)

Business constitution documents (as applicable)

• Proprietorship: No extra document
• LLP: LLP agreement and incorporation certificate
• Company: Certificate of Incorporation, MOA & AOA

Additional documents for State / Central License

• List of food products to be handled or manufactured
• Layout plan of processing / kitchen / manufacturing unit
• ist of equipment and machinery
• Food safety management system declaration
• Authority letter authorizing signatory

Special cases (if applicable)

• Import Export Code (for importers/exporters)
• NOC from municipality or local body
• Water test report (for manufacturers and processors)

Type of Food Business

Type of food business vs required FSSAI approval:

FSSAI Annual Returns

The Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act), 2006 was introduced to regulate the food industry in India. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) implements this act. All Food Business Operators (FBOs) must obtain an FSSAI registration or license, which ensures that the food they produce, sell, or handle is safe and healthy for consumption.

After obtaining the FSSAI registration or license, FBOs are required to comply with all FSSAI regulations, including filing the annual return within the prescribed timeline. Failure to do so results in penalties.

Who Should File FSSAI Returns

FBOs must file returns if they:

• Have a business turnover of more than Rs. 12 lakhs.
• Are involved in importing, selling, manufacturing, exporting, storing, distributing, handling, or transporting any food product.
• Engage in the manufacturing and distribution of milk.

Exempted Entities

Some entities are exempt from filing annual returns, including:

• Fast-food joints
• Restaurants
• Grocery stores
• Canteens

Types of FSSAI Returns

1. Form D1 (Annual Return)

• Mandatory for all food importers, manufacturers, packers, labellers, re-labellers, and re-packers.
• Can be filed online or offline, as allowed by the licensing authority.
• All FBOs must file Form D1 regardless of production scale, depending on the type of food sold in the previous financial year.

2. Form D2 (Half-Yearly Return)

• Required for FBOs involved in manufacturing or importing milk or milk products.
• Filed twice a year for the periods 1 April – 30 September and 1 October – 31 March.

Penalty for Non-Compliance

• If FBOs fail to file FSSAI returns within the prescribed due date, a fine of Rs. 100 per day is imposed starting from the day after the due date until the return is submitted.