FSSAI License Registration in Assam

The FSSAI license is a compulsory certification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure that all food businesses adhere to strict hygiene, safety, and quality standards. In Assam, every food manufacturer, trader, restaurant, and food delivery operator must obtain an FSSAI license to operate legally and build consumer confidence.

With Assam’s vibrant food culture, ranging from traditional Assamese cuisine to modern cafes, tea-based startups, and packaged food ventures, getting an FSSAI license is crucial. It enhances brand credibility, ensures compliance with food safety laws, protects consumers, and helps avoid heavy penalties or business interruptions.

Applications and renewals are processed online through the FoSCoS portal, the central digital platform for FSSAI registration. Additionally, Assam’s State Food Safety Officers and local authorities regularly inspect food establishments to ensure compliance with FSSAI standards, maintaining public health and safety across the state.

Why Food Businesses Need an FSSAI Number in Assam?

Section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, mandates that every food business must obtain an FSSAI license to operate legally in India. In Assam, whether you run a restaurant in Guwahati, a tea processing unit, or an online food brand, having an FSSAI number is compulsory. Displaying this number on your packaging, menus, and premises assures customers that your food meets the national safety and hygiene standards set by the FSSAI.

With this license, food businesses in Assam can:

• Avoid penalties and regulatory complications under state food laws.
• Build strong customer trust through certified food quality.
• Expand operations to other states.
• List products on platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, and Amazon.
• Fulfill eligibility for export, wholesale, or large-scale supply contracts.
• Participate in local food fairs, government-supported exhibitions, and online marketplaces, increasing visibility and potential sales.

An FSSAI number is thus not just a legal requirement but a key tool for growth, credibility, and wider market access for Assam’s food entrepreneurs.

The Role of FSSAI in India’s Food Safety Ecosystem

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the cornerstone of the country’s food safety framework, ensuring that every product, from farm to fork, meets strict hygiene and quality standards. It establishes nationwide food regulations, conducts inspections, and promotes transparency and accountability across all states.

In Assam, FSSAI collaborates closely with the State Food Safety Department to:

• Enforce uniform food safety and hygiene regulations across the state.
• Inspect, test, and monitor food manufacturing, processing, and storage units.
• Educate local food businesses on labeling, hygiene, and safety compliance.
• Organize workshops and awareness programs in cities like Guwahati, Jorhat, and Silchar, helping startups and established businesses understand compliance requirements and adopt safe practices.
• Encourage innovation and responsible practices in Assam’s growing food sector.

Through strict oversight, training initiatives, and continuous improvement, FSSAI strengthens Assam’s food ecosystem, building consumer trust and empowering food entrepreneurs to operate safely and sustainably.

In Assam, every business involved in producing, processing, transporting, storing, distributing, or selling food products must obtain an FSSAI license. For instance, if you run a restaurant in Guwahati or a packaged food unit in Dibrugarh, this certification is mandatory for legal operation and food safety compliance.

Here are the types of businesses that require FSSAI registration in Assam:

• Restaurants, Cafés, and Bakeries: From local eateries in Jorhat to popular cafés in Guwahati, every establishment serving food must have an FSSAI license to ensure hygiene and quality. Popular establishments in Guwahati, Jorhat, and Tezpur can showcase their FSSAI license on menus and signage to attract health-conscious customers, build trust, and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Displaying the license not only assures patrons of safe and high-quality food but also enhances the brand’s credibility and reputation.
• Home-Based Food Businesses and Tiffin Services: Home cooks, snack makers, and bakers selling traditional Assamese delicacies like pitha or sweets need an FSSAI Registration to operate locally or online.
• Cloud Kitchens and Delivery Outlets: Online food operators working through Swiggy, Zomato, or other platforms must register under FSSAI to deliver food legally.
• Food Manufacturers and Processors: Units manufacturing packaged foods, snacks, tea products, or beverages in areas like Tezpur, Silchar, or Duliajan must obtain an FSSAI license based on production capacity.
• Importers and Exporters: Businesses exporting Assam tea or importing packaged foods via Guwahati or Karimganj must have FSSAI approval to meet safety standards.
• Distributors, Wholesalers, and Retailers: Grocery chains, supermarkets, and wholesale traders dealing in food items must be registered to ensure proper food traceability and compliance.
• Food Transporters and Cold Storage Units: Transporters and storage facilities handling perishable items like dairy, fish, or meat require FSSAI registration to ensure safe and hygienic logistics.
• Water and Beverage Manufacturers: Producers of bottled drinking water, juices, and soft drinks in Assam must hold an FSSAI license to confirm purity and safety.
• Dairy, Poultry, and Meat Processing Units: Farms and processing centers in districts like Nagaon, Morigaon, or Tinsukia must maintain valid FSSAI certification for hygienic operations.
• E-commerce Food Sellers: Online grocery stores and aggregators must possess valid FSSAI registration numbers for lawful online sales.
• Community Kitchens and Religious Institutions: Temples, NGOs, and organizations distributing food through community kitchens (such as during Bihu or other festivals) also require FSSAI registration.
• Food Ingredient and Additive Suppliers: Businesses manufacturing or selling ingredients, flavorings, or food preservatives must be registered under FSSAI.

In short, any business handling food at any stage, from preparation to packaging or sale, needs an FSSAI license in Assam. It ensures consumer safety, builds credibility, and protects your business from penalties or shutdowns.

Businesses can check the FSSAI license number online for verification and transparency to ensure legal compliance and customer safety.

Every Food Business Operator (FBO) in Assam must obtain an FSSAI license that suits the scale and nature of their business. The FSSAI classifies licenses into three main categories, Basic, State, and Central, based on turnover, business activity, and area of operation.

1. Basic Registration – For Small FBOs

Small home-based food units or local vendors in Assam can start with a Basic FSSAI Registration. This is ideal for small-scale businesses such as local eateries, street food vendors, home bakers, and tiffin providers with an annual turnover below ₹12 lakh.

For example, a homemaker in Guwahati selling traditional Assamese pickles or pithas from home would only need a Basic Registration to operate legally.

2. State License – For Medium Businesses

As food ventures in Assam grow beyond a local customer base, they move into the State FSSAI License category. This applies to medium-scale businesses such as restaurants, catering services, food processors, and manufacturers with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.

Issued by the Assam State Food Safety Department, this license covers operations within the state.

For instance, a popular café chain in Guwahati and Jorhat, or a packaged snack manufacturing unit in Dibrugarh or Tezpur, would fall under this category.

3. Central License – For Large Businesses, Import/Export, or Multi-State Operations

The Central FSSAI License is mandatory for large-scale manufacturers, exporters, and businesses operating across multiple states. It is issued directly by the FSSAI Central Office in New Delhi.

The Central FSSAI License applies to companies involved in export (such as Assam tea exporters), food importers, large hotel chains, and FMCG manufacturers with units in industrial areas like Bamunimaidam Industrial Estate or Tinsukia.

For example, a tea export company operating from Dibrugarh or a large beverage brand distributing across India from Guwahati would require a Central FSSAI License.

Together, these three categories form the backbone of Assam’s food safety ecosystem, ensuring that every business, from small home sellers to large exporters, operates with transparency, hygiene, and accountability.

The FSSAI requires specific documents to verify the authenticity, hygiene, and legal compliance of every food business operating in Assam. These documents ensure that your enterprise adheres to both national food safety standards and Assam’s local health and municipal regulations. Depending on the scale and nature of your food business, a few additional documents may also be required.

Here’s a list of the key documents needed for FSSAI Registration in Assam:

• Passport-size photographs and ID proof of the business owner (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.)
• Proof of business address (such as an electricity bill, rent agreement, or property ownership document)
• Business registration proof – GST certificate, MSME certificate, partnership deed, or incorporation certificate (for registered entities)
• Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Plan demonstrating hygiene and quality control measures
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local municipality or health department in Assam
• Proof of possession of premises (rental deed or ownership papers)

Additional Documents Required for State or Central License

• List of food products intended to be manufactured, processed, or sold
• Layout plan or blueprint of the food processing or storage unit (for manufacturers)
• List of machinery and equipment used in production
• Water testing report from a certified laboratory (if water is used in the production process)
• Proof of annual turnover (used to determine the appropriate license category)
• Import Export Code (IEC) License for businesses dealing with food imports or exports
• Employee list with medical fitness certificates (mandatory for larger food units)
• Form B declaration, duly signed by the proprietor, partner, or authorized signatory

Note: Certain municipal corporations and panchayats in Assam, such as those in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Silchar, may also require additional approvals like a Shop and Establishment License, Pollution Control Board consent, Trade License, or NOC from the Fire Department before granting the FSSAI license.

Ensuring all FSSAI license documents are complete and accurate is essential for a smooth registration process.

Follow these practical steps to obtain an FSSAI license in Assam quickly and efficiently.

Step 1: Gather Your Business and Food Activity Details

Start by identifying your business type, such as a restaurant, tea processing unit, home-based kitchen, or packaged food manufacturing setup.

• Determine your annual turnover to know which license you need: Basic, State, or Central.
• Collect details about your food products, ingredients, and production process.
• Note down the complete address and contact details of your business premises in Assam (e.g., Guwahati, Dibrugarh, or Jorhat).

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

Before applying, ensure all necessary documents are ready. Refer to the “Required Documents” section above for details, including identity proof, business address proof, product list, business registration, and additional documents for manufacturers.

Ensure all documents are updated, legible, and consistent with your business information.

Step 3: Apply Online Through the FoSCoS Portal

Visit the official FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in.

• Create a user account and select the correct license type based on your turnover.
• Fill in your business and food activity details carefully.
• Upload the required documents and pay the government fee online.
• Save or print the acknowledgment receipt for tracking your application status.

Step 4: Wait for Verification or Inspection (If Required)

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the local food safety officer in Assam.

• For small or home-based food businesses, approval is often granted after document verification.
• For larger manufacturing or processing units, an on-site inspection may be conducted to ensure hygiene and safety compliance.

Keep your premises clean, organized, and compliant with FSSAI standards to ensure smooth approval.

Step 5: Receive Your FSSAI License Number and Certificate

After successful verification, you will be issued a 14-digit FSSAI license or registration number.

• Download your FSSAI certificate from the FoSCoS portal.
• Display it clearly at your business premises in Assam.
• Mention your FSSAI number on product packaging, menus, websites, or delivery listings as required by law.

Step 6: Renew and Maintain Compliance Regularly

• FSSAI licenses in Assam are valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the duration selected during application.
• Apply for renewal at least 30 days before expiry to avoid late fees or penalties.
• Maintain food quality, hygiene standards, and proper records to ensure compliance during inspections or license renewals.

Getting an FSSAI license can be complex and time-consuming. RegisterKaro provides expert guidance, document preparation, and end-to-end online application support. It helps Assam-based food businesses obtain their license quickly, accurately, and hassle-free.

The cost of obtaining an FSSAI license in Assam depends on the type of registration and the scale of your food business. Each category has different government fees based on annual turnover, business activity, and operations. Below is a detailed breakdown:

1. Basic Registration Cost

For small and home-based food businesses in Assam, the FSSAI Basic Registration is the most affordable option. It’s ideal for food vendors, home bakers, small snack sellers, or tiffin providers operating at a local level.

• Fee: ₹100 per year
• Applicable for: Businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh

For example, a home-based entrepreneur in Guwahati or Dibrugarh selling traditional Assamese snacks like pitha or pickles would fall under this category.

2. State License Cost

Medium-sized food businesses operating within Assam must obtain a State FSSAI License. The cost varies depending on the scale, product type, and operational capacity.

• ₹2,000 per year – For small to medium state-level food businesses
• ₹3,000 per year – For medium-scale manufacturers or distributors
• ₹5,000 per year – For large units functioning within the state

This applies to businesses such as restaurants in Jorhat or Tezpur, food packaging units in Silchar, or beverage producers catering across Assam.

3. Central License Cost

Large-scale food manufacturers, exporters, importers, and multi-state operators in Assam must obtain a Central FSSAI License. This license covers businesses involved in interstate or international trade.

• ₹7,500 per year – For large manufacturers or food retailers
• ₹15,000 per year – For major food producers or processors
• ₹10,000 per year – For importers handling food imports into India

For example, a tea export company in Dibrugarh, or a multi-state beverage brand based in Guwahati, would require a Central FSSAI License.

Note: The FSSAI license cost in Assam mentioned above represents the standard government fee. However, the exact amount may vary slightly based on local food authority regulations and district-specific guidelines.

• In certain districts, inspection fees or additional surcharges may apply depending on the food category or business size.
• Capacity-based or special-category business fees (like for dairy, meat, or seafood processing units) may also influence the total registration cost.

Every food business in Assam, whether it’s a home-based catering unit in Silchar or a large tea exporter in Dibrugarh, must renew and maintain its FSSAI license within the valid time frame. Timely renewal ensures continued compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and prevents any disruption to your food operations.

• FSSAI License Renewal

An FSSAI license in Assam remains valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the duration chosen during initial registration. Renewal must be filed at least 30 days before expiry through the official FoSCoS portal.

Timely renewal helps you:

• • Maintain smooth business operations without interruption
  • Avoid suspension or cancellation of your FSSAI license
  • Ensure continuous compliance with Assam’s food safety norms and inspections

Example: A packaged sweets manufacturer in Guwahati, renewing its license every three years, ensures smooth distribution to retailers and uninterrupted operations across the state.

• Modification of FSSAI License

If your food business undergoes any major changes, such as a shift in address, ownership, capacity, or product range, you must modify your existing license instead of applying for a new one. This ensures your registration remains accurate and valid under the FSSAI database.

Apply for modification when:

• • Your business shifts to a new location (e.g., expansion from Jorhat to Tezpur)
  • You increase production capacity or introduce new food categories or products
  • There’s a change in ownership or business structure (e.g., from distributor to manufacturer)

All updates and modifications are processed online through the FoSCoS portal, along with the necessary supporting documents.

• Late Renewal Penalties in Assam

Failing to renew your FSSAI license on time can result in financial penalties or even cancellation.

• • A ₹100 per day penalty applies after the due date until renewal is completed.
  • Licenses not renewed within the permitted window automatically expire, requiring a fresh application.
  • Operating with an expired FSSAI license is a punishable offense under the FSSAI Act.

Example: A restaurant in Guwahati that misses its renewal deadline risks temporary suspension until a new license is obtained.

• Penalties for Non-Compliance in Assam

Running a food business without a valid FSSAI license or violating food safety standards can lead to strict enforcement actions by the Assam State Food Safety Department.

• • Fine up to ₹5,00,000 for operating without a valid license (as per Section 63 of the FSSAI Act, 2006)
  • Seizure or recall of unsafe or adulterated food products from the market
  • Suspension or cancellation of the existing license for repeated violations or severe non-compliance

Timely FSSAI license renewal ensures uninterrupted operations, legal compliance, and continued trust with customers across Assam’s food industry.

Food safety forms the backbone of every thriving food business. In Assam, obtaining an FSSAI registration is not just a legal formality; it’s a symbol of trust, quality, and compliance.

Here’s why FSSAI registration is crucial for your food business in Assam:

1. Legal Compliance: Every food business operator in Assam must be registered with the FSSAI to operate legally under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It ensures your business meets all hygiene, safety, and quality standards mandated by law.
2. Consumer Trust: Displaying the FSSAI logo and license number builds confidence among customers that your food is safe, hygienic, and government-approved. In a food-loving state like Assam, this trust directly impacts customer loyalty and repeat sales.
3. Market Expansion: A valid FSSAI license allows you to sell and distribute your products across India. It also enables registration on major delivery and e-commerce platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, and Amazon Fresh. This helps Assam-based businesses reach a wider market and expand their customer base.
4. Brand Credibility: An FSSAI registration enhances your brand image among consumers, investors, and distributors, especially in competitive markets such as Guwahati, Jorhat, and Tinsukia. It acts as proof of your commitment to food quality and safety.
5. Export and Trade Benefits: For exporters dealing in tea, spices, or processed foods through Guwahati or Dibrugarh, an FSSAI license is mandatory for customs clearance and smooth trade operations at both national and international levels.
6. Avoid Penalties: Operating without an FSSAI registration can lead to heavy fines, license suspension, or product seizure by the Assam State Food Safety Department. Staying compliant helps you avoid unnecessary legal complications.
7. Support for Business Growth: FSSAI-certified units in Assam are eligible for government tenders, subsidies, and funding programs, enabling them to expand operations and gain access to new business opportunities.

Obtaining FSSAI registration is the first step to building a safe, trusted, and scalable food business in Assam’s growing industry.

Assam’s food industry is vibrant and diverse, from traditional Assamese eateries and tea producers to modern cloud kitchens and spice exporters. Every food-related business, whether small or large, must obtain an FSSAI license to operate legally and ensure food safety across the state.

Here are some popular businesses in Assam that require an FSSAI license:

1. Restaurants & Cafés: From family restaurants in Guwahati to ethnic food outlets in Jorhat and Dibrugarh, all eateries serving food and beverages must hold an FSSAI license to operate legally and maintain hygiene standards.
2. Home Bakers & Cloud Kitchens: Small-scale food entrepreneurs and online kitchens in Silchar, Tezpur, and Guwahati must have at least a Basic FSSAI Registration to sell their products through delivery apps or local markets.
3. Food Manufacturers & Packers: Businesses engaged in making pickles, snacks, packaged tea, or spices must obtain a State or Central FSSAI License, depending on turnover and production volume.
4. Dairy & Poultry Businesses: Milk collection centers, processing units, poultry farms, and egg distributors across Assam need an FSSAI license to ensure hygiene, proper labeling, and supply chain safety.
5. Tea & Spice Exporters: Since Assam is globally known for its tea and spice production, exporters and processors operating from Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, or Golaghat must obtain a Central FSSAI License to handle interstate or international trade.
6. Traders, Wholesalers, & Retail Chains: Supermarkets, distributors, and wholesale dealers dealing in packaged, processed, or ready-to-eat foods must register under FSSAI to ensure all sold products meet quality standards.
7. Food Transporters & Warehouses: Cold storage operators, logistics firms, and food transporters handling perishable items like fish, milk, and meat must obtain an FSSAI license to comply with food safety guidelines during storage and transit.

In short, an FSSAI license is essential for smooth operations, customer trust, and legal compliance in the state’s growing food industry.

To ensure smooth and transparent food business operations, applicants in Assam can contact the State Food Safety Commissioner’s Office or its regional branches for assistance with registration, inspection, renewals, or grievance redressal.

1. State FSSAI / Food Safety Commissioner’s Office

The Office of the Commissioner of Food Safety, Assam, oversees all FSSAI-related activities in the state, including licensing, renewals, enforcement, and food safety awareness programs.

Address:
Ground Floor, Block-D

Assam Secretariat, Dispur,
Guwahati – 781006, Assam

Phone: 0361-2237054
Email: [email protected]
Website: fda.assam.gov.in

2. Working Hours, Helpdesk, and Online Grievance Support

For any support related to FSSAI license application, renewal, modification, or food safety complaints, businesses in Assam can reach out to the Food Safety Department during official working hours — Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding government holidays).

Helpdesk assistance is available through the official email or via the online grievance redressal portal on foodsafety.assam.gov.in.

Note: While small food operators in Assam can complete their registration online through the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in), medium and large-scale units, such as food manufacturers, processors, or exporters, may require on-site verification. Food safety officers from the Assam Food Safety Department conduct inspections to ensure hygiene, proper infrastructure, and compliance before granting a State or Central FSSAI License.