Table of Contents

What is an FSSAI Licence?Types of FSSAI Licence Documents Required for FSSAI Licence How to Get FSSAI Licence: Easy Steps What is the FSSAI Licence Cost?Validity and Renewal of FSSAI Licence Benefits of Having an FSSAI Licence Penalties for Not Having an FSSAI Licence How NoBroker Can Help You Get an FSSAI Licence Easily?Frequently Asked Questions?

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How to Get FSSAI Licence: Meaning, Types, Cost and Validity in India

Published : November 24, 2025, 2:55 PM

Updated : November 28, 2025, 5:31 PM

Author : kruthi

Real Estate Legal Guide & Laws

FSSAI Licence

737 views

Summary

An FSSAI licence is required for anyone running a food business in India to ensure the food is safe, clean, and good quality. The type of licence depends on the business size—Basic for small sellers, State for medium businesses, and Central for large or multi-state operations. The process is done online through the FoSCoS portal by submitting documents, paying fees, and completing inspections. Having an FSSAI licence increases customer trust, helps the business grow, and protects owners from legal trouble.

Table of Contents

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the primary government body that regulates the food industry in the country. If you are starting any food-related business, learning how to get an FSSAI licence is the most critical first step. This licence is a mandatory certification that ensures the food you manufacture, handle, or sell meets all required standards for quality, hygiene, and consumer safety, which is essential for building trust in your brand.

What is an FSSAI Licence?

An FSSAI license is a mandatory permit required to operate any food related business in India. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, governs it. This licence consists of a 14-digit number that is printed on all food packages. This number provides details about the manufacturer's permit and the state, creating a system of accountability. Its main role is to certify that your business, whether in manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, or sale, complies with all national food safety standards. It acts as a certificate of trust for your customers.

Types of FSSAI Licence

Before starting the FSSAI licence procedure, you must identify the correct type for your business. The FSSAI issues three different levels of licences. Your choice depends mainly on your annual turnover, production capacity, and the scale of your operations. [1]

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1. Basic FSSAI Registration

This is the entry-level registration meant for very small food businesses. This includes petty retailers, street food vendors, hawkers, temporary stall holders, and small home-based canteens. The primary requirement is an annual turnover of less than ₹12 lakh. It also covers small-scale production units with specific limits, such as:

Food production capacity up to 100 kg or 100 litres per day.
Procurement or collection of up to 500 litres of milk per day.
Slaughtering capacity of 2 large animals, 10 small animals, or 50 poultry birds per day.

2. State FSSAI Licence

This licence is required for medium-sized businesses that operate within a single state. The main qualification is an annual turnover of between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore. This category is quite broad and includes:

Restaurants, bars, and hotels (including 1-star to 4-star hotels).
Medium-sized manufacturers, processors, and re-packers.
Storage facilities (like cold storage) with a capacity of up to 10,000 MT.
Transporters with a fleet of up to 100 vehicles.
All grains, cereals, and pulses milling units.

3. Central FSSAI Licence

This is the highest level of licence, required for very large businesses with an annual turnover of more than ₹20 crore. In addition to the turnover, a Central Licence is mandatory for certain special types of businesses, regardless of their revenue:

Businesses operating in two or more states.
All importers and exporters of food products.
E-commerce food businesses (like cloud kitchens with multi-state operations).
Businesses that supply food to Central Government agencies (such as railways, airports, seaports, and defence canteens).
Hotels with a 5-star rating or higher.

Documents Required for FSSAI Licence

To successfully register for the FSSAI license online, you must have all your food license documents prepared. The list becomes more detailed as you move from a Basic Registration to a Central Licence.

Common Documents (For all licence types):

Photo ID proof of the business owner (Aadhar card, Voter ID, etc.).
Proof of the business premises (e.g., rent agreement, electricity bill, or sale deed).
A valid personal email ID and mobile number.
Business name and address details.

For State and Central Licences (In addition to the above):

Business constitution certificate (Partnership Deed, Certificate of Incorporation for a company, etc.).
A detailed layout plan (blueprint) of the processing or manufacturing unit, showing all dimensions and areas.
A list of all equipment and machinery to be used, with their installed capacity.
List of all Directors or Partners with their full ID and address proof.
An analysis report for the water to be used in the food process, from a recognized laboratory.
A detailed Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan.

For Central Licence Only (In addition to all the above):

Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the DGFT (mandatory for importers/exporters).
A recall plan (a procedure to withdraw unsafe food from the market).
NOC from the Ministry of Commerce for 100% Export-Oriented Units.

How to Get FSSAI Licence: Easy Steps

The FSSAI licence procedure is now streamlined and almost entirely digital. You can register for the FSSAI license online through the official government portal. [1]

Step 1: Go to the official FSSAI website, which is FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System).
Step 2: Use the "Eligibility Check" feature. Based on your business type (e.g., manufacturer, retailer), turnover, and location, the system will tell you which licence you need (Basic, State, or Central).
Step 3: Fill out the appropriate form Form A for Basic Registration or Form B for State/Central Licence, with all your business details accurately.
Step 4: Upload clear, scanned copies of all the required FSSAI licence documents that are relevant to your specific licence type.
Step 5: Pay the required FSSAI licence cost online. The fee will depend on the licence type and the validity period you select (from 1 to 5 years).
Step 6: The Food and Safety Department will review your application. For State and Central licences, a Food Safety Officer (FSO) will likely schedule an inspection of your premises to verify compliance with safety, hygiene, and all other standards.
Step 7: Once the department is satisfied with your application, documents, and inspection report, your licence will be approved. You will be issued a 14-digit FSSAI number and a downloadable certificate.

What is the FSSAI Licence Cost?

The government sets the FSSAI licence cost, and is very reasonable. The fee depends on the licence type and validity.

Basic Registration: ₹100 per year.
State Licence: Between ₹2,000 and ₹5,000 per year (depending on the business type).
Central Licence: ₹7,500 per year.

Validity and Renewal of FSSAI Licence

An FSSAI licence is not permanent. It is issued for a validity period that you choose at the time of application, ranging from 1 year to 5 years. You must pay the fee for the entire period you select. It is crucial to renew your licence before it expires to continue operating legally. The renewal application should be submitted at least 30 days before the expiry date to avoid penalties.

Benefits of Having an FSSAI Licence

Obtaining this licence is not just a legal formality; it is a smart business decision that provides numerous benefits.

Legal Advantage: It provides a solid legal foundation, allowing you to run your food business without fear of legal action.
Builds Trust: The FSSAI logo is a powerful symbol of quality and safety. It instantly builds consumer trust and goodwill for your brand.
Ensures Food Safety: The compliance process forces you to follow hygiene standards, improving your product quality and reducing health risks.
Aids Business Expansion: Most partners, investors, and e-commerce portals will demand a valid FSSAI licence before working with you. It also makes getting bank loans easier.

Penalties for Not Having an FSSAI Licence

Operating a food business without a valid licence is a serious offence. The FSS Act, 2006, outlines strict penalties for non-compliance.

Operating Without a Licence: Can attract a fine of up to ₹5 lakh and, in some cases, imprisonment.
Selling Sub-standard Food: A penalty of up to ₹5 lakh can be imposed.
Misbranded Food: Selling food with a misleading label can lead to a fine of up to ₹3 lakh.
Misleading Advertising: Falsely describing a food product can attract a hefty fine of up to ₹10 lakh.
Unhygienic Conditions: If your manufacturing unit is found to be unhygienic, a fine of up to ₹1A lakh can be levied.

How NoBroker Can Help You Get an FSSAI Licence Easily?

Figuring out how to get an FSSAI licence can be complex, with different forms and document requirements. NoBroker simplifies this entire journey. Our legal experts will guide you on the right licence type for your business, prepare all your documents, and manage your online application on the FoSCoS portal, ensuring a smooth, compliant registration.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Q1. How long does it take to get an FSSAI licence in India?

Ans: A Basic Registration is often issued in 7-10 days. A State or Central Licence can take 30 to 45 days, as it involves document verification and possibly a premises inspection.

Q2. Can I update my FSSAI licence after changing location?

Ans: No, you cannot transfer a licence. An FSSAI licence is specific to a location. You must surrender the old one and apply for a new licence for the new address.

Q3. Is displaying the FSSAI certificate mandatory?

Ans: Yes, all FBOs must prominently display their FSSAI registration or licence certificate at their business premises, where customers can see it.

Q4. Can home businesses register for an FSSAI licence online?

Ans: Yes, all businesses, including home kitchens and cloud kitchens, must register for an FSSAI license online. They usually require a Basic Registration or a State Licence, depending on their annual turnover.

Q5. What if I run a food business without an FSSAI licence?

Ans: Running a food business without a licence is illegal. You can face heavy penalties, with fines ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹10 lakh, and in some cases, even imprisonment.

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kruthi,Author

Kruthi is a Chartered Accountant has worked for various Real Estate firms across India, she is well versed with the legal and financial aspects of all real estate transactions. There are numerous documents and plenty of hidden fees that people get lost in, her goal is to shed some light on it all.

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