Overview
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a government body which is responsible for the regulating and supervising process for food safety across the country. FSSAI registration is a mandatory obligation for all food-related businesses, including manufacturers, traders, restaurants, grocery shops, food processors, and importers. This registration ensures that the food sold to consumers is safe and adheres to quality standards as given under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Depending on the size and nature of the food business, FSSAI provides three types of licenses:
- Basic Registration – For small businesses with turnover up to ₹12 lakhs.
- State License – For medium-sized businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores.
- Central License – For large-scale operations, e-commerce food businesses or those involved in inter-state trade or import/export.
Why
FSSAI Registration is important for several reasons as follows: -
1. Legal Compliance
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 mandates that all food business operators (FBOs) must obtain an FSSAI license or registration before commencing operations. Failure to comply may result in legal penalties, fines, or even business closure.
2. Consumer Assurance & Brand Trust
The 14-digit FSSAI license number, when displayed on product labels or premises, it re-assures consumers about the food's safety and quality. It enhances brand credibility and boosts customer trust.
3. Hygiene and Safety Standards
Registration ensures that the business follows the essential food standards like proper sanitation, hygiene and operational standards as set by the FSSAI, reducing the risk of food contamination and public health hazards.
4. Business Expansion and Market Reach
An FSSAI license is often a prerequisite for partnering with e-commerce platforms, selling via supermarkets, or entering export markets. Many government tenders also require it.
5. Avoid Penalties and Legal Action
Operating food business without an FSSAI license can lead to penalties of up to ₹5 lakhs and even imprisonment for the severe violations. It's also important for the purpose of renewing local licenses and getting bank loans.
Process
Process of FSSAI registration involves following steps: -
Step 1: Determine the Type of License
Choose the appropriate category based on the annual turnover and type of food business:-
- Basic Registration – Turnover up to ₹12 lakhs
- State License – Turnover ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores
- Central License – Turnover above ₹20 crores or for import/export, large manufacturers, etc.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Gather all documents based on the type of license (see next section for details).
Step 3: File Application on FoSCoS Portal
- Visit the FoSCoS portal
- Create a login ID
- Choose Form A for Basic Registration or Form B for State/Central license
- Fill out business details like name, location, category, and product type
Step 4: Upload Documents and Pay Fee
Upload scanned documents in the required format and pay the government fee online using net banking, UPI, or cards.
Step 5: Application Scrutiny and Inspection
- The FSSAI authorities may scrutinize the documents.
- For State or Central licenses, an inspection of the food premises may be conducted to verify compliance.
Step 6: License Issuance
- Upon successful verification, the FSSAI license or registration certificate is issued.
- You will receive a 14-digit FSSAI license number which must be displayed at your business premises and on product packaging.
Documents
The registration process requires various documents. Here’s what you need: -
For Basic Registration (Small Businesses)
- Passport-sized photograph of the applicant/owner
- Valid government-issued ID proof (Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.)
- Proof of business address (Electricity bill, Rent Agreement, or NOC)
- Details of the food business (nature, type, and product category)
- Declaration of food safety compliance
For State License (Medium-sized Businesses)
- Completed and signed Form B
- Identity and address proof of the applicant/proprietor/partners
- Proof of business premises (Rent agreement/Lease deed/Ownership proof)
- Food Safety Management Plan (FSMP) or certificate
- Blueprint or layout of the processing unit
- List of food products to be handled
- Incorporation certificate (for companies)
- Partnership deed/MOA & AOA (for firms and companies)
- NOC from the local municipality or health department
- Water quality test report (for manufacturing businesses)
For Central License (Large Businesses, Importers, Exporters)
- All documents required under the State License
- Import Export Code (IEC), if dealing in import/export
- Certificate from the Ministry of Commerce (for exporters)
- Proof of turnover (Balance Sheet/Bank Statement/CA Certificate)
- Certificate of registration with any government authority (if applicable)
- Details of source of raw materials and end product
- Details of machinery and equipment (if manufacturing)
- List of directors/partners with address and contact details
- E-commerce food operators must apply under Central License regardless of turnover
Fees
| License Type | Government Fees (per year) |
Basic Registration | ₹100 |
State License | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000(varies depending on the type and scale of the food business, such as hotels, restaurants, dairy units, etc.) |
Central License | ₹7,500 |
Note: Professional/consultancy fees may apply if using a service provider.
Time
- Basic Registration: 7 – 10 working days
- State License: 15 – 20 working days
- Central License: 25 – 30 working days
Note: Timelines may vary depending on document completeness and government workload.
FAQs
Yes, FSSAI registration is compulsory even for small-scale or home-based food sellers. Whether you sell homemade products like pickles, snacks, cakes, or meals—offline or through platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Zomato, or Swiggy—you must obtain Basic FSSAI Registration if your annual turnover is less than ₹12 lakhs.
FSSAI licenses are issued for a validity period ranging between 1 to 5 years, depending on what you select during the application. You must apply for the renewal at least 30 days before the expiry to avoid penalties. Operating with an expired license is treated as non-compliance and can lead to legal consequences.
No. FSSAI registration is location-specific. Each food business location requires a separate license or registration, especially in the case of manufacturing units, retail outlets, or branches in different states. However, a Central License obtained from the head office may be required if the business operates in multiple states.
Running a food business without FSSAI registration is an illegal act under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. If caught, you may face:
- A penalty of up to ₹5 lakhs
- Imprisonment in severe cases
- Business closure or seizure of operations
It also damages the business’s reputation and credibility among customers.
Yes. In cases like the death of the license holder or transfer of business ownership, the FSSAI license can be transferred to the legal heir or new owner upon submission a formal request to the appropriate authority. Supporting documents such as a death certificate or legal transfer deed will be required.
Absolutely. Food importers must obtain a Central FSSAI License from the head office, as their operations involve cross-border trade. The license is also necessary for clearing consignments at ports, and without it, import shipments may be rejected or delayed by customs authorities.
Yes. Even if you are making food items at home like pickles, jams, snacks, or baked goods for local sale or delivery, FSSAI Basic Registration is required. If your turnover exceeds ₹12 lakhs, you will need a State License. This ensures safety compliance and builds trust among customers.
No. Online food delivery platforms like Zomato, Swiggy and Uber Eats mandate FSSAI registration for all vendors and restaurants. You must provide a valid 14-digit FSSAI license number during onboarding, which also needs to be displayed on the platform.
FSSAI licenses can be verified online through the FoSCoS portal.
Steps:
- Go to “FBO Search” or “License Number Search.”
- Enter the 14-digit FSSAI number.
- The portal will display license validity, status, type and business details
This ensures the license is genuine and active.
Yes, FSSAI licenses can be renewed before or after expiry, but with consequences:
- Renewal within the validity period or within 30 days of expiry is allowed with a nominal fee.
- If delayed, a late fee of ₹100 per day is charged.
- If not renewed within the grace period, the license becomes invalid, and a fresh application must be filed from scratch.
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