Starting a food business in India can be an exciting and rewarding venture, whether it’s a small home-based kitchen, a restaurant, a food truck, or a large-scale food manufacturing unit. However, before serving your first dish or selling your first packaged item, one important legal requirement must be fulfilled — obtaining a Food Licence Certificate.
In India, food safety and quality are governed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This body ensures that all food businesses follow certain safety and hygiene standards so that consumers are protected from unsafe or unhealthy food products. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about the Food Licence Certificate — its importance, types, required documents, the registration process, and how to apply online.
What is a Food Licence Certificate?
The Food Licence Certificate, commonly known as the FSSAI Licence, is an authorization issued by the FSSAI. It grants permission to operate a food business legally. It also serves as a sign of quality and compliance with the laws laid down under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The FSSAI Licence is mandatory for all food business operators (FBOs) in India, including manufacturers, traders, restaurants, grocery stores, online food sellers, importers and exporters, and even home-based food suppliers. The licence number must be printed on every food package, which helps build transparency and trust with consumers.
Types of FSSAI Licences
The type of licence required depends on the size and scale of your business. There are three categories:
Basic Registration: This is meant for small food businesses or startups whose annual turnover is up to Rs. 12 lakh. Examples include small vendors, temporary stall holders, cottage industries, and petty retailers.
State Licence: This is applicable for medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover of more than Rs. 12 lakh and up to Rs. 20 crore. It covers units such as small to medium manufacturers, transporters, storage units, marketers, and distributors.
Central Licence: This is for large food businesses operating across multiple states or with a turnover above Rs. 20 crore. It is mandatory for importers, exporters, large manufacturers, and operators in central government agencies.
Why is a Food Licence Important?
There are several reasons why a food licence certificate is critical for any food business:
Legal Requirement: As per the Food Safety and Standards Act, it is illegal to run a food business without proper FSSAI registration or licence. Failure to comply can lead to penalties, fines, or even closure.
Consumer Trust: Displaying the FSSAI licence number helps in gaining consumer trust as it reflects a commitment to food safety and hygiene.
Business Growth: Having a valid FSSAI licence adds credibility to your brand and makes it easier to partner with aggregators, suppliers, and online platforms. It is also a key requirement when applying for loans or business expansion.
Improved Quality Standards: Compliance with FSSAI regulations pushes businesses to maintain high-quality control measures and systematic food processing practices.
Avoiding Penalties: Non-registration or non-renewal of the FSSAI licence can result in penalties of up to Rs. 5 lakh or imprisonment in serious cases.
Documents Required for Food Licence Registration
The list of documents varies depending on the type of licence applied for. However, here are the general documents required:
For Basic Registration:
Passport-size photograph of the applicant
Government-issued ID proof (Aadhaar card, Voter ID, etc.)
Address proof of the business location
Declaration form
For State and Central Licence:
Photo and ID proof of proprietor/partners/directors
Address proof of the business premises
Business constitution documents (Partnership Deed, Certificate of Incorporation, etc.)
List of food products to be handled
Food Safety Management System plan
Import/export code (for importers/exporters)
NOC from the municipality or local authority
Form B duly completed and signed
How to Apply for an FSSAI Licence Online
The FSSAI has simplified the registration process through its online portal. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you apply:
Step 1: Visit the official FSSAI website at https://fssai.org
Step 2: Click on the “Apply for Licence/Registration” option and choose the correct licence type based on your turnover and business model.
Step 3: Register on the Food Licensing and Registration System (FoSCoS) and log in with your credentials.
Step 4: Fill out the application form (Form A for basic registration and Form B for state/central licence) with business details such as name, location, type of food business, and contact information.
Step 5: Upload the required documents as listed above.
Step 6: Pay the prescribed fee online based on the type and duration of the licence.
Step 7: Submit the application and note the reference number for tracking.
After submission, the application is reviewed by the relevant authority. In some cases, an inspection of the premises may be scheduled. If everything is found to be in order, the licence is usually issued within 7 to 60 working days.