FSSAI Licence in Kolkata (2026): Basic Registration vs State vs Central Licence, Fees and FoSCoS Process

Every food business in Kolkata needs an FSSAI registration or licence before it starts. A business with turnover up to ₹12 lakh a year takes a basic registration, one with turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore takes a State licence from the West Bengal Commissionerate of Food Safety, and larger businesses, importers, exporters, e-commerce food operators and multi-state businesses take a Central licence from FSSAI. All three are applied for online on the FoSCoS portal. This guide explains which one you need, the fees and documents, and what officers in Kolkata check after you get it.

Which FSSAI licence do you need?

Type	Who	Annual fee	Form
Basic registration	Turnover up to ₹12 lakh: street vendors, small home kitchens, tea stalls, petty retailers	₹100	Form A
State licence	Turnover above ₹12 lakh up to ₹20 crore: restaurants, sweet shops, bakeries, caterers, small manufacturers	₹2,000 to ₹5,000 by category	Form B
Central licence	Turnover above ₹20 crore, importers, exporters, e-commerce food operators, operators in more than one state’s head office	₹7,500	Form B

A licence or registration can be taken for 1 to 5 years, paying the yearly fee for each year.

Common Kolkata examples

• Phuchka, telebhaja and tea stalls: basic registration.
• Mishti shops making and selling sweets: usually a State licence, because turnover crosses ₹12 lakh quickly and they manufacture.
• Cloud kitchens on Swiggy and Zomato: State licence for the kitchen; the aggregators insist on a valid number before listing.
• Tea traders and blenders buying at the Kolkata auction: State or Central licence depending on turnover and exports.
• Fish and seafood exporters: Central licence.

Documents

1. Photo ID and photograph of the proprietor, partners or directors.
2. Proof of premises: rent agreement or ownership papers, and an electricity bill.
3. Constitution documents for a company, LLP or firm.
4. List of food products or categories.
5. For manufacturers: layout plan of the processing unit, list of equipment, water test report from an NABL lab, and a food safety management plan.
6. KMC trade licence, if available. It is not mandatory for FSSAI but helps during inspection.

Step-by-step on FoSCoS

1. Use the eligibility wizard on FoSCoS to pick the right kind of business and licence.
2. Fill Form A or Form B, upload documents and pay the fee.
3. A State licence application is assigned to the Designated Officer for your district. The officer may inspect the premises before granting it.
4. Basic registration is usually issued quickly if there is no query. Licences take longer when an inspection is needed.
5. Download the certificate and display it at the premises.

After you get it

• Display: show the certificate prominently, and print the 14-digit FSSAI number on bills, cash memos and packaging.
• Food safety supervisor: licensed businesses must have a trained food safety supervisor (FoSTaC training).
• Annual return: manufacturers and certain licensees file an annual return on FoSCoS by 31 May for the previous year. See our FSSAI return filing service.
• Renew on time: apply for renewal before expiry. Late renewal attracts a penalty for each day of delay, and after expiry you must apply afresh.
• Modify: add new products, a new kitchen or a change of address through a modification application. Do not start a new product line on the old licence.

Common mistakes

• Taking a basic registration and then crossing ₹12 lakh turnover without upgrading to a State licence.
• Running two outlets on one licence. Each premises needs its own registration or licence.
• Using a home address for a commercial kitchen without the owner’s consent.
• Forgetting GST registration once turnover crosses the limit. See our guide to GST registration in Kolkata.

FAQs

Is FSSAI registration mandatory for a home kitchen in Kolkata?

Yes. Even a small home-based food business needs at least a basic registration.

What is the FSSAI fee for a State licence in West Bengal?

Between ₹2,000 and ₹5,000 a year, depending on the kind of business and capacity.

How long is an FSSAI licence valid?

For the period you choose and pay for, from 1 to 5 years.

Do I need a separate FSSAI licence for each outlet?

Yes. Each premises needs its own registration or licence.

TAXAJ handles FSSAI registration, licences, modification and annual returns for food businesses in Kolkata. See our FSSAI licence service or talk to our Kolkata team.

Last updated 11 November 2026. Sources: Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006; Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011; FSSAI FoSCoS portal guidance. Fees and eligibility can change; check FoSCoS before applying. General information only.