FSSAI Food License: Mandatory Registration & Compliance

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Mandatory for all FBOs in India. Avoid penalties—secure your food license today via the official FoSCoS system with expert support.

FSSAI & The FoSCoS System: Your Compliance Gateway

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the apex body regulating all food businesses in the country. Its primary mandate is to ensure the safety of food products and promote public health through standardized regulations.

The entire licensing and registration process is managed digitally through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS), which replaced the previous FLRS system. Every Food Business Operator (FBO) involved in any stage—from manufacturing to sales—must obtain a valid 14-digit FSSAI number.

Operating without FSSAI approval is a serious non-compliance issue that can lead to heavy fines and legal action.

Determine Your FSSAI License Type

The type of FSSAI approval required is based on your business's size, turnover, production capacity, and geographical spread.

1. FSSAI Basic Registration (Form A)

  • Eligibility: Annual Turnover up to ₹12 Lakh.
  • For: Petty retailers, temporary stalls, hawkers, small home-based caterers, or low-capacity food vendors.
  • Mandate: Must follow basic hygiene and safety requirements (Schedule 4, Part I).
  • Validity: 1 to 5 years (Renewal application must be filed 30 days before expiry).

2. FSSAI State License (Form B)

  • Eligibility: Annual Turnover between ₹12 Lakh and ₹20 Crore.
  • For: Medium-sized manufacturers, large hotels/restaurants, warehouses, and transporters operating only within one state.
  • Mandate: Requires a comprehensive Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Plan.
  • Fee: Varies (₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per year, based on the Kind of Business - KoB).

3. FSSAI Central License (Form B)

  • Eligibility: Annual Turnover above ₹20 Crore (or ₹30 Crore for wholesalers/transporters).
  • For: Importers/Exporters, FBOs operating in two or more states, Central Government premises (Railways/Ports/Airports), and large-scale manufacturers (e.g., production > 2 MT per day).
  • Mandate: Highest level of compliance required due to national/international operations.
  • Fee: Fixed at ₹7,500 per year.

FoSCoS Application Process in 4 Simple Steps

  1. Pre-Check & Preparation: Determine the correct license type (Basic/State/Central) and gather all required documents (KYC, Proof of Premises, Business Structure proof).
  2. Online Filing (Form A/B): Register on the official FoSCoS portal, accurately fill out Form A (for Registration) or Form B (for License), and select the appropriate Kind of Business (KoB).
  3. Document Upload & Payment: Upload all scanned documents as per the checklist. Pay the requisite government fee online using the designated payment gateway.
  4. Scrutiny & Grant: The application is reviewed by the Designated Officer (DO). For licenses, an inspection may be scheduled. Upon satisfactory compliance, the FSSAI License/Registration Certificate is granted and available for download.
Go to Official FoSCoS Portal

Mandatory Compliance Checklist

Ensure you have the following documentation ready to prevent rejection and delays:

Penalties, Renewal, and Key FAQs

What is the penalty for not having an FSSAI License?

Operating any food business without a mandatory FSSAI License or Registration is a criminal offense under the FSS Act, 2006. Penalties can include fines up to ₹5 Lakh and/or imprisonment, besides the shutdown of the business.

When should I apply for FSSAI License Renewal?

Renewal must be applied for between 120 days and 30 days before the current license expiry date. Failure to renew on time incurs a daily late fee of ₹100 and can lead to license lapse/rejection.

What is the difference between Form A and Form B?

Form A is the application form used for Basic FSSAI Registration (Turnover up to ₹12 Lakh). Form B is the application form used for the higher-level State and Central FSSAI Licenses (Turnover above ₹12 Lakh).

Do I need a separate license for each branch?

Yes. Every premise (unit, branch, or outlet) where food operations are conducted requires a separate FSSAI Registration or License, even if they belong to the same parent company. Central licenses can cover certain multi-state operations (like Head Offices/Importers).

Is it mandatory to display the FSSAI certificate?

Yes, it is mandatory. Every FBO must conspicuously display the FSSAI License or Registration Certificate (Form C) at all times within the premises of the business. Failure to display it is considered a non-compliance issue that can lead to penalties.

What is the late fee for renewal?

If the renewal application is filed between the 90th day and the 30th day before expiry, the FBO pays only the standard renewal fee. If filed after the 30th day before expiry but before the expiry date, a late fee of ₹100 per day is charged in addition to the renewal fee. If the license expires, a fresh application is required.

What changes require a modification of the FSSAI license?

Any change in the information contained in the original license (Form C) requires a modification application. Common changes include: a) Change in registered address, b) Addition/Deletion of food products or categories, c) Change in the Kind of Business (KoB), or d) Change in contact details (non-editable in the renewal form).

Do home kitchens and cloud kitchens need an FSSAI License?

Yes. Any person preparing, storing, or selling food for commercial purposes, including home bakers and cloud kitchens, must obtain the appropriate FSSAI Registration or License. The type (Basic/State) depends on their annual turnover and production capacity.