FSSAI License: Registration Process, Documents, Fees and Online Application Guide
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- FSSAI license is mandatory for every food business in India, including restaurants, cloud kitchens, traders, manufacturers, and distributors
- There are three types: Basic Registration (turnover up to ₹12 lakh), State License (up to ₹20 crore), and Central License (above ₹20 crore)
- Apply for a food licence online through the official FoSCoS portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in
- The FSSAI certificate is a 14-digit number that must be displayed at your place of business and printed on all food packages
- Non-compliance penalties range from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh, depending on the violation
Introduction
If you run a restaurant, a sweet shop, a cloud kitchen, or any food-related business in India, the FSSAI license is not optional. It is a legal requirement under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Without a valid FSSAI registration, your food business cannot legally operate, and you risk heavy penalties and closure.
FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is a government body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare that regulates the entire food business in India. This guide explains what FSSAI registration is, the types of food licences available, documents required, fee structure, and how to complete the food licence application process online.
What is FSSAI License?
The FSSAI license is a 14-digit registration or licence number that is issued to every Food Business Operator (FBO) in India. This number must be printed on all food packages and displayed prominently at your business premises. It confirms that your food business meets the safety and hygiene standards set by the government.
Every person or entity involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage, transportation, distribution, or sale of food products needs to obtain an FSSAI registration or licence before starting operations.
Who Needs FSSAI Registration?
These businesses must get an FSSAI license or registration:
- Restaurants, hotels, dhabas, bars, and canteens
- Bakeries, confectioneries, sweet shops, and snack stalls
- Cloud kitchens and online food delivery businesses
- Food manufacturers and processing units
- Wholesalers, distributors, and food retailers
- Dairy units, milk vendors, and chilling units
- Cold storage and refrigerated transport operators
- Importers and exporters of food products
- Street food vendors, hawkers, and temporary stall holders
- Caterers, banquet halls, and mid-day meal services
Types of FSSAI License
The type of FSSAI registration you need depends on your annual turnover and the scale of your operations:
| Type | Eligibility (Annual Turnover) | Form to Fill | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Up to Rs 12 lakh | Form A | Rs 100 |
| State FSSAI License | Rs 12 lakh to Rs 20 crore | Form B | Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 |
| Central FSSAI License | Above Rs 20 crore | Form B | Rs 7,500 |
The FSSAI certificate issued under all three types is valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on how many years you choose at the time of application.
Note: Cloud kitchens, e-commerce food businesses, importers, exporters, and businesses operating in two or more states require a Central FSSAI License regardless of turnover.
Check Out – How to Use Vyapar for Your Restaurant Business
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration
The documents needed differ slightly depending on the type of food licence you are applying for.
For Basic FSSAI Registration:
- Photo identity proof of the business owner (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID)
- Business registration proof (partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, or shop and establishment licence)
- Proof of address for business premises (rental agreement, utility bill, or NOC from owner)
- List of food products to be manufactured or sold
- Bank account details
Additional for State and Central FSSAI License:
- Form B duly signed and completed
- Layout plan of the processing unit showing dimensions
- List of equipment and machinery with installed capacity
- Water analysis report confirming potability
- List of directors or partners with address and photo ID
For Central FSSAI License, additional documents include the IE Code from DGFT for importers and exporters, NOC from FSSAI, and a recall plan where applicable.
How to Apply for FSSAI License Online (Step-by-Step)
The food licence apply process is completed entirely on the FoSCoS portal. Here are the steps:
- Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in and create your account
- Select your state and type of food business
- Choose the FSSAI license type based on turnover
- Fill Form A (Basic Registration) or Form B (State and Central License)
- Upload all required documents
- Pay the applicable FSSAI registration fee online
- Submit and note your application reference number
- Track status using the reference number on the FoSCoS portal
- The department reviews documents and may inspect your premises
- Once approved, download your FSSAI certificate from the portal
Important: The department can accept or reject your application within 7 days of submission. If rejected, the reason is communicated in writing. If the status shows “Application Reverted,” you must respond within 30 days to avoid rejection.
Benefits of Getting FSSAI License
- Legal protection and the right to operate your food business without interference
- The FSSAI logo on products builds consumer trust and signals quality
- Easier access to bank loans, investors, and government schemes for food businesses
- Enables you to list on delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy
- Mandatory for export of food products to international markets
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Penalties for Non-Compliance
Operating without a valid FSSAI license or violating food safety standards attracts serious penalties:
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Food quality not meeting standards | Up to Rs 2 lakh (Rs 25,000 for petty manufacturers) |
| Sub-standard food | Up to Rs 5 lakh |
| Misbranded food | Up to Rs 3 lakh |
| Misleading advertisement | Up to Rs 10 lakh |
| Unhygienic processing | Up to Rs 1 lakh |
| Non-compliance with Food Safety Officer | Up to Rs 2 lakh |
Renewal of FSSAI License
Your FSSAI license must be renewed before it expires. Apply for renewal at least 30 days before the expiry date on the FoSCoS portal. If you miss the deadline, you may have to apply for a fresh FSSAI registration, which delays your operations.
Conclusion
Getting your FSSAI license is not just about ticking a compliance box. It is the foundation of a credible food business. Customers look for the FSSAI certificate number on food products and premises as a sign of safety and quality. The food licence apply process is now fully online through FoSCoS, making it faster than ever. Once your FSSAI registration is in place, managing daily billing, inventory, and GST compliance becomes the next priority. A good accounting software helps you keep books clean, generate GST-compliant invoices, and stay audit-ready from day one.
