Quick Answer
Sugar mills processing sugarcane into refined or raw sugar are large-scale food manufacturing operations requiring Central FSSAI License. Sugar is a staple food ingredient and FSSAI has specific standards for sugar quality, purity, and labelling across all sugar types.
Who Needs FSSAI License for Sugar Mill?
- Sugarcane crushing and sugar manufacturing plants
- Raw sugar and refined sugar producers
- Specialty sugar manufacturers (rock sugar, brown sugar)
- Sugar refineries processing raw sugar
💡 The 14-digit FSSAI License number must be displayed at your premises and on all packaging, menus, and bills.
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 |
⚠️ Multi-state businesses require a Central FSSAI License regardless of turnover.
Documents Required
- PAN & Company registration documents
- Factory premises and land documentation
- Sugarcane sourcing and cultivation area details
- Processing capacity and technology details
- Pollution control board NOC
- Central FSSAI License application
- HACCP-based FSMS documentation
- Quality testing lab certificates
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Determine License Type — Based on annual turnover decide Basic, State, or Central.
- 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).
- Upload Documents — Attach all required documents in prescribed formats.
- Pay Government Fee — Pay online via UPI, net banking, or card.
- Await Inspection — An FSSAI officer may inspect your premises within 30 days.
- Receive License — Download your FSSAI License certificate from the FoSCoS portal.
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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What FSSAI quality standards apply to refined white sugar?
FSSAI specifies sucrose content (minimum 99.5%), moisture (maximum 0.1%), colour (in ICUMSA units), ash content, and absence of adulterants for refined white sugar. Sugar must also be free from insect infestation and foreign matter.
Does a sugar mill need FSSAI if it primarily supplies industrial food manufacturers?
Yes. B2B supply of sugar to food manufacturers requires FSSAI License. Sugar must comply with FSSAI standards regardless of whether it is sold to end consumers or food industry customers.
What are FSSAI standards for brown sugar and jaggery versus refined white sugar?
Brown sugar, raw sugar, and jaggery are regulated under different FSSAI standards than refined white sugar. Brown sugar retains molasses and has different sucrose content standards. These products are increasingly popular in health-conscious markets.
Are there FSSAI regulations for sugar substitutes sold alongside regular sugar?
Yes. Sugar substitutes using artificial sweeteners like stevia, aspartame, or sucralose are regulated under FSSAI food additives regulations with specific permitted uses and maximum levels. They cannot be labelled or sold as "sugar" but as sweeteners.
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