Updated on March 24, 2025 05:58:37 PM
India's food safety and sustainability authorities state that without an FSSAI license, no company aims to sell food products or are distributors. Distributors are known to play an important part in this business route, which involves moving food articles from manufacturer to retailer or end consumer. Obtaining an FSSAI license is important for them as it becomes a legal validation that the food is good safe and quality.
The type of FSSAI license depends on the annual turnover and operational scale of the distributor. The FSSAI Basic Registration is a must for those with up to ₹12 lakh in turnover, whereas larger distributors need either a State or Central License. This license helps to validate that the distributor has maintained hygiene practices, proper storage methods, and food safety when distributing.
An FSSAI license is a goodwill factor proving the distributor’s trustworthiness with clients and partners. This makes the entire working process smooth and incident-free, without any interference of law. It assures an engaging operation with manufacturers and Distributor who only deal with FSSAI-accredited enterprises. On the other hand, failure to comply means fines tantamount penalties suspension, or damage to reputation. Overall, for a distributor's responsible operation in the food supply system, the FSSAI license is one of the key junctions.
FSSAI License For Distributor [Sample]
The FSSAI Distributors License is mandatory for businesses participating in food distribution, ensuring compliance with safety standards established by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The distributors prove essential for the food supply chain, moving food items from manufacturers to distributors or consumers. The license allows the distributors to ensure that the food products are safe, hygienic, and comply with the regulatory standards.
Based on the scale of operations and annual turnover, the Basic Registration, State License, or Central License shall be required. A small distributor may obtain Basic Registration, while state or central licenses are valid for large distributors carrying on interstate business, having more than a specified size, and/or more than a specified value.
With the increasing demand for FSSAI licensing, many of its advantages, such as improved credibility, trust from manufacturers and Distributor, and protection from penalties and business interruption, also accompany its use. To be hygienic and proper in storage becomes a blessing for a distributor and is certainly safe for the entire food supply chain in general.
Obtaining an FSSAI License offers numerous advantages for Distributor, ensuring not only legal compliance but also operational efficiency, customer trust, and business growth. Here are the key benefits:
FSSAI Registration For Distributor, it is mandatory to have various documents that depend on the type of registration or license applied. For
| Document Type | Basic Registration | State License | Central License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identity Proof | Aadhar Card or PAN Card of the applicant | Aadhar Card, PAN Card, or Voter ID | Aadhar Card, PAN Card, or Voter ID |
| Address Proof | Rent agreement or utility bill | Rent agreement, utility bill, or property ownership | Rent agreement, utility bill, or property ownership |
| Business Registration Proof | GST Registration Certificate (if applicable) | GST Certificate, Partnership Deed, or Incorporation Certificate | GST Certificate, Partnership Deed, or Incorporation Certificate |
| Photographs | Passport-sized photograph of the applicant | Passport-sized photograph of the applicant | Passport-sized photograph of the applicant |
| List of Food Products | Not mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Food Safety Management Plan | Not required | Required | Required |
| Proof of Turnover | Self-declaration of turnover (up to ₹12 lakh) | Financial documents showing turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore | Financial documents showing turnover above ₹20 crore |
| Import/Export Code | Not applicable | Not applicable | Required for import/export businesses |
| Water Analysis Report | Not applicable | Required for packaged water businesses | Required for packaged water businesses |
| NOC from Local Authority | Not applicable | May be required based on local regulations | May be required based on local regulations |
Acquiring an FSSAI License for Distributor: A Step-by-Step Guide
The first thing that the applicant needs to do is to access the official website of FoSCOS, the Food Safety Compliance System.
Before applying, it is very important to decide whether a Central or State License is to be obtained. Each location should be separately entered to decide on its eligibility.
Once the website is loaded, click "Sign-up" for the desired license type. Fill in the registration form with contact details, whereby the phone number and email address provided will be active and accessible.
Choose a unique username and set up a password during registration. Upon completion of the form, click 'Register' to finalize the sign-up.
Confirmation of account activation via an SMS and email to the applicant after successful registration.
Use your new credentials to log into the system and fill out the FSSAI Registration online Application Form. All details should be correct and complete.
Before submitting online, print a copy of it. Once submitted online, a reference number would appear on the screen, very important for tracking the application process.
Within 15 days of applying online, a photocopy of the filled application form should be sent to the respective regional or state FSSAI office. This is so that the application is considered and processed.
If you're planning to start a Distributor in India, getting an FSSAI license is essential. The FSSAI License Fees for Distributor include a government fee of ₹100 for Basic Registration, ₹ 2,000 for State License, and ₹7,500 for Central License. Additionally, professional fees for application processing and documentation are ₹2,000 for Basic Registration, ₹3,500 for State License, and ₹5,000 for Central License.
| License Type | Government Fee(INR) | Professional Fee(INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | ₹100 | ₹2,000 |
| State License | ₹2000 | ₹3,500 |
| Central License | ₹7500 | ₹5,000 |
Note: The aforementioned fees are exclusive of GST
Getting an FSSAI License is important for the wholesaler or food dealer in order to comply with food safety laws in India. The certificate protects the quality and hygiene of food items being distributed and inspires confidence and credibility in manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. Having the right license, state, or central legalizes them in their trade and saves them from heavy penalties, extending the markets that can be entered into, including international ones.
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
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The FSSAI License for Distributors is the license that is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to certify that the distributor of the food product has complied with the requisite safety regulations.
A few would be legal compliance, increased market credibility, customer trust, wider market access, and government scheme eligibility.
The documents besides proof of identity, business address proof, GST registration, photographs, and details of food items for larger businesses are the Food Safety Management Plan and proof of turnover.
The license is valid for a period between 1 and 5 years, chosen while making the application. The license needs to be renewed before its expiration.
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