In the age of digital governance, obtaining authorization for a food business has transformed from a cumbersome, paper-heavy task into a streamlined, electronic procedure. Securing your FSSAI Registration Online is now the standard practice for every Food Business Operator (FBO) in India, from a small home baker to a major food processing factory.
The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) mandate ensures that all food articles comply with national safety and hygiene standards established under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006. The entire application, scrutiny, and issuance process for the FSSAI License or Registration is managed through the unified FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal. This online platform is designed to make compliance faster, more transparent, and accessible to entrepreneurs across the country.
Understanding the three tiers of FSSAI authorization and then accurately navigating the FoSCoS portal is key to a hassle-free online application.
Before starting the FSSAI Registration Online process, you must first determine the exact category of authorization your business requires, as this dictates the application form, fees, and documentation. FSSAI uses turnover, production capacity, and operational scope as the primary deciding factors.
Feature
FSSAI Basic Registration
FSSAI State License
FSSAI Central License
Annual Turnover
Up to ₹12 Lakhs
Above ₹12 Lakhs and up to ₹20 Crores
Above ₹20 Crores or Special Cases
Operational Scope
Petty FBOs, single location
Operating within one state (medium scale)
Operating in multiple states, Importers/Exporters, E-commerce
Application Form
Form A
Form B
Form B
Annual Fee
₹100
₹2,000 to ₹5,000
₹7,500
Authority
State Registering Authority
State Licensing Authority
Central Licensing Authority
Note: Even if your turnover is below ₹20 Crores, you must apply for a Central License if your business involves importing/exporting, operates in multiple states, or is run by a Central Government agency.
The success of your FSSAI Registration Online application hinges on having all documents prepared and ready for digital upload. Ensure all scanned copies are clear, legible, and adhere to the portal's file size limits.
For Basic Registration (Form A)
This is the simplest requirement, typically needed for home kitchens and small retailers.
Photo ID and Address Proof of the FBO (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Driving License).
Passport Size Photograph of the FBO.
Proof of Possession of Premises (Rent Agreement, Electricity Bill, or Sale Deed).
FSSAI Declaration Form (Self-declaration of adherence to hygiene standards).
For State and Central License (Form B)
These categories require more extensive documentation, especially for manufacturing and processing units.
Constitution of the Business: Partnership Deed, Certificate of Incorporation (MoA/AoA), or Proprietorship Declaration.
Proof of Premises: Detailed Address Proof and proof of legal possession (Rent Agreement, Utility Bill, etc.).
Detailed Operational Plan (For Manufacturers):
Blueprint or Layout Plan of the processing unit, clearly showing dimensions and operational area allocation.
List of Machinery and Equipment with installed capacity and horsepower.
Water Testing Report (Chemical & Bacteriological) from a recognized laboratory, mandatory if water is used as an ingredient.
Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Plan or Certificate.
List of Food Categories to be manufactured/handled.
Form IX: Nomination of Authorized Person by a Company.
The entire application for FSSAI Registration Online takes place on the official FoSCoS portal (Food Safety Compliance System).
Step 1: Navigating the FoSCoS Portal
Visit the official FoSCoS website. Select the option "Apply for New License/Registration." The system will first prompt you to select the state where your business operates.
Step 2: Eligibility Check and Form Selection
The portal will guide you through a series of questions related to your annual turnover, production capacity, and 'Kind of Business' (KOB). Based on your responses, the system will automatically determine whether you are eligible for Basic Registration (Form A) or a State/Central License (Form B).
Step 3: Filling the Application Form (Form A or Form B)
Form A (Basic Registration): Fill in the business name, address, KOB, contact details (email and mobile are mandatory for OTP verification), and product details.
Form B (License): This form is much more detailed, requiring comprehensive information about the processing facilities, food product categories (FPC), technical staff qualifications, and the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan.
Step 4: Fee Payment and Document Upload
Fee Payment: Pay the applicable government fee online. Fees can be paid for a tenure of 1 to 5 years.
Document Upload: Upload the required scanned documents as per your category. The application will be rejected if mandatory documents are missing or illegible.
Step 5: Application Submission and Reference Number
Upon successful payment and submission, a 17-digit application reference number is generated. This number is essential for tracking the application status on the FoSCoS portal.
Once submitted, the FSSAI Registration Online application undergoes official scrutiny:
Scrutiny: The application is forwarded to the designated Registering Authority (Basic) or Licensing Authority (State/Central). The officer reviews the application form and documents for correctness and completeness. If discrepancies are found, the application is sent back for modification/editing (queried). The applicant has 30 days to respond to the query.
Inspection (For Licenses): For State and Central Licenses, particularly for manufacturing units, hotels, and large caterers, the Food Safety Officer (FSO) may schedule a physical inspection of the premises. This inspection checks for compliance with the Schedule 4 (Hygiene and Sanitary) requirements.
Issuance: If the application is satisfactory and the inspection report (if conducted) is positive, the FSSAI certificate is issued digitally and is available for download on your FoSCoS dashboard. The unique 14-digit FSSAI license/registration number must be displayed prominently at the business location and printed on all packaged food items.
The move to FSSAI Registration Online has solidified the legal and commercial standing of FBOs across India.
Ease of Doing Business: The online system has dramatically reduced processing time and eliminated bureaucratic hurdles, simplifying compliance. The new Tatkal scheme even allows for instant registration in certain categories.
Unlocking E-commerce: A valid FSSAI number is mandatory for listing products or services on major food delivery platforms (Swiggy, Zomato) and e-commerce giants (Amazon, Flipkart).
Legal Validity and Trust: The FSSAI logo is a powerful mark of quality. The certificate provides legal security against massive fines (up to ₹5 Lakhs) and legal action associated with non-compliance.
Validity and Renewal: FSSAI licenses/registrations are valid for 1 to 5 years. Renewal must be applied for within 180 days before the expiry date through the same FoSCoS portal to ensure continuous compliance and avoid hefty daily late fees.
By embracing the FSSAI Registration Online platform, businesses efficiently secure their future, assuring consumers of quality and legally positioning themselves for sustained growth in the dynamic Indian food market.