FSSAI State License for Restaurants and Manufacturers – Apply Online

Last Updated on September 10, 2026

Food restaurants, food manufacturers, food processors, repackers, caterers, warehouses and other food businesses must have the relevant FSSAI license in order to start business operations. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an authority that governs food businesses in terms of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.

However, as of 1st April 2026, the turnover-based classification will be updated. A food business having turnover between ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore will fall under a State License, whereas food businesses having turnover up to ₹1.5 crore will need FSSAI registration, and those having turnover above ₹50 crore will require a Central License. Some food businesses will need a Central License irrespective of turnover, depending upon their activities, location or business model. This guide covers the process of acquiring a State License of FSSAI for Restaurants and Manufacturers in India.

What is a FSSAI State License?

A FSSAI State License is an authorisation given by the concerned State or Union Territory Food Safety authority to a Food Business Operator (FBO). This authorisation allows the Food Business Operator to manufacture, process, store, distribute, sell or supply food in compliance with the provisions of the Food Safety & Standards Act and regulations.

As per the licensing regulations, a person shall not undertake or carry on any food business requiring a license without holding a valid FSSAI license. Businesses outside the ambit of the Central Licensing Authority shall normally be handled by the State or UT Licensing Authority.

The FSSAI State License applies to businesses such as:

• Restaurant and Dhaba
• Hotels, Clubs, Canteen
• Caterer & Food Services
• Food Manufacturer/ Processor
• Repacker/ Relabeller
• Food Warehousing/Cold Storage
• Retailers/ Wholesalers/ Distributors/ Suppliers of Food
• Transporters of Food
• Businesses involving Milk and milk products, provided they meet the criteria
• All other food businesses which are categorised to require State License on FoSCoS.

The concept of “State License” does not imply that the business can function all over India with one license. The application should correctly indicate the premises and nature of activity. The multi-State business operation could fall under the Central License.

Why is a FSSAI State License Important for Restaurants and Manufacturers?

A FSSAI license is mandatory for all eligible food businesses as per legislation. This enables the food safety body to keep track of the business, premises, food types, processes or handling and respective people.

This license might be necessary when dealing with:

• Customers or institutional buyers.
• Food delivery websites.
• Retailers, distributors or marketplaces.
• Banks, investors or commercial real estate owners.
• Government departments or procurement procedures.
• Business partners or supply chain customers.

An FSSAI license has something to do with hygiene, sanitation, food safety management and inspection. As per FSSAI, all food businesses licensed by the organisation should have an FSMS plan and follow relevant parts of Schedule 4.

Operating without a required license can result in prosecution, financial penalties, interruption of business, adverse inspection findings, suspension or cancellation of the license and reputational damage.

Talk to our team if you want to check whether your restaurant or manufacturing unit requires Registration, State License or Central License.

Who Needs an FSSAI State License in India?

Restaurant: A FSSAI State License is needed for a restaurant when it falls under the State License category, based on the business turnover. The categories of restaurants include dine-in restaurants, quick service restaurants, cafés, food courts, cloud kitchens, takeaway restaurants, and similar establishments.

The restaurant has to choose the appropriate category of business in FoSCoS. A restaurant will have to mention if it is involved in any other activities such as catering, food processing, packaging, and delivery.

Food Manufacturers & Processors: Manufacturers/processors need the FSSAI state license when the turnover of the business is within the applicable limit of the state license and activities fall under the state license activity list. The category includes those manufacturing/processing:

• Packaged foods.
• Bakery/confectionery products.
• Snacks and savoury products.
• Spices and masalas.
• Sauces, pickles, and ready-to-eat foods.
• Milk/dairy products, subject to applicable criteria.
• Meat/fish/poultry products, subject to applicable criteria.
• Other foods as per the food-category scheme of FoSCoS.
• Other food businesses

The State License may be required by:

• Repackers & Relabellers.
• Businesses engaged in food storage or warehousing.
• Wholesalers & Distributors.
• Food suppliers & food transporters.
• Caterers & Institutional Kitchens.
• Hotel/Club/Canteens.
• Retail Food Business.

Business organisations requiring Central License

It is not always that turnover is the sole determinant of the type of license. In the license structure, some large-capacity manufacturers, importers, 100% export-oriented firms, business firms operating in more than one State, and specified units under the Central Government would fall under the Central License.

Thus, the applicant should take into account the kind-of-business criteria using the FoSCoS eligibility test.

FSSAI License Categories and Turnover Limits 2026

Category	Turnover threshold	General position
FSSAI Registration	Up to ₹1.5 crore	Generally applicable to eligible small food businesses
FSSAI State License	Above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore	Generally applicable to eligible medium-sized food businesses
FSSAI Central License	Above ₹50 crore	Generally applicable to eligible larger businesses

These changes stem from the FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026 (notified 10 March 2026, published in the Gazette of India on 11 March 2026), with the revised turnover thresholds specifically set out in a separate FSSAI Order dated 13 March 2026. Pre-existing businesses will be allowed time to transition via FoSCoS where applicable. Turnover is not the sole criterion. The appropriate classification could also be based on the following:

• Nature of food business activity.
• Capacity of food production installed.
• Classification of the food and risk profile.
• Import/export operations.
• Business operates in multiple States.
• Whether the premises is an undertaking of the Central Government.
• Any special criteria for classification of a particular business notified by FSSAI.

Separately, street vendors registered under the Street Vendors Act, 2014 are now automatically deemed registered under FSSAI, removing a prior dual-compliance requirement.

Perpetual validity of license under 2026 regime

According to the FSSAI 2026 rule, licenses and registrations have perpetual validity unless the same is suspended, revoked, or surrendered by the business. There is no need for businesses to file renewal applications as per the previous validity system; however, they have to comply with the requirements related to hygiene, safety, inspection, etc.

If your turnover means you now fall into a different category under the revised thresholds for example, a business previously requiring a Central License (turnover between ₹20 crore and ₹50 crore under the old rules) now qualifying for a State License instead this migration is free, automatic, and doesn’t change your existing license number.

Businesses should nonetheless keep track of notifications in FoSCoS, fee requirements, changes, annual returns, and relevant regulatory changes.

Note: perpetual validity applies specifically to licenses and registrations applied for on or after 1 April 2026. A business whose existing license was due for renewal on or before 31 March 2026 followed the earlier 1-5 year renewal process for that cycle; the perpetual-validity benefit applies going forward from a fresh application under the new framework, not retroactively to every currently held license.

Requirements for an FSSAI State License

Basic requirements-

The applicant must generally have:

• A food business covered by the licensing requirement of FSSAI.
• Well-defined business premises.
• Selected the right category of business.
• Selected the right categories of food products/food activity.
• Proper and accurate business particulars.
• Fulfilled the relevant hygiene and sanitation requirements.
• FSMS Plan, wherever necessary.
• Paid the prescribed license fee.

Requirements for Restaurant-

The restaurant must be ready to give or have the following:

• Correct premises address.
• Information about the restaurant or the food service activity.
• Menu or food product information.
• Information about the process and storage of the food.
• Information about the source of water.
• Arrangements for hygiene and sanitation.
• Pest management and waste management.
• Information about the responsible person.
• Information about any local permission, where required by the State or local authority.

Requirements for Manufacturer-

The manufacturer may need to provide proof for:

• Proper premises and layout.
• Categories of food products/production capacity.
• Equipment and machinery.
• Use of potable water as an ingredient.
• Food safety & hygiene controls.
• Technical supervision, wherever required.
• Sources of raw materials.
• Recall arrangement, wherever required.

FSMS and Schedule 4

Under FSSAI, all licensed food businesses should have an FSMS plan documented along with complying with Schedule 4 requirements that are applicable to the type of business being run. FSSAI has different parts under Schedule 4 for manufacturing, milk & milk products, slaughterhouses and meat processing, and catering services.

Documents Required for an FSSAI State License

Depending upon the type of business selected at FoSCoS, the document requirement list will differ. Below is the checklist that has been prepared as per the requirements of FSSAI licensing and the FoSCoS document requirement list.

General documents:

• Form B duly completed and signed.
• Photograph and identity proof issued by the government of the proprietor/partners/directors/authenticated signatory.
• Evidence of ownership of the premise like sale deed/rent agreement/lease deed/electricity bill.
• Constitution document like partnership deed/memorandum and articles of association/incorporation documents etc., as appropriate.
• Product list or food category.
• Declaration of compliance, self-attested.
• FSMS plan/certificate, if any.
• Authority letter with name of responsible person, if any.
• NOC from local authority/municipality, if any, as per the particular business and State.

Additional documents for restaurants and catering establishments:

• Layout of premises/kitchen, if necessary.
• Description of kitchen, storage and food processing areas.
• Details of the water source.
• Plan for food safety and hygiene.
• Details about the person responsible for compliance.
• Details of any outsourced food processing, storage or transport, if any.
• Permissions that might be needed according to the applicable local laws, if any.

Additional documents for manufacturers:

• Drawing/Layout plan of the processing unit with its dimensions and allocation of area.
• List of the equipment/machinery along with its installed capacity/horse power, if necessary.
• List of food items/food categories which will be processed.
• Report of water analysis done by a recognised or Public health laboratory when water is used as an ingredient.
• Authority letter mentioning the responsible person and alternate responsible person.
• Source of raw material.
• Food Safety Management System plan/certificate.
• Recall plan if necessary.
• Permission letter of the Pollution Control Board/local body, if necessary.
• Details of the technical person with his qualifications.
• Worker’s Medical fitness certificate for renewal/other purposes as applicable.
• Special documents for dairy, meat, packaged drinking water, relabeling or other regulated activities.

Need help with documentation? Get expert assistance in organising your premises proof, product list, layout, FSMS documents and supporting declarations.

How to Apply for an FSSAI State License Online?

1. Gathering Business Information

Before starting the application process, gather the following business information:

• Legal name and constitution of the business.
• Business and premises address.
• Nature of the food activity.
• Food categories and products.
• Production/Storage/Handling capacity.
• Turnover per annum.
• Person responsible for compliance with food-safety regulations.
• Water source and relevant information.

2. Creating or accessing a FoSCoS account

Visit the official FoSCoS website and use the function to apply for a new license or registration. Please note that you need to use an official FSSAI portal and not some unofficial website.

3. Choosing the State License category

Using the eligibility tool, choose the State or UT, premises and type of business you are applying for. A restaurant and a food manufacturer will have different document requirements.

4. Completing Form B

Provide the following information in Form B:

• Applicant or entity details.
• Registered and Operational Address.
• Type of business.
• Food products and categories.
• Production/Handling capacity.
• Details of Responsible Person.
• Water and Electricity Details (if required).
• Period or fee information shown on the portal.

5. Submit supporting documents

Upload the documents as per the required format and size specified in FoSCoS. Make sure that the information provided in the application form is consistent with the documents.

6. Payment of government fee

Payment of the required fees shall be made online via the facility provided in FoSCoS. Make sure you save the receipt of the transaction.

7. Application submission

Submit the application along with noting down the reference number of your application. This will help you in case of any communication.

8. Response to scrutiny queries

The Licensing Authority may ask for additional documents and/or information. As per the licensing norms, non-response to the request of additional documents and/or information may result in rejection.

9. Inspection, if needed

There may be a need for conducting inspection of the premises by the licensing authority. Make sure that restaurants and manufacturers have their premises and documents ready.

Under the 2026 reforms, inspection frequency is now driven by risk profile and compliance history rather than a fixed calendar. A business with a clean compliance record can expect fewer routine inspections over time, while higher-risk categories or a history of non-compliance may see more frequent checks.

10. Obtain and display the license

As and when approved, the license is issued in the prescribed format by the FSSAI. This should be displayed at the premises as per the terms of the license.

11. Undertake post-approval tasks

Post-approval:

• Check the business name, premises, operations and food types.
• Put up the license.
• Comply with the relevant Schedule 4 provisions.
• Keep records about food safety and operations.
• Make an application for modification before undertaking any material alteration.
• Submit annual returns where necessary.
• Watch for notices from FoSCoS and FSSAI.

Want error-free filing support? Speak to our team before submitting the application.

FSSAI State License Fees and Government Charges

Government Fee

The government fee depends on the fee schedule, business operations, and type of license. Documents related to eligibility and fee collection of FoSCoS indicate that the fees may vary depending on the business category. The official portal must be considered the ultimate source of the payable amount at the time of applying.

Several official FSSAI documents mention varied fees applicable to different business categories, including manufacturing and food service businesses. This means mentioning a single fee amount for all restaurants and manufacturers might not be right.

Professional Fee

In case there is appointment of a consultant or professional by the firm, the professional fee will be different from the government license fee. It will depend upon the following:

• Number of premises.
• Number of product types or food types.
• Complexity of manufacturing process.
• Requirement of layout, FSMS or other technical documents.
• Requirement for inspection and/or answering any queries raised by the authority.
• Requirement of modification or correction.

Factors that can affect total cost-

Total cost will depend upon the following:

• Government license fee.
• Number of years or fee period chosen, where a facility exists in the portal for making payments.
• Laboratory testing.
• Professional fees.
• Document preparation in technical or FSMS form.
• Local permissions/ NOCs.
• Modification of license.

FSSAI Compliance Requirements After License Approval

Acquiring the license does not end the process of compliance. The licensee must ensure that it meets the conditions of the license and other food safety requirements.

1. Display of the license – There must be an actual copy of the license displayed visibly at the premises.
2. Adherence to hygiene and sanitation requirements – The restaurant and catering companies should adhere to the Schedule 4 requirements related to catering. Other businesses such as manufacturers, processors, packers, storage and distribution businesses should adhere to the relevant requirements depending on their activities. According to FSSAI, Schedule 4 is the model for the implementation of GMPs and GHPs.
3. FSMS plan – A licensed FBO is expected to develop and implement an FSMS plan in line with the risks involved in the respective activity.
4. Records- Depending on the activity, records may include the following:

• Daily production records
• Records of raw material receipts and use
• Sanitation and cleaning records
• Pest control records
• Temperature records
• Water testing records
• Food testing reports
• Training and medical records
• Complaint and recall records
• Supplier and traceability records

Annual Returns to be filed where necessary- The licensed food business establishments which are expected to make their annual returns are usually obliged to file Form D-1 until 31 May in regard to the last fiscal year. The manufacturers and importers have certain annual-return filing obligations, as well as some obligations for filing half-yearly returns for milk and milk products business establishments. According to the FSSAI’s FoSCoS documentation, the annual return filings and the penalties for such actions can be important before any renewal.

FSSAI License Modification and Business Changes

A business should modify its FSSAI license before making changes in:

• Product lines.
• Business operations.
• Production capacity.
• Floor plan.
• Responsible individual.
• Addition of a new unit or closing of an existing one.

The licensing regime requires that the authority be notified of any changes or modifications made to the license as it is issued.

While the 2026 amendments make the license perpetual, it can be suspended or revoked due to non-compliance. Businesses need to maintain hygiene, safety, record-keeping, returns, among others.

FSSAI Penalty for Non-Compliance

Working without necessary licenses – Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 states that if the operator of a food business required to take out a license does not have one, he/she could face:

• Imprisonment up to six months.
• Fines up to ₹5 lakh.
• Other penalties may include:
• Improvement orders
• Suspension of FSSAI license.
• Cancelling the license.
• Inspection and sample actions.
• Seizure and recall of products.
• Penalties under other sections of the food safety law.
• Disruption of business operations and damage to reputation.

Late Returns – If there is any delay in submitting the return as per the requirement, then the penalty will be ₹100 per day, subject to the statutory limitation.

Incorrect Information -Misleading documents, false declaration or incorrect product category may lead to rejection of the application, regulatory action and even cancellation of the license.

Get rid of delays and non-compliance through professional assistance in filing, reviewing and post-approval compliance.  Talk with our team!

Benefits of an FSSAI State License for Businesses

• Aids the business in fulfilling the legal food safety license requirement.
• Aids in recognising the food business and facility officially.
• Aids in conducting transparent transactions with consumers.
• Inculcates structured methods of hygiene and food safety.
• Prepares the business for inspection and auditing processes.
• Aids in expanding into institutions, retail, and online marketplaces.
• Enhances traceability of the food business operations and products.
• Eliminates the chances of working without proper clearance.
• Aids in maintaining a structured compliance record of the business.

FSSAI State License: Practical Scenario

A food producer based in Maharashtra manufactures snacks that are packed and distributed to the retailer. The annual turnover of the company is ₹8 crore, and the firm has operations from a single manufacturing premise.

Since the annual turnover is more than ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore, this business would fall under a State License under the new 2026 criteria, assuming that none of the specific criteria of a Central License is met.

Before filing for the license, the manufacturer should do the following:

• Ascertain the proper classification of business on FoSCoS.
• Get the premises proof and layout plans.
• List out all food products with the relevant categories.
• List all equipment and production capacity information.
• Prepare a water analysis report, if required (if water is used as an ingredient).
• Prepare FSMS plan.
• Ascertain the responsible person.
• File Form B and attach relevant documents.
• Keep the premises ready for inspection.
• Maintain the production, raw material, hygiene and testing records post approval.

How Kanakkupillai Can Help You with FSSAI Registration?

1. Eligibility Assessment – The expert at Kanakkupillai can assess your restaurant or manufacturing activity, turnover, premises, and operational structure and check whether you need to get either FSSAI Registration, State License or Central License.
2. Document Collection – We will be able to help organise identity proof, premises documents, constitution documents, product information, layout plans, machinery list, water testing report and any other relevant documents.
3. FoSCoS Application Assistance – We can help you fill out the online FoSCoS application, pick the right kind of business and enter food category and premises information.
4. Application Assessment – We can evaluate your application and documents for possible errors, contradictions and other issues.
5. Queries and Inspections Assistance – Our team can help you answer any query that may come up while filling out the application form and also guide you on preparing for the premises inspection.
6. After-License Compliance Assistance – Kanakkupillai can help you with display of the license, modification of the business information, maintenance of the food safety records, etc.

Conclusion

Restaurant owners and manufacturers are advised to first know their FSSAI category before they start or expand their business. As of 1st April 2026, all businesses that earn income between ₹1.5 crore and ₹50 crore fall under State License classification, depending on the nature of their activities.

Filing can be done using the FoSCoS portal, but getting approval is just one step towards compliance. Hygiene maintenance, FSMS documents, records, returns, and license information need to be maintained.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is an FSSAI State License mandatory for restaurants and manufacturers?

It is mandatory when the restaurant or manufacturer falls within a category requiring a license under the applicable FSSAI rules. A business with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore may generally require FSSAI Registration, while a business above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore may generally require a State License from 1 April 2026. Activity-specific Central License criteria can also apply.

2. Who can apply for an FSSAI State License?

A proprietor, partnership, company, LLP, cooperative, trust or other eligible business entity operating a food business may apply through FoSCoS. The applicant must provide accurate business, premises, food-category and responsible-person details.

3. What documents are needed for an FSSAI State License?

Common documents include Form B, identity and address proof, premises possession proof, constitution documents, food-category details, an FSMS plan or declaration where applicable and supporting documents for the selected kind of business. Manufacturers may additionally need a layout plan, machinery list, water analysis report, product list, technical-person details, recall plan and applicable NOCs.

4. How much time does an FSSAI State License take?

The time depends on document completeness, scrutiny, inspection and the applicant’s response to queries. The licensing regulations provide a processing framework that generally refers to issuance within 60 days from the application ID, subject to the prescribed procedure and circumstances.

5. What is the penalty for operating without an FSSAI license?

Under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, a person or FBO required to obtain a license but operating without one may face imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to ₹5 lakh.

6. Can an FSSAI State License be applied for online?

Yes. Applications are filed online through the official FoSCoS portal. Applicants can select the relevant business category, complete Form B, upload documents, pay the applicable fee and track the application online.