India has strict regulations on the food business to protect public health and safety. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was created to make sure that everyone in the country follows safe food practices. Businesses in the food industry are required to obtain an FSSAI license or registration, depending on their scale and operations. What is the difference between these two, and how can one navigate the process of FSSAI license registration or food registration? Let’s explore.
What is FSSAI License?
All medium as well as large-sized food businesses in India must have an FSSAI license. This includes people who make, move, sell, and distribute goods. The license ensures adherence to safety standards for food production, storage, and sale. The FSSAI offers three primary license types:
Basic FSSAI Registration
- For small food enterprises that make up to ₹12 lakh a year.
- Often called food registration, this is the most basic set of requirements for small-scale businesses.
State FSSAI License
- For businesses that make around ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore a year.
Central FSSAI License
- Necessary for larger companies in the food import and export industries or those with yearly sales over ₹20 crore.
Depending on the size and type of the business, these FSSAI license categories help expedite the approval procedure.
What is FSSAI Registration?
For small food enterprises, often start-ups or local vendors, FSSAI registration is a more straightforward procedure. This food registration certificate ensures that even the smallest participants in the food sector adhere to fundamental safety and hygienic guidelines.
After the successful application, the business receives the FSSAI registration number, which serves as an identifier. This is essential to preserving transparency and accountability in food safety procedures.
Key Differences Between FSSAI License and Registration
The FSSAI issues both the license and registration, but their scope, applicability, and requirements differ significantly.
Aspect | FSSAI License | FSSAI Registration |
Annual Turnover | Above ₹12 lakh | Up to ₹12 lakh |
Types Available | Basic, State, Central | Only Basic |
Applicability | For medium and large-scale businesses | For small-scale or petty food businesses |
Renewal Period | 1 to 5 years | 1 to 5 years |
Documentation | Extensive | Minimal |
The size and type of your company will define whether you require an FSSAI food license or registration.
Importance of FSSAI Compliance
- Consumer Trust: Having an FSSAI certificate assures us that food procedures are safe and hygienic.
- Legal Requirement: Operating without a current food license may result in penalties or the closure of your company.
- Brand Reputation: Food products with the FSSAI mark are more reputable and more marketable.
- Global Recognition: An FSSAI trade license guarantees exporters’ acceptance in international markets.
How to Check FSSAI License Number
It is simple to confirm the legitimacy of an FSSAI license or registration.
- Visit the official FSSAI portal.
- The FSSAI license number or registration number can be used to verify details.
- An FSSAI no search or FSSAI no check can also be used for quick verification.
It’s essential for business owners to perform routine FSSAI license number verification in order to guarantee compliance.
FSSAI License/Registration Process
It’s simple to get your FSSAI food license registration by following these steps:
- Determine Eligibility: Verify whether your company needs to register or obtain a license from the FSSAI.
- Prepare Documents: Get documents you need, like a valid ID, information about your business, and a completed application form.
- Online Application: Fill out the application and upload the required documents on the FSSAI portal.
- Fee Payment: You need to pay the fees that are due for your category.
- Inspection: If required, an inspector will check out the premises.
- Approval: The FSSAI issues your license or registration certificate following a successful verification process.
Use tools such as check FSSAI license number status or FSSAI reference number check for regular status updates.
FSSAI Compliance for Food Operators (FBOs)
Compliance is a must for FBOs. Businesses can keep track of their registration status by using the FSSAI FBO search service. Because of its transparency, the FSSAI system makes credential tracking and verification easy.
An FBO ID is the unique identifier that each registered food business operator receives. It helps in tracking and maintaining compliance records.
Summary
Any operator of a food business must comprehend the distinction between FSSAI licenses and registrations. Although the former is essential for medium- and large-scale operations, the latter guarantees that even small-scale businesses adhere to fundamental safety standards.
The procedure aims to promote responsibility, safety, and trust in India’s food industry by ensuring adherence to the FSSAI license categories, registering for a food license registration, or performing a FSSAI license number check.
Getting your FSSAI food license registration or FSSAI registration certificate should be your top priority right now since it not only complies with legal requirements but also enhances the reputation of your company.
FSSAI License vs. Registration (FAQ’s)
Businesses that deal with food must get an FSSAI license to ensure they follow food safety rules. Large to medium-sized food businesses need to have it.
With a food business license, you can ensure that the food your business makes, stores, or sells meets the hygiene as well as safety standards set by FSSAI.
The FSSAI was established in 2006 to oversee and regulate food safety in India according to the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Go to the official FSSAI portal and use the FSSAI license number search feature by inputting your license or registration number to verify authenticity.
A food business operator receives a unique identifier for tracking as well as compliance purposes.
Use the FSSAI portal’s FSSAI license number check option to find out the status. It allows you to verify an existing license or track the status of your application.
Getting an FSSAI license makes your food business more trustworthy, follows the law, and builds customer trust.
No, operating without a valid food business license or registration is illegal and can result in penalties or the closure of your business.