No matter how big or small your food business in India is, you need the right FSSAI license or registration.
Are you not sure which one you need? Are you looking for information on how to get an FSSAI license or how much it costs?
This full guide tells you everything you need to know, from how to sign up for FSSAI to how to use the official FOSCOS FSSAI portal.
We'll talk about the difference between signing up for an FSSAI license and actually getting one.
We'll also show you step-by-step how to complete the process of applying for an FSSAI license.
What is the FSSAI license?
FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act), created it as a separate group.
Its main goal is to protect and improve public health by making sure that food is safe all over the country.
The FSSAI says that all food business operators (FBOs) in India must have a license or registration.
Once your application is approved, you will get a 14-digit FSSAI registration or license number. This number must be on all food packages.
Different Kinds of FSSAI Licenses
| License Type | Eligibility Criteria (Annual Turnover) | Business Examples |
| FSSAI Basic Registration | Up to ₹12 Lakh | Small shops, hawkers, small stall owners, home-based food businesses, or small cottage industries. |
| FSSAI State License | ₹12 Lakh to ₹20 Crore | Restaurants, distributors, manufacturers, and warehouses of medium size that all work in the same state. |
| FSSAI Central License | Above ₹20 Crore | Big companies that make, import, export, or run FBOs in two or more states or UTs. |
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Why is an FSSAI license necessary?
Getting your FSSAI registration is a great way to grow your business and gain customers' trust, not just a way to follow the rules.
Getting Legal Protection and Following the Rules:
Your business is following the rules set out in the FSS Act 2006 if you have a valid FSSAI license.
If you run a business without a license, you could get into a lot of trouble, like fines of up to ₹5 lakh or even jail time.
In today's smart market, the FSSAI logo is a well-known sign of safety and quality. This makes it easier for customers to trust you.
This badge on your items or in your store shows customers that your food is safe. This makes them more likely to buy it.
Your Brand Will Look More Trustworthy:
Getting certified will make your business look more trustworthy. This sets you apart from competitors who don't have a license and helps you build a good reputation in the market.
Businesses can grow more easily with an FSSAI license. You normally need it if you want to borrow money, acquire a loan, or sell to big groups like schools, hospitals, or the government.
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How to Apply for an FSSAI License
The Food Safety Compliance System (FOSCOS FSSAI) is in charge of all you need to do to receive an FSSAI license.
Find out if you meet the requirements
Check the table in Part 1 to see if you need a Basic Registration, a State License, or a Central License based on how much money you make each year.
Go to the FOSCOS Portal
Go to the FOSCOS site. You have the option of applying for a license or registration.
First, information and choice
Select your state and the type of business (KoB) that best fits your work. For example, food services, manufacturing, or retail.
Fill out Form B
This is the main form for applying. You need to carefully fill out all of the essential fields, which contain information about the building, such as its address and layout.
A phone number and email address are examples of contact information. Provide information about the types of meals or products you sell.
Upload Documents
Get the files you need online. This could comprise Form IX (Nomination of Persons), a plan or design of the property, and a list of the owners, directors, and partners.
You can only send files that are 2MB or less and are in the following formats: PDF, JPEG, JPG, or PNG.
Pay the charge
You will have to pay the FSSAI licensing charge depending on the type of license and how long it is valid for (1 to 5 years). You can normally pay with a variety of methods, such as Razorpay, Demand Draft, or Treasury Challan.
Send and Keep Track
After you pay, you'll get a receipt with a 17-digit number on it. This reference number will let you see what's happening with your application on the FOSCOS homepage in real time until it is accepted.
How much does an FSSAI license cost?
The cost of an FSSAI license is clear and depends on the type of license, not the type of food business.
| License Type | Annual Government Fee | Note |
| Basic FSSAI Registration | ₹100 per year | The cheapest option for small FBOs. |
| State FSSAI License | ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per year | The fee depends on the category, such as the size of the manufacturer or the rating of the hotel. |
| Central FSSAI License | ₹7,500 per year | Fixed fee for large-scale operations. |
Important Notes About Fees:
- Cost of Renewal: It costs the same to renew a license as it did to receive it in the first place.
If you don't renew your FSSAI certificate before it runs out, you'll have to pay ₹100 every day.
- Modification Cost: If you want to alter something on an existing license, like the address or product category, you have to pay a cost.
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The first step to running a legal and trustworthy food business in India is to get your FSSAI license or registration.
Using the official FOSCOS FSSAI online, learning the differences between the different types of licenses (registration, state, and central), and following the simple steps to apply will keep both your customers and your business safe.
Don't wait to sign up for FSSAI. It's the first step toward making a brand that people can trust, that does well, and that is ready to develop.
You have everything you need to confidently start your application today!
FAQs
1. How will I get an FSSAI license?
You can get an FSSAI license by applying online through the Food Licensing & Registration System (FoSCoS) portal.
Just create an account, fill in your business details, upload required documents like ID proof, address proof, and a food safety plan, and then submit the application. After verification and inspection (if needed), your license will be issued.
2. What does an FSSAI license cost?
The cost of an FSSAI license depends on the type of food business and the license category.
Basic registration usually costs around ₹100 per year, a state license ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per year, and a central license generally starts from ₹7,500 per year. The total price may change based on your business scale and validity period.
3. Who is eligible for FSSAI?
Any individual or business involved in the food chain, such as manufacturers, traders, retailers, distributors, small food vendors, online sellers, and food transporters, is eligible and required to obtain an FSSAI registration or license based on their business size and turnover.
4. How many types of FSSAI licenses are available?
There are three types of FSSAI licenses:
- Basic Registration for small businesses with a turnover of up to ₹12 lakh,
- State License for medium-sized businesses with a turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore, and
- Central License for large businesses, importers, exporters, and units with a turnover above ₹20 crore.
