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.
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.
These businesses must get an FSSAI license or registration:
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.
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The documents needed differ slightly depending on the type of food licence you are applying for.
For Basic FSSAI Registration:
Additional for State and Central FSSAI License:
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.
The food licence apply process is completed entirely on the FoSCoS portal. Here are the steps:
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.
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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 |
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.
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.
Written by
Vyapar Editorial Team represents the officially authorized content and review function at Vyapar App, a business management, billing and accounting software used by millions of SMEs. Articles published under this author are created and reviewed by subject-matter experts to ensure accuracy, compliance, and practical business value.
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