FSSAI license cost is the fee set by the government that food business operators must pay to get or renew their license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The fees differ depending on the type of license—Basic, State, or Central—based on the business’s annual turnover and size of operations. Knowing the exact cost is important for budgeting, staying compliant, and avoiding penalties. This guide gives a complete overview of FSSAI fees, payment process, renewal charges, and financing options to help food business owners plan efficiently.
What is FSSAI license cost?
The FSSAI license cost is the government-mandated fee levied by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India for obtaining or renewing a food business license. This fee is kept affordable to make compliance easier for all types of businesses, from small street vendors to large food corporations.
The fee includes:
- Application processing and verification
- Issuance of the license and related documentation
- Regulatory supervision and compliance checks
- Renewal and maintaining the validity of the license
Note: The license fee does not include any professional fees paid to consultants or agents who help with the application process.
Important note on FSSAI fee structure
The FSSAI license and certificate are valid for five years, and the renewal cost depends on the number of years chosen.
- If you need a duplicate license, the fee is 10% of the applicable license cost.
- The renewal fee for an FSSAI Central License is fixed at Rs. 7,500 per year.
- Similarly, any charges for upgrading the FSSAI Central License are Rs. 7,500.
FSSAI fee structure for FSSAI license/registration
| Licence type | Annual turnover | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic FSSAI | Up to Rs. 12 lakh | Rs. 100 – Rs. 500 |
| State FSSAI | Rs. 12 lakh – Rs. 20 crore | Rs. 2,000 – Rs. 5,000 |
| Central FSSAI | Above Rs. 20 crore | Rs. 7,500 |
Note: The above fees are indicative. Please refer to official sources for exact amounts.
Additional costs associated with FSSAI license
Apart from the government fee, businesses should also plan for:
Food safety training and certification
- Required for certain licences
- Costs vary depending on the training provider and number of staff
Food testing charges
- Needed for product approval or licence renewal in some cases
- Fees depend on the product type and number of samples
Professional fees (Optional)
- Consultant fees: Rs. 2,000 – Rs. 15,000, depending on licence type and complexity
- Document preparation services
- Assistance with compliance audits
Late renewal penalty
- Extra Rs. 100 per day if renewal is delayed past the expiry date
- Charges can add up quickly if not paid on time
Factors that determine your FSSAI license cost
Several factors determine your business’s licence category and, in turn, the fee you will pay:
| Factor | Impact on licence type |
|---|---|
| Annual turnover | Main factor—higher turnover usually means a higher licence category |
| Business scale | Small/local business versus multi-state operations |
| Nature of business | Manufacturer, processor, distributor, importer, or retailer |
| Production capacity | For manufacturers, the installed capacity is considered |
| Number of outlets | Single location versus chain of outlets |
| Export/Import activity | Requires a Central Licence automatically |
Step-by-step guide to pay FSSAI license fees
Online payment process
- Go to the FoSCoS Portal: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in
- Register or log in to your account
- Fill in the application form with your business details
- Choose your licence validity period (1–5 years)
- The system will calculate the fee automatically based on:
- Licence type selected
- Validity period chosen
- Select a payment method:
- Net banking
- Credit/Debit card
- UPI
- NEFT/RTGS (generate challan if using this method)
- Make the payment and save the receipt/acknowledgment
- Track your application status using the acknowledgment number
Offline payment option
- Generate a payment challan online
- Visit any authorised bank branch with the challan
- Make the payment and upload the receipt on the portal
FSSAI license renewal cost
Renewal fees are the same as the initial application fees for the selected validity period.
| Licence type | 1-year renewal | 5-year renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Basic registration | Rs. 100 | Rs. 500 |
| State licence | Rs. 2,000 | Rs. 10,000 |
| Central licence | Rs. 7,500 | Rs. 37,500 |
Key renewal guidelines:
- Apply for renewal at least 30 days before the licence expires
- Late applications (within 30 days after expiry) incur an extra fee
- After 30 days past expiry, the licence becomes invalid; a fresh application is required
Fee exemptions and concessions
Exemptions
- Government-owned food businesses may be exempt from some fees
- Non-profit organisations running community kitchens or food relief programmes
Concessions
- Women entrepreneurs: Some states provide fee concessions for women-led food businesses
- Startups: Limited-time concessions under certain state food safety policies
- SC/ST entrepreneurs: Fee subsidies available in some states
Check with your state food safety department to see which exemptions or concessions apply.
Penalties for non-payment or late payment
| Violation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Operating without a licence | Fine up to Rs. 5 lakh and possible imprisonment |
| Late renewal (within 30 days) | Rs. 100 per day late fee |
| Late renewal (after 30 days) | Licence lapses; a fresh application with full fee is required |
| Incorrect fee payment | Application rejected; process must be restarted |
How to finance your FSSAI license and food business
Although FSSAI fees are small, starting or expanding a food business comes with other significant costs, such as equipment, premises, raw materials, and marketing. A business loan can help cover:
- FSSAI registration and renewal fees
- Food safety training and certifications
- Kitchen equipment and machinery
- Commercial space rental deposits
- Initial inventory purchase
- Packaging and branding expenses
Benefits of a business loan for food entrepreneurs
| Feature | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Quick disbursal | Access funds within 48 hours for urgent licensing needs |
| Flexible amounts | Borrow Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 80 lakh depending on business size |
| Manageable repayment | Choose repayment tenure from 6 to 96 months to match cash flow |
| No collateral required | Unsecured options available for eligible businesses |
| Preserve working capital | Keep cash for daily operations while financing growth |
A Bajaj Finserv Business Loan offers competitive business loan interest rates and transparent terms, making it easier to plan your finances. You can use the business loan EMI calculator to estimate monthly payments before applying.
Conclusion
The FSSAI licence cost is a clear and affordable regulatory expense that depends on your business size, turnover, and type of operations. The government fee is small, but businesses should also account for training, food testing, professional support, and renewal schedules to avoid fines. Applying on time, choosing the right licence, and planning finances carefully helps ensure smooth compliance. Treat the FSSAI fee as a necessary operational cost rather than an afterthought to prevent delays, legal issues, and extra reapplication costs.
