How to Get FSSAI Certificate in India

The FSSAI certification is mandatory for almost all types of food and beverage business. The Food Safety Standards Authority of India is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. It lays down food safety regulations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The FSSAI license is a 14-digit number that is mandatory to be printed on the food packaging along with the logo of FSSAI. 

The license is mandatory for  dairy units, vegetable oil processing units, slaughtering units, meat processing units, food processing units that include re-labellers and re-packers, storage (cold/refrigerated), wholesaler, retailer, distributor, supplier, caterer, boarding houses, banquets; home-based canteens, dabbawallas, dhabas, food stalls, religious gatherings, fairs, fish/meat/poultry seller or any food vending establishment, canteen, club, hotel, restaurant, transporter, marketer, food catering services in Central Government Agencies like Railways, airport, in flight, seaport, Defence etc.

Applying for the FSSAI License can be done online at www.foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in. The certificate is valid for one year and needs to be renewed on an annual basis. There are a different set of documents that need to be submitted for obtaining the different types of licenses:-

a.    New license 
b.    Conversion license 
c.    Renewal license 
d.   Modification license

The certificate from FSSAI certifies that

• The particular food manufacturing and handling unit are maintaining the prescribed food quality levels and thereby eliminating risks related to toxic and hazardous elements.
• The packaging contains information about the product quality and safety standards.

There are 3 different types of food license:-

a.    Central license for importers, exporters and large manufacturers. 
b.    State license for medium-sized food business 
c.    Basic registration for small-sized business

The required documents for obtaining the registration certificate are:-

• Photo of the food business operator
• Identity proof and address proof of the operator
• No objection certificate from municipality, panchayat and local health authorities.