To get an FSSAI food licence in India, you need to register on the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in and apply under the appropriate category — Basic Registration (turnover up to ₹12 lakh, fee ₹100/year), State Licence (turnover ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore, fee ₹2,000-5,000/year), or Central Licence (turnover above ₹20 crore or import/export, fee ₹7,500/year). The process takes 7-60 working days. You will need identity proof, address proof of business premises, and a food safety management plan.
Who can apply for an FSSAI licence
- Any individual, firm, company, or entity involved in manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, transportation, or sale of food in India
- Food Business Operators (FBOs) include restaurants, hotels, canteens, catering services, food stalls, bakeries, sweet shops, meat shops, dairy businesses, packaged food manufacturers, food importers, and food exporters
- Petty food manufacturers and street food vendors with annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh need Basic Registration only
- E-commerce food businesses and cloud kitchens also need FSSAI licence
- Persons operating more than one food business need separate licences for each unit unless they operate under a single entity from the same premises
You must obtain a licence before commencing operations: Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI licence is a criminal offence under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, punishable with imprisonment up to 6 months and fine up to ₹5 lakh.
Documents you will need
Mandatory documents (all categories)
- Identity proof of the applicant/proprietor — Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, or passport (self-attested photocopy)
- Passport-size photograph — Of the applicant or authorised signatory (digital format for upload)
- Proof of business premises — Rent agreement, lease deed, or property ownership document
- Address proof of business premises — Latest utility bill (electricity, water, or telephone), municipal tax receipt, or Aadhaar of proprietor showing business address
Additional documents for State and Central Licences
- Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan — Standard operating procedures for food safety, hygiene, and quality control
- List of food products — Complete list of food items to be manufactured, processed, or sold with categories
- Layout plan of the processing unit — Blueprint or floor plan showing the kitchen/factory layout, equipment placement, and workflow
- Water testing report — From a recognised laboratory (not older than 6 months), confirming potability of water used in food processing
- List of equipment and machinery — With capacity details for manufacturing units
- Analysis report of food products — From an FSSAI-recognised or NABL-accredited laboratory (for manufacturers)
- Source of raw materials — Declaration of procurement sources
- Recall plan — Standard procedure for product recalls (for manufacturers and importers)
- NOC from local authority — Municipal corporation trade licence or health trade licence
- IEC (Import Export Code) — Mandatory for food importers/exporters (obtained from DGFT)
Step-by-step process
Step 1: Determine your licence category
Before applying, identify which category applies to your food business based on annual turnover and type of activity.
| Category | Annual Turnover | Type of Business | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Up to ₹12 lakh | Petty food manufacturers, street vendors, small retailers, hawkers | ₹100 |
| State Licence | ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore | Medium-sized manufacturers, restaurants, hotels, caterers, storage units | ₹2,000-5,000 |
| Central Licence | Above ₹20 crore | Large manufacturers, importers, exporters, central government agencies, operators in 2+ states | ₹7,500 |
Where: Self-assessment based on business plan and projected turnover Form: No form at this stage — just determine the correct category
Tip: If you are starting a new business and are unsure of projected turnover, start with Basic Registration (₹100/year). You can upgrade to a State or Central Licence later as your business grows. Applying for a higher category than required wastes money and time.
Step 2: Create an account on the FoSCoS portal
Register on the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal, the unified online system that replaced the old FLRS portal.
Where: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in → "Create Account" Requirements: Valid mobile number and email address for OTP verification
Tip: Use a mobile number that will remain active throughout the licence period — FSSAI sends renewal reminders and compliance notices via SMS.
Step 3: Fill the online application form
Log in to the FoSCoS portal and select "Apply for New Licence/Registration." Fill in all required fields including business type, food category, premises details, and upload the required documents.
Where: FoSCoS portal → Dashboard → Apply for New Licence/Registration Form: Form A (Basic Registration) or Form B (State/Central Licence)
Tip: For Basic Registration, the form is simpler and requires fewer documents. For State and Central Licences, prepare all documents in advance as the form requires detailed uploads including FSMS plan, layout plan, and water test report.
Step 4: Pay the prescribed fee
Pay the annual licence fee online through the FoSCoS portal. You can pay for 1 to 5 years in advance.
Where: FoSCoS portal (online payment during application) Fee: ₹100/year (Basic), ₹2,000-5,000/year (State), ₹7,500/year (Central) Payment method: Net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI
Tip: Paying for multiple years upfront saves you the hassle of annual renewal. A 5-year payment also demonstrates business stability to licensing authorities.
Step 5: Inspection by Food Safety Officer (for State and Central Licences)
For State and Central Licences, a Food Safety Officer (FSO) may visit your premises to verify the information provided in the application. The FSO checks hygiene standards, equipment, water quality, storage conditions, and compliance with FSSAI regulations.
Where: Your business premises Time: Within 30 days of application submission (statutory); 15-45 days (realistic)
Tip: Ensure your premises are clean, equipment is functional, and all food safety protocols are in place before the application — the FSO may visit without prior notice. Display your application acknowledgment number prominently.
Step 6: Receive your FSSAI licence
Upon successful verification, the licence is issued digitally through the FoSCoS portal. Basic Registration certificates may be issued instantly or within 7 working days. State and Central Licences take 30-60 working days.
Where: FoSCoS portal → Dashboard → Download Licence Format: Digital certificate with 14-digit FSSAI licence number
Tip: The 14-digit FSSAI licence number must be displayed on all food product labels, packaging, and prominently at your business premises. Non-display of the licence number is a separate offence.
Step 7: Display the licence and comply with labelling requirements
After receiving the licence, display it at a prominent location at your food business premises. All food products must carry the FSSAI logo and licence number on their packaging.
Where: Business premises and product packaging Requirement: FSSAI logo + 14-digit licence number on all food labels
Tip: For packaged food products, ensure labelling complies with the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011 — this includes nutritional information, ingredients list, allergen declarations, manufacturing date, expiry date, and FSSAI licence number.
Fees and costs
| Item | Amount | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration (per year) | ₹100 | FoSCoS portal (online) |
| State Licence (per year) | ₹2,000-5,000 | FoSCoS portal (online) |
| Central Licence (per year) | ₹7,500 | FoSCoS portal (online) |
| Water testing report | ₹500-2,000 | To NABL-accredited laboratory |
| Food product analysis report | ₹2,000-10,000 per product | To FSSAI-recognised laboratory |
| Trade licence (municipal authority) | ₹500-5,000 | To local municipal body |
| Professional consultant fee (optional) | ₹2,000-10,000 | Direct to consultant |
| Total estimated cost (Basic Registration) | ₹100-500 | |
| Total estimated cost (State Licence) | ₹5,000-25,000 | |
| Total estimated cost (Central Licence) | ₹15,000-50,000 |
How long does it take
| Stage | Statutory Timeline | Realistic Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Account creation and form filling | Same day | 1-2 hours (if documents are ready) |
| Basic Registration approval | 7 working days | Instant to 7 working days |
| State Licence — document verification | 30 days | 15-30 working days |
| State Licence — FSO inspection | Within 30 days of application | 15-45 working days |
| State Licence — issuance | 60 days total | 30-60 working days |
| Central Licence — document verification | 30 days | 15-30 working days |
| Central Licence — issuance | 60 days total | 30-60 working days |
Can you do this online?
Yes — the entire FSSAI registration and licensing process is fully online through the FoSCoS portal. No physical visit to any FSSAI office is required for filing the application.
Online process step-by-step
- Visit FoSCoS portal: Go to https://foscos.fssai.gov.in
- Create an account: Click "Create Account," provide your mobile number and email, verify via OTP
- Log in and select application type: Choose "Apply for New Licence/Registration"
- Select licence category: Choose Basic Registration, State Licence, or Central Licence based on your business
- Fill application form: Enter business details, food categories, premises address, and authorised person details
- Upload documents: Upload all required documents in PDF or JPEG format (maximum 2 MB per file)
- Make payment: Pay the applicable fee via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI
- Submit application: Review all details and submit — you will receive an application reference number
- Track status: Use the reference number to track application status on the FoSCoS dashboard
- Download licence: Once approved, download the digital licence from your dashboard
Note: While the application is online, State and Central Licence applicants may still require a physical inspection of their premises by a Food Safety Officer. The inspection schedule is communicated via the portal and SMS.
What if things go wrong
Problem: Application rejected for incomplete documents
Solution: The FoSCoS portal will specify the exact reason for rejection and which documents are deficient. Correct the deficiencies and reapply — there is no limit on resubmissions. The most common reason for rejection is a missing or expired water testing report. Ensure all laboratory reports are dated within 6 months of application.
Problem: No response within 60 days of application
Solution: If your State or Central Licence application has been pending for more than 60 days without any communication, the licence is deemed to be granted under the "deemed approval" provision introduced by FSSAI. Download the deemed licence from the FoSCoS portal. If the portal does not reflect this, send a written complaint to the Designated Officer of your district.
Problem: Food Safety Officer raised objections during inspection
Solution: The FSO will provide a written report detailing the objections. You have 30 days to rectify the issues and request a re-inspection. Common objections include inadequate pest control, improper waste disposal, lack of handwashing facilities, or improper food storage temperatures. Address each objection specifically and maintain photographic evidence of rectification.
Problem: FSSAI licence number not appearing on the portal after approval
Solution: Allow 3-5 working days for the system to update. If the issue persists, raise a grievance on the FoSCoS portal (Helpdesk section) or call the FSSAI helpline at 1800-112-100 (toll-free). Carry your application acknowledgment receipt as interim proof of compliance.
Problem: Need to modify licence details after issuance (change address, add food category)
Solution: Log in to FoSCoS portal and file a modification request. Minor modifications (adding food categories, changing contact details) are processed within 7-15 working days. Major modifications (change of premises address) may require a fresh inspection.
State-specific differences
The FSSAI licence framework is governed by central legislation and regulations. The core application process, fees, and document requirements are uniform across all states and union territories. However, minor operational differences exist:
- Food Safety Officer deployment: Some states have a higher density of FSOs, resulting in faster inspections (e.g., Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra). States with fewer FSOs may experience longer inspection wait times.
- Municipal trade licence requirements: Before applying for an FSSAI licence, most municipal corporations require a separate trade licence. The process and fee for trade licence vary by city — e.g., ₹500-2,000 in tier-2 cities, ₹2,000-5,000 in metro cities.
- State-specific labelling requirements: Some states have additional labelling rules — for example, Kerala mandates labelling in Malayalam for products sold locally.
- Additional health trade licence: States like Maharashtra require a "Health Trade Licence" from the municipal corporation in addition to the FSSAI licence for restaurants and food service establishments.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an FSSAI licence for a home-based food business or home bakery?
Yes. Any person involved in the business of food — including home-based food businesses, home bakeries, and tiffin services — must obtain at least a Basic FSSAI Registration. If your annual turnover is under ₹12 lakh, the Basic Registration costs only ₹100 per year and can be obtained online within 7 days.
Can I operate my food business while the FSSAI application is pending?
Yes, once you submit the application on FoSCoS and receive the application reference number, you may commence operations. The reference number serves as interim proof of compliance for up to 60 days. However, if the application is rejected, you must cease operations immediately until a valid licence is obtained.
What is the penalty for operating without an FSSAI licence?
Under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, operating a food business without a valid licence is punishable with imprisonment up to 6 months and a fine up to ₹5 lakh. Food Safety Officers can also seize food products and order closure of the premises.
How do I renew my FSSAI licence?
Log in to the FoSCoS portal and click "Apply for Licence Renewal" at least 30 days before the expiry date. The renewal process is simpler than the initial application — you need to update any changes in business details and pay the renewal fee. Late renewal attracts a penalty of ₹100 per day of delay.
What is the difference between FSSAI Registration and FSSAI Licence?
FSSAI Registration (Basic) is for petty food businesses with turnover up to ₹12 lakh — it is simpler, cheaper (₹100/year), and does not require a premises inspection. An FSSAI Licence (State or Central) is for larger food businesses with higher turnover, involving a detailed application, document verification, and physical inspection. Both grant you a 14-digit FSSAI number.
Can one entity hold multiple FSSAI licences?
Yes. If a food business operates from multiple premises (e.g., a restaurant chain with 5 locations), each premises requires a separate FSSAI licence. However, if all operations are from a single premises under a single entity, one licence suffices. For businesses operating across multiple states, a Central Licence covers all locations.