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Get the Right FSSAI License, Matched to Your Food Business with Expert Guidance. Trusted by 1,00,000+ Businesses Across India, Get Basic Registration in 7–10 Days.
- Correct License Type Identified for Your Turnover & Business Category
- Complete Document Preparation & FoSCoS Application Filing
- Avoid Penalties of Up to ₹5 Lakh & 6 Months' Imprisonment for Non-Compliance
- Renewal & Annual Return Reminders So You Never Miss a Deadline
- Transparent Pricing & No Hidden Fees
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What Is the FSSAI License?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) License is a mandatory certification that ensures food businesses comply with the required food safety standards. The FSSAI license essentially serves as your “passport” to legally operate a food business in India.
Why is an FSSAI License necessary?
The FSSAI license serves as a cornerstone for food-related businesses in India. It is more than a legal formality; it represents a commitment to quality, safety, and consumer trust. Obtaining an FSSAI license is necessary because:
- Regulatory Compliance: An FSSAI license is mandatory for all food businesses in India. Operating your business without a valid license violates the law and imposes penalties on the business.
- Food Safety Guarantee: When a food business obtains an FSSAI license, it agrees to the strict safety and hygiene protocols at every stage of food production. The license helps in ensuring that the business is committed to high safety standards and minimises the risk of contamination and adulteration.
- Building Consumer Trust: Displaying an FSSAI license on your premises or food packaging acts as a visible assurance to the consumers and enhances the credibility of your brand. The license serves as a competitive edge, as consumers are more inclined to choose products from a certified brand.
- Improve Operational Standards: An FSSAI license naturally encourages businesses to monitor and improve their operational practices continuously. From regular internal audits to periodic inspections conducted by regulatory authorities, there is a built-in system that drives quality enhancements within the operations.
Who Needs an FSSAI License?
If you're running any kind of food business in India, big or small, you can't skip this one. FSSAI registration or licensing is mandatory for anyone who manufactures, sells, stores, transports, or even just handles food in some way. It's the government's way of making sure what people eat is safe and up to standard.
Here's a quick rundown of who actually falls under this rule:
- Restaurant owners, dhaba operators, and cloud kitchen setups
- Manufacturers and packagers of any food item
- Wholesalers, distributors, and retail shop owners dealing in food
- People running food storage or cold chain units
- Importers and exporters in the food trade
- Small vendors like street food sellers or tiffin services
- Dairy, meat, or fish processing businesses
- Online platforms selling or delivering food
Even a home baker selling cakes on Instagram technically needs at least a Basic FSSAI Registration if their turnover crosses ₹12 lakh a year. Below that, it's still recommended, just not compulsory.
Types of FSSAI Licenses
FSSAI issues different types of licenses based on the size, type, and turnover of your food business
| License Type | Annual Turnover Limit | Applicable for |
| FSSAI Basic Registration | Up to ₹12 lakh | Small-scale food business operators such as local vendors, home-based food producers, and hawkers. |
| FSSAI State License | Between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore | Medium-sized food businesses such as restaurants, small manufacturers, and local food processors. |
| FSSAI Central License | Above ₹20 crore | Large-scale food business operators, including those with multi-state operations, importers, or exporters. |
Turnover isn't the only trigger for a Central License. It's mandatory regardless of turnover for importers, 100% Export Oriented Units, exporter-manufacturers, businesses operating in Central Government agencies, airports, seaports, or railways, and the head/registered office of any multi-state or e-commerce food business.
Central License Is Mandatory for These Categories, Regardless of Turnover
| Category | Why Central License Applies |
| Importers | All food imports require a Central License with "Importer" as the Kind of Business; no turnover exception exists. |
| 100% Export Oriented Units (EOUs) | Businesses manufacturing solely for export, certified by the Ministry of Commerce |
| Exporter-Manufacturers | Manufacturers producing to the importing country's standards rather than domestic FSS Act standards |
| Central Government agencies, airports, seaports, railways | Any food business activity, storage, retail, catering, located within these premises |
| Multi-state operations | The head/registered office of a business operating in two or more States/UTs |
| E-commerce food businesses | The head/registered office of an e-commerce food platform or seller |
Citation: FoSCoS Kind of Business (KoB) Eligibility Matrix, FSSAI.
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration
FSSAI Basic Registration
- Aadhaar card, PAN card, or Voter ID of the proprietor/owner.
- Utility bill, rental agreement, lease agreement, property tax receipt, or electricity bill for two months.
- A recent photograph of the business owner.
- Proof of business registration such as Partnership Deed or Company Incorporation Certificate.
FSSAI State License
- Aadhaar card, PAN card, or Voter ID of the proprietor/owner.
- A recent photograph of the business owner.
- Proof of business registration, such as a Partnership Deed or a Company Incorporation Certificate.
- Completed Application Form B, in which the business information is detailed.
- A detailed layout showing the production area, storage, and processing units.
- A clear inventory of the products you manufacture, process, or sell.
- List of Machinery and Equipment.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Local Authorities.
- Documentation or certificates that clearly show adherence to food safety practices.
- Water Quality Test Report.
FSSAI Central License
- All the documents mentioned in the Basic and State Registrations are attached.
- A detailed Blueprint/Layout of the Manufacturing/Processing Unit that covers all areas of production, storage, and processing.
- Comprehensive List of Products and Ingredients used in the products.
- Detailed information about the technology and equipment used in the operation of the business.
- Water quality and product safety tests from NABL-accredited labs.
- Updated List of Directors/Partners/Proprietors with their addresses, proof, and details of the business's key shareholders.
- Financial statements or certified documents to substantiate that the turnover of the business exceeds ₹20 crores. An
- Import/Export Certificate if the business is involved in international trade.
- Advanced Food Safety Management System Report.
- ISO, HACCP, or any other quality assurance certificates.
- No Objection Certificates (NOC) from the local bodies or regulatory authorities.
Step-by-Step Process for FSSAI License Application
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Depending on your operations, you will fall into one of three categories:
- Basic Registration: Turnover up to ₹12 lakh.
- State License: Turnover from ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore.
- Central License: Turnover above ₹20 crore or operates in multiple states, including importers and exporters.
Step 2: Gather Documents
Every type of FSSAI license has its own set of document requirements. Collect the documents as mentioned above.
Step 3: Register on the FoSCoS Portal
You can apply for an FSSAI license online at FoSCoS Portal. Register yourself by adding the basic details and log in to the portal by adding your credentials.
- After logging in, go to “Apply for New License/Registration.”
- Based on your annual turnover and business structure, choose the state of operation and the appropriate category.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Depending on your eligibility, you need to fill out one of the following:
- Form A: For basic registration.
- Form B: For state or central licenses.
Enter all the required details, such as your business name, address, contact details, list of food items, and operational timelines. Make sure the information is correct and matches the supporting documents. In the application form, you will be required to select the number of years for which you want the FSSAI license to remain valid. The license can be obtained for 1 to 5 years.
Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents
Once your form is completed, upload the required documents. These include identification proofs, address proofs, and any additional documents as per your license type.
Step 6: Fee Payment
Pay the applicable fee online. The fee structure is mentioned on the FoSCoS portal
| Application Type | Basic Registration | State Registration | Central Registration |
| New Application | ₹100 | Generally, varies between ₹2,000 and ₹7,500 per annum. | ₹7,500 |
| Renewal Application | ₹100 | MGenerally, varies between ₹2,000 and ₹7,500 per annum. | ₹7,500 |
| Modification of License and Certificate | ₹100 | Generally, varies between ₹2,000 and ₹7,500 per annum | ₹7,500 |
Step 7: Application Verification and Inspection
After you apply, FSSAI officials will verify it. For state and central licenses, a physical inspection of your premises might be conducted to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Step 8: Receive Your FSSAI License or Registration Certificate
Once approved, your FSSAI number is a 14-digit code that identifies your business and license — useful for spotting a fake number on a supplier's packaging or premises:
| Digits | Represents |
| Digit 1 | License type-indicates whether it's a Basic Registration or a State/Central License |
| Digits 2–3 | State code-the state where the license was issued |
| Digits 4–5 | Year of registration |
| Digits 6–14 | Unique registration/serial number assigned by the licensing authority |
You can verify any FSSAI number's current status active, expired, or invalid on the official FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in) rather than relying on the number's structure alone.
Step 9: Maintain Compliance and Renew on Time
After obtaining the License, it is important to monitor your business operations regularly to ensure compliance with the quality standards. Separately from renewing your license, most State and Central license holders manufacturers and importers in particular must file an FSSAI Annual Return each year. It's filed via Form D (Form D-1 for milk and milk products) through the FoSCoS portal, declaring the food products handled and quantities for the previous financial year, and it's due by 31 May. This is a distinct obligation from license renewal a business can be current on its license and still be non-compliant for missing the annual return. See our FSSAI Annual Return Filing service for help tracking or filing this separately. By law, your renewal application must be submitted at least 30 days before your license expiry date (Regulation 2.1.7(2)), miss this window and a late fee of ₹100 per day applies. In practice, we recommend starting the process 60–90 days ahead, since State and Central license renewals can involve inspections and document collection that take time to complete properly.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
According to Section 63 of the FSS Act, 2006, any food business operator found operating without a valid FSSAI license can have severe repercussions:
- Fines: Businesses operating without a valid license can incur fines up to ₹5 lakhs.
- Imprisonment:In severe cases of non-compliance, the FSS Act, 2006 also provides for imprisonment for a term that may extend to six months.
- Operational Disruptions: Authorities may order the suspension of operations or seize products until compliance is achieved.
- Reputational Damage: While reputational damage is not a statutory penalty like fines or imprisonment, negative publicity from non-compliance incidents can have long-term effects on your brand, affecting consumer trust and market position.
What Happens If a License Is Flagged After Issuance: Improvement Notice, Suspension, Cancellation
Holding a license doesn't end FSSAI's involvement non-compliance discovered during an inspection can still put it at risk. Under Section 32 of the FSS Act, if a Designated Officer finds a business isn't meeting food safety requirements, they issue an Improvement Notice specifying the defects and a period to fix them. If the business doesn't comply within that period, the license can be suspended; continued non-compliance, after being given an opportunity to show cause, can lead to cancellation. A business can appeal an Improvement Notice, suspension, or cancellation to the Commissioner of Food Safety within 15 days of the decision. If a license is cancelled, a fresh application is only possible after 3 months, and only once the original defects have been corrected.
Renewal of FSSAI License
FSSAI licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the type of license obtained. Operating a food business without a license can impact the operations of your business. Therefore, it is essential to apply for renewal before the expiry date.
Renewal Process
- Visit the FoSCoS Portal and log in with your login credentials
- After logging in, go to the Renewal and select “Apply for renewal of license/registration. Click on ‘Proceed’ to go ahead with the application.
- A Form B will be opened in which the following stages will be in editable/non-editable mode:
- Premises Details: Non-editable.
- Product Selection: Non-editable
- Documents: You need to upload
| License Type | Fee (Per Year) | Late Fee If Filed After the 30-Day Deadline |
| Basic Registration | ₹100 | ₹100/day |
| State License | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 (category-dependent) | ₹100/day |
| Central License | ₹7,500 | ₹100/day |
A license that lapses entirely (renewal not filed even after expiry) attracts steeper, tiered penalties under FSSAI's post-expiry renewal policy rather than the standard ₹100/day rate, worth a line noting that letting a license fully expire is materially more expensive than a short delay.
FSSAI Annual Return: Form D, Due 31 May
Separately from renewing your license, most State and Central license holders, manufacturers and importers in particular, must file an FSSAI Annual Return each year. It's filed via Form D (Form D-1 specifically for milk and milk products) through the FoSCoS portal, declaring the food products handled and quantities for the previous financial year, and it's due by 31 May. This is a distinct obligation from license renewal; a business can be current on its license and still be non-compliant for missing the annual return. For businesses that need help tracking or filing this separately, see our FSSAI Annual Return Filing service.
Why Choose Kanakkupillai for FSSAI License?
Applying for an FSSAI License may seem easy, but it can be tricky for businesses that handle multiple products or operate in several states. In such cases, Kankakkupillai is your go-to partner for an FSSAI license. We provide:
- Expertise in FSSAI Compliance: Kanakkupillai assists with all types of FSSAI licenses, such as Basic Registration, State License, and Central License. With our extensive experience, we ensure that your application for a license is filed accurately, in accordance with all applicable guidelines, and within the timeline.
- Simplified Filing Process: The FSSAI license involves meticulous documentation and adherence to deadlines. Kanakkupillai simplifies the licensing procedure by handling documentation, application filing, and follow-ups with authorities.
- Transparent and Competitive Pricing: We believe in clear and upfront pricing. Our FSSAI license services are offered at competitive rates, with a detailed breakdown of costs provided at the outset. No hidden fees! Only what is being told is offered!
Frequently asked questions
Every food business operator, small street vendor, restaurant, or large-scale manufacturer is required to obtain an FSSAI license or registration to operate legally in India.
Photo identification, proof of business address, business constitution certificates, layout plans of the premises, and additional certificates as required by the specific license category.
Running a food business without a valid FSSAI license can lead to heavy penalties, including fines and even imprisonment, aside from the loss of consumer trust and business disruption.
Yes, if your business operations or details change, you can submit a modification application via the FoSCoS portal.
Yes, if you submitted the renewal application before the license expiry date or have applied for modification, you can continue operations. It is advisable to keep a copy of the acknowledgment receipt as proof of application submission.
Yes, introducing new food products requires updating your FSSAI license to include the new items.
FSSAI licenses are non-transferable. If there is a change in ownership or business structure, the new entity must apply for a fresh FSSAI license.
You can track the status of your application by logging into the FoSCoS portal using your credentials and navigating to the "Track Applications" section.
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