Running a hotel isn’t just about offering great rooms and excellent service, it’s also about ensuring safe and hygienic food for guests. That is why FSSAI registration is a must for hotels serving food. Whether you own a small lodge or a luxury resort, FSSAI registration through FoSCoS ensures that your food meets government standards. It helps build trust, improves credibility, and keeps your business legally compliant. Let’s explore the process of FSSAI/FoSCoS registration for hotels in India.
Types of FSSAI Registration/License
FSSAI registration is categorized based on the type of business, annual turnover, and production capacity of a food-related establishment. Depending on these factors, Food Business Operators (FBOs) must obtain the appropriate FSSAI, such as basic registration, state license, and central license, to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
FSSAI Basic Registration
Small hotels with an annual turnover of up to ?12 lakhs must apply for FSSAI Basic Registration. The application is submitted through Form A. This registration is ideal for small-scale manufacturers, petty food vendors, home-based food businesses, and small hotels and retailers.
This registration is also essential for:
- Street vendors, hawkers, and small retailers who sell food products.
- Temporary stall owners at fairs, events, or markets.
- Small food manufacturers producing up to 100 liters or kg of food per day (excluding milk, meat, and their products).
- Dairy businesses handling up to 500 liters of milk per day.
- Slaughterhouses processing up to 2 large animals, 10 small animals, or 50 poultry birds daily.
- Distributors offering food at religious or social gatherings (except caterers).
FSSAI License
An FSSAI License is mandatory for food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ?12 lakh or those involved in food processing and manufacturing. It is categorized into two types: State License and Central License, based on the business size. Each license has a 14-digit number, starting with 1, which ensures compliance with food safety regulations and legal operations.
FSSAI State License
Hotels with an annual turnover between ?12 lakhs and ?20 crores must obtain an FSSAI State License. The application for this license is made using Form B. This category applies to mid-sized food businesses such as restaurants, food manufacturers, hotels, and storage units operating within a single state.
FSSAI Central License
Hotels with an annual turnover exceeding ?20 crores must obtain an FSSAI Central License by filling Form B. This license is mandatory for businesses involved in large-scale food manufacturing, import/export, or hotels operating across multiple states.
How to Get a FoSCoS FSSAI Registration/License for Hotels in India?
Let us discuss the process of getting an FSSAI license for hotels in India:
Step 1: FBOs can apply for FSSAI registration either online or offline, based on their business type and scale. The application process requires submitting Form A (for Basic Registration) or Form B (for State and Central Licenses) through the FoSCoS portal or directly to the Food Safety Department.
Step 2: Visit the FoSCoS FSSAI portal and select the “General” premise on the homepage among all the options. Select the state of your premise location, where you want to open your food business such as the state.
Step 3: Choose the “Food Services” option from the kind of business. Among all the options, select the “Hotel” tab and choose the type of license you want, such as basic, state, or central. After selecting the license type, click the “proceed” option, and then you will be redirected to a new page.
Step 4: When filling out the FSSAI registration form, FBOs must attach the required supporting documents. These documents can either be uploaded online or submitted physically along with the application.
Step 5: The authorities will then review the application and accept or reject it within seven days of submission. If rejected, the applicant will receive a formal notification explaining the reason.
Step 6: Before approving the registration, the Food Safety Department may examine the documents, and an inspection may be held in the business premises to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Step 7: Once they are satisfied, the department will issue an FSSAI registration certificate, which includes a unique registration number and the applicant’s photo. The certificate is also sent via email and can be downloaded from the FoSCoS portal.
Step 8: FBOS must display their FSSAI registration certificate at their place of business during working hours. This not only ensures legal compliance but also builds trust among consumers regarding food safety and quality.
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration/License for Hotels
To obtain FSSAI registration or an FSSAI license, FBOs must submit specific documents based on the type of registration they need, such as Basic Registration, State License, or Central License.
Common Documents Required for All FSSAI Basic Registration:
- Photo identity proof of the business owner, such as Aadhaar, PAN, and Voter ID.
- Business registration certificate, such as a Partnership Deed, Certificate of Incorporation, or Shop and Establishment License.
- Proof of business premises ownership, which can include a rental agreement, No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner, or utility bills.
- Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan detailing the safety measures followed.
- List of food products being manufactured, processed, or sold.
- Bank account details of the business.
Additional Documents for FSSAI State License:
For businesses with a yearly turnover of more than Rs. 12 lakhs but less than Rs. 20 crores, an FSSAI State License is needed. Along with the general documents, the following must be submitted:
- Form B, duly filled and signed.
- Processing unit layout, showing dimensions and areas assigned for different operations.
- Details of directors, partners, or proprietors, including their address, contact information, and identity proof.
- List of equipment and machinery, including quantity and installed capacity.
- An authority letter from the manufacturer who nominates a responsible person.
- Water analysis report confirming that the water used is safe for food processing.
- Certificate of registration under the Cooperative Act 1861 or the Multi-State Cooperative Act, 2002, if applicable.
Additional Documents for FSSAI Central License:
For businesses with a turnover above Rs. 20 crore or those involved in import/export, large-scale manufacturing, or supplying to government institutions, an FSSAI Central License is required. The following documents must be submitted in addition to the general ones:
- Form B, completed and signed.
- Processing unit layout, showing designated areas for different operations.
- Details of directors, partners, or proprietors, including contact details and photo ID.
- List of equipment and machinery, mentioning the number of units and installed capacity.
- An authority letter nominating a responsible person for the business.
- Water analysis report ensuring potable water is used in food processing.
- Source of raw materials for milk, meat, etc.
- Product recall plan, if applicable.
- Ministry of Commerce Certificate, required for 100% Export-Oriented Units (EOUs).
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) or Product Approval (PA) document issued by FSSAI.
- Import-Export Code (IE Code) issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade).
- Form IX, if applicable.
- A certificate from the Ministry of Tourism, if the business is related to hospitality.
- Proof of turnover and transportation documents, if required.
Self-declaration form, confirming compliance with FSSAI regulations.
Validity of an FSSAI registration/License
An FSSAI has a validity from 1 year to a maximum of 5 years, as chosen by the FBO from the issuance date of the registration or license, and needs to be renewed before it expires. Failing to renew on time can lead to penalties or the closure of the business. To renew it, you need to apply at least 30 days before the expiration of the license. After the deadline is over, you will need to pay a late fee of Rs. 100 per day until you renew the FSSAI license. Having a valid FSSAI registration/license ensures compliance with food safety laws, builds consumer trust, and allows businesses to operate smoothly without any legal issues.
Why Do You Need an FSSAI Registration for Hotels in India?
FSSAI registration is essential for hotels in India to ensure food safety, maintain hygiene standards, and build customer trust. It adheres to the standards set for food handling, preparation, storage, and promoting consumer health and protecting them against foodborne illness. All sorts of food businesses, including hotels, must operate legally in India. Let us discuss the reasons why you need an FSSAI registration for hotels in India:
- Consumer Trust: Having an FSSAI license will build customer confidence when the hotel prioritizes food quality and hygiene.
- Food Safety Compliance: The main purpose of a license is to enforce food safety rules and regulations within every hotel and ensure the handling of food properly to prevent any contamination and food poisoning.
- Quality Control: The FSSAI sets quality standards for storing food, preparing methods, and kitchen hygiene, which every hotel business must follow to maintain its license.
- Legal Requirement: Operating a hotel without a license is considered a violation of FSSAI guidelines and can lead to legal issues and consequences.
- Market Access: Some businesses may require food vendors to have an FSSAI license, which can be an important factor for hotel partnerships.
- Expansion: FSSAI registration builds trust, which makes it easier for hotels to grow and enter new markets.
- Competition: It enhances credibility, which helps hotels stand out and attract more customers in a competitive industry.
FSSAI Compliance for Hotel Businesses
Let us discuss the FSSAI compliances for hotel businesses:
- License Display: The FSSAI certificate should be displayed especially during business hours, and also at all times.
- Clean Cooking Area: There must be separate sinks for cleaning equipment, washing utensils, and cleaning raw food materials. The cooking area should be clean, ventilated, and managed properly.
- Check Quality of Food: The food quality should be checked routinely to prevent the raw food items from getting stale.
- Hygiene: Every member such as staff, chef or waiter should maintain personal work hygiene as per the FSSAI regulations.
- Proper Ingredients: Quality ingredients must be used while preparing meals and they should be cooked freshly and properly.
- Raw Item Storage: All raw food items, such as meat, should be stored as per the FSSAI terms and conditions to prevent them from deteriorating.
Other Licenses Required by Hotels in India
The following details outline several additional licenses for hotels in India:
- Building Permit
- Fire Safety Permit
- Hotel Police License
- Business Registration
- Health Trade License
- PF Registration
- Bar License
- GST Registration
- Eating House License
- Lift Clearance License
- Music License
- Signage License
- Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC)
Other Food Business Operators Who Require an FSSAI Registration
Here is the list of other food business operators who need to obtain an FSSAI license:
- Petty producers manufacture food items on their own, and cottage industries supply food products.
- Retailers and retail shops such as snack shops, retail shops, confectionery, or bakeries.
- Meat and fish processing units
- Cafeteria and canteens, including mid-day meal canteens
- Cold or refrigerated storage facilities
- Temporary stalls, fixed stalls, and food premises involved in the preparation, distribution, storage, and sale of food products.
- Vegetable processing units
- Proprietary food and novel food
- Restaurants and bars
- Hawkers traveling from one location to another on foot or movable carts, selling packaged or freshly prepared food.
- Food vending agencies and caterers
- Dairy units, including milkmen, milk vendors, and milk chilling units
- Slaughterhouses like mutton shops, chicken shops, and other meat shops
- All manufacturing or processing units that include the repacking of food
- Transporter of food products, having several specialized vehicles like an insulated refrigerator
- Wholesaler, supplier, distributor, and marketer of food products
- The exporters and importers of food items, including food ingredients
- E-commerce food suppliers, including cloud kitchens
Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI Registration
The eligibility criteria for FSSAI registration are mentioned as follows:
- A temporary stall holder selling food
- Annual turnover of less than Rs. 12 lakhs for any food business operator
- Retailers dealing in food products
- Any person manufacturing or selling food by himself
- Except for a caterer, any individual distributing food in any religious or social gathering
- Food businesses operated by small-scale or cottage industries
Eligibility Criteria for an FSSAI State License
The eligibility criteria for an FSSAI state license are mentioned below:
- An annual turnover of over Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crore
- Food production capacity of up to 1MT to 2MT per day, except for milk and meat
- Food procurement, milk collection, and handling of up to 501 to 50,000 liters per day
- Slaughtering capacity of 3 to 50 large animals, 11 to 150 small animals, or 51 to 1,000 poultry birds per day
- Storage capacity of up to 10,000 MT
- Transportation through 100 vehicles
- Hotels with up to a four-star rating
- Up to 100 vending machines in a single union territory or state
Eligibility Criteria for an FSSAI Central License
The eligibility criteria for an FSSAI central license are mentioned as follows:
- An annual turnover above Rs. 20 crore
- Food production capacity of above 2 MT per day, except for milk and meat
- Food procurement, milk collection, and handling of more than 50,000 liters per day
- Slaughtering capacity of more than 50 large animals, more than 150 small animals, or more than 1,000 poultry birds per day
- Storage capacity of more than 10,000 MT
- Transportation through more than 100 vehicles
- Hotels with five-star ratings and above
- More than 100 vending machines in two or more states or union territories
What Are the Costs of Obtaining an FSSAI License?
The costs involved in obtaining an FSSAI license are mentioned below:
- Basic Registration: If a hotel is obtaining a basic FSSAI registration, the cost will be Rs. 100.
- State License: When a hotel obtains a state license, the cost will be between Rs. 2,000 and 5,000 depending on the type of business that is being carried out.
- Central License: If a hotel obtains a central license, the cost will be Rs. 7,500.
To operate a hotel in India, it is essential to obtain an FSSAI through the FoSCoS FSSAI portal. Depending on the hotel’s revenue get a basic registration, state, and central license. The necessary details might include business details, employee health certificates, premises layout plans, and other relevant paperwork.
This article provides all the essential details on getting an FSSAI/FoSCoS registration for hotels in India and its benefits. Visit Online Legal India to get assistance with FSSAI registration from professionals.
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