FSSAI Food License Registration in Chennai – A Complete Guide

If you are planning to start a food business in Chennai, whether it’s a restaurant, catering service, food manufacturing unit, or home-based food business, obtaining an FSSAI food license is mandatory. The FSSAI license is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, an authority under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The FSSAI regulates food safety in India to ensure that the food businesses maintain hygiene, quality, established standards, and consumer trust. At Chennai Filings, we help food business operators (FBOs) seamlessly register for an FSSAI license. Our expert team helps you through the entire process, documentation, and inspections, making the entire process hassle-free and efficient.

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What is FSSAI Registration?

FSSAI registration is a mandatory legal requirement for all food businesses in India under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The license is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Food businesses, including manufacturers, retailers, importers, and even small home-based food entrepreneurs, are required to register with the FSSAI or obtain a license based on the turnover and nature of the business.

An FSSAI license is a 14-digit registration number that must be printed on all food packaging and displayed at food establishments.

Who Needs an FSSAI Food License?

✅ Restaurants, cafes, bakeries, food stalls, and hotels.
✅ Cloud kitchens, home-based food businesses, and catering services.
✅ Food manufacturers, packagers, and traders.
✅ Wholesalers, distributors, and retailers selling food items.
✅ Importers, exporters, and storage units handling food products.
✅ Online food aggregators (like Swiggy, Zomato, etc.).

Types of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI license is categorized into three types based on the turnover of the food business.

Basic FSSAI Registration:

  • The license is issued to small-scale food businesses that have an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs.
  • Required for home bakers, small eateries, food stalls, and petty food manufacturers.
  • Issued by the State Government and is valid for 1-5 years.

State FSSAI License:

  • The license is issued to medium-sized businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores.
  • Required for small restaurants, mid-sized manufacturers, storage units, and food processors.
  • Issued by the State Authority and valid for 1-5 years.

Central FSSAI License:

  • The license is issued to the large businesses, especially those involved in interstate trade, or those which have an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crores.
  • Mandatory for big restaurants, food manufacturers, import/export businesses, and large food chains.
  • Issued by the Central Government and valid for 1-5 years.

Benefits of FSSAI Food License Registration

Getting an FSSAI license offers many advantages that help food businesses grow while ensuring consumer safety, such as:

  • Ensures Legal Compliance – Avoid penalties and business shutdowns due to non-compliance.
  • Build Consumer Trust & Brand Recognition – Builds credibility and increases customer confidence in your food products.
  • Helps in Expansion of Business– The license is mandatory for exporting, opening new branches, and online food delivery platforms.
  • Improve the Food Safety Standards and Quality– Ensures quality control and compliance with hygiene regulations.
  • Marketing and Branding Benefits – Enhances brand reputation as an FSSAI-certified food business.
  • Higher Market Demand – Retailers and consumers prefer FSSAI-licensed food products.

Without an FSSAI license, your food business can face legal action, heavy fines, and even closure of your business!

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration in Chennai

To apply for an FSSAI license, you need to submit the following documents:

  • PAN Card, Aadhar card, and a Passport-sized photograph of the person applying for the FSSAI license.
  • Business address proof (Electricity bill, rental agreement).
  • Food safety management plan (For large-scale food businesses).
  • List of food products to be handled/manufactured.
  • Certificate of incorporation (for companies/LLPs).
  • NOC from local municipality or health department.
  • Classification details as the FSSAI has divided food goods and services into 45 different groups. The applicant should choose the class that best represents the food goods or services given by the food business.
  • Duly filled and signed FSSAI registration form.

Step-by-Step Process for FSSAI Food License Registration

At Chennai Filings, we ensure a smooth, quick, and error-free registration process, you need to follow the below-mentioned steps:

Step 1: Determine the Type of License

We assess your business size, turnover, and operations to determine whether you need a Basic, State, or Central FSSAI License.

Step 2: Application Submission

Prepare the FSSAI Registration application with correct and complete information about:

  • Type of FSSAI Registration
  • Business Details
  • Information about the Owner and Partner
  • Food Safety Management System (FSMS)
  • Detail of the premises
  • Food safety training and certification

Step 3: Verification & Inspection

  • The FSSAI authority shall examine the application for novelty, registrability, and possible clashes with existing trademarks.
  • In some cases, an inspection of the premises may be conducted within 7-15 days.
  • If your application is accepted, the applicant’s name shall be published in the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Journal for public review. 30 days are given to public to complain about registration the brand.

Step 4: Issuance of FSSAI Certificate

  • If all documents and premises comply with the norms, the FSSAI license is issued within 50-60 days.
  • The 14-digit registration number is provided, which must be displayed at your food business.

Why Choose Chennai Filings for FSSAI Registration?

  • Hassle-Free Process – We handle all documentation, filings, and follow-ups.
  • Expert Consultation – Our compliance experts guide you through every step.
  • Quick Processing – Faster approval with minimal effort from your side.
  • Affordable Pricing – No hidden costs, 100% transparent pricing.
  • Ongoing Support – Assistance with FSSAI license renewal and modifications.

Get Your FSSAI License in Chennai Today! Chennai Filings ensures your food business is legally compliant and ready to thrive!

FAQ's

1. FSSAI registration mandatory for small food businesses?

Yes, even small food vendors and home-based businesses need at least a Basic FSSAI Registration.

Running a food business without an FSSAI license can result in penalties, legal action, or even business shutdown.

Yes, even home-based food businesses have to obtain license from FSSAI.

The Registration cost depends on the type of license and government fees. Basic registration starts at ₹2,457 + Govt Fees.

Yes, the application process is online, but document submission and inspections are required.

No, it is valid for 1-5 years and must be renewed before expiry.

If your license is not renewed, the license becomes invalid, and your business can face fines or closure.

No, separate licenses are required for different locations.

Yes, food importers and exporters must obtain a Central FSSAI license.

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