FSSAI Registration in India: Meaning, License Types, and the Logic Behind the Law
By Legal4sure 13-12-2025 135
FSSAI Registration in India: Meaning, License Types, and the Logic Behind the Law
Over 4.5 million food businesses in India must comply with FSSAI rules, yet many risk fines or closures. Are you sure your food business is fully registered? This guide explains FSSAI registration in India, the types, and how to avoid costly mistakes while staying compliant.
What Is FSSAI?
India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (known as the FSSAI) was created by the Government of India. Through a Law passed in December 2006 ("Food Safety & Standards Act"). Its mission is to establish the rules and regulations that govern the production and sale of food products in India.
The FSSAI registration in India has the following functions:
1. Create a set of science-based regulations for the production and distribution of food products in India.
2. Ensure that the public is given information about the safe use of food products.
3. To help the community develop and access guidelines on Food Standards.
What Is FSSAI Registration?
If your company is licensed to operate in India as a food business. You will need to register with FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India). Before you can legally conduct any food-related business within India.
Registration with FSSAI confirms that your company has met the requirements of all relevant safety and health laws/regulations. Those were established by FSSAI. Upon registering with FSSAI, your company will receive a unique FSSAI number (14-digit number). This number must be listed on all labels, invoices, and other documents pertaining to your company's products.
Who needs FSSAI registration in India?
Food-related businesses must comply with the rules and FSSAI regulations of the Indian Food and Drug Administration (FDA of India) to legally conduct their operations in India. Any food-related business requires an FSSAI licence to operate in India.
Profit or non-profit food businesses will all need to apply for FSSAI registration and obtain FSSAI licences to sell and distribute food products under the law in India. The only exception to this rule is if the business was established before this legislation went into effect. This would still require them to comply with all other requirements for registration.
Types of FSSAI Registration and Licenses
Businesses will be classified as Small, Medium, and Large Business Entities based on their size and the nature of their business. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) provides businesses with licensing and registration according to the classification discussed above.
Basic Registration-FSSAI Basic registration is designed to cater to the Micro/Small-scale sector of the Food Industry and covers any business having a very low level of income. Companies falling into this category are typically very small-scale operators that do food production on a very limited basis.
State FSSAI License - A State FSSAI License is mandatory for medium-sized food businesses that operate in one particular state. The types of businesses covered by this license include Manufacturers, Storage Providers, Transport Providers, and Marketers, as well as those who exceed the basic registration threshold.
Central FSSAI License - For large-scale food producers, importers, exporters, and inter-state operatives, a Central FSSAI License is required. A Central FSSAI License is also required to supply food products to the government, as well as for businesses that import/export from India.
Why Is FSSAI Registration In India Mandatory?
FSSAI registration in India is important for many reasons. One being that FSSAI is the only means to enforce compliance with the lawful standards of food safety in India. And it serves as an effective tool to help ensure that food businesses in India are operating under hygienic conditions. That they comply with established safety standards. In addition to creating a monitoring and inspection system for state departments. To monitor food businesses within their jurisdiction. FSSAI Registration also enables states to develop an effective system for tracing food back to its original source. In order to assist them in addressing health-related issues that arise due to contamination.
This enables consumers to have full confidence in the safety of food products available on the market and supports the 'safe food supply chain' throughout India. By providing food businesses with a recognised way to operate within the safe food supply chain in India.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
If an individual running a food business does not have an FSSAI (Food Safety Administration of India) active registration, then that food business operates illegally under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, including the manufacturer of these food and drinks. Additionally, for those entities that have completed the steps necessary to receive an active FSSAI registration or license, the act of operating as a wholesaler or retailer would also constitute a violation of law if there were no active FSSAI registration or license issued.
Conclusion
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Registration is a legal necessity to conduct any form or type of food-related activity, and to support businesses in the areas of Food & Safety, and to create responsibility for every individual operating in the food sector or supply chain. The knowledge obtained from this article about what is involved in FSSAI registration, and what types of FSSAI registration exist, along with an explanation of why FSSAI registration is needed, will help those involved in food businesses operate responsibly within the legal framework.
FAQ
- What is FSSAI registration?
It is a legal authorization for food businesses to operate in India.
- Who needs FSSAI registration?
All food business operators, from small vendors to large manufacturers.
- What are the types of FSSAI registration?
Basic Registration, State License, and Central License.
- How long is FSSAI registration valid?
Typically 1 to 5 years, depending on the license type.
- What happens if a business operates without FSSAI?
It may face fines, legal action, or closure under food safety laws.
