If your business handles food in any way — manufacturing, processing, packaging, storing, distributing or selling — you need an FSSAI licence or registration. It’s a legal requirement and a powerful trust signal for customers.
The Three Types of FSSAI Registration
- Basic Registration — for small businesses with annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh (petty manufacturers, small retailers, hawkers).
- State License — for medium businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
- Central License — for large businesses above ₹20 crore turnover, importers/exporters, e-commerce food operators and those operating in multiple states.
Who Needs an FSSAI Licence?
- Restaurants, cafes, cloud kitchens and caterers
- Food manufacturers and processors
- Packaged-food brands and repackers
- Wholesalers, distributors and retailers
- Online food sellers and aggregators
Documents Required
- Photo ID and address proof of the proprietor/partners/directors
- Proof of business premises (rent agreement / utility bill)
- Business registration / incorporation proof
- A Food Safety Management Plan (for State/Central licences)
- List of food products and equipment
How to Apply
- Determine the right category based on your turnover and operations.
- Apply on the FoSCoS portal with the relevant form.
- Upload documents and pay the fee (varies by category and tenure of 1–5 years).
- The application is reviewed (and the premises may be inspected for licences).
- On approval, you receive your 14-digit FSSAI licence number, which must be printed on packaging and displayed at your premises.
Renewal & Penalties
FSSAI licences are issued for 1 to 5 years and must be renewed before expiry. Operating without a valid licence can attract heavy fines and even imprisonment for serious violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do home-based food businesses need FSSAI? Yes — even small home kitchens selling food need at least Basic Registration.
How long does it take? Basic Registration can be quick (a few days); State/Central licences take longer due to verification.
This guide is for general information only. Government scheme rules, fees and timelines change from time to time — verify the latest on the official portal or talk to a Consovia advisor before applying.