FSSAI License & Registration — Complete Guide 2026
Updated: 3 June 2026 | FSSAI / FoSCoS | 3 Tiers | Mandatory for All Food Businesses
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license or registration is mandatory for all food businesses in India — restaurants, manufacturers, home kitchens, traders, importers, exporters, and online food platforms. Three tiers based on business size: Basic registration (turnover below ₹12 lakh/year — Form A, apply at state level); State license (turnover ₹12 lakh–₹20 crore or manufacturing — Form B via state food safety department); Central license (turnover above ₹20 crore, multi-state operations, imports/exports, or large manufacturers — Form B via FSSAI central authority). Apply on FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in). Validity: 1–5 years depending on type.
FSSAI
FSSAI mandatory for ALL food businesses in India
Home bakers, restaurants, cloud kitchens, food manufacturers, traders — all must register. Penalty up to ₹5 lakh for non-compliance.
Home bakers, restaurants, cloud kitchens, food manufacturers, traders — all must register. Penalty up to ₹5 lakh for non-compliance.
FSSAI Registration Types — Basic, State, Central
| Type | Criteria | Annual Fee | Validity | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Annual turnover < ₹12 lakh; small/cottage food businesses, home kitchens, petty retailers | ₹100/year | 1–5 years (as applied) | State Food Safety Dept / Designated Officer |
| State License | Turnover ₹12L–₹20Cr; manufacturers, processors, storage units, transporters, distributors, retailers above basic threshold | ₹2,000–5,000/year (category-wise) | 1–5 years (as applied) | State Food Safety Authority |
| Central License | Turnover > ₹20Cr; multi-state operations; imports/exports; ports, airports, seaports; head office of FBOs with units in multiple states | ₹7,500/year | 1–5 years (as applied) | FSSAI Central Authority, New Delhi |
Who Needs FSSAI Registration
All Food Business Operators (FBOs) in India must obtain FSSAI registration or license before commencing operations. This includes:
Manufacturers & Processors: Food factories, bakeries, confectionery units, dairy processors, packaged food manufacturers, beverages companies, oil processors.
Traders & Distributors: Wholesalers, distributors, C&F agents, food import agents, warehouses storing food products.
Retailers: Grocery stores, supermarkets, department stores, kirana shops (above petty retailer threshold).
Food Service: Restaurants, hotels, dhabas, canteens, caterers, cloud kitchens, tiffin services, food courts, railway/airport food stalls.
Online food platforms: Aggregators like Swiggy, Zomato, cloud kitchen operators, D2C food brands selling on e-commerce platforms.
Importers & Exporters: All food importers and exporters — Central license required.
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration
| Document | Required For |
|---|---|
| Photo ID of proprietor / director / partner | All types |
| Address proof of business premises | All types (electricity bill / rent agreement) |
| Passport-size photograph | All types |
| List of food products to be manufactured / sold | All types |
| Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed | State and Central license |
| Food safety management plan / HACCP documents | Central license (large manufacturers) |
| Import Export Code (IEC) | Central license (importers/exporters) |
| NOC from municipality / panchayat | State and Central (manufacturing units) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FSSAI registration mandatory for home bakery?
Yes. Any food business in India — including home bakeries — must have FSSAI registration or license. For a home bakery with annual turnover below ₹12 lakh, Basic FSSAI registration (Form A) is required. Apply on the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in). The registration fee is ₹100 per year. Operating a food business without FSSAI registration can result in penalties up to ₹5 lakh and business closure. Many online platforms (Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, Flipkart) also require a valid FSSAI number to list your products.
What is the FSSAI registration fee and processing time?
Fee varies by type: Basic registration — ₹100/year; State license — ₹2,000–5,000/year (varies by state and business category); Central license — ₹7,500/year. Processing time: Basic registration — 7–30 days; State license — 30–60 days; Central license — 30–60 days (may take longer if inspections are required). Apply on FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in) or via state food safety departments for state licenses.
What is the difference between FSSAI registration and FSSAI license?
FSSAI registration (Form A) is for small food businesses with turnover below ₹12 lakh per year. It is simpler with minimal documentation. FSSAI license (Form B) is required for businesses with turnover ₹12 lakh–₹20 crore (State license) or above ₹20 crore / multi-state / export-import operations (Central license). Licenses have stricter compliance requirements including food safety audits, annual returns, and product labelling compliance. The registration/license number (14-digit FSSAI number) must be displayed on all food products and business premises.
How to renew FSSAI license?
FSSAI license/registration must be renewed before expiry. Renewal: (1) Login to FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in). (2) Go to License/Registration renewal. (3) Fill Form A (basic) or Form B (license) with updated details. (4) Pay renewal fee (same as application fee). (5) Submit 30 days before expiry to avoid penalty. If you miss the renewal deadline, you can still apply but a late fee may be charged. Operating with an expired FSSAI license is treated the same as operating without one.
What is the penalty for operating a food business without FSSAI?
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: operating without a valid FSSAI registration/license can attract a penalty up to ₹5 lakh. Selling unsafe or misbranded food can result in imprisonment up to 7 years and fines up to ₹10 lakh. Food Safety Officers (FSOs) conduct surprise inspections and can seal premises, seize stock, and initiate prosecution. Additionally, FSSAI has increased enforcement of online food sellers — platforms require a valid FSSAI number for all food listings.
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