FSSAI License in Delhi | Food License in Delhi
FSSAI License in Delhi | Food License in Delhi
Running a food business in Delhi—whether it’s a restaurant, cloud kitchen, food manufacturing unit, catering service, bakery, café, or even packaged food trading—requires more than just great taste and customer service. It also requires legal compliance, and one of the most important approvals is the FSSAI registration/license, issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This license ensures your business follows food safety standards, builds trust among customers, and protects you from penalties during inspections.
In this guide, I’ll explain how to apply for an FSSAI license in Delhi, what documents are required, how registration differs from a license, validity rules, whether restaurants must have it, and how renewal works.
The application process for an FSSAI food license in Delhi is now primarily online through the official FSSAI portal FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System). The application type depends on your business size and turnover. Typically, small businesses apply for Basic Registration, medium-sized entities apply for a State License, and large businesses or import/export-related entities apply for a Central License.
To apply, you generally need to choose the correct category, fill in business details, upload documents, and pay the government fee. After submission, the application may be inspected or verified by the department, depending on your business type. Once approved, the license number is issued, and you can legally operate, display your FSSAI number on premises/menu (restaurants) and packaging (manufacturers/traders).
FoSCoS also supports renewal, modification, and tracking, making the compliance journey easier for Delhi food businesses.
Documents vary depending on whether you apply for registration, state license, or central license, and also based on business activity (restaurant, manufacturing, trading, etc.). However, the commonly required documents include:
Identity proof of proprietor/partner/director (Aadhaar/PAN, etc.)
Address proof of business premises
Passport-size photo of the applicant/authorised signatory
Proof of possession of premises (rent agreement/ownership proof)
Partnership deed/incorporation certificate (as applicable)
List of food products/items handled
Form-B and additional declarations (for license categories)
FSSAI provides category-wise and business-wise document requirements on FoSCoS, and central license requirements are more detailed (layout plan, machinery list, etc.).
Many food entrepreneurs in Delhi get confused between “registration” and “license.” The simplest way to understand it is: Registration is for petty/small food businesses, while a license is for medium and large businesses.
In most cases:
Basic Registration applies when annual turnover is up to ₹12 lakh
State License applies when turnover exceeds ₹12 lakh and is within state limits
Central License applies for larger businesses (high turnover, multi-state operations, import/export, etc.)
Choosing the correct type is important because applying under the wrong category can lead to rejection or compliance issues later.
FSSAI registration/license validity is flexible. You can choose the validity period at the time of applying, from 1 year up to 5 years, based on your preference and fee payment. Many businesses choose longer validity to reduce renewal workload and avoid last-minute compliance issues.
This validity rule is officially mentioned under the FSSAI licensing regulations.
Yes. FSSAI license/registration is compulsory for restaurants in Delhi, including cafés, dhabas, fine dining restaurants, cloud kitchens, caterers, and even takeaway units. Any entity involved in storing, preparing, serving, distributing, or selling food is treated as a Food Business Operator (FBO) and must be registered/licensed under FSSAI regulations.
Apart from being a legal requirement, having an FSSAI license builds customer trust and helps your brand reputation—especially in a competitive market like Delhi.
Renewal is done online through FoSCoS. You can apply using login credentials or even through the renewal option available on the portal interface. Renewal requires checking and updating business details, uploading documents again (if required), and paying the renewal fee based on the number of years chosen.
Importantly, businesses should renew before expiry. If delayed, late fees may apply and compliance risks increase. FSSAI provides clear renewal instructions and workflows through FoSCoS guidance documents.
If you want a smooth, error-free application (new registration, state/central license, renewal, modification, or documentation support), you can reach out to Shugam consultants. We help food businesses in Delhi complete the process correctly, choose the right category, and stay compliant without unnecessary delays.
FoSCoS official portal and document requirements by FSSAI
FSSAI regulation on validity/renewal (Gazette notification PDF)
Eligibility/turnover criteria document by FoSCoS
FoSCoS renewal process document