FSSAI Registration and Food Licence: Basic, State and Central
Find out which FSSAI registration or licence your food business needs and get the application filed on FoSCoS with the right papers.
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FSSAI registration is the permission every food business operator in India needs from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India before making, storing, distributing, importing or selling food. It applies to restaurants, cloud kitchens, caterers, home food businesses, manufacturers, traders, importers and online food sellers. There are three tiers, namely basic registration, state licence and central licence, and the tier depends on the kind of activity, the scale of operations and in some cases the number of locations. Our team identifies the correct tier, prepares the application for the FoSCoS portal, collects supporting documents and follows the file until the certificate is issued.
Who provides this service: our team of Company Secretaries and compliance specialists.
Who Needs FSSAI Registration?
- Restaurants, cafes, cloud kitchens and caterers
- Home bakers, tiffin services and small food makers selling directly or through delivery apps
- Manufacturers, processors, packers and repackers of food products
- Retailers, wholesalers, warehouses and distributors who store or trade packaged food
- Importers and e-commerce sellers of food products
Key Benefits
- The right tier identified from your activity, scale and locations, so you do not apply under the wrong category
- Application prepared on the FoSCoS portal with food categories mapped to the products you actually handle
- Guidance on how the licence number and certificate must be shown at premises, on invoices and on food labels
- Support with the food safety plan and hygiene records that licence applications and inspections ask for
- A clear view of validity options and renewal timing, so the licence does not lapse unnoticed
- One coordinator for multi-location or multi-activity businesses that need a separate licence for each premises
How It Works
Map your activity and scale
We list what you make, store, sell or import, where and at what scale, then match it to the FSSAI criteria to decide between basic registration, a state licence and a central licence.
Prepare the document set
Identity, premises proof, the product list, partnership or company papers and, for manufacturing, items such as layout and water analysis are collected and checked so the application is not returned with avoidable queries.
File on the FoSCoS portal
We use your FoSCoS account, select the food categories and kind of business, upload documents, choose the validity period and pay the government fee through the portal before submitting the application.
Respond to authority queries
The licensing authority may raise queries or ask for clarifications on categories, premises or documents. We prepare the replies and corrected papers so the application keeps moving instead of stalling.
Prepare for inspection where required
For licences, the authority may order an inspection of the premises. We brief you on hygiene, layout, pest control, record keeping and staff health practices that inspectors usually look at.
Receive and display the certificate
Once approved, you receive the registration or licence certificate with its number. We explain where to display it, how to print the number on invoices and packaging, and when renewal falls due.
Documents Required
- Photo identity and address proof of the applicant, proprietor, partner or authorised person
- Passport-size photograph of the applicant
- Proof of the right to use the premises, such as ownership papers or a rent agreement
- List of food products or categories to be handled
- Partnership deed, certificate of incorporation or other constitution documents, as applicable
- Layout or plan of the processing area, for licence applications that need it
- Water analysis report and list of equipment, for manufacturing and processing units
- Food safety management plan and nomination of the responsible person, where applicable
- Municipal, panchayat or other local no-objection papers, if the authority asks for them
Timeline and Fees
Indicative timeline: Indicative range of a few days for simple basic registrations to a few weeks for state or central licences. It depends on the licensing authority, any queries raised and whether an inspection is ordered.
Professional fee: The government fee depends on the licence tier, the nature of the business and the validity period chosen, and is paid on the portal at actuals. Our professional fee depends on the number of premises, food categories and documents to prepare. Contact our team for a written quote.
What Can Go Wrong if This Is Missed or Done Incorrectly
- Operating without the required registration or licence can lead to action by food safety authorities, including closure of the business
- Marketplaces and delivery platforms can refuse to onboard or can delist sellers who cannot show a valid FSSAI number
- Choosing the wrong tier or category may lead to rejection, or to a licence that does not cover what you actually sell
- Letting the licence expire can bring late fees and a gap in lawful operation
- Missing display or labelling requirements can draw notices during inspections
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs an FSSAI licence in India?
Any person or business that manufactures, processes, stores, distributes, sells or imports food needs registration or a licence. That includes restaurants, caterers, home food sellers, retailers and online sellers of food. Very small operators fall under basic registration, while larger or multi-state businesses need a state or central licence.
What is the difference between basic registration, state licence and central licence?
Basic registration is for the smallest food businesses, the state licence is for mid-sized operators dealing with state authorities, and the central licence covers large operations such as importers, certain manufacturers and businesses working across states. FSSAI sets the criteria, so we check the current ones before filing.
Can I run a home kitchen or bakery with FSSAI registration?
A home food business generally needs registration or a licence just like any other food business, and the tier depends on the type of food and the scale of sales. Hygiene and premises conditions still apply, and delivery apps usually ask for your FSSAI number before listing you.
How long is an FSSAI licence valid and when should I renew?
You can usually choose a validity between one and five years when applying, and the fee depends on the period selected. Renewal should be filed before expiry, and late renewal can carry a late fee, so it is sensible to track the date from the day the certificate arrives.
Do I need FSSAI registration to sell food online?
Yes. Sellers of food online, including home chefs and brands listing on marketplaces and delivery apps, need their own FSSAI number, and platforms generally ask for it before onboarding. Platforms that act as food business operators have their own obligations in addition to the seller's.
What should I do if my FSSAI application is returned or rejected?
Read the remarks on FoSCoS, correct the documents or category details and reply within the time allowed. Common causes are a wrong food category, premises proof that does not match the applicant's name and incomplete layout details. Our team can prepare the reply and resubmit the application.
Official Sources
Rules, forms and fees change. Check the current position on the official portal:
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Last reviewed: . Laws, fees and procedures change; check the official portal before you act.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, tax or compliance advice. Requirements vary by situation. Please consult a qualified CA or CS for advice specific to your needs. Government fees and timelines are subject to change; verify with the relevant authority before proceeding.