Key features of FSSAI registration
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Unique 14-digit number | Every registered food business receives a unique 14-digit FSSAI number, which must be printed on all food packaging and promotional materials. |
| Mandatory display | The FSSAI logo and registration number must be prominently displayed at the business premises and on all food products. |
| Three-tier system | FSSAI operates a three-level registration and licensing framework — Basic Registration, State Licence, and Central Licence — depending on the size and scale of the business. |
| Turnover-based eligibility | The type of registration required is primarily determined by annual turnover and the geographic scope of operations. |
| Unified online portal | All applications, renewals, and status tracking are managed through the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in. |
| Validity period | Registration and licences are valid for one to five years, after which renewal is mandatory. |
| Accountability | The FSSAI number on packaging places direct legal responsibility on the food business for the quality and safety of its products. |
| Universally applicable | Applies to all FBOs, regardless of business size — from individual vendors to large-scale or multinational food manufacturers. |
Food business operators (FBOs) who require FSSAI registration
All food business operators, including pharmacies and medical stores selling health supplements or nutraceuticals, must obtain FSSAI registration. The following types of businesses are required to apply for a food licence:
- Shops and retail outlets, such as grocery stores, bakeries, snack shops, and confectionery stores
- Street food vendors, operating from permanent or temporary stalls, selling packaged or prepared foods
- Dairy units, including milk suppliers, milk chillers, and small-scale vendors
- Food processing units, such as fish, meat, and vegetable oil processors, or food repackers
- Businesses involved in food storage and transportation, including cold storage facilities and transporters using milk tankers, food trucks, or refrigerated vans
- Food distributors and wholesalers, including suppliers and marketing agencies
- Food service establishments, such as restaurants, bars, hotels, canteens, and cafeterias
- Food vending agencies, roadside dhabas, and catering services
- PG accommodations providing meal services
- Banquet halls offering catering services
- Home-based food operations, including stalls or canteens at religious institutions or fairs
- Businesses engaged in the import or export of food and food ingredients
- E-commerce food sellers
- Cloud kitchens
FSSAI registration eligibility
FSSAI registration eligibility is determined primarily by a business’s annual turnover and the scale of its operations. There are three types of registration — Basic Registration, State Licence, and Central Licence.
| Business size | Annual turnover | Type required | Issuing authority |
|---|
| Small-scale FBO | Up to Rs. 12 lakh | Basic Registration | State Registrar |
| Medium-scale FBO | Rs. 12 lakh to Rs. 20 crore | State Licence | State Government |
| Large-scale FBO | Above Rs. 20 crore | Central Licence | Central Government |
| Multi-state operations | Any turnover | Central Licence | Central Government |
| Importers and exporters | Any turnover | Central Licence | Central Government |
Criteria for FSSAI Basic Registration
FSSAI Registration is the basic licence required for all food business operators (FBOs) engaged in small-scale food operations. This includes the following categories:
- FBOs with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakh
- Small retailers selling food products
- Individuals who personally manufacture or sell any food item
- Temporary stall holders selling food
- Individuals distributing food at religious or social gatherings, excluding professional caterers
- Small-scale or cottage food businesses
Additionally, small businesses are eligible for FSSAI Registration if they operate within the following capacity limits:
| Sl. No | Business | Capacity |
| 1 | Food production (excluding milk and meat) | Up to 100 kg/litre per day |
| 2 | Procurement, handling, and collection of milk | Up to 500 litres per day |
| 3 | Slaughtering | 2 large animals or 10 small animals or 50 poultry birds per day or less |
| 4 | Transportation | Single vehicle |
| 5 | Vending machines | Up to 12 machines within one state or union territory |
Criteria for FSSAI State Licence
Medium-sized food business operators (FBOs), such as manufacturers, transporters, marketers, and traders, are required to obtain a State FSSAI Licence from the respective State Government. This category includes:
- FBOs with an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore (up to Rs. 30 crore for transportation businesses and wholesalers).
- All grain, cereal, and pulse milling units, regardless of production capacity.
- Medium-scale businesses with the following food capacity limits:
| Sl.No | Business | Capacity |
| 1 | Food production (other than milk and meat) | 1 to 2 MT per day |
| 2 | Procurement, handling, and collection of milk | 501 to 50,000 litres per day |
| 3 | Slaughtering | 3–50 large animals, 11–150 small animals, or 51–1,000 poultry birds per day |
| 4 | Storage | Up to 10,000 MT |
| 5 | Transportation | Up to 100 vehicles |
| 6 | Hotels | One-, Two-, Three-, and Four-star ratings |
| 7 | Vending machines | Up to 100 machines in a single state/UT |
The licence is valid for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years.
Criteria for FSSAI Central Licence
Large-scale food business operators (FBOs), including major manufacturers, importers, and exporters, must obtain a Central FSSAI Licence from the Central Government. This category includes:
- FBOs with an annual turnover above Rs. 20 crore (Rs. 30 crore for transportation businesses and wholesalers).
- The following FBOs regardless of turnover or business size:
- Food businesses operating in two or more states
- Importers and exporters
- Proprietary or non-specified food businesses
- Manufacturers of food or health supplements and nutraceuticals
- Entities involved in radiation processing of foods
- Food business operations at Central Government agency premises
- Caterers, restaurants, canteens, hawkers, or petty retailers at railway stations
- E-commerce food businesses
- Large-scale businesses with the following capacity limits:
| Sl.No | Business | Capacity |
| 1 | Food production (other than milk and meat) | More than 2 MT per day |
| 2 | Procurement, handling, and collection of milk | More than 50,000 litres per day |
| 3 | Slaughtering | More than 50 large animals, more than 150 small animals, or more than 1,000 poultry birds per day |
| 4 | Storage | More than 10,000 MT |
| 5 | Transportation | More than 100 vehicles |
| 6 | Hotels | Five-star and above |
| 7 | Vending machines | More than 100 machines across two or more states/UTs |
The licence is valid for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years.
Types of FSSAI registration
FSSAI offers three types of food registration and licensing in India, each suited to a different scale of food business operations:
| Type | Annual turnover | Issuing authority | Application form | Fee | Validity |
|---|
| Basic registration | Up to Rs. 12 lakh | State Registrar (local authority) | Form A | Rs. 100 per year | 1 to 5 years |
| State Licence | Rs. 12 lakh to Rs. 20 crore | State Government (Food Safety Department) | Form B | Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 per year | 1 to 5 years |
| Central Licence | Above Rs. 20 crore or multi-state operations | Central Government (FSSAI, New Delhi) | Form B | Rs. 7,500 per year | 1 to 5 years |
Checklist for FSSAI Registration and License Application
Here is a checklist to help food business owners confirm they meet the basic needs for an easy application process:
FSSAI Registration Checklist:
- Valid Documents: Keep ready your government ID proof, business address proof, and passport-sized photos of the applicant and important staff members.
- Type of Food Business: Identify what kind of food business you run – manufacturing, retail, catering, storage, distribution, or a home-based business.
- Turnover: Know your yearly income to find out if you need basic registration, a state license, or a central license.
- Business Address: Make sure your business has a fixed and verifiable address, which is needed for the license and inspections.
- FSSAI Safety Rules: Follow food safety and hygiene rules as per FSSAI guidelines to qualify for the registration and get approval smoothly.
Documents required for FSSAI registration
The documents required for FSSAI registration vary depending on the type of registration or licence you are applying for. Here is a detailed breakdown:
Documents for FSSAI Basic Registration (Form A)
- Completed and signed Form A
- Government-issued photo identity proof — Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, or driving licence
- Address proof of the business premises — rental agreement, utility bill, or property ownership document
- Passport-sized photograph of the applicant
- Name and list of food products to be manufactured or handled
Documents for FSSAI State Licence (Form B)
- Completed and signed Form B
- Photo identity proof and address proof of the proprietor or authorised signatory
- Proof of business entity — partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, or MSME registration
- Address proof of the food business premises
- List of food products to be manufactured, processed, stored, or sold
- Blueprint or layout plan of the processing unit (for manufacturing businesses)
- Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan or certificate
- List of equipment and machinery installed, with make and capacity
- Water test report from a government-approved laboratory (for manufacturing units)
- NOC from the municipality or local authority
- Certificate from the Ministry of Tourism (for hotels)
Documents for FSSAI Central Licence (Form B)
All documents required for the State Licence, plus:
- IE Code (Import Export Code) issued by DGFT — for importers and exporters
- Form IX — Nomination of persons by a company, along with board resolution
- Declaration form
- Source of raw material for milk and milk products (for dairy businesses)
- Recall plan for food products (if applicable)
- No Objection Certificate from the state government for businesses operating in multiple states
How to Apply for FSSAI registration online
Getting an FSSAI licence in India is a simple process that food businesses must follow to meet legal requirements and ensure food safety. Below are the main steps to register or apply for a food licence:
Steps for FSSAI Licence Registration
- Choose the right type of licence
Check if your business needs a basic registration, state licence, or central licence. This depends on your annual turnover, business size, and where you operate. - Collect the required documents
Prepare important documents such as:- Identity proof
- Business registration certificate
- Address proof
- Food safety management plan (if needed)
- Fill and submit the application (Form A or B)
- Use Form A for basic registration (for small food businesses)
- Use Form B for state or central licence (for medium to large businesses)
- Pay the government fees
Fees depend on the type of licence and how long it is valid (usually 1 to 5 years). You can pay the fees online while submitting the form. - Verification and inspection (if needed)
For state and central licences, the FSSAI authority may inspect your business premises within 7 to 15 working days. - Receive your FSSAI certificate
If everything is in order, you will get your FSSAI registration or licence certificate online within 7 to 30 working days, depending on the licence type and inspection.
FSSAI Registration Fees
The FSSAI registration fee varies according to the type of licence and the chosen validity period. Below is the complete fee structure:
| Registration type | 1-Year fee | 2-Year fee | 3-Year fee | 4-Year fee | 5-Year fee |
|---|
| Basic registration | Rs. 100 | Rs. 200 | Rs. 300 | Rs. 400 | Rs. 500 |
| State Licence — Petty manufacturer | Rs. 2,000 | Rs. 4,000 | Rs. 6,000 | Rs. 8,000 | Rs. 10,000 |
| State Licence — Medium manufacturer | Rs. 3,000 | Rs. 6,000 | Rs. 9,000 | Rs. 12,000 | Rs. 15,000 |
| State Licence — Restaurant or hotel | Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Central Licence | Rs. 7,500 | Rs. 15,000 | Rs. 22,500 | Rs. 30,000 | Rs. 37,500 |
Validity of the FSSAI registration / License certificate
The validity of an FSSAI registration or license certificate ranges from one to five years, depending on the type and applicability of the registration. Food Business Operators (FBOs) are required to renew their FSSAI license within 180 days before its expiry to maintain legal compliance. If FSSAI license renewal is delayed beyond the expiry date, a late fee of Rs. 100 per day is imposed. This ensures continuous adherence to food safety regulations and allows businesses to operate legally without interruption.
FSSAI registration renewal
Renewing FSSAI registration is essential for Food Business Operators (FBOs) to continue operating legally. Since an FSSAI registration or licence is valid for 1 to 5 years depending on the business type, it is mandatory to apply for renewal before it expires. It is recommended to initiate the renewal process at least 120 days before the expiry date to avoid legal issues, penalties, or interruptions in business operations.
Benefits of Procuring FSSAI License Registration
Obtaining FSSAI registration provides multiple benefits, ensuring legal compliance while boosting your business credibility and growth potential:
- Legal Compliance: Confirms that your business adheres to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which is mandatory for operating a food business in India.
- Increased Consumer Trust: Reassures customers that your products meet safety and quality standards, fostering loyalty and credibility.
- Enhanced Reputation: Shows your commitment to high-quality and safe products, attracting more customers.
- Expanded Market Access: Many retailers and distributors require FSSAI registration, enabling wider business opportunities.
- Competitive Advantage: Differentiates your business from competitors who may not meet safety standards, making your products more attractive.
- International Trade Opportunities: Essential for exporting food products and complying with global regulations.
- Prevention of Legal Issues: Minimises risks of penalties, fines, or business closures by ensuring compliance with food safety laws.
- Assurance of Product Quality: Regular quality checks help maintain consistent and safe products, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Access to Support and Resources: Registered businesses benefit from workshops, updates, and guidance on food safety regulations.
- Better Business Prospects: Opens opportunities for government contracts, tenders, and strategic partnerships, supporting business growth and expansion.
How to check and track FSSAI registration status online
Here are the steps for tracking the status of FSSAI registration and understanding the process:
- Submission of application: Submit the FSSAI registration application online through the FSSAI portal.
- Tracking application status: Log in to the FSSAI portal to track the status of your registration application. Updates on the application progress will be available online.
- Inspection: The FSSAI authority may conduct an inspection of your premises to verify compliance with food safety standards.
- Granting of registration certificate: Once the application is processed and found compliant, the FSSAI registration certificate will be issued. This certificate is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the type of registration obtained.
- Renewal: Ensure to renew the FSSAI registration before its expiry date to continue operating legally. Renewal can also be managed through the FSSAI portal, ensuring ongoing compliance with food safety regulations.
Different status of FSSAI registration
Here are the different statuses of FSSAI registration explained:
- Process yet to be started: Application submitted, awaiting initiation by authorities.
- Application reverted: Authorities have reviewed and requested modifications or clarifications.
- Application rejected: Rejection due to incomplete or incorrect information not rectified within 30 days.
- Inspection: Application processed; premises due for inspection to ensure compliance.
- Registration certificate issued: Certificate issued upon successful verification of compliance with FSSAI guidelines. Certificate downloadable from FoSCoS website post approval.
FSSAI non-compliance offences and penalty
Operating a food business without proper FSSAI registration, or failing to comply with food safety standards, can result in serious legal and financial consequences. The penalty structure is as follows:
| Non-compliance type | Penalty amount |
|---|
| Non-compliant food quality | Up to Rs. 2 lakh (Rs. 25,000 for small manufacturers) |
| Sub-standard food | Up to Rs. 5 lakh |
| Misbranded food product | Up to Rs. 3 lakh |
| False description or misleading food advertisement | Up to Rs. 10 lakh |
| Presence of extraneous matter in food | Up to Rs. 1 lakh |
| Failure to comply with FSSAI food safety directions | Up to Rs. 2 lakh |
| Unhygienic or unsanitary manufacturing or processing | Up to Rs. 1 lakh |
| Operating without FSSAI registration or licence | Imprisonment up to 6 months and/or fine up to Rs. 5 lakh |
| Selling food unfit for human consumption | Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine up to Rs. 10 lakh |
| Late renewal of FSSAI registration | Rs. 100 per day after the expiry date |
Important: In addition to financial penalties, FSSAI authorities may seize and destroy food products, suspend or cancel the FSSAI licence, and initiate criminal proceedings against the responsible business owner or manager.
Conclusion
FSSAI registration is the single most important compliance step for any food business in India. It provides legal authorisation to operate, builds consumer trust, enables market access, and protects your business from the serious financial and legal consequences of non-compliance.
Key takeaways from this guide:
- Every food business operator in India — from street vendors to large manufacturers — must obtain FSSAI Basic Registration, State Licence, or Central Licence based on annual turnover and operational scale.
- All applications are submitted online via the FoSCoS portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in.
- Fees range from Rs. 100 per year for Basic Registration to Rs. 7,500 per year for a Central Licence.
- Registration certificates are valid for one to five years and must be renewed before expiry.
- Late renewal attracts a penalty of Rs. 100 per day, while operating without registration can result in fines of up to Rs. 5 lakh and imprisonment.
For food businesses seeking to upgrade facilities, purchase equipment, train staff, or expand operations to comply with FSSAI standards, a Bajaj Finserv Business Loan offers up to Rs. 80 lakh collateral-free with 48-hour disbursement — providing the financial support required to build a compliant, credible, and growing food business in India.
You can also calculate your expected EMIs using the business loan EMI calculator, check the applicable business loan interest rate, and confirm your business loan eligibility before applying.
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