FSSAI License for Hotels: Registration Process, Documents & Fees

Hospitality is such a vibrant field where serving exceptional food is only half battle while the other half is to ensure that every bite complies with the highest safety standards. In India, this is the responsibility of (FSSAI) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

It is really important to get the correct Fssai License irrespective of you running a boutique heritage hotel or even a sprawling five-star resort. It is even a legal requirement to get a FSSAI license for food business under FSS Act, 2006.

This is why we have come up with this comprehensive guide which will guide you to the registration process, important documents and fee structure which helps to stay compliant and gain trust of your guests.

What is FSSAI license or certificate?

The FSSAI license stands for (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is one of the important registration for all of the food business operators (FBO) based in India. Even if you are an owner of a cafe, restaurant, cloud kitchen or a 5-star hotel you need to have this license. This is the license which is a proof that your food is safe, hygienic and complies with government quality standards.

So basically a FSSAI license number is a 14 digit code which is printed on the food packaging or restaurant menu. This clearly represents that your business is registered under FSSAI. It's not just limited to a compliance mark but it's a symbol of trust and transparency.

Why do restaurants and hotels need FSSAI license?

Food is such a non-negotiable item in our life. India has very vast competition in the hospitality industry. When you get an FSSAI license you just not win customer trust but you get saved from heavy penalties.

Here are the reasons why it's important;

1. Legal compliance: It is important to get the certificate of FSSAI under FSSAI Act, 2006 for all food businesses.
2. Customer trust: When your customers sees the FSSAI logo they get assured about the food that you served.
3. Business expansion: FSSAI license is important to open branches, franchises or expand hotel chains as well.
4. Online listings: It is important to get a FSSAI certificate to start partnership with Swiggy, Zomato, or any other delivery apps.
5. Government tenders and export: It is important to get registered with FSSAI for food supply contracts or export permissions.

Types of FSSAI license:

It is important to check for which FSSAI license you need to apply before you move to fill up the form. Here are the types of FSSAI license available for you;

FSSAI basic registration:

This registration is important for small-scale hotels or petty food businesses who have a turnover of upto ₹12 Lakhs.

FSSAI state license:

This type of FSSAI license is important for those mid-size hotels having an annual turnover of between ₹12 Lakhs to ₹20 Crores. If you own a hotel that has got 1-4 star ratings or the hotels haven't any star ratings but exceed ₹12 Lakh threshold.

FSSAI Central license:

This license is perfect for the large scale operations which exceeds ₹20 Crores of annual turnover. Not only this, but those hotels who have a 5-star rating or above need to get a central license irrespective of their turnover.

Mandatory Documents Required For FSSAI license:

Here are some of the most important documents that are required for FSSAI license.

1. Identity card and address proof of the business owner.
2. A food safety management plan.
3. Complete list of directors of directors or partners.
4. Product list and food category.
5. Rent agreement or ownership proof.
6. For a large setup, it is important to get a IX nomination form.

Fssai License Registration Step by step Registration Process:

It is really easy to apply for FSSAI license as it is managed through the digital FosCos (Food Safety and Compliance System) portal.

Step 1

Go to the FosCos FSSAI portal. If you are new, then you must create a profile to proceed further.

Step 2

Then you have to click on the "Apply for New License or Registration" option. Moving ahead, you have to select your state and the type of business (Hotel) you own.

Step 3

If you are applying for Basic registration then you have to fill the Form A. While you have to get Form B if you want to apply for State or Central license.

Step 4

Upload the copies of important documents. Make sure that all of the files are clear and in the prescribed formats.

Step 5

In the next step, you have to pay the government fees through the integrated payment gateway on the portal.

Step 6

The next step is inspection which is dedicated for State and Central licenses. For this purpose, a Food Safety Officer (FSO) will do an on-site inspection of your premises which helps to verify hygiene and safety standards.

Step 7

Once you get approval, you can access your FSSAI certificate which has a 14 digit number.

So these are the important steps to complete your FSSAI application.

Fssai License Fee structure (Per annum)

In order to maintain the FSSAI certificate, you need to pay some amount annually. You are free to choose a validity period between 1 to 5 years of this certificate. Here is the fee charges as per your license:

1. Basic registration - If you have opted for basic registration then you have to pay an amount of ₹100 to maintain the validity of the FSSAI certificate.
2. State license: This fee is for those business owners who have a 1-2 star or no star hotel. They need to pay ₹2,000 for FSSAI license.
3. State license: Those hotels having 3-4 Stars they have to pay an amount of ₹5,000.
4. Central license: Those hotels having 5 stars or above have to pay ₹7,500.

How to renew the FSSAI license?

It is important to renew the FSSAI certificate 30 days before expiry as it avoids penalties. Here is the step by step process:

Step 1

Visit the FosCos official website which is foscos.fssai.gov.in and login with your profile.

Step 2

Then you have to click on "Renew license/Registration".

Step 3

In the next step, you have to update your business details.

Step 4

For moving ahead you have to pay the renewal fee online.

Step 5

Then you will get the download option of your renewed certificate as it gets approval.

In case, if you miss the renewal deadline then your license will lapse and your business has to go through the approval process again to get a new registration.

How to check for your FSSAI license status?

Here are the simple steps that would help you to check the verification status or license number of your FSSAI license. Make sure to follow them attentively.

Step 1

Go to the official website of FSSAI verification portal which is FosCos FSSAI website. This website is known as the central hub of licensing and registration tracking.

Step 2

Now, you will see the homepage on your screen where you have to search for "Track Application" tab. Usually it is located in the main navigation menu.

Step 3

In the next step, you will need the 17 digit Application Reference Number (ARN). This 17 digit ARN is provided at the time you submit your application. So you have to provide it in the dedicated field.

Step 4

Next, you have to enter the captcha code correctly as shown on your screen.

Step 5

Now click the submit button and the system will display you current application status. Now may get to see these stages:

A - Submitted:

If you see "Submitted" written on your screen then your application is received and awaiting for review.

B - Under Scrutiny:

Your application is under the process of verification of the documents you submitted.

C - Application Reverted:

When you see "Application Reverted" written on your screen then an action is required from your end to provide clarification or fix discrepancies.

D - Inspection:

When your application status shows "Inspection" then a food safety officer is on the way to your site visit.

E - Issued/Approved:

If you see this on your screen, then your license is ready. Now you have the option to download the certificate directly from the portal.

Note- If you see "Application Reverted" then make sure to respond within a span of 30 days as exceeding this timeline may result in automatic rejection.

FAQ