In Today’s Article Eligibility for FSSAI License, We will tell you about what is the eligibility criteria for FSSAI License. That will enable you to judge properly if you require to get a FSSAI license or not. As you know whenever anybody wishes to open a restaurant of any other business that is Focusing on Food Industry In India, They are always prompted to get a FSSAI License In India.
And Also you should note that FSSAI License is Necessary and mandatory to be acquired before commencing any Food Business In India. Just for a recap I would like to tell you that a FSSAI License Is 14 Digit License Number That is Issued by Food Safety and Standard Authority of India and is to be displayed On the Food Labels and at Food facility where any Manufacturing, importing, exporting and Processing etc of food related products and services takes place.
Below I am providing You Eligibility for State and Central FSSAI license In India basis of which you can Judge whether you require FSSAI License In India or not.
Eligibility for State FSSAI License
Obtaining an FSSAI license is mandatory for all food businesses in India, ensuring compliance with food safety standards. The eligibility criteria vary based on the scale of operations, and businesses must apply for the appropriate license to avoid legal consequences. Proper documentation and adherence to FSSAI guidelines are essential for a smooth licensing process and maintaining food safety standards.
- The Dairy units That Has Capability of Handling 501 to 50,000 LPD of milk/more than 2.5 MT to 2500 MT of milk solids per annum.
- Oil Processing Units where Oil Production whose oil processing and production is upto 2 MT/day and whose turnover above 12 Lakh.
- Slaughtering and meat Processing units whose production of meat and other meat related products is Up to 500 kg meat per day or 150 MT per annum.
- All grains, cereals, pulse milling units, Wholesaler, retailers, Caterers, Dhaba, Boarding Houses serving food, Banquet halls with food catering arrangements, Home based Canteens/Dabba Wallas, Permanent/Temporary Stallholders, Food stalls/Arrangements in religious gatherings/fairs etc., Fish/Meat/Poultry Shop/Seller of any other food vending establishment, Club/Canteen, Hotel and Restaurant etc. require State FSSAI License.
Types of FSSAI Licenses
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the regulatory body responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of food products in India. It mandates that all food businesses obtain an appropriate license or registration based on their scale and nature of operations. The FSSAI offers three primary types of licenses: Basic FSSAI Registration, State FSSAI License, and Central FSSAI License. Each type caters to different business sizes and operational scopes, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
1. Basic FSSAI Registration
Basic FSSAI Registration is designed for small-scale food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh. This includes petty retailers, small manufacturers, and businesses operating on a limited scale, such as home-based food producers, small eateries, and temporary stall vendors.
Application Process: The application is submitted through the FSSAI FoSCoS portal https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/. The process involves filling Form A, providing business details, and submitting necessary documents such as identity proof, address proof, and a photo of the proprietor. The registration is usually processed within 7–15 days and remains valid for 1–5 years, renewable thereafter.
Key Features: – No fee for businesses with turnover below ₹12 lakh. Mandatory for small-scale operators to ensure compliance with hygiene standards. Does not cover large manufacturers, importers, or exporters.
2. State FSSAI License
A State FSSAI License is required for medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore. This includes manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, and distributors operating within a single state.
Application Process: Applicants must submit Form B along with documents such as: Proof of business premises (rent agreement or ownership documents). Food safety management plan. List of food products handled. NOC from the local municipality (if applicable).
The license is issued by the State FSSAI office and is valid for 1–5 years, renewable upon expiry.
Key Features: – Applicable to businesses operating in one state only. Requires compliance with state-specific food safety regulations. Mandatory for restaurants, mid-sized manufacturers, and wholesalers.
3. Central FSSAI License
The Central FSSAI License is mandatory for large-scale food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore. It also applies to: Importers and exporters. Businesses operating in multiple states. Large manufacturers, 100% export-oriented units (EOUs), and e-commerce food suppliers.
Application Process: The application is submitted through the FoSCoS portal using Form B, along with: Detailed business operational plan. Import/export code (if applicable). Certificate from the Ministry of Commerce (for EOUs). NOCs from relevant authorities.
The Central FSSAI License is issued by the central licensing authority and is valid for 1–5 years.
Key Features: – Covers pan-India operations. Mandatory for businesses involved in international trade. Requires adherence to stringent food safety and quality standards.
For Central FSSAI License
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the regulatory body responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of food products in India. Any business involved in the manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, or sale of food items must obtain an FSSAI license or registration to operate legally. The type of license required depends on the scale and nature of the business. Understanding the eligibility criteria for an FSSAI license is crucial for compliance with food safety regulations.
- Dairy units including milk chilling units prepared to deal with or process in excess of 50,000 liters of fluid drain every day or 2500 MT of drain strong per annum.
- Vegetable oil preparing units and units creating vegetable oil by the procedure of dissolvable extraction and refineries including oil expeller unit handling in excess of 2 MT for every day.
- Butchering units which handle in excess of 50 vast creatures or 150 little creatures or in excess of 1000 poultry winged animals for every day.
- Meat preparing units handling in excess of 500 kg of meat for every day or 150 MT for each annum.
- All Food handling units including relabellers and repackers preparing in excess of 2 MT for each day with the exception of grains, oats and heartbeats processing units.
- All producers of Propitiatory Food Materials.
- Each of the 100% Export Oriented Units.
- All shippers bringing in Food things including sustenance fixings and added substances for business utilize.
- Capacity units other than those having controlled air and cool condition having limit of in excess of 50,000 MT.
- Refrigerated Storage having limit of in excess of 10,000 MT.
- Cold Storage food Facilities having limit of in excess of 1,000 MT.
- Wholesalers having turnover of more than Rs.30 crores per annum.
- Retailers having turnover of more than Rs.20 crores per annum.
- Merchants having turnover of more than Rs.20 crores per annum.
- Providers having turnover of more than Rs.20 crores per annum.
- Food providers having turnover of more than Rs.20 crores per annum.
- Inns and Hotels – Five Star and Above.
- Eateries and restaurant having turnover of more than Rs.20 crores per annum.
- Transporters having in excess of 100 vehicles or turnover of more than Rs.30 crores per annum.
- Advertisers having turnover of more than Rs.20 crores per annum.
- Caterers providing food benefits in foundations and units under Central Government Agencies like Defense and so on.
- Capacity or Wholesalers or Retailers or Distributors having premises in Central Government Agencies.
For FSSAI Registration
- Dairy Products units whose production capacity is Upto 500 Litres Per Day of milk or Upto 2.5 Metric Ton of milk solids per annum.
- Vegetable oil processing units and units producing vegetable oil whose Production Capacity is Upto 100 Liter per day.
- Slaughtering units and Meat processing units whose Production capacity is Upto 2 large Animals upto 10 Small Animals upto 50 Poultry birds per day and More than 100 kgs per day or 30 Metric Ton per day.
- All other food processing, manufacturing, retailing, wholeselling, Importing and exporting units etc That Have Turnover of Upto 12 lacs/annum.
Exemptions from FSSAI License
Certain food businesses are exempt from obtaining an FSSAI license, including:
- Small-scale producers selling directly to consumers (e.g., farmers selling fresh produce).
- Temporary food stalls at religious or social gatherings (unless commercially operated).
- Household kitchens preparing food for personal consumption.
Conclusion
By Reading The above Article I hope You have Understood the Eligibility Criteria For The FSSAI License in India, If you are a Owner OF The restaurant business in India, Then You Should get FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License In India as soon as possible from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, As Indian government is Getting strict In terms of law and regulations regarding handling and proper Distribution of Food Products and Services.