FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) licenses aren’t just legal formalities – they are crucial to any food-related business. It is important to have this license, regardless of whether you operate a small home kitchen, a restaurant, a food manufacturing unit, or an export business. By ensuring that food is produced, stored, distributed, or sold according to government standards, it ensures the food is safe. Additionally, an FSSAI license can enhance your brand image, customer trust, and long-term growth prospects beyond compliance with regulatory requirements.
Understand FSSAI License?
FSSAI License is an important document/license ensures the safety standard of the food products before reaching to the consumers. By obtaining FSSAI License the FSSAI Authority will issue a 14 digit unique number that helps to make the business legal. The Fssai certificate is mandatory for all food businesses and everyone who engages in food at various stages before it reaches the customer, such as raw materials, manufacturing, processing, restaurant packing, and distribution. It is also mandated that a 14 digit unique number (issued by the authority)must be on the print of the packages which shows the registration authenticity.
There are three type of FSSAI License –
- Basic FSSAI License : It is compulsory for all FBOs (Food Business Operators) whose annual Turnover is below ₹12 lakh.
- State FSSAI License : It is compulsory for all FBOs (Food Business Operators) whose annual Turnover is above ₹12 lakh and below ₹20 crore.
- Central FSSAI License : It is compulsory for all FBOs (Food Business Operators) whose annual Turnover is above ₹20 crore.
Who Required to get FSSAI License in India?
As per the FSSAI guidelines following food related business need to get FSSAI License in India:
- Fixed Stalls or Temporary stalls or any premises engaged in the distribution, storage, manufacturing or sale out the food related goods required FSSAI License.
- Dairy shops and units such as milk chilling units, milk vendors or even milkmen.
- Retail shops of snacks, confectionery or bakery and many more.
- Vegetable oil processing units
- Slaughtering houses (e.g meat shops, chicken shops, lamb meat, mutton shop and many more).
- Fish processing units
- All units images in repacking food or food related products.
- Refrigerated Storage facility.
- Wholesaler, Distributor or supplier of Food or food related goods.
- All Bars, Restaurants and Hotels.
- Any Dhaba
- Banquet halls with food catering arrangement
- Any Home based Cateens
- Any Cloud kitchen business
- If anyone sells food or food related products on an E-commerce platform (for example – Zomato, Swiggy, etc.)
Many other businesses as well who engage or are related to the Food related products must require a Food License.
Advantages for getting FSSAI License in India
There are several advantages for getting FSSAI License in India. Some of them as follow:
- FSSAI License provides legal validity to the food business under the FSSAI Act, 2006. It performs as a proof that the business complies with food safety laws.
- It also built the consumers trust by assuring that they are consuming safe and hygienic food which are prepared under the FSSAI food standard.
- FSSAI License sets the business apart from the unregistered competitors and enhances the brand credibility in the marketplace.
- Because the product is manufactured and distributed under the FSSAI guidance it also minimizes the risk of foodborne diseases, spoilage and contamination.
- It helps to facilitate partnership with the several food aggregators such as Zomato, Amazon Pantry and Swiggy which mandate FSSAI compliance.
- Many businesses with the FSSAI License have more chances to get many benefits from the government initiative, schemes for MSMEs and startups.
Required Documents for getting FSSAI License in India
Here is the complete list of documents for getting FSSAI License in India given below:
| S.no | Document Name | Required For | Description / Notes |
| 1 | Photo Identity Proof of FBO | Basic, State, Central | Any govt.-issued ID like Aadhar, PAN, Passport |
| 2 | Business Constitution Certificate | Basic, State, Central | Partnership deed / Incorporation certificate / Shop License etc. |
| 3 | Proof of Premises | Basic, State, Central | Rent Agreement / NOC from Owner / Utility Bills |
| 4 | Food Safety Management System Plan | Basic, State, Central | Plan outlining hygiene and food safety measures |
| 5 | List of Food Products Manufactured or Processed | Basic, State, Central | List of all products being handled |
| 6 | Bank Account Information | Basic, State, Central | Details of business bank account |
| 7 | Supporting Documents (NOC from Municipality, Health NOC, etc.) | Basic, State, Central | As applicable based on business type |
| 8 | Form B Duly Completed and Signed | State, Central | Mandatory for application |
| 9 | Processing Unit Layout Plan | State, Central | Showing dimensions and operation-wise area allocation |
| 10 | List of Directors / Partners / Proprietor with Contact Details & Photo ID | State, Central | Complete details of all business owners |
| 11 | List of Equipment & Machinery (With Quantity & Installed Capacity) | State, Central | Details of machinery used in food operations |
| 12 | Authority Letter Nominating Responsible Person | State, Central | For compliance coordination and communication |
| 13 | Water Analysis Report | State, Central | Testing report confirming potable quality |
| 14 | Certificate under Coop Act / Multi-State Coop Act | State (If applicable) | For cooperative businesses |
| 15 | Source of Raw Material (e.g. Milk, Meat) | Central | Required for specific food categories |
| 16 | Recall Plan | Central | Wherever applicable – mandatory for large-scale operations |
| 17 | Ministry of Commerce Certificate (100% EOU) | Central | For Export Oriented Units |
| 18 | NOC / Product Approval from FSSAI | Central | If required based on food category |
| 19 | IE Code (Importer Exporter Code) from DGFT | Central | For import/export businesses |
| 20 | Form IX | Central | Nomination of persons under FSSAI Act |
| 21 | Certificate from Ministry of Tourism | Central (If applicable) | For hospitality-based food businesses |
| 22 | Proof of Turnover & Transportation | Central | Based on financials to justify central license need |
| 23 | Declaration Form | Central | Self-declaration as per FSSAI norms |
Process for Obtaining FSSAI License in India
Here is the stepwise process for obtaining FSSAI License in India given below:
- Go to the FoSCoS portal and fill the application for FSSAI Registration. The applicant can also file the application offline by submitting Form A or Form B to the FSSAI Department.
- The applicant must file the form with the appropriate form on the FoSCos portal at the time of application filing or along with the application if files offline.
- After submitting the documents with application it goes for verification by the Department. It can be acceptable or rejected depending on the department within 7 days from the date of receipt of an application.
- The FSSAI Authority may also conduct an inspection of the food premises for checking the standard of the food products.
- At the inspection if everything goes as per the FSSAI guidelines, the department will grant an FSSAI Registration certificate.
Fees for Obtaining FSSAI License in India
The Fees for Obtaining FSSAI License in India is as follow:
| Cost | Government Fees |
| FSSAI Basic Licence Fees | Rs. 100 |
| FSSAI State License Fees | Between Rs 2,000- 5,000 (Depending on the business type) |
| FSSAI Central License Fees | RS. 7,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the use of FSSAI License?
The FSSAI License assures the provided food complies under the FSSAI guidelines with the safety standards. It is also important to assure the branding, quality assurance and participating in online food delivery platforms.
- What are the consequences for not compliance with the FSSAI?
Non-compliance with the FSSAI Registration may lead to penalties ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh, license cancellation or license suspension.
- Is GST Required for FSSAI Registration?
If the business turnover crosses the GST threshold limit, so does the GST required for FSSAI Registration.
- Is FSSAI required for Homemade food?
Yes, FSSAI registration is also required for Homemade food if it is served to the consumers.
- How much does FSSAI License cost in India?
The FSSAI License cost in India is ₹100 for Basic, between ₹2000 – ₹5000 for state and ₹7500 for Central.