FSSAI Basic Registration

Introduction to FSSAI Basic Registration

Public health depends on preserving food quality and safety standards. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the regulatory body for food safety standards throughout India. Getting an FSSAI Basic Registration is a legal necessity for small food businesses to get proper authorization and win consumer's trust.

What is FSSAI or Food License?

An FSSAI or Food License is an official document issued by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The FSSAI License enables food business operators to manufacture and distribute food products for sale. Public health safety is ensured through this authority-issued license which signifies food standards for quality and safety.

Types of FSSAI License

FSSAI licenses are categorized based on the scale and nature of the food business. Mentioned below are the types of FSSAI licenses:

• Basic FSSAI Registration: It is for small-scale food businesses that have an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs
• State FSSAI License: It is for medium-sized businesses that have an annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores
• Central FSSAI License: It is for large-scale businesses that have an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crores or those engaged in import/export activities

Who Needs FSSAI Basic Registration?

FSSAI Basic Registration is mandatory for small-scale food business operators (FBOs) with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs. This includes petty retailers, itinerant vendors, hawkers, small-scale industries, cottage industries, and small food businesses involved in manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, or sale of food products.

What is Basic FSSAI Registration?

Basic FSSAI Registration is the fundamental level of certification under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), designed for small-scale food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs. It is a legal requirement for all food-related businesses, ensuring that they comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Upon registration, businesses receive a 14-digit FSSAI registration number, which must be displayed on food products, packaging, and business premises. This number serves as proof that the business adheres to food safety, hygiene, and quality standards set by the FSSAI.

Benefits of FSSAI Basic Registration

Obtaining FSSAI Basic Registration provides several important benefits for food businesses:

• Several e-commerce platforms, supermarkets, and food chains ask for FSSAI registration to let you sell on their platform.
• Businesses that have basic FSSAI registration experience face less difficulty in getting government approvals, loans, and business licenses.
• All registered businesses can show their FSSAI logo on their packaging products. This symbol has become a recognized symbol that enhances brand reputation.
• Business Growth becomes more accessible with FSSAI basic registration. It paves the way for market expansion, and help you get suppliers' and investors' trust
• It ensures that a business follow all food safety regulations specified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Business operations which lack FSSAI registration face the risk of penalties or lawful punishments
• Businesses with FSSAI registration gain more customer trust because people purchase food from properly registered establishments. The registration process guarantees consumers that their food products are safe, sanitized, and meet requirements for quality standards.

Eligibility Criteria for Basic FSSAI Registration

To be eligible for Basic FSSAI Registration, a food business must have:

• An annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs.
• Engagement in activities like manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, or sale of food products on a small scale.

Process to Apply for FSSAI Basic Registration Online

Applying for FSSAI Basic Registration Online is a simple process that ensures your food business complies with safety regulations. Follow these steps carefully to complete the FSSAI Basic registration:

Step 1: Visit the FSSAI Website: Go to the official FSSAI Food Licensing & Registration System (FLRS) portal. This is where food businesses can apply for new registrations, check their application status, and renew licenses.

Step 2: Sign Up and Create an Account: Register on the portal using your name, email ID, and mobile number. A verification code is sent to your registered mobile and email, which you must enter to proceed.

Step 3: Fill Out the FSSAI Basic Registration Form: Complete Form A, providing essential details about your business, including:

• Business name and address
• Type of food products you handle
• Number of employees
• Annual turnover

Note: Ensure all details are accurate to avoid rejection or delays

Step 4: Upload Required Documents: Attach the necessary documents, such as:

• Identity proof
• Address proof
• Business registration proof 
• Food safety management plan 

Step 5: Pay the FSSAI Basic Registration Fees - The FSSAI Basic Registration Fees must be paid online. The amount depends on the type of business and state regulations. Payment confirmation is required to proceed.

Step 6: Submit the Application - Review all details you entered and submit the application. Any errors or missing documents can result in rejection.

Step 7: Inspection by Authorities - In some cases, FSSAI officials may visit the premises to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. They verify hygiene standards, food storage, and handling practices.

Step 8: Approval and Issuance of Registration Certificate - Once the inspection is completed and all requirements are met, FSSAI grants the Basic Registration Certificate, which includes a unique 14-digit registration number. This number must be displayed on food product packaging and at business premises.

Documents Required for FSSAI Basic

The following documents are typically required for FSSAI Basic Registration:

• Photograph: Recent passport-sized photograph of the applicant.
• Address Proof: Utility bills or rental agreement of the business premises.
• Identity Proof: PAN card, voter ID, or Aadhaar card of the proprietor or partners.
• Business Details: Nature of business, product details, and any other relevant information.

FSSAI Basic Registration Fees

The FSSAI Basic Registration Fees are nominal and vary depending on the state's regulations. Generally, it ranges from ₹500 to ₹1,000 per year. Applicants can choose to register for up to five years by paying the corresponding fee. The process is simple, and online applications make registration quicker and easier.

Post Registration Compliance

A business that receives FSSAI Basic Registration must follow multiple requirements after registration to maintain food security and legal standards. All business entities must fulfill these duties. Below are important measures that must be followed by businesses according to law:

Display of Registration Certificate: Every food business operator (FBO) must prominently display the FSSAI Basic Registration certificate at the business premises. This ensures transparency and reassures customers that the establishment follows food safety guidelines. The certificate should be visible to consumers and regulatory authorities during inspections

Maintenance of Hygiene and Sanitation: Businesses need to follow hygiene guidelines that the FSSAI has established. This includes:

• Using safe and hygienic packaging materials.
• Training employees in hygiene practices to avoid foodborne illnesses.
• Preventing contamination by handling food with sanitized equipment and utensils.
• Businesses must maintain hygienic conditions in their food preparation zones along with their storage facilities.

Submission of Annual Returns: FBOs involved in manufacturing, processing, or distributing food must submit annual returns as per FSSAI regulations. These returns provide details on production capacity, raw material sourcing, and food safety measures adopted. Non-compliance can lead to penalties or suspension of registration

Timely Renewal of Registration: Businesses must select the duration of FSSAI Basic Registration between one and five years, which determines the validity period at registration time. Companies must start their renewal application process at least 30 days before the current registration expires to prevent operational disruptions

Compliance with Food Safety Regulations: Apart from basic registration requirements, FBOs must adhere to additional food safety norms, such as

• Ensuring raw materials meet quality standards.
• Keeping records of food purchases and sales for traceability.
• Conducting periodic self-audits to identify and rectify hygiene issues.

Penalty for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with FSSAI regulations can lead to penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Operating without a valid FSSAI registration or license can result in a fine of up to ₹5 lakhs and imprisonment for up to six months. Repeated non-compliance can lead to the cancellation of the registration or license.

Validity and Renewal of FSSAI Basic

The FSSAI Basic Registration has a validity duration from one to five years depending on the applicant's preference. Choose the validity period during your application and renew the registration before it expires to operate your business without any hassle. 

If you do not renew the basic FSSAI registration on time it can lead to penalties and legal complications. It is recommended to apply for renewal at least 30 days before the expiry date.

Role of Agile Regulatory

Agile Regulatory simplifies the process of online FSSAI Basic Registration. Our expert team provides food business operators (FBOs) complete guidance to get final approval.

How Agile Regulatory Helps:

• Consultation services  for FSSAI registration category selection.
• We send out timely notifications to our clients about the renewal process.
• Food business operators can stay updated about all necessary post-registration compliance duties through compliance assistance services.
• We help FBOs maintain proper formatting of required documents before their online submission
• Our experts handle the entire online application process efficiently

By selecting Agile Regulatory as your food business compliance partner means getting an error-free registration process with zero compliance problems.

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