Every food business in India needs FSSAI registration or a licence under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Businesses with turnover up to Rs 12 lakh take basic registration, those up to Rs 20 crore take a State licence, and larger businesses, importers and e-commerce operators need a Central licence. Applications are filed online on the FoSCoS portal.
Who needs FSSAI registration?
Any person or business that manufactures, processes, stores, transports, distributes, sells, imports or serves food needs FSSAI registration or a licence. That includes restaurants, cloud kitchens, home-based food businesses, caterers, grocery shops, food traders, packers, warehouses, transporters and online food sellers. Operating without one is an offence.
Basic registration, State licence or Central licence?
| Type | Who it is for | Form | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic registration | Petty food businesses with turnover up to Rs 12 lakh | Form A | Rs 100 |
| State licence | Turnover above Rs 12 lakh up to Rs 20 crore, subject to capacity limits for manufacturers | Form B | Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 depending on category |
| Central licence | Turnover above Rs 20 crore, importers, exporters, e-commerce operators and units at central government premises such as airports and ports | Form B | Rs 7,500 |
For manufacturers, production capacity limits also apply, and the category is decided by whichever criterion is higher. Businesses operating in multiple states typically need a Central licence for the head office and State licences for each unit.
Documents required
- Photo ID and address proof of the proprietor, partners or directors
- Proof of possession of premises: rent agreement, sale deed or utility bill with NOC
- Constitution documents: partnership deed, incorporation certificate or MoA
- List of food categories to be handled
- For licences: layout plan of the processing unit, list of equipment, water test report, food safety management system plan, and nominee details under the licensing rules
- Import Export Code for importers and exporters
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Get expert help →How to apply on FoSCoS
- Use the eligibility wizard on the FoSCoS portal to identify the correct registration or licence type.
- Create a login and fill Form A (registration) or Form B (licence) with business details and food categories.
- Upload documents and pay the fee for the chosen validity of one to five years.
- The authority reviews the application. For licences, an inspection of the premises may be carried out.
- On approval, download the registration certificate or licence with its 14-digit number.
Basic registrations are usually decided within about a week. Licences take longer, particularly where an inspection is needed.
Obligations after getting the licence
- Display the FSSAI certificate prominently at the premises.
- Print the FSSAI logo and 14-digit licence number on all food labels.
- Follow hygiene and sanitary requirements under Schedule 4 of the licensing regulations.
- File annual returns where applicable: manufacturers and importers holding licences file an annual return by 31 May for the previous financial year.
- Apply for modification before changing premises, food categories or capacity.
Renewal and penalties
Apply for renewal before the licence expires. Late renewal attracts a daily late fee, and a lapsed licence may have to be applied for afresh, with the business unable to operate in the meantime. Carrying on a food business without registration or a licence is punishable under Section 63 of the Act with imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh.
Frequently asked questions
Do home-based food businesses need FSSAI registration?
Yes. Home bakers, tiffin services and home cooks selling food, including through social media or delivery apps, need at least basic FSSAI registration if turnover is up to Rs 12 lakh. Delivery platforms require a valid FSSAI number before listing a food business.
What is the difference between FSSAI registration and FSSAI licence?
Basic registration is for petty food businesses with turnover up to Rs 12 lakh and is issued through Form A. A licence, State or Central, is required above that turnover or for specified activities, is applied for in Form B, needs more documents, and may involve an inspection.
Do e-commerce food sellers need a Central licence?
The e-commerce operator, meaning the platform, must hold a Central licence. Sellers listed on the platform need their own registration or licence based on their turnover and activity. The platform displays the seller's FSSAI number on listings.
How long is an FSSAI licence valid?
The applicant chooses a validity of one to five years at the time of application, paying the annual fee for each year. The licence must be renewed before expiry. Renewals filed late attract a late fee, and a licence that lapses may need a fresh application.
Is FSSAI registration needed for a grocery or kirana store?
Yes. Retailers selling packaged or loose food items are food businesses under the Act. A small kirana store with turnover up to Rs 12 lakh needs basic registration, while larger stores need a State licence based on turnover.
Can I sell food products while my FSSAI application is pending?
No. A food business should start operations only after the registration or licence is granted. Selling before approval is treated as operating without a licence and can attract penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
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