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Sat, Jan 03 2026
Raju Karn
Starting a food business in India? Whether you run a cloud kitchen, a restaurant, a food truck, or even a home-based food business, getting an FSSAI license is not just mandatory —it’s a mark of trust.
This license is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and ensures that your business meets the safety and hygiene standards set by the government.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about FSSAI registration, including how to apply, types of licenses, costs, renewal, and more.
The FSSAI license is a legal approval from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, allowing you to manufacture, store, distribute, or sell food.
It provides your business with:
A 14-digit license number you can display on packaging and premises
Legal permission to run a food business in India
Recognition of your food safety standards
Any person or company involved in the food industry must get FSSAI registration. This includes:
Restaurants and cafes
Packaged food sellers
Dairy units
Food trucks
Caterers
Online food delivery services
Home kitchens and cloud kitchens
Importers/exporters of food items
Even if you are a home-based food business, you need to apply under the appropriate category.
Getting an FSSAI food license isn’t just about legal compliance. It also helps your business grow. Here’s how:
Builds trust with customers
Improves brand credibility
Helps expand to retail chains or online platforms
Ensures food safety and quality
Makes it easier to get funding or investors
FSSAI offers three main types of licenses based on your business size and turnover:
For small food businesses with annual turnover up to ₹12 lakhs
Suitable for: Home kitchens, small sellers, petty food retailers
Also known as Form A
For businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores
Suitable for: Medium-sized manufacturers, restaurants, food processors
Known as Form B
For businesses with turnover above ₹20 crores or operating in multiple states
Required for: Large manufacturers, importers/exporters, major online platforms
Also uses Form B
� Want to check which category applies to you? Refer to the official FSSAI food license category list.
You can apply for FSSAI license online via the FoSCoS portal (https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/)
Visit the official website
Register with your email ID and mobile number
Select the correct type of registration based on your business
Based on your turnover and operation type (Basic/State/Central)
You’ll need to enter:
Business name and address
Type of food activity (manufacturer, retailer, etc.)
Nature of business (proprietorship, partnership, company, etc.)
Upload documents (see next section)
Identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN)
Passport-sized photo
Proof of business premises
Food safety management plan
List of food products
Utility bills or rent agreement
Business registration proof
Note: Central license requires more documents, like export/import code (IEC), turnover proof,etc.
The fee depends on the license type. (See “FSSAI License Fees” section)
Once approved, log in to the FoSCoS portal and download your FSSAI license number certificate
To save on renewals, you can apply for a license valid for up to 5 years:
Basic: ₹500
State: ₹10,000–₹25,000
Central: ₹37,500
Running a small food business from home? You still need FSSAI registration.
Here’s what applies:
License Type: Basic Registration
Required: Aadhaar, kitchen photos, food safety plan
No physical inspection needed for many small kitchens
Fees: ₹100 per year or ₹500 for 5 years
Many home chefs and bakers in India are now registering under this model to stay compliant and build trust.
Important: FSSAI license must be renewed 30 days before expiry
Steps to renew:
Log in to the FoSCoS portal
Select “Renew License” option
Pay the applicable FSSAI license renewal fee
Submit updated documents (if required)
Wait for approval
If you miss the deadline, a late fee of ₹100 per day applies.
While the FSSAI registration process is online, many businesses prefer hiring an FSSAI license consultant to avoid mistakes.
A good consultant can:
Help with category selection
Prepare documents
Handle application and follow-up
Reduce rejection chances
If you're unsure about the process, especially for State or Central license, a consultant can save time and avoid errors.
Once you receive the license:
Display the 14-digit FSSAI license number on your food packages and menu cards
Display it at your business premises
Mention it on invoices and bills
This builds trust and also meets government regulations.
Running a food business without an FSSAI license can lead to:
Penalty up to ₹5 lakhs
Business closure orders
Seizure of products
Legal action It’s important to stay compliant to avoid disruptions.
Choosing wrong license type
Missing document uploads
Not renewing license on time
Ignoring local FSSAI requirements
Not displaying license number
Avoiding these can help smooth application and renewal.
Getting an FSSAI license is not just a legal step—it’s a signal that your food is safe and your business is professional. Whether you're just starting your food business or growing to a national level, FSSAI registration is your first major milestone.
If you're confused or want to save time, PSR Compliance can help you apply for your FSSAI license—from document preparation to final approval.
Answer: Usually 7–30 days, depending on the type and completeness of documents.
Yes, even cloud kitchens or online delivery services must be registered.
No. You need at least Basic FSSAI registration for home kitchens.
Your license will expire, and you may face penalties or closure.
Yes, displaying it on your premises and packaging is mandatory.