Quick Answer
Rice mills that process paddy into rice for commercial sale are major food processing entities in India. From small hullers to large modern processing plants, all commercial rice mills require FSSAI License to sell their products legally in the market.
Who Needs FSSAI License for Rice Mill?
- Paddy hulling and rice processing units
- Parboiled rice producers
- Basmati and premium rice mills
- Rice flour manufacturers
💡 The 14-digit FSSAI License number must be displayed at your premises and printed on all packaging, bills, and menus.
Which License Type Do You Need?
| Annual Turnover | License Type | Issued By |
|---|
| Below ₹12 Lakh | Basic FSSAI Registration | State Food Authority |
| ₹12 Lakh – ₹20 Crore | State FSSAI License | State Food Authority |
| Above ₹20 Crore | Central FSSAI License | FSSAI Central Office |
⚠️ If your business operates across multiple states, a Central FSSAI License is required regardless of turnover.
Documents Required
- PAN & Aadhaar
- Mill premises deed or rent agreement
- Milling capacity and output details
- Types of rice processed
- Water test report
- Equipment and machinery list
- FSMS plan
- NOC from state pollution control board
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Determine License Type — Based on annual turnover decide Basic, State, or Central License.
- Register on FoSCoS Portal — Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in and create an applicant account.
- Fill Application Form — Complete Form A (Basic) or Form B (State/Central) with your details.
- Upload Documents — Attach all required documents in prescribed formats.
- Pay Government Fee — Pay online via UPI, net banking, or debit/credit card.
- Await Inspection — An FSSAI officer may inspect your premises within 30 days.
- Receive License — Download your FSSAI License certificate from the FoSCoS portal.
Complete Document Checklist
Below is the full list of documents required. Items marked * vary by state and business type:
- Aadhaar card / PAN card of proprietor or director
- Proof of rice mill premises address (rent agreement or ownership deed)
- Passport-size photograph of the applicant
- Factory License or MSME Udyam registration certificate
- List of all food products to be processed (rice varieties, by-products like bran, husk)
- Water test report from NABL-accredited or government-approved lab
- Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan
- Pollution NOC from State Pollution Control Board
- FCI (Food Corporation of India) registration certificate (if applicable)
- Machinery capacity and installed capacity declaration
Fees & Timeline
| License Type | Government Fee | Processing Time |
|---|
| Basic Registration | ₹100/year | 7–10 working days |
| State License | ₹2,000–₹5,000/year | 15–30 working days |
| Central License | ₹7,500/year | 30–60 working days |
FSSAI Licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years. Renewal must be done at least 30 days before expiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What FSSAI standards apply to milled rice?
FSSAI specifies standards for moisture content, degree of milling, foreign matter, damaged grains, and insect damage. Basmati rice has additional length and aroma standards.
Do rice mills exporting need special FSSAI compliance?
Yes. Exporters need Central FSSAI License and must meet destination country standards. For Basmati rice exports, APEDA certification is also required.
Can rice mills use pesticide-treated paddy?
Rice must meet FSSAI maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides. Exceeding these limits is a criminal offence.
Is Fortified Rice mandatory for rice mills?
Large mills supplying to PDS and government programs are increasingly required to produce fortified rice under government schemes.
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