FSSAI license registration has become mandatory for all food businesses in India, with over 8.5 lakh licenses issued annually and stringent enforcement driving 95%+ compliance rates in organized food sectors. Whether you're starting a restaurant, food manufacturing unit, or online food delivery service, obtaining the correct FSSAI license category is essential for legal operation, business credibility, and avoiding penalties up to ₹10 lakh. Understanding the application process, documentation requirements, and compliance obligations ensures smooth registration and ongoing operations in India's rapidly growing ₹4.2 lakh crore food industry.
Legal Compliance: FSSAI license is mandatory for all food businesses with turnover above ₹12 lakh. Operating without license attracts penalties up to ₹10 lakh and business closure orders.
FSSAI License Overview 2025
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
FSSAI is the national food safety regulator established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, responsible for ensuring safe and nutritious food for Indian consumers. The organization regulates food businesses across the entire supply chain, from farm to fork, through a comprehensive licensing and registration system that categorizes businesses based on scale, nature, and risk profile.
FSSAI Registration Statistics 2025
Regulatory Framework and Enforcement
Key Legislation
- • Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
- • Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011
- • Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011
- • State food safety laws and rules
- • International food safety standards alignment
Enforcement Mechanisms
- • Regular inspections and audits
- • Food sampling and testing
- • Penalty and prosecution provisions
- • License suspension and cancellation
- • Public disclosure of violations
FSSAI License Types & Categories
Three-Tier Licensing System
Basic Registration (Up to ₹12 Lakh Turnover)
Eligible Businesses:
- • Small food manufacturers
- • Petty food retailers
- • Hawkers and temporary stall holders
- • Small restaurants and eateries
- • Home-based food businesses
- • Street food vendors
Key Features:
- • Registration fee: ₹100 for 1-2 years
- • Simplified application process
- • 14-digit registration number
- • Valid for 1-5 years
- • Self-declaration basis
- • No inspection required
State License (₹12 Lakh to ₹20 Crore Turnover)
Eligible Businesses:
- • Medium-scale food manufacturers
- • Restaurant chains (within state)
- • Food distributors and wholesalers
- • Storage and warehousing units
- • Food transport vehicles
- • Catering companies
Key Features:
- • License fee: ₹2,000-5,000
- • State government authority
- • 14-digit license number
- • Valid for 1-5 years
- • Detailed application required
- • Inspection may be required
Central License (Above ₹20 Crore Turnover)
Eligible Businesses:
- • Large food manufacturers
- • Importers and exporters
- • Multi-state food businesses
- • Milk and dairy processors
- • Slaughter houses
- • Food additives manufacturers
Key Features:
- • License fee: ₹7,500-10,000
- • Central government authority
- • 14-digit license number
- • Valid for 1-5 years
- • Comprehensive application
- • Mandatory inspection
Special Category Licenses
| Business Category | License Type Required | Additional Requirements | License Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Import/Export | Central License | IEC code, laboratory setup | ₹7,500 |
| Milk Processing | Central License | Veterinary license, HACCP | ₹10,000 |
| Slaughter House | Central License | Municipal permission, veterinary | ₹10,000 |
| Online Food Business | State/Central | E-commerce platform agreement | Based on turnover |
| Food Vending | Basic Registration | Municipal approval, health certificate | ₹100 |
Eligibility & Business Requirements
Universal Eligibility Criteria
Business Entity Requirements
Legal Entity Status:
- • Registered business entity (company/partnership/proprietorship)
- • Valid business registration certificate
- • Tax registration (GST, if applicable)
- • Bank account in business name
- • Operational business premises
Compliance Prerequisites:
- • Municipal trade license or NOC
- • Fire department NOC (if required)
- • Pollution control clearance
- • Water quality test certificate
- • Food safety management system
Infrastructure Requirements by License Type
Basic Registration:
- • Minimum infrastructure requirements
- • Basic hygiene and sanitation
- • Safe water source
- • Waste management system
- • Storage facilities
State License:
- • Standard manufacturing setup
- • Quality control measures
- • Testing laboratory access
- • Trained personnel
- • Documentation systems
Central License:
- • Advanced processing facilities
- • In-house laboratory (if required)
- • HACCP implementation
- • Quality assurance systems
- • Certified food safety professionals
Food Handler Requirements
Food Safety Supervisor
- • Mandatory for all license categories
- • Food safety training certification
- • Minimum educational qualification
- • Regular training and updates
- • Responsible for food safety compliance
- • Must be available during operations
Food Handler Training
- • Basic food safety and hygiene training
- • Health certificates for food handlers
- • Regular medical check-ups
- • Personal hygiene maintenance
- • Training record maintenance
- • Ongoing education programs
Online Application Process
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Portal Registration and Login
Visit FSSAI official website (fssai.gov.in), create user account with valid email and mobile number, verify OTP, and set secure password.
License Category Selection
Choose appropriate license type based on business nature, turnover, and operation scale. System will guide you to correct application form.
Application Form Completion
Fill Form A (Basic Registration) or Form B (State/Central License) with accurate business details, address, activity details, and capacity information.
Document Upload
Upload all required documents in specified format (PDF/JPG, max 2MB each). Ensure documents are clear and legible.
Fee Payment and Submission
Pay applicable fees online through net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI. Submit application and receive acknowledgment with reference number.
Application Forms Overview
Form A - Basic Registration
- • Simplified single-page form
- • Basic business information required
- • Self-declaration of compliance
- • Minimal documentation needed
- • Quick processing (7-10 days)
- • Suitable for small food businesses
Form B - State/Central License
- • Comprehensive multi-page application
- • Detailed business and technical information
- • Food safety management plan required
- • Extensive documentation checklist
- • Verification and inspection process
- • For medium to large food businesses
Documents Required for Registration
Common Documents for All Categories
Identity and Address Proof
Proprietor/Partner/Director Identity:
- • PAN card (mandatory)
- • Aadhaar card
- • Passport (if applicable)
- • Voter ID card
- • Driving license
Business Address Proof:
- • Rent agreement or property deed
- • Electricity bill (latest)
- • Water bill or municipal tax receipt
- • Bank statement with address
- • Telephone bill
Business Registration Documents
| Business Type | Primary Registration Document | Additional Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | Shop & Establishment License | GST registration, Trade license |
| Partnership | Partnership Deed | Registration certificate, Partners' ID |
| Private/Public Company | Certificate of Incorporation | MOA, AOA, Director details |
| LLP | LLP Registration Certificate | LLP Agreement, Partner details |
Category-Specific Documents
Basic Registration Additional Documents
Infrastructure Documents:
- • Layout plan of premises
- • Photographs of business premises
- • Water analysis report
- • Declaration of compliance with food safety
Operational Documents:
- • List of food products/categories
- • Food safety supervisor details
- • Medical certificate of food handlers
- • Self-declaration of compliance
State/Central License Additional Requirements
Technical Documentation:
- • Food safety management plan
- • Process flow chart
- • HACCP plan (if applicable)
- • Quality control procedures
- • Recall procedure
Compliance Certificates:
- • NOC from municipality
- • Fire department NOC
- • Pollution control board clearance
- • Factory license (if applicable)
- • Other regulatory approvals
FSSAI Registration Fees Structure
Comprehensive Fee Structure 2025
Basic Registration Fees
| Validity Period | Registration Fee | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | ₹100 | New/trial businesses |
| 2 Years | ₹100 | Small established businesses |
| 3 Years | ₹100 | Stable small businesses |
| 5 Years | ₹100 | Long-term planning |
State License Fees
Standard Categories:
- • Manufacturing: ₹2,500-4,000
- • Processing: ₹2,000-3,500
- • Storage/Distribution: ₹2,000-3,000
- • Retail/Catering: ₹2,000-2,500
- • Transportation: ₹1,500-2,000
Duration-Based Fees:
- • 1 Year: Base fee
- • 2 Years: Base fee + 50%
- • 3 Years: Base fee + 100%
- • 5 Years: Base fee + 200%
- • Renewal: Same as fresh application
Central License Fees
| Business Category | License Fee (1 Year) | License Fee (5 Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Large Food Manufacturer | ₹7,500 | ₹22,500 |
| Import/Export | ₹7,500 | ₹22,500 |
| Milk/Dairy Processing | ₹10,000 | ₹30,000 |
| Slaughter House | ₹10,000 | ₹30,000 |
Additional Charges
Additional Service Fees
- • Late Application Fee: 25% of license fee
- • Amendment Fee: ₹500-2,000
- • Duplicate License: ₹500
- • Name Change: ₹1,000
- • Address Change: ₹500-1,000
- • Inspection Fee: ₹1,000-5,000
Professional Service Costs
- • Consultant Fees: ₹2,000-15,000
- • Document Preparation: ₹1,000-5,000
- • Application Filing: ₹500-2,000
- • Follow-up Services: ₹1,000-3,000
- • Compliance Audit: ₹5,000-20,000
- • Training Programs: ₹2,000-10,000
Approval Timeline & Processing
Processing Timeline by License Category
Standard Processing Timeline
Basic Registration
Fastest processing with minimal verification requirements
State License
Moderate processing with state-level verification and possible inspection
Central License
Comprehensive processing with detailed verification and mandatory inspection
Detailed Processing Stages
Initial Processing (Days 1-15):
- • Application receipt and acknowledgment
- • Document verification and checklist
- • Fee payment confirmation
- • Preliminary scrutiny
- • Query generation (if required)
Final Processing (Days 16-60):
- • Detailed application review
- • Site inspection (if applicable)
- • Compliance verification
- • Final approval decision
- • License generation and dispatch
Factors Affecting Processing Time
Factors for Faster Processing
- • Complete and accurate application
- • All documents properly uploaded
- • Prompt response to queries
- • Professional application preparation
- • Prior compliance with regulations
- • Clear business premises setup
Common Delays and Causes
- • Incomplete documentation
- • Mismatch in information provided
- • Poor quality document uploads
- • Delayed response to queries
- • Non-compliance with infrastructure norms
- • Pending regulatory clearances
Post-Registration Compliance
Ongoing Compliance Requirements
Display and Documentation Requirements
License Display:
- • Display FSSAI license prominently
- • Print license number on packaging
- • Include in all business communications
- • Display at all business premises
- • Update displays after renewal
Record Maintenance:
- • Food safety and hygiene records
- • Supplier and customer details
- • Training records of food handlers
- • Laboratory test reports
- • Complaint and recall records
Annual Compliance Obligations
Annual Returns:
- • Submit annual self-assessment
- • Update business information
- • Report any changes in operations
- • Compliance status declaration
Training and Certification:
- • Food safety supervisor training
- • Food handler hygiene training
- • Update certifications regularly
- • Maintain training records
Testing and Quality:
- • Regular water quality testing
- • Food product testing (if required)
- • Environment monitoring
- • Third-party audits
License Renewal & Modification
Renewal Process and Timeline
Renewal Timeline and Process
Renewal Timeline:
- • Start renewal 60 days before expiry
- • Submit application 30 days before expiry
- • Grace period: 90 days after expiry
- • Late renewal attracts penalty
- • No operations during expired period
Renewal Requirements:
- • Updated business information
- • Current compliance certificates
- • Recent water test reports
- • Food safety training certificates
- • No-objection from local authorities
License Modification Process
Modification Types:
- • Change in business name
- • Change in business address
- • Addition of new food categories
- • Increase in production capacity
- • Change in business ownership
Amendment Process:
- • Submit amendment application
- • Upload supporting documents
- • Pay amendment fees
- • Await verification and approval
- • Receive updated license
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Penalty Structure for Violations
Operating Without License
First Offense:
- • Fine: ₹25,000 to ₹5 lakh
- • Immediate business closure order
- • 30-day compliance notice
- • Public disclosure of violation
Repeat Offense:
- • Fine: ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh
- • Imprisonment up to 2 years
- • Permanent business closure
- • Criminal prosecution
Food Safety Violations
| Violation Type | Penalty Range | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Sale of unsafe food | ₹1-10 lakh | Product recall, business closure |
| Poor hygiene standards | ₹25,000-2 lakh | Improvement notice, re-inspection |
| Misleading advertisement | ₹1-10 lakh | Advertisement ban, public apology |
| Non-compliance with standards | ₹50,000-5 lakh | Compliance audit, training mandatory |
Complete Business Setup Support: FSSAI license is part of comprehensive business compliance. Ensure you have GST registration for tax compliance, proper business registration, and consider business funding options for food industry expansion.
Conclusion
FSSAI license registration is a critical compliance requirement that ensures food safety standards while providing legal authorization for food business operations. With proper documentation, understanding of requirements, and professional guidance, businesses can obtain their FSSAI license efficiently and maintain ongoing compliance. The investment in proper licensing and compliance pays dividends through consumer trust, legal protection, and access to broader market opportunities in India's thriving food sector.
Professional FSSAI License Services:
- • FSSAI license registration with complete documentation support
- • GST registration for food businesses
- • Business registration and legal entity setup
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