FSSAI Food License
Quick Answer
FSSAI Food License (FSSAI Registration/License) is a mandatory certification required for all Food Business Operators (FBOs) in India. It is governed by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and administered by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
FSSAI Food License — detailed explanation below
Governing Act
Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Food Safety and Standards Rules and Regulations, 2011
Government Department & Website
Department: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Website: https://www.foscos.fssai.gov.in
Process
Step 1: Determine the license type — Basic Registration (turnover ≤ Rs. 12 Lakhs), State License (Rs. 12 Lakhs – Rs. 20 Crores), or Central License (turnover > Rs. 20 Crores, multi-state operations, import/export). Step 2: Register on FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in) using mobile number and email ID. Step 3: Fill the application form — Form A (Basic Registration) or Form B (State/Central License) with details of food category, business type (manufacturer, trader, restaurant, transporter, etc.), production capacity, address of premises, and proprietor/partner/director details. Step 4: Upload supporting documents — PAN card, identity proof, address proof of premises (rental agreement or ownership proof), list of food products, food safety management system plan (for manufacturers), NOC from municipality/panchayat, water test report (for manufacturers), and photographs. Step 5: Pay the prescribed fee online. Step 6: For State and Central licenses, the Designated Officer/FSO conducts a premises inspection within 30 days. Step 7: Upon approval, the FSSAI Registration Certificate or License is issued with a 14-digit number. Step 8: Display the FSSAI license number on food product labels and at the business premises.
Key Forms
- Form A (Basic Registration Application)
- Form B (State/Central License Application)
- Form C (License/Renewal Certificate)
- Schedule 4 (Food Safety Management Plan)
- Annual Return Form (D-1)
- Form IX (Modification of License)
Eligibility
Mandatory for ALL Food Business Operators including: manufacturers, processors, transporters, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, hotels, canteens, dhabas, food stalls, caterers, cloud kitchens, home-based food businesses, petty food manufacturers, food importers and exporters, e-commerce food operators, storage and warehousing units engaged in food. Basic Registration: FBOs with annual turnover up to Rs. 12 Lakhs (includes petty retailers, itinerant vendors, temporary stall holders, small-scale home-based food businesses). State License: FBOs with annual turnover between Rs. 12 Lakhs and Rs. 20 Crores, or dairy units handling up to 50,000 litres per day, or slaughter houses with capacity of up to 50 large animals / 250 small animals per day. Central License: FBOs with annual turnover above Rs. 20 Crores, or operating in 2 or more states, or importers/exporters of food products, or 100% export-oriented units, or food business operators in central government establishments, or large manufacturers/slaughter houses above the state threshold.
Timeline
Basic Registration (Form A): issued within 7 working days of application submission. State License (Form B): 30–45 days from submission, including inspection. Central License (Form B): 60 days from submission, including inspection and processing. If no response from the authority within prescribed timelines, the license is deemed granted. FSSAI license is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years depending on the fee paid. Renewal must be applied 30 days before expiry.
Fees
| License Type | Annual Fee | Applicable For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Rs. 100 | Turnover ≤ Rs. 12 Lakhs |
| State License — Retailer/Distributor | Rs. 2,000–3,000 | Turnover Rs. 12 Lakhs–20 Crores |
| State License — Restaurant/Canteen | Rs. 2,000–5,000 | Turnover Rs. 12 Lakhs–20 Crores |
| State License — Manufacturer/Miller | Rs. 3,000–5,000 | Turnover Rs. 12 Lakhs–20 Crores |
| State License — Storage/Warehouse | Rs. 3,000–5,000 | Turnover Rs. 12 Lakhs–20 Crores |
| Central License | Rs. 7,500 | Turnover > Rs. 20 Crores / Multi-state / Import-Export |
| Renewal Fee | Same as application fee | Apply 30 days before expiry |
| Late Renewal Penalty | Rs. 100 per day | — |
| Modification of License (Form IX) | Rs. 1,000 | — |
Governing Law
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FSSAI license mandatory for home-based food businesses?
Yes. All food businesses including home-based food sellers, tiffin services, home bakers, and pickle/papad makers require FSSAI registration/license. Home-based businesses with turnover up to Rs. 12 Lakhs can apply for Basic Registration (Form A).
Can I operate with a temporary FSSAI registration?
Upon submission of Form A (Basic Registration), the application is acknowledged immediately, and the FBO can start operations. For State/Central licenses, Form B acknowledgment allows the business to operate pending final grant.
How many years is the FSSAI license valid for?
FSSAI license is valid for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years. The applicant can choose the duration and pay accordingly. Longer duration licenses offer fee discounts (e.g., 5-year license includes a partial discount).
What happens if I operate without FSSAI license?
Operating a food business without FSSAI registration/license is a punishable offence under the FSS Act. Penalties: up to Rs. 5 Lakhs for manufacturing/selling sub-standard food; up to Rs. 10 Lakhs for misbranded food; imprisonment of 6 months to life imprisonment for unsafe food causing injury/death. Additionally, the business can be shut down by food safety officers.
Is FSSAI license different from a trade license?
Yes. Trade license is issued by the Municipal Corporation for operating any business and pertains to zoning/commercial use compliance. FSSAI license is specifically for food safety compliance and is mandated under the FSS Act, 2006. Both may be required for food businesses.
How do I renew my FSSAI license?
Renewal must be applied through the FoSCoS portal at least 30 days before expiry. The renewal process is similar to fresh application. If expired, a late fee of Rs. 100 per day is applicable, and the license can be renewed up to 180 days after expiry. Beyond 180 days, a fresh application is required.
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