TL;DR: Every food business in India — from a home baker to a large manufacturer — needs FSSAI registration or a licence under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. There are three levels: Basic Registration (turnover below ₹12 lakh), State Licence (₹12 lakh–₹20 crore) and Central Licence (above ₹20 crore, or manufacturers/importers). Applications are filed on the FoSCoS portal. Operating without FSSAI can attract penalties up to ₹5 lakh.
Food safety is regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Every food business operator (FBO) in India must be registered or licensed with FSSAI before commencing business — this includes everyone from a home cook selling food online to a large food manufacturer.
What is FSSAI?
FSSAI (pronounced "Fassai") stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 with the mandate to regulate and supervise the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food to ensure safe and wholesome food for human consumption.
FSSAI sets food safety standards, issues registrations and licences to food businesses, conducts inspections and testing, and takes enforcement action against violations.
Who Needs FSSAI Registration or Licence?
Every person or entity that is a Food Business Operator (FBO) is required to obtain FSSAI registration or licence. FBOs include:
| Type of Food Business | Typically Requires |
|---|---|
| Restaurants, cafes, dhabas | State Licence or Basic Registration |
| Cloud kitchens and home-based food businesses | Basic Registration (if small) or State Licence |
| Caterers and food stalls | Basic Registration or State Licence |
| Retail food shops and grocery stores | Basic Registration or State Licence |
| Food manufacturers and processors | State or Central Licence |
| Food importers and exporters | Central Licence |
| E-commerce food platforms | Central Licence |
| Cold storage and warehouses for food | State or Central Licence |
| Hotels and hospitality businesses | State Licence |
| Dairy units | State or Central Licence |
| Slaughterhouses | State or Central Licence |
| Packaged food brands and private labels | State or Central Licence |
Essentially, if your business handles food in any capacity — selling, processing, storing or transporting it — you need FSSAI authorisation.
Three Levels of FSSAI Registration and Licence
Level 1 — FSSAI Basic Registration
Applicable to: Very small food businesses with annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh
Basic Registration is the simplest level, designed for petty food manufacturers, small retailers, hawkers, temporary stall holders and very small-scale home-based food businesses.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Turnover up to ₹12 lakh per year |
| Form | Form A |
| Government fee | Approximately ₹100 per year |
| Validity | 1 year (annual renewal required) |
| Authority | Designated Officer at the district or municipal level |
| Registration certificate issued within | 7 working days (typically) |
Under Basic Registration, FSSAI issues a 14-digit registration number. The registration number and the FSSAI logo must be displayed at the business premises.
Level 2 — FSSAI State Licence
Applicable to: Food businesses with annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore, and certain other categories such as:
- Processors and manufacturers whose production capacity falls below the threshold for Central Licence
- Hotels with turnover below ₹20 crore
- Restaurants, cloud kitchens and caterers above the Basic Registration threshold
- Retailers and distributors in the applicable turnover range
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Turnover ₹12 lakh–₹20 crore (or category-specific) |
| Form | Form B |
| Government fee | Varies by category and state (typically ₹2,000–₹5,000 per year) |
| Validity | 1 to 5 years (applicant's choice) |
| Authority | Designated Officer at the State Food Safety Department |
| Processing time | Approximately 30–45 days |
Level 3 — FSSAI Central Licence
Applicable to: Large food businesses and specific categories regardless of turnover:
- Annual turnover above ₹20 crore
- Food manufacturers and processors with production capacity above prescribed limits
- Importers and exporters of food (Central Licence is mandatory regardless of turnover)
- Food businesses operating in multiple states (one licence from the Central authority covers all states)
- Operators of central or state government canteens
- E-commerce food businesses
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Turnover above ₹20 crore, importers, exporters, multi-state operators |
| Form | Form B |
| Government fee | Varies by category (typically ₹7,500–₹10,000 per year) |
| Validity | 1 to 5 years (applicant's choice) |
| Authority | Central Licensing Authority, FSSAI |
| Processing time | 30–60 days |
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration/Licence
The required documents vary by the level of registration and category of food business. A general list:
| Document | Basic Registration | State/Central Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Identity proof of the applicant | Required | Required |
| Address proof of the applicant | Required | Required |
| Proof of business address (rental agreement, utility bill) | Required | Required |
| PAN of the entity/applicant | Required | Required |
| Food safety management plan | Not required | Required |
| List of food products to be manufactured/sold | Required | Required |
| Blueprint/layout of the processing premises | Not required | Required for manufacturers |
| List of equipment and machinery | Not required | Required for manufacturers |
| NOC from local authority/panchayat | May be required | May be required |
| Partnership deed / Incorporation Certificate | Required for companies/LLPs | Required |
| Authority letter (for authorised signatory) | Required for companies | Required |
| Source of water supply details | Not required | Required for manufacturers |
| Certificate from fire department | Not required | May be required |
| Import Export Code (IEC) | Not applicable | Required for importers/exporters |
Application Process on FoSCoS Portal
FSSAI applications are made on the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in. The portal replaced the earlier FLRS system.
Step 1 — Register on FoSCoS
Create an account on foscos.fssai.gov.in using your mobile number and email. For businesses already registered on the older FLRS system, existing credentials may still work.
Step 2 — Select the Appropriate Licence Type
Based on your annual turnover, location and category of food business, select:
- Basic Registration (Form A)
- State Licence (Form B — State)
- Central Licence (Form B — Central)
If you are unsure which type applies to your business, FoSCoS provides guidance based on the category of food business selected.
Step 3 — Fill the Application Form
Provide:
- Business name, address and contact details
- Type of food business activity (manufacturing, trading, restaurant, import/export etc.)
- Food products handled (from the FSSAI list of food categories)
- Premises details
- Owner/director/proprietor details with identity and address proof
- Details of equipment and machinery (for manufacturers)
Step 4 — Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of the required documents in the prescribed format (usually PDF, JPEG, within the size limit specified on the portal).
Step 5 — Pay the Application Fee
Pay the applicable government fee online through the FoSCoS portal. Fee amounts depend on the licence type, category and duration (1–5 years for licences).
Step 6 — Submit the Application
On submission, a reference number is generated. For Basic Registration, approval may come automatically or after a brief inspection. For State and Central Licences, the application is scrutinised by the designated officer, who may conduct an inspection of the premises before granting the licence.
Step 7 — Receive Registration/Licence Certificate
On approval, the FSSAI registration or licence certificate is issued digitally and can be downloaded from the FoSCoS portal.
FSSAI Renewal
| Level | Renewal Frequency | When to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Every year | At least 30 days before expiry |
| State Licence | Every 1–5 years (as chosen) | At least 30 days before expiry |
| Central Licence | Every 1–5 years (as chosen) | At least 30 days before expiry |
Renewal applications must be filed before the expiry date. Operating with an expired registration or licence is treated as operating without a licence, attracting the same penalties.
If a renewal application is filed before expiry, the licence remains valid until the renewal application is decided (even if the decision takes time after the expiry date).
Display Requirements
FSSAI requires that:
- The FSSAI registration/licence number is displayed prominently at the business premises (on a board or signage)
- The FSSAI logo is displayed
- For packaged food, the FSSAI licence number must be printed on every package label
Failure to display the FSSAI number at the premises or on packaging is an offence under the FSS Act.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
| Violation | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|
| Operating without FSSAI registration/licence | Up to ₹5 lakh |
| Manufacturing, selling or importing substandard food | Fine based on nature and extent of violation |
| Manufacturing or selling unsafe food | Up to ₹10 lakh + imprisonment |
| Selling food not complying with labelling requirements | Up to ₹2 lakh |
| False information in application | Cancellation of licence + fine |
| Obstructing food safety officer | Up to ₹5 lakh |
The FSS Act also provides for criminal prosecution for serious violations involving adulteration, unsafe food causing grievous hurt or death.
Special Categories — What You Should Know
Cloud Kitchens and Home-Based Food Businesses
Cloud kitchens (cooking facilities without a dine-in area, selling through food delivery platforms) and home-based food businesses must obtain FSSAI registration or licence like any other food business. Online delivery does not exempt a food business from FSSAI requirements.
Food Delivery Aggregators (Swiggy, Zomato etc.)
Food delivery aggregators are themselves required to hold a Central Licence as "e-commerce food business operators". However, the restaurants and cloud kitchens listed on these platforms must also independently hold their own FSSAI authorisation.
Importers of Food
All food importers require a Central Licence from FSSAI regardless of their turnover. The licence is linked to the Import Export Code (IEC) and is required for customs clearance of food imports.
To start your FSSAI registration or licence application, India Comply can help identify the correct level of authorisation and prepare your documentation.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. FSSAI regulations, fee structures and procedures are subject to change. Consult a food safety consultant or qualified professional for advice specific to your food business.
India Comply assists food businesses with FSSAI registration, licence applications and renewals across all categories. Contact us to get your FSSAI licence in order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is required to obtain FSSAI registration or licence in India?
Every person or entity involved in the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, import or export of food articles, food ingredients or food additives in India is required to obtain FSSAI registration or licence under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This includes restaurants, cloud kitchens, caterers, food manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers and online food delivery platforms.
What is the difference between FSSAI Basic Registration, State Licence and Central Licence?
Basic Registration applies to small food businesses with annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh. State Licence applies to businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore and to certain categories in specific states. Central Licence is required for businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore, food manufacturers and processors at a large scale, importers, exporters, and food business operators with units in multiple states.
How long does it take to get FSSAI registration or licence?
FSSAI Basic Registration is usually processed within 7 days of application. State Licence processing takes approximately 30–45 days. Central Licence takes 30–60 days. Timelines can vary based on the category of food business, documentation accuracy and the workload of the FSSAI licensing authority.
What is the validity and renewal period for FSSAI registration and licence?
FSSAI Basic Registration is valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually. FSSAI State and Central Licences can be obtained for a period of 1 to 5 years (applicant's choice), and must be renewed before expiry. Applications for renewal must be filed at least 30 days before the licence expiry date.
What is the penalty for operating a food business without FSSAI registration or licence?
Operating a food business without obtaining the requisite FSSAI registration or licence can attract a penalty of up to ₹5 lakh under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Repeated or serious violations involving food adulteration, unsafe food or misrepresentation can attract criminal prosecution and higher penalties, including imprisonment.