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{“@context”:”https://schema.org”,”@type”:”FAQPage”,”mainEntity”:[{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Who needs an FSSAI license in India?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Any food business operator (FBO) involved in manufacturing, processing, packaging, storing, distributing, importing or selling food products in India must obtain an FSSAI registration or license under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”What is the difference between FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”FSSAI Registration (Basic Registration) is for small FBOs with annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh. State License is for medium FBOs with turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore. Central License is for large FBOs with turnover above ₹20 crore or those involved in import/export or multi-state operations.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”How long does FSSAI registration take?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”FSSAI Basic Registration is typically issued within 7 working days of application on FoSCoS. State License takes 30–60 days. Central License takes 30–60 days after document verification and inspection.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”What is the FSSAI license fee?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”FSSAI Basic Registration: ₹100/year. State License: ₹2,000–₹5,000/year depending on business category. Central License: ₹7,500/year. Fees are paid online on the FoSCoS portal at the time of application.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Can I apply for FSSAI license online?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Yes. All FSSAI registrations and licenses are applied for online through the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in). Physical applications to FSSAI offices are no longer accepted.”}}]}

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Food License

FSSAI License in India: Types, Registration and Eligibility

By Content Admin • Updated September 2026 • 9 min read

Every business that handles food in India — from a home baker selling online to a large food manufacturer exporting internationally — needs a valid FSSAI license or registration. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare that governs food safety. Operating without an FSSAI license can result in penalties up to ₹5 lakh and closure of the business.

This guide covers the three types of FSSAI licenses, who needs which one, the eligibility criteria, documents required, fees, and the complete step-by-step online application process.

Key Takeaways

  • FSSAI has three license types: Basic Registration (turnover ≤ ₹12L), State License (₹12L–₹20Cr), Central License (₹20Cr+ or import/export).
  • All food business operators (FBOs) in India must hold a valid FSSAI license — there is no exemption for home-based or online food businesses.
  • Applications are submitted online via FoSCoS (foscos.fssai.gov.in) — the unified FSSAI portal.
  • Government fees range from ₹100/year (Basic) to ₹7,500/year (Central License).
  • The 14-digit FSSAI License Number must be displayed on every food product label.

What are the three types of FSSAI licenses?

FSSAI issues three categories of food licenses based on the scale of the food business. Choosing the wrong category leads to rejection of the application or compliance issues later.

License Type Annual Turnover Issuing Authority Validity
Basic Registration Up to ₹12 lakh/year Designated Officer 1–5 years
State License ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore/year State Food Authority 1–5 years
Central License Above ₹20 crore/year or import/export Central Licensing Authority 1–5 years

Central License is also mandatory for businesses operating in multiple states, importers, exporters, operators of food import and export, and businesses in railway premises, airports, seaports, and defence establishments — regardless of turnover.

Who needs an FSSAI license in India?

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 requires every Food Business Operator (FBO) to obtain a license or registration before commencing operations. This includes a wide range of businesses:

  • Food manufacturers, processors, and packers
  • Restaurants, hotels, dhabas, cafes, canteens, and cloud kitchens
  • Grocery stores, supermarkets, and retail food outlets
  • Food importers and exporters
  • Online food delivery platforms and home chefs selling online
  • Cold storage units, warehouses storing food products
  • Food distributors, traders, and wholesalers
  • Caterers and event food service providers
  • Milk dairies, slaughterhouses, and meat processing units
Home bakers and online food sellers: If you sell home-cooked food online (Swiggy, Zomato, Instagram, WhatsApp), you are an FBO and must have at minimum an FSSAI Basic Registration. Selling without it can result in your listing being removed from food delivery platforms.

What are the eligibility criteria for each license type?

Eligibility is determined primarily by annual turnover, production capacity, and nature of operations. Here is the complete breakdown:

Criteria Basic Registration State License Central License
Annual turnover Up to ₹12 lakh ₹12L to ₹20Cr Above ₹20Cr
Production capacity (dairy) Up to 500 litres/day 500L to 50,000L/day Above 50,000L/day
Import/Export Not applicable Not applicable Mandatory
Multi-state operations Not applicable Single state only Mandatory
Airport/Port/Railway premises Not applicable Not applicable Mandatory

What documents are required for FSSAI registration?

The document requirement varies by license type. Here is a consolidated list of what you will need:

Document Basic State Central
Photo ID of proprietor/director ✓ ✓ ✓
Proof of business address ✓ ✓ ✓
Business registration certificate — ✓ ✓
List of food products / categories ✓ ✓ ✓
Food safety management plan — ✓ ✓
Layout/blueprint of premises — ✓ ✓
IE Code (importers/exporters) — — ✓

What are the FSSAI license fees and validity period?

FSSAI fees are government-prescribed and paid online on the FoSCoS portal at the time of application. You can choose a validity of 1 to 5 years — paying for 5 years upfront avoids repeated renewals.

License Type 1 Year Fee 2 Year Fee 5 Year Fee
Basic Registration ₹100 ₹200 ₹500
State License (manufacturers) ₹2,000–₹5,000 ₹4,000–₹10,000 ₹10,000–₹25,000
Central License ₹7,500 ₹15,000 ₹37,500
Penalty for operating without a license: Under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, operating without a valid FSSAI license can attract a penalty of up to ₹5 lakh. Food safety officers can also seize and destroy unlicensed food products.

How do you apply for an FSSAI license online step by step?

All FSSAI applications are filed on the FoSCoS portal (Food Safety Compliance System) at foscos.fssai.gov.in. Here is the complete process:

  1. Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in and click Sign Up to create a new account using your mobile number or email.
  2. Log in and click Apply for License/Registration. Select your state and business type.
  3. The system will automatically recommend the correct license type (Basic/State/Central) based on your inputs.
  4. Fill Form A (Basic Registration) or Form B (License) with complete business details: name, address, food categories, premises details.
  5. Upload all required documents in PDF/JPG format (each file size limit: 2 MB).
  6. Review the application and pay the government fee online.
  7. Note your Application Reference Number for tracking.
  8. A food safety officer may conduct a physical inspection of your premises for State and Central licenses.
  9. On approval, download your FSSAI Registration Certificate or License from the FoSCoS portal.
Common rejection reasons: Incomplete documents, mismatch between declared food categories and actual business activity, incorrect license type selection, and premises not meeting hygiene standards are the most common reasons for FSSAI application rejection.

How can Tradeviser help you get your FSSAI license quickly?

Getting the license type wrong or uploading incomplete documents can delay your application by weeks. Tradeviser’s food business compliance team handles FSSAI registrations and licenses end-to-end — from eligibility assessment to portal filing to follow-up with authorities.

Start Your FSSAI Application Today

Tradeviser files your FSSAI registration or license on FoSCoS, prepares all documents, and follows up until your certificate is in hand.

Apply for FSSAI License

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs an FSSAI license in India?

Any food business operator involved in manufacturing, processing, packaging, storing, distributing, importing or selling food products must obtain FSSAI registration or a license under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

What is the difference between FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License?

Basic Registration covers FBOs with turnover up to ₹12 lakh. State License covers ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore. Central License covers above ₹20 crore or import/export/multi-state operations.

How long does FSSAI registration take?

Basic Registration: 7 working days. State License: 30–60 days. Central License: 30–60 days after verification and inspection.

What is the FSSAI license fee?

Basic Registration: ₹100/year. State License: ₹2,000–₹5,000/year. Central License: ₹7,500/year. Fees are paid online on FoSCoS.

Can I apply for FSSAI license online?

Yes. All FSSAI registrations and licenses are applied for online through the FoSCoS portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in. Physical applications are no longer accepted.