# FSSAI Licence for Food Manufacturers

> Food manufacturers, processors, repackers and relabellers need an FSSAI registration or licence for each unit, chosen by turnover under the 2026 slabs (state licence above ₹1.5 crore, central above ₹50 crore). Licensed manufacturers must keep a food safety management plan, engage a trained food safety supervisor, test products and file the D-1 annual return by 31 May.

Practice: FSSAI Food Licence — https://www.industax.com/services/fssai/

Manufacturing attracts the most FSSAI scrutiny because the unit is responsible for what goes into the product. The application needs the plant layout, equipment, production details, water source, the food safety management system (FSMS) plan and, often, laboratory test reports.

Licensed units must follow the Schedule 4 hygiene and sanitation requirements and have a FoSTaC-trained food safety supervisor. Products must be labelled under the FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, and finished products should be tested periodically by a NABL-accredited or FSSAI-notified lab.

Contract manufacturing is common: the brand owner and the manufacturer each need appropriate licences, and the label must name both where required. We set this up so that the brand's licence and the manufacturer's licence both cover the product.

## Key facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Tier | Basic up to ₹1.5 crore; state ₹1.5–50 crore; central above ₹50 crore |
| Hygiene standard | Schedule 4 of the FSS (Licensing & Registration) Regulations |
| Trained supervisor | FoSTaC-certified food safety supervisor for licensed premises |
| Annual return | Form D-1 by 31 May (₹100 a day late fee, capped at 5× the annual licence fee) |
| Labelling | FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 |

## Who needs this

- Packaged food, snacks, spices, bakery and confectionery manufacturers
- Dairy and beverage processors
- Repackers and relabellers of bulk food
- Brand owners using third-party (contract) manufacturers

## What's included

- Tier and category assessment for each unit
- FSMS plan, layout and equipment documentation
- Licence application and inspection support
- Label review against labelling regulations
- D-1 annual return and testing calendar

## Documents

- Form B and premises proof
- Plant layout plan and list of machinery
- List of products with ingredients
- Water analysis report
- FSMS plan and recall plan
- Contract manufacturing agreement (if applicable)

## Process

1. **Unit assessment** — Turnover, activity and products reviewed to fix the tier.
2. **Technical documents** — FSMS plan, layout and test reports prepared.
3. **Application** — Filed on FoSCoS with correct food categories.
4. **Inspection** — We prepare the unit and respond to observations.
5. **Compliance calendar** — D-1 return, testing and annual fee tracked.

## Also covers

- **FSSAI repacking and relabelling licence** — Repackers and relabellers follow the manufacturer route and file D-1.

## FAQs

### Does a home-based food manufacturer need FSSAI?

Yes. Any food business, including one run from home, needs at least basic registration; above ₹1.5 crore turnover a state licence is needed.

### Who needs to file the FSSAI D-1 return?

Licensed manufacturers, processors, repackers, relabellers, importers and exporters. It is due by 31 May for the previous financial year.

### Do both the brand owner and contract manufacturer need FSSAI?

Yes. The manufacturer's licence must cover the product, and the brand owner (marketer) needs its own registration or licence.

### Is a food safety supervisor mandatory?

Licensed food businesses must have a FoSTaC-trained food safety supervisor; the number depends on the size of the operation.

## Official sources

- FoSCoS — FSSAI licensing portal: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India: https://www.fssai.gov.in/

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Canonical page: https://www.industax.com/services/fssai/fssai-manufacturer-licence
Publisher: Indus Tax — CA-led tax and compliance firm (https://www.industax.com). Contact: info@industax.com, 9059139258.
This is general information, not advice for your specific facts.