Apply FSSAI License Online
Get your FSSAI State License online with expert assistance. Check your 2026 eligibility, prepare the required documents and complete your FoSCoS application accurately for hassle-free food business compliance. ^2026 Eligibility: Generally applicable to eligible food businesses with annual turnover above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore, subject to the nature of the business and applicable FSSAI criteria.
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FSSAI State License-Quick Overview
Get a quick overview of FSSAI State License eligibility, fees, documents, validity, application process and key updates.
| Particulars | Details |
| What is FSSAI State License? | A food safety licence for eligible food businesses operating under the State License category. |
| Turnover Eligibility | TGenerally more than ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore annually from 1 April 2026, subject to business activity and applicable criteria. |
| Application Portal | FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) |
| Issuing Authority | State Food Safety Department / Licensing Authority |
| Application Form | Form B |
| Validity | TFSSAI introduced perpetual validity for registrations and licences, subject to applicable compliance and regulatory conditions. |
| Government Fee | Varies depending on the type of food business and licence category. |
| Main Documents | ID/address proof, business premises proof, business details, food product/activity details and other documents applicable to the business. |
| Application Process | Apply online through FoSCoS → Select State License → Submit details and documents → Pay applicable fee → Verification/inspection, where required → Licence issuance. |
| Annual Compliance | Applicable businesses must meet required food-safety and reporting obligations and keep licence details updated. |
| Modification | Licence details should be modified when there are relevant changes to the business, premises, products or other registered information. |
| Who Needs It? | Food businesses that fall within the State License category based on turnover, business activity and applicable FSSAI criteria. |
| Key 2026 Update | Revised turnover thresholds and the shift towards perpetual FSSAI licence validity from 1 April 2026. |
| Penalty for Non-Compliance | Operating without the required FSSAI licence or violating food-safety requirements may attract penalties and regulatory action. |
FSSAI State License in India:
Running a food business comes with more than just managing customers, suppliers and daily operations. You also need to make sure your business meets the food-safety requirements that apply to your activity and scale. For many growing food businesses, that means obtaining an FSSAI State License. From 1 April 2026, FSSAI introduced revised turnover thresholds and major changes to the licensing framework. Under the new threshold structure, eligible food businesses with an annual turnover of more than ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore generally fall within the State License category, subject to the specific nature of the business and applicable licensing criteria.
One of the biggest changes in 2026 is the move towards perpetual validity of FSSAI registrations and licences. This changes the way businesses need to think about the traditional “FSSAI renewal” process. Instead of simply waiting for an expiry date, food business operators should focus on keeping their licence details accurate, completing applicable compliance requirements and making timely modifications when their business changes. In this guide, we explain FSSAI State License eligibility, documents, government fees, application process through FoSCoS, validity, modification, annual compliance, penalties, common mistakes and the latest 2026 FSSAI updates. Whether you are starting a new food business or already operating with an FSSAI licence, this guide will help you understand what the current rules mean for your business.
What Is an FSSAI State License?
An FSSAI State License is a food safety license issued by the State Licensing Authority of the state where a food business operates. It certifies that a food business meets the hygiene, safety, and quality standards laid down under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the FSS Licensing and Registration Regulations, 2011.
It sits in the middle tier of India's three-tier FSSAI licensing structure - between the low-cost Basic Registration for very small operators and the Central License required for large or multi-state businesses. Since the 2026 amendment, the State License applies to food businesses with an annual turnover of above Rs. 1.5 crore and up to Rs. 50 crore, operating within a single state.
Who Needs an FSSAI State License?
You are required to apply for a State License if your business falls into any of these categories and crosses the Rs. 1.5 crore turnover mark:
- Medium-scale food manufacturers, processors, packers, and re-packers
- Food storage units, warehouses, and cold-chain facilities
- Food transporters and distributors operating within one state
- Restaurants, catering businesses, and cloud kitchens with significant turnover
- Wholesalers, retail chains, and food marketing companies
- Hotels, dhabas, and clubs serving food at scale
- Importers and exporters operating strictly within a single state's supply chain
If your turnover is below Rs. 1.5 crore, Basic Registration is enough. If it exceeds Rs. 50 crore, or your business operates in more than one state, you need a Central License instead.
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. |
Documents Required to Apply for an FSSAI License
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 a Partnership Deed or a 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
- IEC 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 Obtaining an FSSAI License Online
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.
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 your application is approved, you will receive a 14-digit registration or license number. This certificate must be displayed on your business premises and on all food packaging.
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: The FSS Act, 2006, also provides for imprisonment for a term that may extend to six months in severe cases of non-compliance.
- 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.
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.
Food Safety Display Board (FSDB) Requirement
Beyond printing your 14-digit number on packaging, FSSAI regulations require displaying your license/registration number prominently at your business premises. Many license categories are additionally expected to display a Food Safety Display Board (FSDB) a board covering food safety practices, hygiene information, and the license number together at a location visible to customers and inspectors. This is a separate, often-overlooked requirement from simply printing the number on packaging, and it's checked during routine inspections.
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.
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
- If you apply for renewal of the license 90 days before its expiration, no fine will be charged. You will be required to pay only the ‘Renewal fees’
- FSSAI official will check your application and download the renewed license
| 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 |
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 offered what is being told!
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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