FSSAI Food License
Registration India —
Complete 2025 Guide
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) registration is mandatory for every food business in India — from home bakers and street vendors to cloud kitchens, restaurants, and large food manufacturers. Three types: Basic (₹12L), State (₹12L–₹20Cr), Central (>₹20Cr). FoSCoS portal. Penalty for no license: up to ₹5 lakh + 6 months imprisonment. TAXAJ files your FSSAI application end-to-end.
Operating Without FSSAI License = Criminal Offence Under Section 63, FSS Act 2006
Penalty for manufacturing, selling, or distributing food without FSSAI registration: Fine up to ₹5 lakh and/or imprisonment up to 6 months. This applies to all food businesses — including home-based bakers, tiffin services, cloud kitchens, Swiggy/Zomato-listed outlets, Instagram food sellers, and street food vendors. September 2024 Update: FSSAI exempted registration fees for Hawkers and Street Food Vendors from 28 September 2024 (but FSSAI registration itself is still mandatory for vendors, just fee-free). FSSAI also mandates the mandatory update of Form IX (Nominee details) by all FBOs — non-compliance can affect license renewal.
FSSAI Food License — Complete Guide for Indian Food Businesses 2025
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act), 2006, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health by regulating and supervising the safety and standards of food in India. Every Food Business Operator (FBO) — any person or entity engaged in the manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution, import, or sale of food — must mandatorily obtain an FSSAI registration or licence before commencing operations.
The FSSAI licence system operates on a three-tier structure based on the annual turnover and scale of operations: Basic Registration (small businesses), State Licence (medium businesses), and Central Licence (large businesses and importers/exporters). All applications are filed on the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in. Upon registration, the FBO receives a unique 14-digit FSSAI licence number — this number must be displayed on all food labels, packaging, and at the place of business. The number format indicates the type: Basic registrations start with '1', State licences with '2', and Central licences also with '1' (but distinguishable by the state/central code embedded within).
Who Needs FSSAI Registration in 2025?
Every food business — regardless of size — needs FSSAI. This includes:
- Restaurants, dhabas, cafeterias, canteens: Any food service establishment regardless of size
- Cloud kitchens and virtual restaurants: Dark kitchens operating for Swiggy, Zomato, or direct delivery — all need FSSAI
- Home-based food businesses: Home bakers, tiffin services, cloud kitchens, home cooks selling on Swiggy, Zomato, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube
- Grocery stores and retailers: Shops selling packaged food products, supermarkets, kirana stores with food items
- Street food vendors and hawkers: Food carts, juice stalls, chaat counters — required by law (fee exempted for hawkers from Sep 2024)
- Manufacturers and processors: Factories producing food, packaged snacks, beverages, dairy products, baked goods, confectionery
- E-commerce food businesses: Amazon, Flipkart sellers of food products; food aggregators; meal kit delivery services
- Food importers and exporters: Central Licence mandatory regardless of turnover
- Nutraceutical and health supplement sellers: All pharmacies, medical shops, and health stores retailing health supplements require FSSAI
Basic Registration vs State License vs Central License — Click to Find Your Type
Select the type that matches your annual turnover and business scale to see eligibility, fees, validity, who applies, and form used.
Basic FSSAI Registration
State FSSAI License
Central FSSAI License
🟢 FSSAI Basic Registration — For Small Food Businesses
Who Qualifies for Basic Registration?
- Annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh in all food activities
- Petty retailers dealing in food products · Small grocery shops
- Food sold by the manufacturer/seller themselves directly (not through intermediaries)
- Temporary stall holders at events, fairs, exhibitions
- Individuals distributing food at religious / social gatherings (except caterers)
- Home-based food businesses: bakers, tiffin services, cloud kitchens with <₹12L revenue
- Hawkers and street food vendors (fee exempted from Sep 2024)
- Production capacity up to 100 kg/litre per day (except milk and meat)
Key Details — Basic Registration
- Government fee: ₹100 per year (hawkers: ₹0 from Sep 28, 2024)
- Validity: 1 to 5 years (choose at application — longer = lower per-year cost)
- Must renew before expiry — failure to renew = fresh application required
- When turnover crosses ₹12 lakh → mandatory upgrade to State Licence
- Processing time: 7–15 working days (no physical inspection usually)
- Can be operated by individuals, proprietors, HUFs, or any entity
🔵 FSSAI State License — For Medium Food Businesses
Who Needs a State License?
- Annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore in food business
- Transporters and wholesalers up to ₹30 crore (higher threshold for this category)
- Medium-sized manufacturers, processors, storage units, marketers
- Restaurants, dhabas, canteens with revenue between ₹12L–₹20Cr
- All grain, cereal, and pulse milling units — no turnover limit (always State)
- Repacking and relabelling businesses — always State licence regardless of turnover
- Production: 1–2 MT/day (food); 501–50,000 litres/day (dairy)
- Operations within a single state only
Key Details — State License
- Issued by State Government FSSAI authority
- Government fee: ₹2,000–₹5,000 per year (varies by state and business type)
- Validity: 1 to 5 years (choose at application)
- Physical inspection of premises may be required within 7–15 working days of application
- If business expands to another state → upgrade to Central Licence required
- Processing time: 30–60 working days including inspection
🟡 Central FSSAI License — For Large Businesses, Importers & Multi-State
Who Must Have a Central License?
- Annual turnover above ₹20 crore (or ₹30 crore for transporters/wholesalers)
- Importers and exporters of food products — regardless of turnover
- Food businesses operating in two or more states (Central Licence for head office)
- E-commerce food businesses and food aggregators (Swiggy, Zomato, etc.)
- Proprietary food, non-standardised food, functional food, nutraceuticals manufacturers
- Radiation processing of food products
- Food businesses at Central Government premises — Railways, airports, seaports, Defence
- Production: above 2 MT/day (food); above 50,000 litres/day (dairy)
Key Details — Central License
- Issued by FSSAI Central Government — FSSAI Head Office, Delhi
- Government fee: ₹7,500 per year
- Validity: 1 to 5 years (choose at application)
- Form B — same form as State Licence but submitted to Central authority
- Mandatory physical inspection by FSSAI Central officers
- Processing time: 45–90 working days
- Multi-state businesses: Central Licence for head office + State/Basic for each unit
FSSAI Registration by Business Type — Is Your Business Covered?
FSSAI applies to virtually every food business — from home kitchens selling on Instagram to large food manufacturers. Here's a quick-reference guide.
Home Bakers & Tiffin Services
Selling cakes, sweets, tiffin boxes, or home-cooked food on Swiggy, Zomato, Instagram, or WhatsApp? Basic Registration required. Get FSSAI →
Restaurants & Cloud Kitchens
All dine-in restaurants, cafés, cloud kitchens, and dark kitchens must have FSSAI — Basic (small) or State (medium/large). Shop Act →
Food Manufacturers
Factories, processing units, packaged food brands — State or Central Licence based on turnover and production capacity. Company Setup →
Grocery Stores & Retailers
Kirana stores, supermarkets, and any shop selling packaged food products need FSSAI. Basic Registration usually sufficient. MSME Udyam →
Transporters & Distributors
Food transportation companies and distributors: State Licence up to ₹30 crore, Central Licence above ₹30 crore. IEC Code →
E-Commerce & Food Importers
Amazon, Flipkart food sellers, and all importers of food products — Central FSSAI Licence mandatory regardless of turnover. IEC for Import →
Nutraceuticals & Supplements
Health supplements, protein powders, ayurvedic food products, nutraceuticals — Central FSSAI Licence mandatory. GST →
Caterers & Event Food
All catering businesses, event caterers, wedding caterers — State Licence based on turnover and scale of operations. Shop Act →
FSSAI Registration Documents — Complete Checklist by License Type
Documents vary by registration type. Select your license category to see the complete, updated checklist for FoSCoS portal upload.
How to Apply for FSSAI License Online — 7-Step FoSCoS Process
All FSSAI applications are filed on the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in). TAXAJ manages the complete process — from document preparation to certificate delivery.
Determine Your FSSAI License Type — Basic / State / Central
Before applying, determine the correct licence type based on your annual turnover, production capacity, and nature of operations: Basic (≤₹12L), State (₹12L–₹20Cr), Central (>₹20Cr or importers/multi-state/e-commerce). Common errors: applying for Basic when turnover exceeds ₹12L (violation), applying for State when operating in multiple states (should be Central), not getting a separate licence for each premises. Repacking and relabelling businesses always need State Licence — regardless of turnover. TAXAJ assesses all business activities and advises the correct licence type for every location.
Register on FoSCoS Portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in)
Create an account on the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal — the official FSSAI application system. Click "Apply for License / Registration" → Select your entity type and the appropriate registration type (Basic Registration, State Licence, or Central Licence) → Create login with your mobile number and email. FoSCoS has replaced the older FLRS (Food Licensing and Registration System). All new applications, renewals, and modifications are now on FoSCoS. TAXAJ manages the FoSCoS account creation and navigation — you don't need to navigate the portal yourself.
Fill Form A (Basic) or Form B (State / Central)
Complete the appropriate FSSAI application form: Form A for Basic Registration and Form B for State and Central Licence. Form sections include: (a) Applicant/entity details, (b) Business premises address and type of food business activity, (c) List of food products / categories handled or manufactured, (d) Production capacity (if manufacturing), (e) Details of proprietor/partners/directors (PAN, Aadhaar), (f) Bank details for fee payment, (g) Declaration. For Central Licence: additional sections on food safety management system, recall plan, and technical details. TAXAJ fills the form accurately — incorrect entries are the top reason for FSSAI application rejection.
Upload Supporting Documents on FoSCoS
Upload all required documents on the FoSCoS portal in PDF or JPG format: identity and address proof, business registration certificate, premise address proof, list of food products, equipment details (for State/Central), water testing report, food safety management plan (for State/Central), and any additional documents specific to the food category (e.g., import-export code for Central Licence importers, product composition for nutraceuticals). Low-resolution or wrong-format uploads are a common rejection reason. TAXAJ prepares, optimises, and uploads all documents to meet FoSCoS portal specifications.
Pay Government Fee Online
Pay the applicable government fee online through the FoSCoS portal: Basic Registration: ₹100/year (hawkers: ₹0 from Sep 2024), State Licence: ₹2,000–₹5,000/year (varies by state and business type), Central Licence: ₹7,500/year. Payment is made for the chosen validity period (1–5 years). Longer validity periods are more economical — a 5-year licence costs 5× the annual fee but saves reapplication cost and effort. Payment modes: Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, UPI. Save the payment receipt as proof. TAXAJ advises on optimal validity selection to balance cost and convenience.
Inspection of Premises (State and Central Licence)
For State and Central Licences, the FSSAI Designated Officer (DO) may conduct a physical inspection of the food business premises within 7–15 working days of receiving the application. The inspector verifies: (a) That the premises matches what was declared in the application, (b) Hygiene and sanitation standards, (c) Equipment and machinery as declared, (d) Water supply and storage facilities, (e) Food safety management system in place. For Basic Registrations, physical inspection is usually not required — unless the FSSAI officer has specific concerns. TAXAJ prepares a pre-inspection checklist to ensure your premises meets all FSSAI hygiene standards before the inspector visits.
Receive FSSAI Certificate — Display & Use
Upon satisfactory processing and inspection (if applicable), the FSSAI registration or licence certificate is issued and emailed. The certificate is downloadable from the FoSCoS portal. Processing times: Basic: 7–15 working days; State: 30–60 working days; Central: 45–90 working days. The certificate contains the unique 14-digit FSSAI number — this number must be printed on all food labels, packaging, menus, and displayed at the place of business. FSSAI must be renewed before expiry — late renewal = fresh application required. TAXAJ delivers the certificate and provides a renewal reminder calendar.
FSSAI Non-Compliance Penalties — Section 63 & Beyond
| Offence | Penalty | Section | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|
| No FSSAI License / Registration | |||
| Operating food business without FSSAI registration or licence | Fine up to ₹5 lakh + imprisonment up to 6 months | Section 63 | Criminal |
| Food Quality Violations | |||
| Food not meeting quality standards (sub-standard food) | Fine up to ₹5 lakh | Section 51 | Serious |
| Misbranded food (false label / description) | Fine up to ₹3 lakh | Section 52 | Serious |
| Misleading advertisement about food | Fine up to ₹10 lakh | Section 53 | Critical |
| Extraneous matter in food | Fine up to ₹1 lakh | Section 54 | Moderate |
| Safety & Hygiene Violations | |||
| Unsafe food (food injurious to health) | Fine up to ₹10 lakh (first offence) · Up to ₹20 lakh (repeat) | Section 50 | Critical |
| Not following food safety directions of FSSAI officers | Fine up to ₹2 lakh | Section 58 | Serious |
| Unhygienic or unsanitary manufacturing/processing | Fine up to ₹1 lakh | Section 55 | Moderate |
| Non-compliance for petty manufacturers | Reduced penalties — fine of ₹25,000 (small manufacturers) | Section 55 | Reduced |
FSSAI Food License — Frequently Asked Questions
FSSAI Food License Registration — Service Packages
TAXAJ's CA + legal team handles the complete FoSCoS portal filing — document preparation, form filling, inspection support, and certificate delivery.
- ✓Turnover assessment + type selection
- ✓Form A preparation + FoSCoS filing
- ✓Document review + upload
- ✓₹100 govt. fee payment handled
- ✓Certificate delivery + renewal reminder
- ✓All Basic services
- ✓Form B preparation + FoSCoS filing
- ✓Premises inspection support
- ✓FSMS documentation preparation
- ✓FSSAI query response management
- ✓All State services
- ✓Central FSSAI (HO Delhi) liaison
- ✓Import/export food documentation
- ✓HACCP / recall plan preparation
- ✓Nutraceutical / proprietary food docs