The restaurant industry is one of the growing business sectors in India. Many entrepreneurs first think of hotels and restaurants when it comes to growing their businesses. Today, most customers prefer to eat high-quality food that is certified as safe.
The logo of FSSAI on pamphlets and menus of any restaurant business would increase its credibility. It builds trust among customers and confidence in the brand. This guide will help you understand who needs FSSAI Registration in India.
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What is FSSAI Registration?
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) registration is a mandatory compliance for all food-related businesses in India, ensuring that the food products are safe for consumption and meet the quality standards set by the authority. This registration is essential for any entity involved in the manufacturing, processing, packaging, distribution, and sale of food products.
The process involves applying for a registration or license based on the size and nature of the business. Small-scale businesses, such as petty food manufacturers and small food vendors, need to obtain a basic FSSAI registration. In contrast, larger businesses require a state or central license.
The FSSAI registration number must be displayed on all food product packages, signifying compliance with food safety standards. This registration helps maintain food safety, enhance customer trust, and ensure legal compliance in the food industry.
Maintaining high-quality food and hygiene is equally important to attract customers. All the hotels must get FSSAI food safety registration or license. FSSAI has made it mandatory before starting any food business. Also know about Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.
Who needs FSSAI registration?
FSSAI License or registration is needed for any food manufacturing and transporting business in India. It is also required for food storage and distribution. Getting FSSAI registration and licenses like Basic, Central, and State depends on turnover.
The requirement of registration also depends upon the size, nature, and capacity of the business. The turnover up to less than INR 12 lakh per annum needs FSSAI Registration for all food businesses. The 14-digit number after FSSAI registration ensures the quality and brand credibility of particular food businesses.
Which all are the category require FSSAI registration in India?
In India, FSSAI Registration or license is mandatory for a wide range of food-related businesses to ensure food safety and hygiene. The categories that require FSSAI registration or license include:
| Category | Description | Type of Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturers | Food product manufacturers, dairy units, vegetable oil processing units, meat processing units, and all other food processing units including repackers. | Basic Registration, State License, Central License |
| Retailers | General retail stores and outlets selling food products, specialty food stores. | Basic Registration, State License |
| Wholesalers and Distributors | Businesses involved in wholesale supply or distribution of food products. | State License, Central License |
| Storage Units | Cold storage, refrigerated warehouses, and storage units for non-refrigerated food items. | State License, Central License |
| Transporters | Businesses involved in the transportation of food products. | State License, Central License |
| Importers and Exporters | Businesses that import or export food items. | Central License |
| Restaurants and Food Chains | Restaurants, cafeterias, eateries, food chains, franchises, cloud kitchens, home-based food operators. | State License, Central License |
| Caterers and Food Service Providers | Catering businesses, institutional caterers. | State License, Central License |
| Online Food Business Operators | E-commerce platforms, online grocery stores, food delivery services. | State License, Central License |
| Street Vendors and Temporary Food Stalls | Street food vendors, hawkers, and temporary stalls at events or fairs. | Basic Registration |
| Petty Food Businesses | Small-scale food businesses with an annual turnover not exceeding INR 12 lakh, cottage industries. | Basic Registration |
| Food Additive and Ingredient Manufacturers | Businesses manufacture food additives, ingredients, and preservatives. | State License, Central License |
- Key Points:
- Basic Registration:
- For small businesses and startups with an annual turnover below INR 12 lakh.
- State License:
- For mid-sized businesses operating within a single state, with an annual turnover between INR 12 lakh and INR 20 crore.
- Central License:
- For large businesses operating in multiple states or having an annual turnover exceeding INR 20 crore, or for importers and exporters.
- Basic Registration:
Which categories are exempted from FSSAI registration?
Certain categories of food businesses are exempted from mandatory FSSAI registration. These exemptions generally apply to very small or specific types of food operations with annual turnover not exceeding INR 12 lakh.
Despite exemptions, these businesses are still expected to maintain basic food safety and hygiene standards as per FSSAI guidelines. Here are the main categories that may be exempted from FSSAI registration:
- Petty Retailers of Snacks / Tea Shops
- Small tea shops, snack sellers, and petty retailers with an annual turnover of less than INR 12 lakh.
- Hawkers, Itinerant Vendors, and Temporary Stallholders
- Street vendors and hawkers selling packaged or homemade food items.
- Vendors operating temporary stalls at fairs, religious, or social gatherings.
- Home-based Food Businesses
- Home-based businesses or cottage industries produce food for small-scale sale.
- These include home bakers, small confectionery producers, and local snack manufacturers with minimal annual turnover.
- Small Scale Food Processors
- Small-scale food processors or manufacturers operating as cottage industries.
- These include small businesses involved in pickling, grinding, or packaging basic food items like flour, spices, and snacks with annual turnover below INR 12 lakh.
- Roadside Food Vendors
- Roadside food vendors with limited operations and turnover below INR 12 lakh.
- Agricultural Producers
- Farmers and agricultural producers sell raw, unprocessed products directly to consumers.
- Non-profit Organizations and Charitable Institutions
- Non-profit organizations, religious or charitable institutions that prepare and distribute food for free or as part of their charitable activities.
What are the required documents for FSSAI Registration?
Documents are the most important requirements while applying for FSSAI Registration. Make sure to submit all the important and necessary documents accurately. Some vital documents for the registration are listed below:
- Address proof of an authorized person
- Passport size photo
- Name and address of Business
- FSSAI Form of declaration
- Nature of Business
Who needs FSSAI Registration and License?
All food business owners in India need FSSAI Registration. Food Business Operators (FBOs) with more than 12 lakh per annum turnover compulsorily have to take an FSSAI license. Food companies like restaurants, hotels, coffee, packed food, etc. are included in the FSSAI scheme.
The small food business operators who manufacture or sell must get the FSSAI certificate. Food hawkers, retailers, small stall holders, food industries, and vendors are also included in registration. Apart from less or more than INR 12 lakh turnovers, owners must pass these below eligibilities to obtain FSSAI.
- One who produces 100 litres or kg of products other than milk daily.
- Handling milk business of up to 500 litres daily.
- You must register if your unit can slaughter 2 large, 10 small animals, or 50 poultry birds daily.
- Serves food at religious or social events, not including caterers.
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In conclusion, before registering or getting a license it is important to know who needs FSSAI registration. Small FBOs, including food hawkers, retailers, food industries, and vendors, are required to obtain an FSSAI certificate. This mandate applies irrespective of whether their annual turnover is less or more than INR 12 lakh. Additionally, FBOs must meet specific production and handling criteria to qualify for FSSAI registration.
These include producing up to 100 liters or kilograms of food products (excluding milk) daily. Handling up to 500 liters of milk, slaughtering 2 large, 10 small animals, or 50 poultry birds daily. Furthermore, businesses serving food at religious or social events, but not including caterers, must also register. Meeting these criteria ensures food safety with standards. Also, it is promoting consumer confidence in the products by small FBOs.
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FAQs
1. What is FSSAI?
FSSAI or Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is a regulatory body responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of food products in India.
2. Who needs FSSAI Registration?
The small Food Business Operators who manufacture or sell must get the FSSAI certificate. Food hawkers, retailers, small stall holders, food industries, and vendors are also included in registration.
3. What are the three types of FSSAI Registration and License?
The three types of FSSAI Registration and License are; Basic FSSAI License, Central FSSAI Registration, and State FSSAI Registration