The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is exploring changes to the renewal process and validity periods for food licenses and registrations, aiming for uniformity and reduced burden on Food Business Operators (FBOs). The authority has released a Consultation Paper seeking stakeholder comments on proposals to introduce fixed renewal cycles and longer validity options, potentially up to 10 years for certain businesses. This notice was issued on May 20, 2025.
Currently, under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, FBOs can choose a validity period for their licenses and registrations ranging from 1 to 5 years. While this offers flexibility, it has led to a multitude of expiry dates, creating challenges for FBOs, especially those operating across multiple units and states, in tracking and remembering these dates.
In response to numerous representations from the industry, the FSSAI is considering the following key proposals:
Proposal 1: Introduce Flexible Renewal Dates
This would allow food businesses to choose their preferred renewal dates, offering greater convenience and potentially aligning renewals across multiple units.
Proposal 2: Explore Long-Term License Validity (Up to 10 Years)
The FSSAI is considering offering extended license validity periods, up to 10 years, for specific categories of food businesses under the Trade/Retail head. The categories being considered for this long-term validity include:
- Storage (various types)
- Wholesaler
- Distributor
- Transportation
- Retailer
- Direct Seller
- Food Vending Agencies
- Importer
- e-Commerce
- Trader/Merchant – Exporter
The consultation paper clarifies that FBOs opting for longer license validity would be liable to pay differential fees if the FSSAI increases license fees or if they modify their license from a State to Central license. Conversely, no refund would be provided for modifications from a Central to State license.
Proposal 3: Fixing Minimum Validity of FSSAI Registration to 3 Years
For smaller food businesses requiring registration, the FSSAI proposes setting a minimum validity period of 3 years, removing the options for 1 and 2-year validity. This aims to reduce the repeated reliance on consultants for application and renewal processes for small and petty FBOs. Under this proposal, FSSAI registrations would be applied for with a validity of 3, 4, or 5 years.
The FSSAI has invited all stakeholders to submit their comments and suggestions on these proposals, along with a clear rationale, through a Google Form.
