Opening a food business in India is thrilling, but it is also involved with many regulations. One of the first things that all food businesses have to do is obtain an FSSAI registration. This permit ensures that your food products are safe and your business is legitimate. But most individuals commit FSSAI registration errors that lead to delays, penalties, or rejection.
In this article, we'll look at the top 10 common FSSAI registration mistakes, why they happen and how to avoid them. By the end, you'll know how to save time, money, and stress during your FSSAI license process.
1. Choosing the Wrong License Type
One of the biggest FSSAI license mistakes is picking the wrong license type. FSSAI has three kinds of registrations:
- Primary Registration: For small businesses with a turnover below ₹12 lakhs.
- State License: For medium-scale businesses with a turnover below ₹20 crores, or a single-state operation.
- Central License: For big businesses, importers, or multi-state operations.
If you fill out a wrong application, your FSSAI registrations will be rejected or postponed, so it is always safer to recheck your business size and category before applying.
2. Wrong or Missing Documents
The second most frequent error in the FSSAI registration online process is not uploading all the documents, as some of the food businesses used to miss including the following:
- Owner identification proof
- Business address proof
- Food unit design
- Landlord's NOC (if rented premises)
- Food safety management plan
Uploading wrong or poor-quality documents is the most common cause of FSSAI license rejection. Create a checklist and verify twice before uploading.
3. Giving Wrong Business Details
Even minor errors in business name, address, or phone number can lead to FSSAI registration delays. For example, if your GST certificate is "ABC Foods Pvt Ltd" whereas your FSSAI form is "ABC Food," this mismatch can cause delays in the process. Ensure the information provided in the application is exactly the same as your documents.
4. Submission of Stale or Ambiguous Documents
Most individuals scan old, truncated, or blurry documents, thinking that it is a small mistake, but it causes a delay in getting the FSSAI license. The officers won't approve poor-quality scans because they are unable to authenticate the details. Maintain clear and updated documents prior to sending them.
5. Choosing the Wrong Food Category
When registering, you must choose the category that best suits the food being sold, like a bakery that must not register under "Dairy Products." If you choose the incorrect category, you might face surprise rejection or even rejection. This is one of the most prevalent FSSAI license blunders committed by food start-ups.
6. Ignoring Food Label Rules
FSSAI has strict rules about labels. Each product must show:
- Product name
- Ingredients
- Net weight
- Manufacturing and expiry date
- FSSAI logo and license number
If you ignore these rules, your products may not pass inspection, and your FSSAI registration could be delayed. Labels are not just design; they are proof of safety.
7. Forgetting to Renew the License
A major misconception among businesspeople is that they believe everything is set to go once they obtain an FSSAI license, but there are numerous regulations to be followed. FSSAI licenses have 1-5 years of validity, based on the option you choose, so do not renew, or you'll be subject to fines or suspension. Always set reminders to avoid FSSAI license delays when renewing.
8. Not Preparing for Inspection
For State and Central licenses, a Food Safety Officer will visit your premises, so if your kitchen or unit is not clean, or your workers are not following hygiene rules, your license can be rejected. Poor preparation for inspection is one of the top FSSAI license rejection reasons, so always train your staff and keep your place inspection-ready.
9. Waiting Until the Last Minute
A few food companies register with FSSAI when they get caught by the authorities, or only when the customer insists on doing so. Since the process can take up to sixty days, this leads to stress and missed deals, so always apply early and plan for possible FSSAI registration issues.
10. Forgetting Other Legal Formalities
FSSAI is only one aspect of legal compliance. You might need a trade license, GST registration, fire NOC, or health licenses as well. Forgetting them could land you in greater legal trouble, and a complete legal setup prevents FSSAI license delays and other pitfalls.
Also Read: A Complete Guide to FSSAI Registration: Types, Process, and Costs
Why Do Such Errors Occur?
All these FSSAI registration mistakes are caused by business owners:
- Rush without checking the rules
- Don't consult experts
- Think FSSAI registration is just a procedure, not an official process
Small mistakes are still time-consuming, costly, and confidence-crushing.
Avoid FSSAI License Mistakes
Follow the simple steps given below to avoid the common mistakes in FSSAI registration.
- Know the differences between licenses.
- Keep all your documents together and double-check them.
- Make sure business details are accurate with your documents.
- Scan documents properly and verify expiry dates.
- Pick the correct food category.
- Follow labelling rules strictly.
- Set alerts for renewals.
- Keep your premises clean for inspection.
- Apply early, and don't wait for deadlines.
- Stay aware of local rules beyond FSSAI.
Final Words
It is simple to have your food business punished if you do it carelessly. But FSSAI registration mistakes will consume your time, money, and reputation if you are not careful. Small inaccuracies like an incorrect license category, expired documents, or missing labels will seem little but lead to flat-out rejection. Do not commit these mistakes to lay a strong foundation for your business.
Remember, your FSSAI license is not a document because it is evidence of safety, reliability, and adherence. By staying away from FSSAI license errors, you stay away from FSSAI license rejection issues, FSSAI license holds, and long-term FSSAI registration problems. Take care of your application, and your FSSAI registrations will cater to your growth for years to come.
