Government Grants Perpetual Validity to FSSAI Licences and Registrations

The Government of India has approved a major reform in the food safety regulatory framework by granting perpetual validity to licences and registration certificates issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). With this change, food businesses will no longer need to periodically renew their licences, which earlier had to be renewed every 1 to 5 years.

Objective of the Reform

The reform aims to reduce regulatory burden, paperwork, and compliance costs for food business operators (FBOs). It will also reduce frequent interactions with licensing authorities and allow regulators to focus more on inspection, monitoring, and enforcement of food safety standards.

Changes in Registration and Licensing Framework

Earlier, food businesses had to renew their licences periodically before expiry. Under the new system, FSSAI licences and registrations will remain valid indefinitely, unless suspended or cancelled due to violations.

Additionally, the government has revised turnover thresholds for registration and licensing, which will simplify compliance for smaller businesses. For example, the basic registration threshold has been increased from ₹12 lakh to ₹1.5 crore, allowing more small food businesses to operate under simpler registration procedures.

Benefits for Street Food Vendors

Street food vendors registered with urban local bodies or under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 will be treated as “deemed registered” under FSSAI, eliminating the need for dual licensing and easing regulatory requirements.

About FSSAI

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

It functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Headquarters: New Delhi

Chairperson: Punya Salila Srivastava

Chief executive officer: Rajit Punhani

Responsible for regulation, monitoring, and supervision of food safety in India.

Types of FSSAI Licences

Basic Registration – For small food businesses.

State Licence – For medium-scale businesses operating within a state.

Central Licence – For large food businesses, importers, exporters, and companies operating in multiple states.

Role of FSSAI

Sets food safety standards in India.

Regulates manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food products.

Conducts food testing, surveillance, and awareness programmes such as Eat Right India.