The type of FSSAI Registration or License required depends on the scale, annual turnover, operational capacity, and geographical reach of the Food Business Operator (FBO). Businesses are categorized into three primary levels: Basic Registration, State License, and Central License.

• 1. FSSAI Basic Registration (Small-Scale Businesses)
  Applicable to food businesses with an annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh. Suitable for petty retailers, small vendors, home-based food businesses, temporary stall operators, and cottage industries.
  
  Operational Limits:
  - Food production (excluding milk and meat): Up to 100 kg/litre per day
  - Milk handling: Up to 500 litres per day
  - Slaughtering: Limited small-scale capacity
  - Transport operations: Single vehicle
  - Vending machines: Up to 12 units within one state/UT


• 2. FSSAI State License (Medium-Scale Businesses)
  Required for businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore (up to ₹30 crore for transporters and wholesalers). Issued by the respective State Authority.
  
  Typically Applicable To:
  - Medium-sized manufacturers, traders, marketers, and transporters
  - Hotels rated up to four-star category
  - Storage units and food warehouses within prescribed limits
  
  Operational Limits:
  - Food production: 1 MT to 2 MT per day
  - Milk procurement: 501 to 50,000 litres per day
  - Slaughtering within specified medium-scale limits
  - Storage capacity up to 10,000 MT
  - Transport fleet up to 100 vehicles
  - Vending machines up to 100 units within one state/UT
  
  Validity: Minimum 1 year and maximum 5 years.


• 3. FSSAI Central License (Large-Scale Businesses)
  Mandatory for businesses with annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore (₹30 crore for transporters and wholesalers) or those operating across multiple states. Issued by the Central Authority.
  
  Also Required For:
  - Importers and exporters of food products
  - E-commerce food operators
  - Large manufacturers and multi-state businesses
  - Businesses operating in two or more states
  - Food supplements, nutraceuticals, proprietary foods
  - Food businesses located in Central Government premises
  
  Operational Limits:
  - Food production above 2 MT per day
  - Milk procurement above 50,000 litres per day
  - Large-scale slaughtering operations
  - Storage capacity exceeding 10,000 MT
  - Transport fleet above 100 vehicles
  - Five-star and above hotel category
  - Vending machines operating in multiple states/UTs

Selecting the correct category of FSSAI Registration or License ensures full regulatory compliance and allows your food business to operate smoothly without legal risk.

Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, every Food Business Operator (FBO) involved in any stage of the food supply chain must obtain the appropriate FSSAI Registration or License. This legal requirement applies to businesses engaged in manufacturing, processing, storage, transportation, distribution, or sale of food products.

• Grocery stores, confectionery outlets, and packaged food retailers.
• Street food vendors, kiosks, and seasonal food stall operators.
• Milk collection centers, dairy processing units, and milk suppliers.
• Slaughterhouses and businesses engaged in processing meat, seafood, or poultry.
• Units involved in food manufacturing, packaging, labeling, or repackaging.
• Cold storage facilities and warehouses handling food products.
• Transporters and logistics operators responsible for food distribution.
• Wholesalers, stockists, and distribution agencies dealing in food items.
• Restaurants, cafés, fine-dining establishments, lounges, and bars.
• Catering services, institutional kitchens, and banquet food providers.
• Home-based kitchens, tiffin services, and small-scale food startups.
• Importers and exporters of edible goods and packaged food products.
• Online food sellers, marketplace vendors, and app-based cloud kitchens.

If your business is involved in any food-related activity, obtaining an FSSAI License is mandatory to ensure legal compliance, consumer safety, and smooth business operations.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issues three main types of Registration and Licenses based on the size, turnover, and operational capacity of the Food Business Operator (FBO). Selecting the correct category is essential for legal compliance and smooth business operations.

• 1. FSSAI Basic Registration (Form A)
  Eligibility: Annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh.
  Suitable For: Small vendors, petty retailers, home-based kitchens, and temporary food stall operators.
  
  Capacity Limits:

  • Food production up to 100 kg or litres per day
  • Milk handling up to 500 litres per day
  • Small-scale slaughtering operations
  • Transporters operating a single vehicle
  • Up to 12 vending machines
• 2. FSSAI State License (Form B)
  Eligibility: Annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
  Suitable For: Restaurants, mid-sized manufacturers, storage units, distributors, transporters, and food processing businesses operating within a state.
• 3. FSSAI Central License (Form B)
  Eligibility: Annual turnover above ₹20 crore or businesses involved in interstate trade, import, export, or large-scale manufacturing.
  Suitable For: Large manufacturers, importers, exporters, e-commerce food operators, and multi-state businesses.
• Key Documents Required
  - Application Form (Form A for Registration, Form B for License)
  - Identity and address proof of the applicant
  - Business registration or incorporation documents
  - List of food products handled
  - Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan
  - Address proof of business premises
• Validity & Processing Time
  - Validity ranges from 1 to 5 years, depending on the option selected.
  - Basic Registration: 3–7 working days (approx.)
  - State License: 7–15 working days (approx.)
  - Central License: 20–30 working days (approx.)

Choosing the correct type of FSSAI Registration or License ensures compliance with food safety regulations and allows your food business to operate legally and confidently.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates and supervises the food industry under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Obtaining an FSSAI License or Registration is mandatory for Food Business Operators (FBOs) and offers several important advantages for business growth, compliance, and credibility.

• Ensures Legal Compliance
  FSSAI Registration is compulsory for food manufacturers, traders, distributors, restaurants, cloud kitchens, and other food-related businesses. Having a valid license protects your business from penalties, legal action, and operational disruptions due to non-compliance.
• Builds Consumer Trust and Confidence
  Displaying the 14-digit FSSAI License Number and FSSAI logo on food packaging and premises assures customers that your business follows approved safety and hygiene standards.
• Enhances Brand Reputation
  An FSSAI License reflects your commitment to quality and food safety. This strengthens your brand image among consumers, suppliers, and business partners.
• Supports Business Expansion
  Many government institutions, schools, hospitals, and large retailers require suppliers to hold a valid FSSAI License. This creates new opportunities for partnerships and large-scale contracts.
• Improves Food Safety Standards
  Compliance with FSSAI regulations reduces the risk of food contamination, foodborne illnesses, and safety violations. Regular inspections encourage better hygiene and operational practices.
• Access to Regulatory Updates and Guidance
  Registered businesses receive important notifications, updates, and food safety guidelines issued by FSSAI, helping them stay compliant with evolving regulations.
• Better Funding and Investment Opportunities
  Investors and financial institutions are more confident in businesses that are legally registered and compliant. An FSSAI License improves credibility when applying for loans or attracting investors.

In summary, obtaining an FSSAI License is not just a legal formality—it is a strategic step that strengthens compliance, builds customer trust, enhances brand value, and supports long-term business growth.

To obtain an FSSAI Registration or License, Food Business Operators (FBOs) must submit certain mandatory documents. While additional documents may be required depending on the license category, the following are generally applicable across all types.

• Valid government-issued photo identification of the Food Business Operator (such as Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID).
• Proof of business constitution, including Proprietorship Declaration, Partnership Deed, LLP Agreement, or Certificate of Incorporation.
• Address proof of the business premises, such as an electricity bill, rent agreement, or property ownership documents.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner if the premises are rented or leased.
• Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan detailing hygiene and safety procedures followed by the business.
• Comprehensive list of food products or categories handled by the business.
• Business bank account details for official and regulatory purposes.
• Additional approvals or No Objection Certificates from local authorities, such as Municipal or Health Departments, if applicable.

Providing accurate and complete documentation ensures faster processing and smooth approval of your FSSAI Registration or License application.