How Much Time Does It Take to Get an FSSAI License?

Starting a food business in India? Then you’ve probably heard of the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license. It’s essential for making sure your business follows the required food safety standards. But one of the most common questions is: how long does it take to actually get this license?

Let’s break down the process so you’ll know what to expect and how to speed things up.

Understanding the Different Types of FSSAI Licenses

Before we jump into timelines, it’s important to understand that there are three types of FSSAI licenses, and the time it takes to get one depends on which category your business falls into:

1. Basic Registration: For smaller businesses with an annual turnover of less than ₹12 lakhs.
2. State License: For medium-sized businesses making between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores annually.
3. Central License: For larger operations that exceed ₹20 crores or have a presence across multiple states.

The FSSAI License Application Process

The process to get your FSSAI license is pretty straightforward, but it does involve a few steps:

1. Figure out your license type: Identify whether your business needs a Basic Registration, State License, or Central License.
2. Apply online: Head to the FSSAI portal and fill out the necessary forms. You’ll need documents related to your business, including the business address, type, and other legal information.
3. Submit and pay the fee: After filling out the application, submit the form and pay the required fees online.
4. Inspection (for State and Central licenses): An FSSAI inspector might visit your premises for higher-level licenses to ensure your food business is meeting safety guidelines.

How Long Does It Actually Take?

So, let’s get to the big question: How long is this going to take?

1. Basic Registration:
   • If your business is small and only needs basic registration, the process is generally quite quick.
   • Timeframe: It usually takes about 7 to 10 working days, assuming your paperwork is in order.
2. State License:
   • For medium-sized businesses, the process is a bit more detailed. Local authorities will inspect your business and verify your documentation.
   • Timeframe: You’re looking at 30 to 45 working days for approval.
3. Central License:
   • For larger businesses or those operating in multiple states, it’s a bit more complex. Several departments may get involved in the process.
   • Timeframe: Expect 45 to 60 working days for this one. Officials will inspect your premises and ensure everything is up to code.

What Could Cause Delays?

While these timelines give you a general idea, things don’t always go according to plan. Here are a few common reasons your application might get delayed:

• Incomplete or incorrect documentation: If you miss out on some paperwork or there’s a mistake, it can cause delays in processing your application.
• Inspection delays: If the FSSAI inspector is delayed in scheduling a visit, it can slow down the process, especially for the State and Central licenses.
• High volume of applications: During busy times, the FSSAI office may be overloaded, so your application could take longer than expected.

What If You Need to Start Operating Before Getting the License?

If your business is ready to roll but you’re still waiting for the full approval, don’t worry. You can apply for a Provisional FSSAI License. This allows you to legally run your business while your main application is under review.

Final Thoughts

Getting an FSSAI license is an essential part of running a food business in India. Depending on the size and scale of your business, the approval process can take anywhere from 7 days to 60 days. While this might sound like a long time, preparing your documents properly and staying on top of the process can help ensure everything moves along as smoothly as possible.