Overview
FSSAI Manufacturing License is a mandatory approval issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for businesses involved in manufacturing, processing, packaging, storing, or distributing food products in India. The license ensures that food manufacturers comply with hygiene, safety, and quality standards under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Depending on the turnover and scale of operations, manufacturers are required to obtain either Basic Registration, State License, or Central License to operate legally in the food industry.
FSSAI Manufacturing License | FSSAI License | Food Manufacturing License
The FSSAI Manufacturing License is a regulatory approval granted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) specifically for food manufacturing businesses, categorising them based on annual turnover into state or central licenses to oversee production processes.
Any business involved in manufacturing or processing food must comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and related regulations.
- Mandatory Licensing
- Infrastructure & Premises Rules
- Machinery & Equipment Standards
- Hygiene & Sanitation Requirements
- Food Safety Management System
- Manpower & Staff Hygiene Rules
- Raw Material & Ingredient Control
- Storage & Transportation Rules
- Labeling & Packaging Compliance
- Inspection & Record Maintenance
- License Display & Renewal
The FSSAI Manufacturing License is essential for ensuring that food manufactured in India is safe, hygienic, and fit for human consumption. It protects consumers and creates accountability for food manufacturers.
- Ensures Food Safety & Quality
- Legal Requirement in India
- Builds Consumer Trust & Brand Credibility
- Enables Business Expansion
- Improves Hygiene & Manufacturing Practices
- Helps Avoid Legal Penalties
- Ensures Product Standardization
- Supports Export & Import Activities
Types of FSSAI Manufacturing License
FSSAI Manufacturing Licenses are categorised primarily based on a business’s annual turnover and scale of operations, with three main types applicable to manufacturers.
Basic Registration
This applies to small-scale food manufacturers with turnover up to ₹12 lakhs annually.
State License
Medium-sized manufacturers qualify with turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores.
Central License
Large-scale manufacturers with turnover above ₹20 crores.
Who Needs an FSSAI Manufacturing License
An FSSAI Manufacturing License is required for any food business operator (FBO) involved in producing, processing, or manufacturing food products in India, as mandated by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- Food Processing & Manufacturing Units
- Dairy & Milk Processing Units
- Meat, Fish & Poultry Processing Units
- Edible Oil & Food Grain Processing Units
- Beverage & Drinking Water Manufacturers
- Spices, Condiments & Masala Manufacturers
- Sweet, Chocolate & Confectionery Manufacturers
- Cold Storage & Food Preservation Units
- Export-Oriented Food Manufacturing Units
- Repackers & Relabelers
Difference Between FSSAI Registration and Manufacturing License
Many businesses confuse registration with a manufacturing license. Here’s the clear difference.
| Criteria | FSSAI Registration | FSSAI Manufacturing License |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | Small businesses | Medium & large manufacturers |
| Turnover | Up to ₹12 lakh | Above ₹12 lakh |
| Risk level | Low | Medium to high |
| Legal scope | Limited | Full-scale manufacturing |
Documents Required for FSSAI Manufacturing License
- Pan Card copy of the company
- COI, MOA, AOA copy of the Company
- GST Certificate Copy
- Pan Card Copy of all directors
- Aadhar card copy of all directors
- Pan & Aadhar Card copy of Authorised Person
- Rent agreement copy of the Premise (if rented)
- Electricity bill of the Premise
- List of Food Items Details
- Technical Person Pan, Aadhar & Degree Copy
- List of Machines details
- Water Analysis report (If Available)
- Lay Out Plan (If Available)