What is FSSAI Registration?
FSSAI registration is the basic food safety approval every Food Business Operator (FBO) in India needs. It shows that your business follows hygiene and safety standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Once approved, you receive an FSSAI certificate and a 14-digit FSSAI license/registration number that must be displayed on your premises, packaging, and invoices.
In short:
FSSAI registration = the process for small or early-stage food businesses.
FSSAI license = formal license for larger or specific food businesses.
FSSAI certificate = the document you receive after approval.
Types of FSSAI Registration in Delhi
Food businesses in Delhi must choose the right type of FSSAI approval based on turnover, operation size, and the nature of their activity. Picking the wrong category is one of the biggest reasons for application rejection, so here’s a clean explanation you can use in your blog.
Do You Need Registration or a License?
1. Basic FSSAI Registration
This is the entry-level registration for small food businesses.
It is ideal for:
Home kitchens and tiffin services
Home bakers and small cloud kitchens
Small retailers and petty manufacturers
Stall owners, small juice shops, small carts
Startups testing their food business idea
Turnover limit: Up to ₹12 lakh per year
Document requirement: Very simple and minimal
Approval time: Usually quicker than licenses
If your business grows beyond this turnover, you must upgrade to a State License.
2. State FSSAI License
This is for medium-sized food businesses operating within Delhi.
It fits:
Restaurants, medium cloud kitchens, bakeries
Traders and distributors
Transporters and storage units
Food manufacturers with limited capacity
Caterers serving events within Delhi
Turnover range: ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore
Inspection: Likely for manufacturers or large kitchens
Documents: More detailed than basic registration
This is the most common category for active food businesses in Delhi NCR.
3. Central FSSAI License
This applies to large operations and businesses that operate across multiple states.
It covers:
Importers and exporters
Large manufacturers
Food brands with national supply
E-commerce food businesses
Businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore
Units manufacturing specific high-risk items
Turnover limit: Above ₹20 crore
Operations: Multi-state permissions required
Requirements: Detailed documentation, mandatory inspection
Most national brands, large chains, and packaged food companies use Central Licenses.
Use this quick, plain-English decision helper:
| Your situation | What you typically need | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Home baker, cloud kitchen, small kiosk, cottage-scale producer | FSSAI Registration | Small scale operations usually start here |
| Café, mid-size restaurant, local manufacturer, distributor | State FSSAI License | Higher capacity and distribution within a state |
| Large manufacturer, importer/exporter, brand with operations in multiple states, government-related supplies | Central FSSAI License | Larger operations and wider geography |
Note: Turnover and product category rules apply. Always check the latest norms on the official FoSCoS portal before you apply.
Benefits of Getting FSSAI Registration
Builds trust with customers and marketplaces
Helps you list on aggregators and e-commerce platforms
Enables smoother inspections and compliance
Lets you use the FSSAI logo and 14-digit number on packaging
Reduces business risk from penalties and closures
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration
Keep soft copies ready for FSSAI registration online:
Applicant photo and ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN)
Business address proof (rental agreement, electricity bill, NOC)
Business entity proof (Partnership deed/LLP Agreement/COI for Company, or Shop & Establishment/GST as applicable)
Premises layout or key details of operations (simple sketch works for small units)
Food category list and product details
Declaration on food safety and hygiene practices
For manufacturers: basic equipment list and production capacity
For importers/exporters: IEC and relevant approvals
Tip: Name, address, and entity details must match across all documents to avoid delays.
How to Apply for FSSAI Registration Online
Step 1: Create/Login to FoSCoS
Go to the official FoSCoS portal and create an account. Use a working email and mobile number.
Step 2: Choose the Right Option
Select Registration, State License, or Central License based on your scale and activity (manufacturing, distribution, retail, catering, import, etc.).
Step 3: Fill the Application
Add business details, proprietor/partner/director info, product categories, and processing capacity (if manufacturing).
Step 4: Upload Documents & Pay Fees
Upload clear PDFs/JPEGs. Pay the fee shown for your category and validity.
Step 5: Inspection (If Required)
Smaller registrations may be approved on documents. Manufacturing and larger setups often get a site inspection.
Step 6: Track & Download
Track application status in your FoSCoS dashboard. After approval, download your FSSAI certificate and note your 14-digit number.
Validity, Renewal, and Display
Validity: Generally 1 to 5 years (you choose while applying).
Renewal: Apply before expiry to avoid penalties. Put a calendar reminder 45 days in advance.
Display: Put the certificate at the outlet and print the 14-digit number on packaging, invoices, and menus.
Hygiene & Compliance Checklist
Maintain clean surfaces, pest control records, and hand-wash stations
Train staff on food handling and storage temperatures
Use safe water and food-grade containers
Keep purchase invoices for raw materials
Label finished goods with batch/date and allergen info where relevant
Document cleaning schedules and waste disposal
Record fridge/freezer temperatures daily if you store perishables
Common Mistakes That Delay Approval
Mismatched names/addresses across PAN, Aadhaar, and business documents
Blurry or incomplete uploads
Selecting the wrong category (e.g., “retail” instead of “manufacturing”)
Missing NOC from the premises owner or society where needed
Ignoring inspection notes or not replying to queries on time
What to Include on Your Packaging/Outlet
FSSAI 14-digit license/registration number
FSSAI logo
Basic product label info: ingredients, net quantity, veg/non-veg symbol, MFD/PKD dates, best-before/use-by, allergen info where applicable, FBO details, and batch/lot number (for packaged foods)
Need Help With FSSAI Registration?
Serving food businesses across Delhi NCR, Sublime ConsulTeam helps you get your FSSAI license and FSSAI certificate approved quickly and correctly.
Call now at +91-9871171255 to speak with a food compliance expert.
FSSAI Registration FAQ's
Is FSSAI registration the same as an FSSAI license?
Not exactly. Registration is for small food businesses. Licenses (State or Central) cover larger operations and certain categories.
How long does approval take?
It varies by category and inspection needs. Keep documents clean and respond quickly to queries to speed things up.
Can I sell on marketplaces with only registration?
Many platforms accept small sellers with valid registration. Larger categories and processed foods may need a license.
When should I renew FSSAI Registration?
Apply before the expiry date. Don’t wait for the last week.
Do I need separate registrations for multiple outlets?
Usually yes, each location needs its own approval. Centralized manufacturing might follow different rules.
