Regulation 2 explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Regulation 2.1.4 sets the timetable and steps the Licensing Authority follows after you file a licence application. It covers scrutiny, requests for more information, the Application ID number, inspection, the decision, and display of the licence. This article is based on the 2017 compendium (Version II, 09.11.2017); later amendments may have changed it, verify on fssai.gov.in. To have the application managed from filing to grant, see our State FSSAI licence service.
A licence is to be issued within 60 days from the date of issue of the Application ID number. The authority scrutinises the application within 15 days and may ask for more information, which the applicant must give within 30 days or the application stands rejected. After the Application ID, the authority may order an inspection. It must decide within 30 days of receiving the inspection report (excluding the time the applicant takes to comply). Refusal needs a hearing and written reasons. All of this is as per the 2017 compendium; later amendments may have changed it.
The six sub-regulations at a glance
| Sub-reg. | What it says |
|---|---|
| (1) | Licence issued within 60 days from the date of issue of the Application ID |
| (2) | Scrutiny within 15 days of receipt; written request for additional information or completion; applicant has 30 days, failing which the application stands rejected |
| (3) | On a complete application (including any additional information), the authority issues an Application ID number for all future correspondence |
| (4) | After the Application ID, the authority may direct inspection of the premises; the inspector may issue a notice on steps or changes needed; the applicant complies and intimates the authority within 30 days or the period allowed |
| (5) | Within 30 days of receiving the inspection report, excluding time taken by the applicant to comply and verification, the authority may grant or reject; no refusal without a hearing and written reasons |
| (6) | The licence is issued in Format C under Schedule 2; a true copy is displayed at a prominent place in the premises at all times |
Step by step
- File the application (see Regulation 2.1.3).
- Scrutiny within 15 days. If the authority needs more information or the application is incomplete, it informs you in writing.
- Reply within 30 days. If you fail to furnish what was asked within those 30 days, the application for licence stands rejected. This is a hard consequence, so diarise the date.
- Application ID. On a complete application, including any extra information, the authority issues an Application ID number, which is quoted in all later correspondence.
- Inspection, if directed. The authority may direct a Food Safety Officer or another designated person or agency to inspect the premises in the manner prescribed by the Food Authority. The inspecting officer may give notice on steps, changes or alterations needed to meet the Schedule 4 conditions. You carry them out and tell the authority within 30 days or such period as the authority allows.
- Decision. Within 30 days of receiving the inspection report, excluding your compliance time and the verification, the authority considers the application and may grant or reject it.
- Licence. The licence is issued in Format C under Schedule 2, and a true copy is displayed in the premises.
Which clock is which
Three clocks run in this regulation. They are easy to mix up.
- 15 days is the authority's window to scrutinise and ask for more information.
- 30 days (first) is your window to answer that request. Missing it means rejection.
- 60 days is the outer period for issue of the licence, counted from the Application ID date, not from the day you filed. A gap can exist between the two if the application needed completion.
The 30-day decision period in sub-regulation (5) is counted from receipt of the inspection report, and does not include time you take to comply with inspection advice.
Refusal only after a hearing
The proviso to sub-regulation (5) says an applicant must be given an opportunity of being heard before a licence is refused, and the reasons must be recorded in writing. This follows section 31(4) of the Act, which allows refusal only after a hearing, for reasons recorded in writing, if the officer is satisfied it is necessary in the interest of public health. An appeal against an order of rejection lies to the Commissioner of Food Safety under section 31(8); see Regulation 2.1.12.
If the 60 days pass
Regulation 2.1.6 addresses what happens when the licence is not issued in 60 days and no intimation of inadequacy or defect has been received. See Regulations 2.1.5 and 2.1.6.
Practical examples
Example 1. An applicant files on 1 March. On 10 March the authority writes that a document is missing. The applicant replies on 25 March, within 30 days. The authority then issues the Application ID, and the 60-day period runs from that date.
Example 2. An authority asks for a missing layout plan. The applicant never replies. After 30 days the application stands rejected, and a fresh application is needed.
Example 3. After inspection, the officer advises a fly-proof screen and a drain cover. The applicant completes the work and intimates the authority within 30 days. The 30-day decision period excludes the time spent on that work.
Need help with an application that is stuck?
Missed replies and unclear inspection notes are the usual reasons an application stalls. TaxClue can review the authority's message, prepare the reply and track your Application ID through the State FSSAI licence process. We confirm today's portal steps before acting, as the 2017 text may differ.
Key takeaways
- Licence within 60 days from the Application ID date.
- Scrutiny within 15 days; your reply within 30 days or the application stands rejected.
- The authority may order an inspection and advise changes; you intimate compliance within 30 days.
- Decision within 30 days of the inspection report, excluding your compliance time.
- Refusal needs a hearing and written reasons.
- Display a true copy of the licence in Format C at the premises.
Read next
- Regulation 2.1.3: application for licence
- Regulations 2.1.5 and 2.1.6: local areas and commencement of business
- FSSAI licence process step by step
- How to check FSSAI licence status online
Disclaimer: Based on the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 as enacted, read with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 where it applies (ss.59, 61 and 63 only), and the FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 as per the 2017 compendium (Version II, 09.11.2017). Later amendments may have changed the Regulations (fees, forms, validity, portal steps and thresholds); verify on fssai.gov.in. Verify current notifications, regulations and FSSAI orders before acting.