If you are running a food business in India, be it any type of food business like a small cloud kitchen, a packet food brand, or a restaurant, then there is a very important thing which you should not ignore at all, that is FSSAI registration. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is the top food regulatory body of India. And getting its registration certificate is not just a legal requirement, but if understood, it is a stamp of trust to your customer. Through the article, we will know why fssai certificate is so important and who needs it, and how it helps in taking the business forward. 

First of all, let's know about FSSAI registration

FSSAI registration is a license and certificate that is given by the government to those businesses that do food-related work in India. This certificate shows that the food-related business is following proper food safety and hygiene practices.

Once registered, your business gets a 14-digit FSSAI license number. This number must be printed on your food packages or displayed at your shop or outlet.

Who Needs FSSAI Registration?

Every food business operator (FBO) must register with FSSAI — even home-based ones.

Here’s a list of businesses that need it:

• Home kitchens and tiffin services
• Restaurants, cafes, dhabas
• Cloud kitchens and online food sellers
• Food packaging or labeling units
• Importers/exporters of food products
• Food transporters and storage units
• Grocery stores, bakeries, and sweet shops
• Food stalls, hawkers, canteens

In simple words, if your business is doing work related to handling, preparing, storing, and selling food, then FSSAI registration is a must.

Types of FSSAI Licenses

Depending on your business size, there are 3 main types of licenses:

Type Who Needs It Issued By

• Basic Registration: Small food businesses with a turnover ₹12 lakh, Local Municipal Authority
• State License Turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore, the State FSSAI Office
• Central License Turnover ₹20 crore or involved in imports/exports, FSSAI Central Authority

Why Is FSSAI Registration So Important?

Here’s why this certificate is crucial for any food business:

It’s Mandatory by Law

The Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 makes it compulsory for all food businesses to get FSSAI registration.

Without it, your business is considered illegal and could face:

• Heavy fines
• Legal action
• Business shutdown

So, if you want to run your business legally, FSSAI registration is the first step.

Builds Customer Trust

When customers see the FSSAI logo and license number, they feel confident that your food is:

• Safe
• Hygienic
• Regulated

It gives your business credibility and shows that you care about food safety.

Helps with Branding

Want to list your food products on Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, or Flipkart?

All major platforms require your business to have a valid FSSAI license. It also helps you promote your products with authenticity, giving you an edge over unregistered sellers.

Access to Government Schemes

Many food-related schemes or loans from the government or banks ask for a valid FSSAI certificate. Without it, you might miss out on:

• Business loans
• Subsidies
• Export opportunities

Ensures Smooth Supply Chain

Whether you’re a manufacturer or supplier, B2B clients and retailers will demand your FSSAI license before working with you. It ensures you’re part of a trusted food supply chain.

What documents do you need?

The amount of paperwork depends on the type of license you have, but here are some basic checklists that will be required.

• Passport-size photo
• Aadhaar or ID proof
• Business address proof
• Business type details (partnership, proprietorship, etc.)
• Food safety management plan (for larger businesses)
• List of food items you plan to sell

How Long Does It Take?

Usually:

• Basic Registration: 1–5 working days
• State or Central License: 15–45 days (with inspections, if required)

Once it is issued, the validity of your certificate is 1 to 5 years, depending on what you have chosen while applying for registration.

Can it be renewed?

Yes, you can renew your FSSAI before it expires. But the best time for you to renew is at the earliest if you do not want any penalty or delays after expiry.

What if you do not register?

Running a food business without an FSSAI license can cost a lot. Penalties include:

• Fine of up to ₹5 lakh
• Imprisonment (in severe cases)
• Product recalls and public embarrassment.
• Loss of customer trust

It’s just not worth the risk.

Final Words

Getting an FSSAI Registration Certificate is not just about following rules — it’s about building a safe, reliable, and successful food business.

Whether you’re serving meals from your home or running a food factory, this simple step can:

Build trust

Keep you legally safe.

Open new business doors

So if you have not registered yet  it is time to do it now. Your business (and your customers) will thank you for it.