The FSSAI licence number is a unique 14-digit number issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to food businesses that follow the country’s food safety rules. This number confirms that the business meets the required standards for making, storing, distributing, or selling food products.
For customers, it shows trust and quality. For businesses, it is a legal requirement and helps build credibility. This guide explains everything you need to know about the FSSAI licence number, including its types and format, how to verify it, and the main compliance requirements.
What is FSSAI license number?
The FSSAI license number is a unique identifier assigned to food businesses licensed under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. This number certifies that the business complies with food safety regulations and is legally authorised to operate. Learn more about the FSSAI and its role in ensuring food safety in India.
Types of FSSAI license numbers
The FSSAI issues three types of licences depending on the size, scale, and scope of a food business. Each FSSAI license type has its own registration process and licence number format.
| Licence Type | Applicable For | Licence Number Format | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Small food businesses, petty manufacturers, hawkers, temporary stallholders (annual turnover up to Rs.12 lakh) | 14-digit registration number | 1–5 years |
| State Licence | Medium-sized businesses operating within a single state (annual turnover between Rs.12 lakh and Rs.20 crore) | 14-digit licence number starting with the state code | 1–5 years |
| Central Licence | Large businesses, multi-state operators, importers, exporters (annual turnover above Rs.20 crore) | 14-digit licence number with specific central codes | 1–5 years |
Structure of an FSSAI license number
Every Food Business Operator (FBO) is required to display their FSSAI licence number clearly on their products as well as within their premises. The licence, issued when the business is first registered, is valid for up to five years. Renewal is mandatory upon expiry and requires submission of the necessary documents.
The FSSAI licence number is standardised across all food businesses and consists of 14 digits. The format may vary depending on the size and scale of the food business.
The 14-digit FSSAI licence number is divided into five sections for easy understanding:
- State Code (Digits 1–2): Indicates the state where the business is registered.
- Registration Number (Digits 3–7): Shows the unique registration number assigned to the business.
- Product Category (Digits 8–9): Represents the category of food products handled by the business.
- Manufacturing Details (Digits 10–13): Contains information related to the production or master data of the business.
- Check Digit (Digit 14): The final digit uniquely identifies the licence issued to the FBO.
This structured format ensures clarity and authenticity for both regulators and consumers.
Benefits of having an FSSAI license number
The advantages of holding an FSSAI licence number include:
- Enhancing the credibility and reputation of the food business among customers and in the market.
- Making it easier to comply with food safety and quality standards.
- Providing access to government schemes, grants, and benefits designed for the food sector.
- Offering legal protection and shielding the business from penalties in case of unintentional breaches of food safety regulations.
- Creating a competitive advantage and supporting the growth and expansion of the food business.
Why verifying an FSSAI license number is crucial
Checking an FSSAI licence number is not just a legal requirement – it’s an important business practice with many advantages.
For Food Business Owners:
- Stay Compliant: Makes sure your licence is valid and current.
- Avoid Fines: Stops you from operating with an expired or fake licence.
- Build Trust: Shows you care about food safety.
For Customers and Business Partners:
- Protect Consumers: Confirms the food comes from a verified, licensed source.
- Prevent Fraud: Helps spot fake licences and unregistered businesses.
- Increase Confidence: Strengthens trust in your supply chain.
Legal Risks:
Using an invalid or fake FSSAI licence can lead to:
- Large fines or penalties
- Licence suspension or cancellation
- Legal action
- Business closure
- Serious damage to your reputation
Process to check FSSAI license number
Step 1: Go to the FoSCoS website.
Step 2: Click on the ‘FBO Search’ tab on the homepage.
Step 3: Enter the licence number and the captcha, then click ‘Submit’.
Step 4: The FSSAI licence details will be displayed on the screen.
For more details, refer to how to get FSSAI license to ensure your license application is complete and accurate. Check your pre-approved business loan offer if you want quick financial assistance to support your food business growth after verification.
FSSAI licence number guidelines
- Food Business Operators (FBOs) must display the 14-digit FSSAI licence number on all packaged products.
- FSSAI also provides a logo which must be shown on packed food products. The licence number and logo should stand out clearly against the background colour of the packaging.
- The FSSAI licence number must be produced to authorities when importing products into India.
- The size and style of letters and digits must follow the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011.
- Displaying the FSSAI logo and licence number shows that the FBO is legally licensed and complies with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- FBOs must also display the licence number at their business premises and on the addresses of all units. They are required to put up Food Safety Display Boards at their premises, showing the licence number and colour code for different sectors.
- The logo and licence number should be displayed on products for the entire validity period of the licence, which is up to five years.
- FBOs must renew their FSSAI registration at least 180 days before expiry and display the updated logo and number after renewal.
- All food businesses should mention the FSSAI licence number on purchase invoices, receipts, bills, and cash memos. There is an exemption for GST E-way bills and other system-generated government documents.
Penalties for using fake or invalid FSSAI licenses
The FSSAI treats licence fraud very seriously. Using a fake or invalid licence can lead to the following consequences:
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Operating without a licence | Up to 6 months’ imprisonment and a fine up to Rs. 5 lakh |
| Using a fake licence | Up to 6 months’ imprisonment and a fine up to Rs. 5 lakh |
| Making misleading licence claims | Fine up to Rs. 3 lakh |
| Subsequent convictions | Higher fines and longer imprisonment |
| Business shutdown | Immediate closure by authorities |
Additional consequences:
- Blacklisting from government tenders
- Negative public records affecting future business opportunities
- Difficulty obtaining loans or investments
- Criminal liability for business owners or directors
Common FSSAI license verification issues and solutions
| Issue | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Licence not found in database | Wrong number entered or recent licence not yet updated | Check the number carefully; wait 24–48 hours for the database to update |
| Licence showing “Expired” | Renewal not submitted | Ask the business to renew the licence immediately |
| Details do not match | Business changed address or product range without updating | Request the business to update their licence information |
| QR code not scanning | Certificate damaged or QR code outdated | Enter the licence number manually on the portal |
| Website not loading | Technical maintenance | Try again later or use the mobile app instead |
Conclusion
Verifying your FSSAI licence number online is a simple but important step to ensure your food business stays compliant and earns consumer trust. For food entrepreneurs looking to expand or upgrade their operations, exploring options like a business loan can provide the financial support needed for growth.
Before applying, it’s useful to check your business loan eligibility to understand the documents and criteria required. You can also estimate repayments using a business loan EMI calculator and compare offers by looking at the business loan interest rate to choose the best option for your needs.
More FSSAI related resources
| FSSAI annual returns | FSSAI licence in Pune | FSSAI licence in Bangalore |
| FSSAI licence in Delhi | FSSAI state license vs central license | FSSAI licence in Punjab |
