Before initiating the business of manufacturing, distributing and transporting, and other food-related activities, the business operators need to get themselves registered with the FSSAI, in accordance with the law through an online compliance portal which is "FoSCos (Food Safety Compliance System)”
After making an application with FSSAI, the food operators are issued with a 14-digit License number, which acts as an authentication certificate for the food articles provided by the FBOs. Registration/License also encourages food operators to follow standards and enhance their reach in the market while establishing transparency in their business operations.
Before making an application with FSSAI, the FBO needs to estimate the turnover and capacity of his production/ manufacturing unit. In accordance with which the application form can be filed for Registration/License along with the self-attested documents. The application can be submitted along with the payment of the requisite fees.
FSSAI issues licenses to food operators in 3 prime categories in accordance with the turnover/capacity of unit/nature of business operations as mentioned below:
1. Basic FSSAI Registration
2. State FSSAI License
3. Central FSSAI License Registration
FSSAI Registration is required for the following people:
Type of Offence and Fine (Rs.)
Food not of quality demanded by the purchaser; Not in compliance with the Act- Rs.2 Lakhs (25,000/- for petty manufacture)
Sub-Standard Food - Rs.5 Lakhs
Misbranded Food - Rs.3 Lakhs
Misleading advertisements, such as false description/nature/quality/substance- Rs.10 Lakhs
Food contains extraneous matter - Rs.1 Lakh
Failure to comply with FSO direction - Rs.2 Lakhs
Unhygienic or unsanitary food - Rs.1 Lakh
Que: Does the same premise having a different kind of food business attract the liability for the application of different Licenses by FBOs?
Ans: FSSAI license is a premise-based license, thus, FBOs need only a single license for all kinds of food business activities on the same premise.
Que: Which license do FBOs need to apply where they are running the business in more than two States?
Ans: FBOs who have food businesses in more than two states shall get a Central License for their Head Office. Along with a separate state license/registration for each business unit in each state in accordance with the nature of the business (as State/ Central Registration/license)
Que: What can be the situation/s where DO could suspend the license?
Ans: When FBOs do not comply with FSS regulations and further fail to comply with an improvement notice, in such situations DO may suspend the license.
Que: What happens to registration/ license after the food business is shut down?
Ans: License or Registration can be surrendered by the FBO in case his food business is closed. This can be done by making an online application on “FoSCoS”.