Food License | General User Queries
Food License | General User Queries
In India, a food license—more accurately called an FSSAI license—is an official permission granted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to any business involved in the food industry. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, this license ensures that food sold, prepared, stored, or distributed meets defined safety and hygiene standards. Food safety is not just a regulatory requirement but a public health imperative, which is why the government requires every food business operator to obtain this license before starting operations. Without it, a business cannot legally operate as a food provider, and its products cannot be marketed to consumers.
Getting an FSSAI license is more than a formality; it builds consumer trust by demonstrating that your food handling and quality procedures comply with established safety norms. This credibility benefits businesses of all sizes, from small home kitchens to large food manufacturers.
The rule is simple: anyone engaged in a food-related business must have an FSSAI license or registration. This includes manufacturers, distributors, retailers, restaurateurs, caterers, cloud kitchens, food trucks, and even small home-based food sellers. Even medical stores selling nutraceuticals and health supplements fall under this requirement because they are effectively dealing in food products as defined by the law.
The type of license you need depends on the scale and nature of your business. Small enterprises with low turnover often qualify for a Basic FSSAI Registration, while medium and large businesses require State or Central licenses, respectively. These categories primarily hinge on your annual turnover and operational reach across states in India.
FSSAI licenses and registrations are not permanent. They are issued with a defined validity period, typically ranging from 1 to 5 years, depending on the fee paid and the business’s preferences at the time of application. License validity begins from the date of issuance, and businesses must track expiration carefully to maintain legal compliance.
Different types of FSSAI credentials may have specific validity structures: recent updates have standardized certain categories (for example, State and Central licenses may now have annual validity), but basic registrations continue to offer flexibility up to five years. Regardless, renewal before expiration is essential to keep the license active.
Unlike some professional licenses that can be sold or transferred, an FSSAI food license generally cannot be transferred outright from one business operator to another. The exception exists primarily in cases of the death of the original license holder. In such circumstances, the license may be transferred to a legal heir or nominated family member upon application to the appropriate authority, subject to verification and approval. Other transfers, such as changing ownership or business structure, normally require fresh application or modification procedures.
This ensures that the authority maintains clear accountability for food safety compliance. If your business changes hands or undergoes significant structural shifts, consult a professional about how best to manage your FSSAI credentials to remain compliant.
Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI license is a serious offense in India. The consequences can be quite severe, including fines up to ₹5 lakh and even imprisonment under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Authorities may also seize products, shut down operations, and pursue legal action for continued non-compliance.
Even if unlicensed businesses manage to run for a short period, they risk losing consumer trust and face challenges in scaling operations or partnering with platforms like online delivery services. Compliance isn’t just about legality—it’s about credibility and long-term business sustainability.
Renewing your FSSAI food license in India is a process you can complete online through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal, which centralizes applications for new licenses, renewals, tracking, and status updates.
Start the renewal process at least 30 days before your current license expires to avoid penalties. If you delay, a late fee of around ₹100 per day is typically charged for each day beyond the original expiry date until renewal is processed. Some grace periods allow renewal after expiration with additional fees, but after a certain point, your license may be considered lapsed, requiring a fresh application.
To renew online, log into the FoSCoS portal using your existing credentials, fill out the renewal application, upload any required updated documents, pay applicable fees, and submit. Once approved, your license remains valid for the new selected term.
If you’re planning to apply for a new FSSAI food license, renew an existing one, or have questions about compliance and documentation, our team at Shugam Consultants is here to help you every step of the way with expert support tailored to your business needs.
FSSAI official licensing information: FSSAI.gov.in
FSSAI license validity & renewal timelines: IndiaFilings & TaxGuru guidance
Penalties for non-compliance: LegalFidelity & related compliance pages