Operating a food business in India requires mandatory registration with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Whether you’re running a small tiffin service, restaurant chain, or large manufacturing unit, FSSAI compliance ensures your products meet safety standards. The 14-digit license number displayed on food packaging builds consumer confidence and demonstrates your commitment to quality.
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 governs all food-related activities in India. FSSAI, the regulatory body established under this Act, mandates registration for every Food Business Operator (FBO). The Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal has streamlined the application process, making it entirely online and trackable. Understanding which license category applies to your business helps ensure proper compliance from day one.
What is FSSAI Registration
FSSAI registration is the process of obtaining legal permission from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to conduct food-related business activities. This includes manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, and sale of food products. Upon successful registration, FBOs receive a unique 14-digit license number that must be displayed on all food packaging and at business premises.
The registration certifies that your food business complies with hygiene standards, safety protocols, and quality requirements prescribed under the FSS Act. It protects consumers from adulterated and substandard food while providing businesses with legal authorization to operate. Without valid FSSAI registration, selling food products in India attracts penalties and legal consequences.
Types of FSSAI Registration
FSSAI offers three categories of registration based on business size, turnover, and nature of operations. Choosing the correct category during FSSAI Registration is crucial for compliance:
Basic FSSAI Registration
Eligibility: Annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh
Application Form: Form A
Fee: ₹100 per year
Suitable For: Petty retailers, hawkers, temporary stall holders, home-based food businesses, small dhaba owners, and cottage industries
State FSSAI License
Eligibility: Annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore
Application Form: Form B
Fee: ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per year based on category
Suitable For: Medium-sized manufacturers, restaurants, hotels (up to 4-star), food processing units, storage facilities up to 1,000 MT, and single-state operations
Central FSSAI License
Eligibility: Annual turnover above ₹20 crore
Application Form: Form B
Fee: ₹7,500 to ₹15,000 per year based on category
Suitable For: Large manufacturers, importers, exporters, multi-state operators, 5-star hotels, e-commerce platforms, airports, railways, and seaports
Who Needs FSSAI Registration
FSSAI registration is mandatory for all Food Business Operators involved in:
• Manufacturing and processing of food products
• Packaging and labeling of food items
• Storage and warehousing of food products
• Transportation and distribution of food
• Retail and wholesale trade of food products
• Catering services and cloud kitchens
• Import and export of food items
• E-commerce food delivery platforms
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration
Identity and Address Proof:
• PAN Card of proprietor/partners/directors
• Aadhaar Card or Passport
• Passport-size photographs
Business Documents:
• Partnership Deed, MOA/AOA, or Certificate of Incorporation
• List of food products to be handled
• Authority letter from authorized signatory
Premises Documents:
• Proof of business premises (utility bill, rent agreement, or ownership document)
• Layout plan of the processing unit
• NOC from municipality or local authority
Additional Documents for State/Central License:
• Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan
• List of equipment and machinery
• Water quality test report
• Import Export Code (for importers/exporters)
Step-by-Step FSSAI Registration Process
Step 1: Determine License Category
Calculate your annual turnover and identify the nature of food business activities. This determines whether you need Basic Registration, State License, or Central License. Production capacity thresholds also apply for specific industries.
Step 2: Register on FoSCoS Portal
Visit the official FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in) and create an account. Provide valid email address and mobile number for receiving application updates and OTP verification.
Step 3: Fill Application Form
Complete Form A for Basic Registration or Form B for State/Central License. Enter accurate business details including name, address, type of food business, and list of food products. Select the appropriate Kind of Business (KoB) category.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Upload all mandatory documents in specified formats. Ensure documents are clear, legible, and within file size limits. Incomplete documentation leads to application rejection.
Step 5: Pay Registration Fee
Pay applicable fees through the online payment gateway. You can apply for validity periods ranging from 1 to 5 years. Longer validity periods reduce renewal frequency and overall costs.
Step 6: Application Review and Inspection
The Designated Officer reviews your application. For State and Central licenses, premises inspection may be scheduled to verify compliance with food safety standards. Respond promptly to any queries raised.
Step 7: Receive FSSAI License
Upon successful verification, the FSSAI Registration Certificate is issued with a unique 14-digit license number. Download the certificate from the FoSCoS portal and display it prominently at your business premises.
Time Required for FSSAI Registration
Basic Registration: 7-15 working days. State License: 30-60 working days including inspection. Central License: 30-60 working days including inspection. Timelines may extend if documents require resubmission or premises need modifications to meet compliance standards.
FSSAI Fee Structure
License Type | Annual Fee | Validity Options |
Basic Registration | ₹100 | 1-5 years |
State License (Small) | ₹2,000 | 1-5 years |
State License (Medium) | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 | 1-5 years |
Central License | ₹7,500 – ₹15,000 | 1-5 years |
Industry-Specific FSSAI Requirements
Certain food industries have production capacity-based licensing thresholds regardless of turnover. For instance, businesses involved in manufacture of dairy products require State License for handling 501-50,000 liters per day and Central License for exceeding 50,000 liters daily. Similarly, vegetable oil processing units producing above 2 MT daily, slaughterhouses exceeding specified animal counts, and cold storage facilities above 1,000 MT capacity require higher-level licenses irrespective of revenue.
Comparison: Basic vs State vs Central License
Parameter | Basic | State | Central |
Turnover Limit | Up to ₹12 lakh | ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore | Above ₹20 crore |
Application Form | Form A | Form B | Form B |
Inspection Required | No | Yes | Yes |
Processing Time | 7-15 days | 30-60 days | 30-60 days |
Scope of Operations | Local area | Within state | Pan-India/Export |
Benefits of FSSAI Registration
Legal Authorization
Operate your food business legally without risk of penalties, seizure, or closure. FSSAI registration provides the fundamental license required under Indian food safety laws.
Consumer Trust
The 14-digit FSSAI number on packaging assures consumers about product safety and quality. This builds brand credibility and customer loyalty.
Market Access
E-commerce platforms, retail chains, and government agencies mandate FSSAI compliance for food suppliers. Registration opens doors to larger markets and business opportunities.
Business Expansion
Central License enables pan-India operations and export possibilities. Banks and investors prefer dealing with FSSAI-compliant businesses for financing.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
• Operating without FSSAI license: Up to ₹5 lakh penalty
• Selling unsafe food: Up to ₹5 lakh fine and imprisonment up to 6 months
• Selling misbranded food: Up to ₹3 lakh penalty
• Selling adulterated food: Up to ₹10 lakh fine and imprisonment up to life term for grievous harm
FSSAI License Renewal
Submit renewal applications at least 30 days before license expiry through the FoSCoS portal. Late applications filed within 30 days after expiry attract penalty fees. Applications beyond 30 days post-expiry require fresh registration. Upload updated documents, pay renewal fees, and receive the renewed certificate online. Maintain continuous compliance to avoid business disruption.
Conclusion
FSSAI registration is the cornerstone of operating a legitimate food business in India. Whether you’re a home baker, restaurant owner, or large-scale manufacturer, compliance with food safety standards protects both your business and consumers. The FoSCoS portal simplifies the application process, enabling online submission and tracking. Select the correct license category, prepare complete documentation, and maintain timely renewals to ensure uninterrupted business operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FSSAI registration mandatory for all food businesses?
Yes, every Food Business Operator involved in manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, or sale of food products must obtain FSSAI registration or license.
Do home-based food businesses need FSSAI registration?
Yes, home bakers, tiffin services, and cottage food industries require at least Basic FSSAI Registration if their annual turnover is below ₹12 lakh.
Can I apply for FSSAI registration online?
Yes, the entire process is online through the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in). Physical submissions are also accepted at State Food Safety offices.
What is the validity period of FSSAI license?
You can apply for validity periods ranging from 1 to 5 years. Longer validity reduces renewal frequency and is cost-effective.
Do I need separate licenses for multiple premises?
Yes, each business premise requires a separate FSSAI registration or license, even if they belong to the same company.
What happens if I don’t display the FSSAI license?
Failure to display the FSSAI certificate at business premises is a non-compliance issue that attracts penalties during inspections.
Can I upgrade from Basic to State or Central License?
Yes, as your business grows and exceeds turnover thresholds, you must upgrade to the appropriate license category through a modification application.
Is inspection mandatory for Basic Registration?
No, Basic Registration typically doesn’t require premises inspection. However, State and Central Licenses involve mandatory inspection before approval.
What is the FSSAI license number format?
FSSAI issues a unique 14-digit license number that must be printed on all food packaging and displayed at business premises.
Can I track my FSSAI application status?
Yes, use the ‘Track Application Status’ feature on the FoSCoS portal by entering your Application Reference Number (ARN) to check current status.
