How to Get FSSAI Registration or Licence in India
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates that every food business operator (FBO) obtain a registration or licence before commencing operations. The type of authorisation depends on your annual turnover and nature of activity — basic registration, state licence, or central licence.
Before you start
- Identity and address proof of the proprietor/directors
- Proof of possession of premises (rent agreement or ownership document)
- List of food products to be manufactured or sold
- Blueprint/layout plan of the food processing unit (for manufacturing licences)
- Water testing report from a recognised lab (for manufacturing/processing units)
Step-by-step
Determine the Correct Authorisation Type
Basic Registration applies to petty food businesses with turnover up to ₹12 lakh (Form A, fee ₹100/year). State Licence applies to mid-size businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore (Form B, fee ₹2,000–₹5,000/year). Central Licence applies to large manufacturers, importers, and exporters with turnover above ₹20 crore (Form B, fee ₹7,500/year).
Prepare the Application on FoSCoS Portal
Log in to foscos.fssai.gov.in (Food Safety Compliance System). Create a new FBO profile and fill in your business details, food category codes, and premises information.
Upload Documents
Upload mandatory documents: identity proof, address proof, premises proof, food product list, and layout plan. For manufacturing units, also attach the water testing report, list of machinery, and recall plan.
Pay the Government Fee
Pay the applicable annual fee online. FSSAI licences and registrations are issued for 1–5 years; paying for multiple years upfront reduces administrative overhead.
Inspection (for State and Central Licences)
A food safety officer may inspect the premises before issuing a State or Central Licence. Ensure the facility is clean, storage is labelled, and food handling equipment is hygienic. Basic registrations typically do not require physical inspection.
Receive FSSAI Licence Number
On approval, you receive a 14-digit FSSAI licence or registration number. Display the FSSAI logo and number prominently on all food packages, menu cards, and signage — it is a legal requirement.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating turnover to obtain a Basic Registration — FSSAI officers conduct regular checks and operating under a lower-category authorisation attracts heavy fines.
- Not displaying the FSSAI licence number on product packaging — this is a violation even if you hold a valid licence.
- Failing to renew before expiry — operating with an expired licence is treated the same as operating without one.
- Missing product category codes during filing — selling food products not listed in your authorisation violates the licence conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Does a home baker or cloud kitchen need FSSAI?
Yes. Any food business, including home-based bakers, tiffin services, and cloud kitchens, requires at minimum a Basic FSSAI Registration before selling food commercially.
Can I operate across multiple states on one FSSAI licence?
A Central Licence covers operations in multiple states. A State Licence is valid only in the issuing state. If you operate manufacturing or processing units in multiple states, you need a separate licence for each state, or a Central Licence.
How often must the FSSAI licence be renewed?
Licences can be obtained for 1–5 years. Renewal applications must be submitted at least 30 days before expiry. Late renewal attracts a penalty of ₹100 per day of delay.
What food products require a Central FSSAI Licence regardless of turnover?
Importers, exporters, and manufacturers of milk, edible oil, meat, and certain other regulated categories require a Central Licence irrespective of turnover, due to the higher risk profile of these products.
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