FSSAI is the central authority responsible for regulating food safety and standards across India. Functioning under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, it ensures that food products sold in the country meet prescribed quality, hygiene, and safety norms. FSSAI regulates every stage of the food supply chain—from manufacturing and processing to packaging, storage, distribution, and sale. Any individual or entity involved in food-related activities is legally required to obtain FSSAI registration or a licence before commencing operations.

FSSAI Registration and Licensing Framework

Every Food Business Operator (FBO), including manufacturers, processors, packagers, traders, distributors, transporters, storage operators, and retailers, must be registered with FSSAI. Based on the size and scale of operations, FSSAI approvals are divided into three categories:

1. Basic FSSAI Registration

This is applicable to small or petty food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh. It includes street vendors, small retailers, home-based food businesses, food hawkers, and temporary stallholders. Even at a small scale, registration is mandatory to ensure basic food safety and hygiene standards.

2. FSSAI State Licence

A State Licence is required for medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore. This category covers restaurants, packaged food manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and storage units operating within a single state.

3. FSSAI Central License

The Central Licence is mandatory for large food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore. It is also required for importers, exporters, large manufacturers, central warehouses, and businesses operating in multiple states. Certain businesses must obtain a Central Licence based on production or storage capacity, even if turnover thresholds are not crossed.

Once approved, FSSAI issues a unique 14-digit licence or registration number, which must be printed on all food packages and labels.