What Is FSSAI Registration?
FSSAI approval is a legal requirement for eligible food businesses in India. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) oversees food safety under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Before you start any food-related activity, you must hold the right Registration or License. Which one applies depends on your Kind of Business (KoB), annual turnover and a few other criteria. Applications are made on the official FoSCoS portal.
Types of FSSAI Approval
There are three levels. The revised turnover limits apply from 1 April 2026.
Basic Registration
For small businesses such as petty retailers, hawkers and temporary food stalls.
State License
For manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers and food service businesses.
Central License
For large businesses, importers and certain categories that need it whatever their turnover.
Eligibility and Who Needs It
- Multiple states: a business operating in two or more states must name a Head Office and take a Central License for it. Other locations need the approval that suits their KoB.
- One premise, one approval: each premise gets a single license, and several food activities can be added to it.
- Street vendors: hawkers, food carts and food trucks covered under the Street Vendors Act, 2014 are deemed registered, but must still follow hygiene rules.
- High-risk foods: dairy, meat, infant food, fishery products and packaged drinking water carry extra safety and testing rules. Packaged drinking water also needs BIS certification.
You may need FSSAI approval if you:
- Make or process food: bakery, mill, beverage unit, repacking or relabelling.
- Serve food: restaurant, cafe, cloud kitchen, canteen, caterer, tiffin service or food truck.
- Trade in food: wholesaler, distributor, retailer, supermarket or kirana store.
- Sell food on e-commerce platforms (Central License, regardless of turnover).
- Store or transport food: warehouse, cold storage or food transport.
- Import or export food (Central License, plus IEC and AD Code).
- Run institutional kitchens in schools, hospitals or government bodies.
Documents Required
FoSCoS shows the exact list for your category. Commonly asked documents are:
- Form A (Registration) or Form B (License).
- Photo ID and address proof of the owner, partner, director or authorised signatory.
- Proof of premises: sale deed, rent agreement or electricity bill.
- Business constitution papers: partnership deed, incorporation certificate or trust/society documents.
- Details of food activities, products and food categories.
- For manufacturing: layout plan, machinery list and water analysis report.
- For importers: IEC certificate.
- Authority letter if someone applies on your behalf.
How to Apply Online
- Identify your categoryChoose your Kind of Business and location, then check whether Registration, State or Central License applies.
- Get documents readyCollect the papers for your KoB and cross-check them with the current FoSCoS list.
- Fill the applicationLog in to FoSCoS, pick the new License/Registration option, complete Form A or B and upload documents.
- Pay the feePay the government fee online and save the receipt and reference number.
- Track and respondFollow the status with your reference number, answer any query and complete an inspection if asked.
- Download your certificateOnce approved, download the PDF from FoSCoS. It carries your 14-digit FSSAI number, which you must display at your premises and on product labels.
Government Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Basic Registration | ₹100 per year |
| State License | ₹5,000 per year |
| Central License | ₹7,500 per year |
| Modification | ₹1,000 + differential fee, if any |
Fees for some Kinds of Business may differ from these general amounts.
Validity, Renewal and Compliance
- Licenses issued from 1 April 2026 have perpetual validity, so there is no periodic renewal.
- The annual fee must still be paid on FoSCoS to keep the license active.
- Apply for a modification whenever your business details change.
- Existing holders can migrate to the new turnover framework on FoSCoS. The FSSAI number stays the same, and migration caused only by the new limits has no modification fee.
- FSSAI can suspend or cancel an approval for non-compliance or to protect public health.
Penalty for Operating Without a License
Running a food business without the required license can lead to a fine of up to ₹5 lakh and up to 6 months of imprisonment under Section 63 of the Act. Repeat offences attract higher punishment and a daily fine of up to ₹1 lakh, and the license may be cancelled. Unsafe, misbranded or sub-standard food carries separate penalties.
Official Government Links
Apply, track or verify your license only on these official portals.
Need help with your FSSAI license?
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