How to Get an FSSAI Food License in India: Registration Types, Fees and Step-by-Step Process

Kaustav Chowdhury
Jun 15
4 min read

Every food business operator (FBO) in India is required to obtain a food license or registration from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under Section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act). Operating without a valid FSSAI license is a punishable offence that can result in fines and imprisonment. This guide explains the three tiers of licensing, the documents required, the application process, and the associated fees. For context on business registration, see How to Register a Private Limited Company in India: SPICe, Documents and Costs.

Three Tiers of FSSAI Licensing

FSSAI operates a three-tier licensing system based on the scale and nature of the food business. First, Basic Registration (FSSAI Registration) is for petty food businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs 12 lakh. This includes small retailers, hawkers, temporary stall holders, home-based food businesses, and itinerant vendors. Second, State License is for medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 20 crore. This includes manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, marketers, and food service establishments operating within a single state. Third, Central License is for large-scale food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding Rs 20 crore, or businesses operating in two or more states. This also includes importers, operators in central government agencies, airports, and seaports.

Who Needs an FSSAI License

Under Section 31 of the FSS Act, 2006, every person carrying on any food business must have a license or registration. This includes restaurants, cafes, and cloud kitchens; food manufacturers and processors; food importers and exporters; food storage and warehouse operators; food transporters; online food delivery platforms; caterers and event food service providers; dairy farms and milk processing units; meat and poultry processing units; bakeries and confectioneries; and any person who manufactures, distributes, or sells food products. For more on business compliance, see How to Register for GST Online in India: Process, Documents, Threshold and Fees.

Documents Required

The documents required vary slightly by license type, but generally include the following. Identity proof of the FBO or proprietor (Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID). Address proof of the business premises (utility bill, rent agreement, property tax receipt). Passport-size photographs. Proof of possession of the premises (ownership documents or lease agreement). Partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, or trust deed (for non-individual applicants). List of food products to be manufactured or handled. Food safety management plan or self-declaration (for registration). Blueprint or layout plan of the manufacturing unit (for State and Central licenses). NOC from the local municipality or Panchayat. Water test report from a recognised laboratory (for manufacturing units).

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Determine the type of license required based on your annual turnover and nature of business. Step 2: Visit the FSSAI Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in. Step 3: Create an account by registering with your mobile number and email. Step 4: Select the type of license (Basic Registration, State License, or Central License). Step 5: Fill in the application form with business details, address, food categories, and other required information. Step 6: Upload the required documents in the specified format. Step 7: Pay the applicable fee online. Step 8: Submit the application. For Basic Registration, the certificate is typically issued within 7 working days. For State and Central licenses, the processing takes 30 to 60 days, during which an inspection of the premises may be conducted. Step 9: Download and display the FSSAI license certificate at your business premises. For a related registration guide, see How to Register a Partnership Firm in India in 2026: Process and Documents.

Fees for FSSAI License

The fees for FSSAI licensing are as follows. Basic Registration costs Rs 100 per year. State License costs Rs 2,000 per year for manufacturers and Rs 2,000 per year for other food businesses. Central License costs Rs 7,500 per year. Licenses can be obtained for periods of 1 to 5 years, and the fee is multiplied accordingly. Late renewal attracts a penalty of Rs 100 per day of delay. All payments can be made online through the FSSAI FLRS portal.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating a food business without an FSSAI license or registration is a punishable offence under the FSS Act. Under Section 63, any person who manufactures, sells, or distributes food without a license is liable to a fine which may extend to Rs 5 lakh. Under Section 64, continued operation without a license after being ordered to cease may lead to imprisonment for up to six months. FSSAI also conducts regular inspections, and non-compliant businesses can have their licenses suspended or cancelled. For the latest on regulatory compliance, see CCPA Fines PhysicsWallah and McAfee for Dark Patterns: What Online Consumers Should Know.

Key Takeaways

First, every food business in India must obtain FSSAI registration or license under Section 31 of the FSS Act, 2006. Second, FSSAI operates a three-tier system: Basic Registration (up to Rs 12 lakh turnover), State License (Rs 12 lakh to Rs 20 crore), and Central License (above Rs 20 crore or multi-state operations). Third, the application is filed online through the FSSAI FLRS portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in. Fourth, Basic Registration costs Rs 100 per year, State License costs Rs 2,000 per year, and Central License costs Rs 7,500 per year. Fifth, operating without an FSSAI license can result in fines up to Rs 5 lakh and imprisonment of up to six months.