Food License Registration | Apply Online, Process & Fees
Food License Registration | Apply Online, Process & Fees
In the thriving and highly sensitive sector of food and beverages, legality and safety are two sides of the same coin. For any business in India aiming to operate, sell, or manufacture food, obtaining a valid Food License Registration is not merely an option—it is the single, non-negotiable legal mandate.
This authorization is officially known as the FSSAI License or Registration, issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006. FSSAI acts as the supreme regulatory body, establishing a unified, science-based framework to ensure that every food item sold or processed in the country meets rigorous health and hygiene standards.
The requirement for a Food License Registration applies to virtually every Food Business Operator (FBO), encompassing the entire supply chain: from manufacturers, storage units, distributors, transporters, and wholesalers to retailers, restaurants, caterers, and even small home-based enterprises. Successfully completing the registration process is the definitive proof of a business's commitment to public health, which translates directly into operational legality and heightened consumer trust.
The FSSAI system categorizes FBOs into three distinct groups. The core difference between a 'Registration' and a 'License' lies in the scale of operation. Determining the correct category is the crucial first step, as it dictates the required application form, the mandatory documents, and the government fees.
1. FSSAI Basic Registration (Form A)
This is the primary Food License Registration for petty or small-scale food businesses.
Eligibility Criteria: FBOs with an annual turnover up to ₹12 Lakhs.
Target Businesses: Small-scale manufacturers (capacity up to 100 kg/litre per day), retailers, street vendors, small tiffin services, home bakers, and temporary stallholders.
Form: Form A.
Annual Fee: ₹100.
Authority: State Registering Authority.
2. FSSAI State License (Form B)
This license is required for medium-sized FBOs operating only within one state.
Eligibility Criteria: FBOs with an annual turnover above ₹12 Lakhs and up to ₹20 Crores (up to ₹30 Crores for wholesalers/transporters).
Target Businesses: Established restaurants, medium-scale manufacturers (e.g., 1 to 2 MT/day production), large distributors, and cold storage units within one state.
Form: Form B.
Annual Fee: Varies between ₹2,000 to ₹5,000, depending on the business type (e.g., manufacturing attracts a higher fee).
3. FSSAI Central License (Form B)
This is the highest level of authorization for large, multi-state, or specialized operations.
Eligibility Criteria: FBOs with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 Crores (above ₹30 Crores for wholesalers/transporters).
Target Businesses: Importers, Exporters, FBOs operating in two or more states, e-commerce food platforms, large manufacturers (capacity exceeding 2 MT/day), and businesses at airports/seaports.
Form: Form B.
Annual Fee: Fixed at ₹7,500.
Authority: Central Licensing Authority.
The application for a Food License Registration is an entirely digital process conducted through the FoSCoS portal. Thorough document preparation is essential to avoid application queries and delays.
Document Category
Basic Registration (Form A)
State/Central License (Form B)
Identity/Address Proof
Photo ID and Address Proof of the FBO (Aadhaar/PAN).
Photo ID and Address Proof of Directors/Partners/Proprietor.
Premises Proof
Proof of Possession of Premises (Rent Agreement/Utility Bill).
Proof of Possession of Premises (must be specific to the location). Blueprint/Layout Plan (Mandatory for all manufacturing/processing units).
Business Constitution
Self-Declaration for Proprietorship.
Partnership Deed / MoA & AoA / Certificate of Incorporation (as applicable). Form IX (Nomination of Authorized Person).
Operational Detail
List of food products.
Detailed List of Machinery & Equipment (with capacity - for manufacturers). Detailed List of Food Categories (FPC).
Safety & Technical
FSSAI Declaration Form (Part I of Schedule 4).
Water Testing Report (for units using water as an ingredient). Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Plan or Certificate.
The entire journey to obtain your Food License Registration is carried out through the official FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal.
Step 1: Portal Login and Eligibility Check
Access the FoSCoS website. Select "Apply for New License/Registration" and choose the relevant state. The system will then prompt you to answer questions about turnover and capacity to automatically determine if you need to fill Form A (Registration) or Form B (License).
Step 2: Form Completion and Data Entry
Fill out the determined application form accurately. Provide precise details about the Kind of Business (KOB), the specific food product categories (FPC) you deal in, and correct contact information (verified via OTP). For State/Central Licenses, this includes details about technical staff and the proposed Food Safety Management System.
Step 3: Fee Payment and Document Upload
Fee Payment: Pay the non-refundable government fee online. You can opt for a validity period ranging from 1 to 5 years.
Document Upload: Upload the prepared digital copies of all mandatory supporting documents. Crucially, if the application is for a manufacturing license, documents like the Layout Plan and Water Testing Report must be included here.
Step 4: Scrutiny and Authority Review
Upon submission, a 17-digit reference number is generated. The application is then scrutinized by the relevant Designated Officer (DO).
Queries: If any documents are missing or details are incorrect, the application is 'queried' back to the applicant. The applicant must respond with corrections within 30 days to prevent rejection.
Inspection: For high-risk FBOs (manufacturers, large restaurants applying for a License), the Food Safety Officer (FSO) may conduct a physical inspection of the premises to verify compliance with the mandatory hygiene requirements (Schedule 4).
Step 5: Issuance of the Food License Registration Certificate
If the application is approved and the inspection report (where applicable) is satisfactory, the Food License Registration Certificate (or License) is issued digitally. This certificate must be downloaded, printed, and prominently displayed at the business premises. The unique 14-digit FSSAI number must also be declared on all packaged goods.
The value derived from a legitimate Food License Registration far outweighs the cost of compliance.
Elevated Brand Trust: The FSSAI logo is a recognizable guarantee of safety. Displaying it builds immediate credibility with consumers, offering a significant commercial advantage over unlicensed competitors.
Legal Immunity and Continuity: The license ensures full compliance with the FSS Act, 2006. Operating without it can lead to severe penalties, including fines of up to ₹5 Lakhs and the legal mandate to stop business operations. The license is a necessary legal shield.
Access to Market Channels: A valid FSSAI number is mandatory for listing products on major e-commerce websites (Amazon, Flipkart) and registering with online food aggregators (Zomato, Swiggy), essential channels for modern retail.
Business Credibility: Financial institutions, investors, and large corporate clients often require proof of Food License Registration before engaging in any partnership or providing funding, viewing it as a prerequisite for business stability and quality.
FSSAI authorization is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years. Renewal is a non-negotiable part of compliance.
Renewal Window: Renewal must be applied for between 180 days and 30 days prior to the expiry date via the FoSCoS portal.
Late Fee: If filed in the final 30 days, a steep late fee of ₹100 per day applies.
Cancellation: Failure to renew before the expiry date leads to cancellation, forcing the FBO to cease activity and apply for an entirely new Food License Registration.
By proactively managing the Food License Registration process, businesses not only fulfill a legal duty but strategically position themselves for growth, trust, and long-term success in the dynamic Indian food sector.