Updated on April 07, 2025 04:37:17 PM
An FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license is necessary for every retailer selling food products. It guarantees that the food sold is safe, hygienic, and meets the food safety standards established by FSSAI. The license is a must-have whether you're running a small grocery store or a multimillion-dollar retail chain if you want your business to operate legally and earn customers' trust.
FSSAI licensure establishes proof of the quality standards that protect public health from adulterated or otherwise dangerous food items during marketing. Thus, the scope of operation and annual turnover are major criteria for considering the appropriate type of FSSAI license for retailers. For those with an annual turnover below ₹12 lakh, a Basic license is enough, while bigger entities need a State or Central license.
The attainment of an FSSAI license not only complies with the law but greatly adds credibility to the already competitive food retail market. It assures the consumer regarding the quality and safety of the food they purchase, thus instilling loyalty and trust. Failure to obtain this license can yield severe penalties, including fines, lawsuits, and damage to the company's image.
FSSAI License For Retailers [Sample]
An FSSAI license for retailers is indispensable for a business to operate legally in the marketplace, and to comply with the safety and hygiene levels set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This license is necessary for all those engaged in food retailing-either directly, such as grocery stores, supermarkets, or online food retailers, to operate within the legal framework and guarantee food quality and consumer safety.
According to the scale of operation and turnover of the retailer, the FSSAI license is divided into further subclasses: very small retailers up to ₹12 lakh need to have Basic FSSAI Registration, while medium-sized ones with a higher turnover must apply for either a State or Central FSSAI License.
The license is proof that the retailer follows food safety protocols concerning the proper storage, handling, and sale of food items. This boosts the customer faith, as customers are assured that the food products they buy are safe and comply with state orders. Moreover, it protects retailers from fines, lawsuits, and the threat of being shut down since the authorities can act against any violation of the law. It, therefore, becomes imperative for the retail industry to ensure the security and health of public life.
Obtaining an FSSAI License offers numerous advantages for retailers, ensuring not only legal compliance but also operational efficiency, customer trust, and business growth. Here are the key benefits:
FSSAI Registration For Retailers, it is mandatory to have various documents that depend on the type of registration or license applied. For
| Category | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Aadhar Card of the Applicant |
| Business Address Proof (e.g., electricity bill, rent agreement) | |
| Passport-sized photographs of the Applicant | |
| Partnership deed (if applicable) | |
| State or Central License | Aadhar Card and ID proof of the Applicant |
| Business Address Proof (e.g., utility bill, rent agreement) | |
| List of food categories to be sold | |
| Partnership deed or Memorandum of Association (if applicable) | |
| Food Safety Management Plan (if applicable) | |
| Food Product details with specifications | |
| License from local authorities (if required) | |
| Import/Export Certificate (for importers) | |
| GST Registration Certificate (if applicable) | |
| Additional Documents | No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Fire Department (if required) |
| Water Analysis Report (if applicable) |
Acquiring an FSSAI License for Retailers: 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 Retailer in India, getting an FSSAI license is essential. The FSSAI License Fees for Retailer include a government fee of ₹100 for Basic Registration, ₹ 2,000 for State License and ₹5,000 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 | ₹5,000 | ₹5000 |
Note: The aforementioned fees are exclusive of GST
Conclusion
The acquisition of an FSSAI License for retailers engaged in the sale of food is mandatory, as it protects the purview of food safety laws for both the business and consumers. With the acquisition of the relevant license—Basic, State, or Central—retailers stand to enhance their credibility and attract more customers while assuring the people that their food adheres to laid-down safety standards.
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 is mandatory for every food seller in India to ensure that food sold checks all safety and hygiene standards prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
All retailers who sell food products, including grocery stores, supermarkets, or online food retailers—based on their size and turnover—are required to obtain an FSSAI License.
There are three types of FSSAI licenses for retailers:
The application procedure can be completed online on the official FSSAI portal, along with the submission of necessary documentation and the form related to the nature of the business being run.
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