Statutory Role and Regulatory Mandate
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to consolidate food laws and establish science-based standards for food manufacture, processing, distribution, and import.
Every individual or business handling food products from primary aggregation to retail sale must obtain an FSSAI registration or license before commencing commercial operations. A unique 14-digit registration or license number must be printed on food packaging and receipts.
- Statutory Framework: Governed by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and associated Food Safety and Standards Regulations.
- Consumer Protection: Ensures hygiene, food hygiene testing, freedom from adulterants, and standardized nutritional labeling.
- Mandatory 14-Digit Number: Displays license tier, state registration code, year of issuance, and unique commercial entity identification.
Three-Tier Licensing Framework for Food Businesses
FSSAI structures regulatory authorization into three tiers based on operational scale, annual turnover, and production capacity. This ensures small village producers face minimal administrative burdens while industrial food plants undergo rigorous oversight.
Agricultural entrepreneurs, dairy farmers, cold storage owners, and grain millers must identify their appropriate licensing tier before submitting statutory applications via the online FoSCoS portal.
- Basic Registration: Form A registration for petty food manufacturers, small dairy aggregators, and small agro-processors with annual turnover up to the statutory basic threshold.
- State License: Form B license for medium-scale manufacturers, cold storages, grain milling plants, and regional dairy processing units operating within a single state.
- Central License: Mandatory for large-scale manufacturers, 100% export-oriented units (EOUs), international food importers, and multi-state operational chains.
Online Application Flow via FoSCoS Portal
Food Business Operators submit applications online via the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in). Applicants create a digital account, select their appropriate food category codes, and upload required verification documents.
Following electronic fee payment and documentary verification by local food safety officers, the digital certificate carrying the QR-coded 14-digit registration or license number is issued directly online without requiring manual office visits.
- Required Documentation: Photo identification of proprietor/partners, premises address proof (rent deed/electricity bill), layout plan, water testing report, and list of food products.
- Food Safety Supervision: Commercial food processing facilities must designate trained Food Safety Supervisors certified under FoSTaC programs.
- Annual Compliance Returns: State and Central licensees must submit statutory annual returns electronically through FoSCoS to avoid license cancellation.
Official source
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Common questions
What does FSSAI stand for?
FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Do agricultural processors and dairy farmers need an FSSAI license?
Yes, any entity involved in handling, processing, packaging, or selling food products—including farm aggregators, grain mills, and dairy units—must obtain at least a basic FSSAI registration.
How can food businesses apply for an FSSAI registration online?
Applications are submitted through the official FSSAI Food Safety Compliance System portal (FoSCoS) at foscos.fssai.gov.in.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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