FSSAI Licence Registration

Book a Free Consultancy

What is an FSSAI Licence?

An FSSAI licence is an official approval issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India – the central government body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It certifies that your food business meets India’s prescribed food safety and hygiene standards and is legally authorised to manufacture, process, store, distribute, or sell food products.

Every food business operator in India – regardless of size – is legally required to obtain an FSSAI licence or registration before beginning operations. Running a food business without a valid FSSAI licence is a punishable offence under the FSS Act, with penalties that can include heavy fines, business closure, and legal prosecution.

FSSAI License Package

Basic FSSAI

Market Price ₹4,000

₹1,999 + Govt Fees

Checking your firm Eligiblity
Documentation & Drafting
Application to the Dept.
Objection Handeling
Complete support till Registration

Get a Quote

State FSSAI

Market Price ₹7,000

₹3,999 + Govt Fees

Checking your firm Eligiblity
Documentation & Drafting
Application to the Dept.
Objection Handeling
Complete support till Registration

Get a Quote

Centeral FSSAI

Market Price ₹10,000

₹4,999 + Govt Fees

Checking your firm Eligiblity
Documentation & Drafting
Application to the Dept.
Objection Handeling
Complete support till Registration

Get a Quote

Types of FSSAI Licences in India

The FSSAI has a three-tier licensing structure based on the size, turnover & other allied factors of the food business. Choosing the correct category from the start avoids re-registration and compliance complications later.

Basic FSSAI Registration - Form A

For small food businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs. This covers petty food manufacturers, hawkers, small retailers, and home-based food businesses. Basic registration is the entry-level compliance for the food industry and is issued at the state level.

State FSSAI Licence - Form B

For medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crores, operating within a single state. This covers food manufacturers, processors, traders, restaurants, catering businesses, and distributors operating at a state level.

Central FSSAI Licence - Form C

For large food businesses with an annual turnover above Rs. 20 crores, or those operating across multiple states. Central FSSAI is mandatory for importers, exporters, large food chains, e-commerce food platforms, and central government canteens. It is also required for any food business with a manufacturing unit in a special economic zone.

Who Needs an FSSAI Licence?

The FSSAI licence requirement covers every segment of the food supply chain – from the point of production to the point at which food reaches the consumer. If your business touches food in any capacity, you need it.

• Food manufacturers and processors – factories, home kitchens, cottage food units

• Restaurants, cafes, dhabas, cloud kitchens, and QSR outlets

• Food distributors, wholesalers, and retailers – including kirana stores above the threshold

• Catering businesses and food service operators

• Food importers and exporters

• E-commerce food businesses – platforms and sellers who deliver food to consumers

• Storage facilities and cold chain operators handling food products

• Transporters of food products in specialised vehicles

Documents Required for FSSAI Licence Registration

The documents required vary slightly between Basic Registration, State Licence, and Central Licence. Here is the complete list covering all three categories:

• Passport-size photograph of the proprietor, partner, or director

• Identity proof – Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport of the applicant

• Address proof of the business premises – rent agreement, utility bill, or NOC from the owner

• Business registration documents – Incorporation Certificate, Partnership Deed, or GST Certificate

• Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan – required for State and Central licences

• List of food products/categories to be manufactured, processed, or handled

• Layout plan of the food processing unit – for manufacturers applying for State or Central licence

• Form IX – declaration by the nominated food safety management person

• NOC from the local municipal authority – if applicable for the business location

• Import Export Code (IE Code) – mandatory for food importers and exporters

Penalties for Operating Without an FSSAI Licence

Many food business owners delay obtaining an FSSAI licence, assuming enforcement is lax or inspections are rare. The legal exposure from operating without a valid licence is significant, and the consequences are not theoretical – food safety enforcement has become considerably stricter in recent years.

• Fines of up to Rs. 5,00,000* for operating without a valid FSSAI licence

• Business closure or seizure of food products by the food safety officer

• Criminal prosecution under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which can result in imprisonment for serious violations

• Inability to list food products on e-commerce platforms – Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato, and others require FSSAI licence details before onboarding food sellers

Rejection of export consignments – international buyers and ports require a valid FSSAI certification for Indian food exports

Every food business - regardless of size - must comply.

There is no grace period for operating without a licence. The obligation begins from the first day your business handles food commercially.

FSSAI Licence Renewal - Keeping Your Compliance Current

An FSSAI licence is not a lifetime registration. It is issued for a period of 1 to 5 years – chosen by the applicant at the time of registration – and must be renewed before it expires. Operating with an expired FSSAI licence carries the same penalties as operating without one.

Track your FSSAI expiry date actively.

Set a reminder at least 60 days before your FSSAI licence expires. A business that renews on time never faces compliance gaps, never loses platform listings, and never risks enforcement action for a lapsed licence.

Benefits of Holding a Valid FSSAI Licence

Beyond legal compliance, an FSSAI licence does something important for your food business – it builds trust. In a market where consumers are increasingly food safety conscious and platforms enforce verification, a valid FSSAI licence is a meaningful business asset.

• Builds consumer trust – your FSSAI licence number displayed on packaging signals to customers that your products meet government safety standards

• Enables e-commerce listings – all major platforms, including Swiggy, Zomato, BigBasket, Amazon, and Flipkart, require FSSAI details for onboarding

• Required for exports – APEDA, customs, and international buyers require FSSAI certification for Indian food products

• Qualifies you for government procurement – institutional buyers, canteens, and HORECA channels require licensed vendors

• Enhances brand credibility – investors, retailers, and distributors evaluate food businesses on their compliance standing

• Protects against legal risk – a licensed business has a documented compliance history that protects it in case of a food safety dispute or consumer complaint