Quick answer
FSSAI registrations and licenses are processed online via the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in). Food businesses are categorized into three tiers based on annual turnover and production capacity: (1) Basic Registration for entities with turnover up to Rs 12 Lakh (fee Rs 100/year), (2) State License for turnover between Rs 12 Lakh and Rs 20 Crore (fee Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000/year), and (3) Central License for turnover above Rs 20 Crore or importers, manufacturers, and multi-state operators (fee Rs 7,500/year). Licenses can be issued for a validity period of 1 to 5 years.
Quick Answer
Any business in India that handles, processes, manufactures, packages, or distributes food products must mandatorily register with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI number is a criminal offense under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. FSSAI compliance ensures that food products meet safety standards, builds consumer trust, and is a prerequisite for listing on e-commerce food platforms. At Inamdar Legal, we help food business operators (FBOs) identify their eligibility tier, draft food safety declarations, and file applications on the FoSCoS portal.
FSSAI registrations and licenses are processed online via the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in). Food businesses are categorized into three tiers based on annual turnover and production capacity: (1) Basic Registration for entities with turnover up to Rs 12 Lakh (fee Rs 100/year), (2) State License for turnover between Rs 12 Lakh and Rs 20 Crore (fee Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000/year), and (3) Central License for turnover above Rs 20 Crore or importers, manufacturers, and multi-state operators (fee Rs 7,500/year). Licenses can be issued for a validity period of 1 to 5 years.
- Filing portal: Online applications via the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in).
- Basic Registration: Turnover up to Rs 12 Lakh per year; flat fee of Rs 100/year.
- State License: Turnover Rs 12 Lakh to Rs 20 Crore per year; fee varies by category.
- Central License: Turnover above Rs 20 Crore, or for importers, exporters, and manufacturers.
Three Tiers of FSSAI Licensing and Fees
You must choose the correct license tier based on your business volume. Applying for the wrong tier will result in rejection of your application:
| FSSAI Category | Annual Turnover / Scope | Government Fee (per year) | Typical Business Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Turnover up to Rs 12 Lakh | Rs 100 | Petty retailers, home bakers, small hawkers |
| State License | Turnover Rs 12 Lakh to Rs 20 Crore | Rs 2,000 - Rs 5,000 | Restaurants, cloud kitchens, state-level distributors |
| Central License | Turnover above Rs 20 Crore | Rs 7,500 | Importers, food manufacturers, central government agencies |
Documents Required for FSSAI Application
To file an application, FBOs must provide the following documents based on their licensing tier: - **Basic Registration**: Photo of the FBO, identity proof (Aadhaar or PAN), and proof of address of the food premises (rent agreement or utility bill). - **State and Central Licenses**: Rent agreement, blueprint of the processing unit, list of food processing machinery, list of food categories to be manufactured, analysis report of water used in food processing, and a signed Form B (completed by our team). - **Declaration of Food Safety**: A notarized declaration confirming adherence to FSSAI sanitary and hygienic practices.
FSSAI Validity, Renewal, and Penalty Rules
An FSSAI registration or license is issued for a specific validity period ranging from 1 year to 5 years. FBOs must apply for renewal at least 30 days before the expiry date. If the renewal application is not submitted on time, a late fee of Rs 100 per day of delay is charged. If the license expires, the FBO must stop operations and apply for a fresh license. Operating a food business without a license attracts imprisonment of up to 6 months and a fine of up to Rs 5 Lakh.
Special Requirements for Cloud Kitchens & E-Commerce
With the rise of online food delivery platforms (such as Swiggy and Zomato), FSSAI compliance has become stricter. Online aggregators will not list any restaurant or cloud kitchen without a valid FSSAI number. Furthermore, even small home-based bakers or kitchen operators delivering online must obtain a Basic FSSAI Registration. The address on the FSSAI certificate must match the location where the food is actually prepared.
How Inamdar Legal Helps with Your FSSAI License
Inamdar Legal provides complete remote support. Operating from Surat, we manage FSSAI compliance for clients across India. Our services include: 1. We evaluate your business volume and food category to select the correct FoSCoS tier. 2. We draft the technical declarations, blueprint layouts, and food category sheets. 3. We compile the files and submit the application online on the FoSCoS portal. 4. We respond to clarification queries (discrepancy notes) issued by food safety officers. To begin, the client provides: (1) Photo and ID proof of the proprietor/partner, (2) Electricity bill and rent agreement of the kitchen, (3) List of food items to be sold.
When to Review This
- Opening a new restaurant, cafe, sweet shop, or bakery
- Starting a home-based cloud kitchen to list on food delivery apps
- Importing or exporting food products and requiring Central FSSAI
- Existing FSSAI license is expiring and needs online renewal
Disclaimer
This guide is based on public records and procedures available as of the date of publication. It is not legal advice. Rules, fees, and timelines are subject to change by government authorities. Consult a qualified advocate to review your specific documentation. Inamdar Legal is based in Surat, Gujarat, and provides remote support across India.