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- Any food business that is functioning in India has to compulsorily get the FSSAI Certified
- This certification is a kind of assurance that the products of the company are in accordance with the safety and quality rules.
- Firms of different sizes and types of food operations will have to determine if they need Basic Registration, State License, or Central License
- A company should submit all the necessary documents and, in order to comply with the FSSAI requirements, provide correct information
- In order to avoid fines and/or business interruption, the renewal should be done prior to the expiration date of the certificate.
Introduction | FSSAI Certification
FSSAI Certification is a must-have concession granted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, which is a prerequisite for any company, to be legally allowed to manufacture, process, store, distribute, or sell food in India. A cloud kitchen, a home kitchen, a restaurant chain, or a packaged food manufacturer, it is obligatory to have an FSSAI license before commencing any business.
The certification essentially assures:
- The food is produced under hygienic conditions.
- The business meets India’s safety and quality standards.
- The facility and operator are registered with the national authority.
This number appears on labels, menus, packaging, delivery apps, and e-commerce platforms. Today, no reputable food business operates without it.
What is FSSAI Certification?
The certification is seen as a facility for the buyers, which assures them that the food is clean, safe, and prepared under hygienic conditions.Also, the FSSAI certification keeps a business in the safe side from the law as well build up the trust of the clients, increases the credibility of the business, and assists in the avoidance of legal problems. It is an indication that the enterprise is devoted to providing food that complies with national safety standards.
This certification confirms that:
- The food business is implemented well with good hygienic and safety measures.
- The products comply with the national food quality standards.
- The business is registered legally and is accountable to the food safety authority.
FSSAI Certification is an identification record that comes in three categories:
- Basic Registration – for very small food businesses
- State License – for medium-level operations
- Central License – for large operations, importers, exporters, or multi-state businesses
It is a must for every food business in India to have a valid FSSAI license. Otherwise, the business will not be allowed to operate legally.
Why FSSAI Certification is Necessary?
If a business is selling food and wants to operate legally in India, an FSSAI Certification is the essential document that the business must have. In short, it is a safety measure of the food that is being produced, processed, or sold to be hygienic and safe as per the standards given by the nation. A consumer is protected with the help of the certificate and it is a method of setting up a system for accountability in the food industry businesses.
FSSAI Certification is needed because:
- It is a legal requirement
No food business can operate in India without approval from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Selling food without a license is considered a violation of the law. - It ensures food safety and hygiene
The certification verifies that the business follows proper sanitation, processing, storage, and handling practices. - It builds customer trust
Consumers rely on the FSSAI number printed on food packets, menus, and labels as a sign of quality and safety. - It prevents penalties and legal action
Operating without a valid license can lead to warnings, product seizure, or business shutdown notices. - It is required for online and offline selling
E-commerce platforms, supermarkets, distributors, and retailers ask for FSSAI details before accepting any food product. - It helps in brand acceptance and market expansion
A food business with proper certification is more easily accepted by suppliers, buyers, restaurants, and marketplaces.
Types of FSSAI Certification
FSSAI Certification comes in three different categories that reflect the dimensions, the extent, and the character of the food business. Each category is designed to make sure that the business maintains good hygiene, safety, and other operational standards stipulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
1. FSSAI Basic Registration
This is meant for small-scale food businesses. It applies to very small operations such as home-based food sellers, small vendors, small retailers, and micro-level food units. Basic Registration is the simplest form of FSSAI approval.
2. FSSAI State License
This license is required for medium-sized food businesses. It typically applies to restaurants, cafés, medium manufacturing units, storage facilities, traders, distributors, and other operations functioning within a specific state.
3. FSSAI Central License
The FSSAI Central License is designed for food businesses of a large scale or enterprises that run their operations in more than one state in India. Businesses engaged in any of these activities such as importing or exporting food, operating large manufacturing or processing units, and managing huge storage and distribution networks need to make an application for this license.
Process Steps for FSSAI Certification
First, the applicants need to know under which of the five categories their food business falls out of the following types: manufacturers, traders, retailers, restaurants/ food establishments, or hotels/ banquets/ caterers. Then, based on the category, the applicants have to fill in and submit the FSSAI application either through an online portal or physically at the office.
1. Identify the Correct License Category
The very first step is to know if the necessity of the business is only a Basic Registration or a State License or a Central License. The decision is arrived at considering the size, the nature of the business, and the kind of food-related activities.
2. Prepare All Required Documents
The applicant is expected to put together the essential documents such as but not limited to identity proof, address proof, business registration certificate, premises proof, product list, layout plan (for the manufacturing unit), equipment list, and hygiene-related documents.
3. Submit the Application Online (FoSCoS Portal)
The application is submitted online at the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal. It is obligatory to provide all the necessary documents in a proper manner and to be accurate.
4. Authority Review and Clarifications
After submission, the FSSAI officer reviews the application. The officer may request additional documents, corrections, or clarifications if anything is incomplete or unclear.
5. On-Site Inspection (If Applicable)
Moreover, there might be a face-to-face inspection if the concerned party is a manufacturing unit, processing facility, or any large food establishment. The officials may verify not only cleanliness but also the good condition of the machines, the organization of the layout, and the safety of both the staff and the customers.
6. Approval and Issuance of FSSAI Certificate
FSSAI issues an official registration or licensing only after all the conditions are met. The certificate contains a 14-digit FSSAI number, period of validity, and business details.
Documents Required for FSSAI Certification
The documents required for FSSAI Certification depend on the type of food business and the category of license (Basic, State, or Central). However, several core documents are common across all applications.
1. Identity and Address Proof
A valid government-issued ID and address proof of the applicant or business owner.
2. Passport-Sized Photograph
A recent photograph of the owner or authorised person.
3. Business Registration Proof
Documents showing the legal structure of the business—such as partnership deed, incorporation certificate, shop and establishment certificate, or any other registration proof.
4. Premises Address Proof
Business location proof like a rental agreement, a utility bill, or a property ownership document.
5. Food Product List
The products or product categories have to be outlined in detail, starting from the simplest items and going up to the most complex ones that the business will manufacture, process, sell, or distribute.
6. Layout Plan of the Unit (For Manufacturing Units)
The layout plan of a factory or production site is a visual representation showing the location of the machines, the area for the processes, the storage, and the section for cleaning/sanitizing.
7. List of Equipment and Machinery
Information regarding the machines, the processing equipment, and the tools for the food business should be provided. In addition, if it is reasonable, show the capacity and the technical specifications.
8. Water Quality Report (If Applicable)
The water quality report should be a product of a highly credible lab, especially for units that are heavily dependent on water in the food processing industry.
9. Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Plan
A document outlining hygiene practices, cleaning procedures, pest control, staff safety measures, and overall food safety protocols.
10. Authorisation Letter (If Required)
A declaration or authorisation letter when the application is filed by someone other than the business owner.
Eligibility / Criteria for FSSAI Certification
Any business that feeds the consumer in any way, be it directly or indirectly, must have certification from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Simply stated, if a business is making, handling, selling, distributing or transporting food, it needs an FSSAI license. The requirements for getting an FSSAI license or registration depend on the business size, the kind of activities, and the type of food.
1. Any Business Involved in Food Activities
Any Business Involved in Food ActivitiesA business becomes (and is legally obliged) to file for FSSAI Certification when it works in one or more of the following areas:
- Food manufacturing or processing
- Food packaging or repacking
- Food storing or warehousing
- Food selling and supplying, either wholesale or retail
- Food distributing or transporting
- Food import or export
- Online food services, including e-commerce platforms
- Restaurants, cloud kitchens, cafés, bakeries, or catering services
2. Nature of the Business Activity
The type of FSSAI license (Basic, State, or Central) depends on the business’s operations, such as:
- Home-based food production
- Retail or wholesale trading
- Manufacturing or repacking
- Transporting or cold storage
- Catering, hotel, or restaurant services
- Import or export of food products
3. Food Category and Processing Type
Also, the certification needed is determined by the kind of food that is being dealt with, for example:
- Dairy or milk products
- Meat, poultry, or seafood
- Packaged and processed food
- Beverages and juices
- Oil, flour, bakery, or confectionery items
- Spices and condiments
- Ready-to-eat or ready-to-cook food
4. Geographical Scope of Operation
In case a business works within a single place, one license category is relevant. When activities go beyond several places or there is an interstate supply, a higher license category may be required.
5. Facility Requirements (For Manufacturers)
Manufacturing units are obliged to comply with particular cleanliness and health standards of both the processing area and the structure, viz:
- Clean processing areas
- Proper waste management
- Pest control measures
- Adequate ventilation and lighting
- Safe water supply
- Food-grade equipment and tools
6. Compliance with FSSAI Standards
The applicant must follow all FSSAI rules, including:
- Labelling and packaging norms
- Hygiene and sanitation standards
- Food safety management guidelines
Fees / Cost for FSSAI Certification
| License Type | Who Needs It | Why the Cost Differs |
| Basic Registration | Very small food businesses | Minimal compliance and simple documentation |
| State License | Medium-scale food operations within a state | Detailed documents, inspections, and category-based compliance |
| Central License | Large businesses, importers, exporters, multi-region operations | Stricter compliance, advanced inspection, higher regulatory requirements |
| Renewal (All Categories) | Businesses renewing Basic, State, or Central License | Renewal follows the same fee level and must be completed before expiry |
| Additional Compliance Costs | Depends on business type | Influenced by product category, business size, number of locations, hygiene requirements, and professional documentation support |
Validity & Renewal of FSSAI Certification
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certification is only temporarily valid and resubmission for approval is a must before the expiration date. The renewal takes place at the FoSCoS portal, and the license will be invalid if the renewal is not done in time. Any food business operation cannot be carried out with a lapsed license, which can cause a monetary fine or compliance subjection.
Common Mistakes in FSSAI Certification
First of all, the most important is to simply choose the license category wrongly. The next common mistakes are: submitting incomplete documents, not paying product category details any attention, using incorrect label information and delaying renewal. In addition to this, lots of businesses are handing over poor hygiene practices and lack of safety records which lead to failure of inspections.
Important Rules for FSSAI Certification
FSSAI Certification has several important requirements such as maintaining cleaning and sanitation, the accuracy of label information on food products, the use of safe storage and handling practices for food and ingredients, keeping up-to-date records, and ensuring compliance with the standards set out in the FSSAI guidelines. In order to be certified, a business must operate under an FSSAI License which must be renewed prior to its expiration. Additionally, a business must comply with the requests for an annual inspection by the Authority whenever they request a business inspection.
Real-Use Example of FSSAI Certification
In order to sell their products to retail shops, a producer of pre-packaged snacks had to get FSSAI certification. To initiate the certification process, an officer went through the production unit to check hygiene practices, equipment layout, and labeling. After the manufacturer made the necessary corrections in their documentation following the audit, they were granted the go-ahead to file for their license that made it possible for them to sell snacking products not only in retail shops but also via online distribution channels.
Why Choose Diligence Certification?
Businesses choose the Diligence Certification because their staff have wide-ranging experience in providing FSSAI Documentation and supporting applicants through all aspects of the process. The Diligent Unit is involved in the choice of the correct license, the filling out of the necessary papers, making the inspection process more easy, and filing with a promise of zero mistakes. Companies are thankful for Diligence Certification’s pledge to excellence, the transparency of the application process, and the high degree of support which they receive during the whole process from application to approval.
Conclusion
FSSAI certification is a must to keep a business going in India legally and safely. It comes with the stipulation of good hygiene and accurate labelling of the food along with the observance of all the national food safety standards. Moreover, choosing the right permission, filling in and submitting the required papers, as well as renewing the licences on time, are the ways to keep the business going without interruptions and to create high consumer trust in your company.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does FSSAI Certification mean?
A compulsory licensing requirement that enables you to legally set up and run a food-related business in India.
Who needs an FSSAI certification?
Every organisation that creates, sells, distributes or stores food products needs to get FSSAI certification.
What types of FSSAI Licenses exist?
Basic Registration, State License, Central License.
Is FSSAI certification mandatory for persons selling food from their homes?
Yes, both home-based food sellers and home kitchens must have obtained a Basic Registration from FSSAI.
How long is the license issued by FSSAI valid?
The timeframes under which a license remains valid is anywhere from 1 to 5 years, although this can differ depending on the choices made by each food establishment.
Can applications for FSSAI certification be made online?
Yes, all applications for FSSAI Certification are processed using the Food Safety Compliance System (FOSCOS) Portal.
What penalties can I incur for operating a food-related company without FSSAI certification?
You may be subject to penalties imposed by the Government, seizure of your food products and/or closure of your business.
Is it mandatory to obtain an FSSAI certification in order to sell food products over the Internet?
Yes, online food channels such as Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon and Flipkart all require businesses to have FSSAI certification before allowing them to list their food products on their websites.
Are all applications for FSSAI certifications required to go through an inspection?
No, only applicants who own manufacturing facilities or large processing units will be inspected.
When can I renew my FSSAI certification?
Before expiry; delay can result in penalties or license cancellation.
