The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the apex food regulatory body in India under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Any individual or business involved in manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, or sale of food products — including restaurants, cloud kitchens, e-commerce food sellers, importers, and caterers — must obtain an FSSAI license or registration before starting operations.
Three Types of FSSAI License
1. FSSAI Basic Registration **Who needs it:** - Annual turnover up to **₹12 lakh** - Petty food businesses (hawkers, small food stalls, home-based food businesses) - Slaughter houses with less than 2 large animals / 10 small animals / 50 poultry per day - Dairy units handling up to 500 litres of milk/day **Fee:** ₹100 per year **Validity:** 1–5 years (renewable) **Form:** Form A on FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in)
2. FSSAI State License **Who needs it:** - Annual turnover from **₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore** - Mid-size manufacturers, processors, transporters, distributors - Restaurants, hotels, food service businesses in a single state - Milk chilling/processing units handling 501 litres to 50,000 litres/day - Cold storages up to 10,000 MT capacity **Fee:** - ₹2,000/year for most food businesses - ₹5,000/year for certain food manufacturers **Validity:** 1–5 years **Form:** Form B on FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in)
3. FSSAI Central License **Who needs it:** - Annual turnover **above ₹20 crore** - Importers of food products - E-commerce food businesses operating in 2+ states - Large manufacturers, exporters, food businesses in multiple states - Airlines, railway catering, military canteen services - Dairy units > 50,000 litres/day **Fee:** ₹7,500 per year **Validity:** 1–5 years **Form:** Form B on FoSCoS portal (Central authority)
FSSAI License vs Registration — Key Differences
| Parameter | Basic Registration | State License | Central License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turnover | Up to ₹12 lakh | ₹12L to ₹20 crore | Above ₹20 crore |
| Annual Fee | ₹100 | ₹2,000–₹5,000 | ₹7,500 |
| Authority | State / Municipal | State Commissioner | Central FSSAI |
| Document Scrutiny | Minimal | Moderate | Detailed |
| Processing Time | 7–30 days | 30–60 days | 30–90 days |
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration
For Basic Registration:
- ▸Photo identity proof (Aadhaar / Voter ID / Passport)
- ▸Address proof of business premises
- ▸Photograph of applicant
- ▸Declaration form
For State/Central License (additional documents):
- ▸PAN card and Aadhaar of proprietor/directors
- ▸Business registration certificate (GST / company incorporation / shop act)
- ▸Blueprint/layout of food processing area
- ▸List of food products to be manufactured/sold
- ▸List of food processing machinery
- ▸Water testing report (from accredited lab)
- ▸NOC from municipality or local authority
- ▸Recall plan (for Central License)
- ▸Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan (for Central License)
FSSAI Registration Process on FoSCoS Portal
- ▸Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in
- ▸Click "Apply for License/Registration"
- ▸Select state and determine license type (Basic / State / Central)
- ▸Create account with email and mobile
- ▸Fill Form A (Basic) or Form B (State/Central) with business details
- ▸Upload all required documents
- ▸Pay the government fee online
- ▸Application reference number generated
- ▸FSSAI officer may conduct inspection for State/Central licenses
- ▸License/Registration certificate issued by email
FSSAI for Specific Business Types
Cloud Kitchen / Home Kitchen:
- ▸Basic Registration if turnover < ₹12 lakh
- ▸State License if turnover ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore
- ▸Zomato and Swiggy require FSSAI number for empanelment
E-Commerce Food Sellers (Amazon, Flipkart):
- ▸Central License required (operating across multiple states)
- ▸FSSAI number mandatory on product listing pages
- ▸Must display FSSAI license number on all food product packages
Importers of Food Products:
- ▸Central License mandatory for all food importers
- ▸Must apply for No Objection Certificate (NOC) from FSSAI for imported consignments
- ▸Country of origin must be mentioned on labels
Restaurants and Hotels:
- ▸State License (or Basic Registration for small restaurants)
- ▸Display FSSAI license certificate at the premises
- ▸Periodic food safety audits may be conducted
Penalties for Operating Without FSSAI License
- ▸Manufacturing without registration/license: Up to ₹5 lakh penalty
- ▸Sub-standard food: Up to ₹5 lakh
- ▸Misbranded food: Up to ₹3 lakh
- ▸Unsafe food causing injury: ₹3–10 lakh or imprisonment up to 7 years
- ▸Using unapproved additives: Up to ₹10 lakh
FSSAI License Renewal
Renew your FSSAI license 30 days before expiry on the FoSCoS portal. Late renewal attracts a penalty of ₹100/day. Operating with an expired license is treated the same as operating without a license.
Conclusion
Every food business in India needs an FSSAI license or registration — no exceptions. The type depends on your turnover and geographic reach. Getting the right license from the start avoids penalties, ensures marketplace empanelment, and builds customer trust.
Biswa Corporate Solutions handles end-to-end FSSAI registration for restaurants, cloud kitchens, manufacturers, importers, and e-commerce food sellers across India.
