Get your food business legally compliant with FSSAI License. We provide end-to-end assistance for Basic Registration, State License, and Central License based on your business turnover and operations.
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) License is a mandatory legal requirement for any business involved in food-related activities in India. Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI is the apex food regulatory body that ensures food products meet safety and quality standards.
Every Food Business Operator (FBO) must obtain a 14-digit FSSAI license number, which must be prominently displayed on all food packages, labels, and business premises. This unique number helps in tracking and ensuring accountability of food businesses across the supply chain.
The FSSAI license not only ensures legal compliance but also builds consumer trust, enhances brand credibility, enables access to organized retail and e-commerce platforms, and protects your business from legal penalties that can go up to ₹5 Lakhs for non-compliance.
Types of FSSAI License
Basic Registration
Up to ₹12 Lakhs/Year
For petty food businesses, small retailers, hawkers, temporary stalls, home-based food businesses with limited production capacity.
Suitable For:
Small restaurants, food stalls, home bakers, dhaba, small retailers
Validity:
1-5 Years
Govt. Fee:
₹100/year
State License
₹12 Lakhs - ₹20 Crores/Year
For medium-sized food businesses operating within a single state. Includes manufacturers, processors, and distributors with moderate scale operations.
Suitable For:
Medium restaurants, food manufacturers, dairy units, storage facilities
Validity:
1-5 Years
Govt. Fee:
₹2,000-5,000/year
Central License
Above ₹20 Crores/Year
For large-scale food businesses, importers, exporters, businesses operating in multiple states, and specified categories regardless of turnover.
Suitable For:
Large manufacturers, importers/exporters, multi-state chains, airports, seaports
Validity:
1-5 Years
Govt. Fee:
₹7,500/year
Who Needs FSSAI License?
Restaurants & Cafes
Food Manufacturers
Hotels & Caterers
Food Processors
Bakeries & Confectioneries
Dairy Products
Meat & Poultry Shops
Fruit & Vegetable Vendors
Food Importers/Exporters
Storage & Warehouses
Food Distributors
Retail & Grocery Stores
Cloud Kitchens
Home-Based Food Business
Food Packaging Units
Benefits of FSSAI License
Legal Compliance
Avoid penalties up to ₹5 Lakhs and legal action
Consumer Trust
FSSAI logo builds confidence in food safety
Business Credibility
Enhanced reputation and brand value
Market Access
Sell on e-commerce and organized retail
Government Contracts
Eligibility for government tenders
Food Safety Standards
Ensure hygiene and quality compliance
Business Expansion
Easier to scale and franchise
Import/Export Eligibility
Required for international food trade
FSSAI License Application Process
1
Determine License Type
Assess your business turnover, nature of food business, and operational scale to identify whether you need Basic, State, or Central license
2
Document Preparation
Gather all required documents including identity proofs, business registration, premises documents, food safety plan, and product list
3
Online Application
Submit application on FSSAI FoSCoS portal with complete business details, food categories, and upload all supporting documents
4
Fee Payment
Pay applicable government fees based on license type and validity period chosen (1-5 years)
5
Inspection (if required)
For State and Central licenses, food safety officer may conduct premise inspection to verify hygiene and compliance
6
License Issuance
Upon approval, receive 14-digit FSSAI license number. Download certificate and display at premises and on food packages
What You Get
14-Digit FSSAI License Number
FSSAI Registration Certificate
License Type Recommendation
Complete Documentation Support
FoSCoS Portal Registration
Application Form Preparation
Food Category Classification
Inspection Preparation Guide
FSSAI Logo Usage Rights
Compliance Calendar
Renewal Reminders
Post-License Support (30 Days)
FSSAI License Display Requirements
Food Packaging
Display 14-digit license number on all food product labels and packages
Business Premises
Display FSSAI certificate prominently at place of business visible to customers
Vehicles
Food transport vehicles must display FSSAI license details
Online Platforms
Display license number on website, app, and food aggregator listings
Marketing Materials
Include FSSAI logo and number in menus, brochures, and advertisements
Post-License Compliance
AnnualReturn Filing
31st May Every Year
File annual return on FSSAI portal with details of food business operations, production, and compliance
Maintain Food Safety Standards
Ongoing
Follow Schedule 4 hygiene standards, ensure proper storage, handling, and processing of food
Record Keeping
Ongoing
Maintain records of raw materials, production, sales, and supplier details for minimum 2 years
License Renewal
30 Days Before Expiry
Apply for renewal before expiry to avoid penalties and business disruption
Display Compliance
Ongoing
Ensure FSSAI license is properly displayed on premises, packaging, and digital platforms
Modification Updates
As Required
Update license for any changes in business address, food categories, or ownership
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Operating Without License
Up to ₹5 Lakhs
Business closure and product seizure
Selling Unsafe Food
₹1-5 Lakhs
Up to 6 months imprisonment
Misleading Advertisements
Up to ₹10 Lakhs
License suspension possible
False License Display
₹3-5 Lakhs
Criminal prosecution
Not Filing Annual Returns
₹100/day
License cancellation risk
Common Food Categories Under FSSAI
Dairy Products & Analogues
Fats, Oils & Fat Emulsions
Fruits & Vegetables
Confectionery Products
Cereals & Cereal Products
Bakery Products
Meat & Meat Products
Fish & Fish Products
Eggs & Egg Products
Sweetening Agents
Salt, Spices & Condiments
Beverages (Non-Alcoholic)
Ready-to-Eat Foods
Infant Foods
Health Supplements
Nutraceuticals
Special Cases Requiring Central License
Food Importers (any turnover)
Food Exporters (any turnover)
Operating in Central Government Agencies
Airports, Seaports, Land Borders
Food Business in 2+ States
100% Export Oriented Units
Food Catering in Railways
Hotels with 5-Star Rating & Above
Why Get FSSAI License with Saarthium?
2000+ FSSAI Licenses Processed
Expert Food Law Consultants
All License Types Covered
Quick Document Processing
Inspection Preparation Support
Annual Return Filing Assistance
Renewal Reminders & Support
Dedicated Relationship Manager
Important Points to Remember
⚠️
FSSAI license is mandatory before commencing any food business operations
⚠️
Choose license validity wisely - longer period means cost savings on renewal
⚠️
Keep all documents ready as incomplete applications cause delays
⚠️
Apply for renewal 30 days before expiry to avoid penalties
⚠️
Any change in business requires license modification
⚠️
File annual returns on time to maintain license validity
⚠️
Food safety officer inspection may be conducted without prior notice
⚠️
Using expired or fake license number is a criminal offense
FSSAI License is a mandatory certification issued by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for any business involved in food manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, or sale. The 14-digit license number must be displayed on all food packages and premises, ensuring food safety standards and consumer protection across India.
Who needs FSSAI License?
Every Food Business Operator (FBO) needs FSSAI registration or license. This includes restaurants, cafes, hotels, food manufacturers, processors, packagers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, importers, exporters, storage/cold storage facilities, caterers, food vendors, cloud kitchens, home-based food businesses, and even food bloggers selling recipes or products.
What are the types of FSSAI License?
There are three types based on business scale: (1) Basic Registration - for small businesses with annual turnover up to ₹12 Lakhs, (2) State License - for medium businesses with turnover between ₹12 Lakhs to ₹20 Crores, and (3) Central License - for large businesses with turnover above ₹20 Crores, importers, exporters, and businesses operating in multiple states.
How long does FSSAI License take?
Processing time varies by license type: Basic Registration takes 7-15 working days, State License takes 30-60 working days, and Central License takes 60-90 working days. Timeline depends on document completeness, type of food business, and verification requirements by authorities.
What is the validity of FSSAI License?
FSSAI License can be obtained for a period of 1 to 5 years based on the applicant's choice. Longer validity periods offer cost savings on renewal fees. Renewal application must be submitted at least 30 days before expiry to avoid penalties and ensure uninterrupted business operations.
What is the penalty for not having FSSAI License?
Operating without FSSAI License attracts penalty up to ₹5 Lakhs. Additionally, authorities can seize food products, suspend business operations, and even prosecute offenders. Displaying fake license numbers can result in imprisonment. It's essential to obtain proper license before commencing food business.