Food License Registration 2025: Complete FSSAI Guide

Common Documents for All Food Licenses:

• Form A or Form B: Application form (Form A for basic registration, Form B for state/central license)
• PAN Card: Of proprietor/partners/directors (mandatory)
• Aadhaar Card: For identity verification and e-sign
• Passport-size Photograph: Of the applicant/authorized signatory
• Business Address Proof: Electricity bill, rent agreement, property documents (not older than 2 months)
• List of Food Products: Categories of food items to be manufactured/sold
• Source of Water: Water test report (if applicable)
• NOC: From municipality/local authority (if required)

Additional Food License Documents (State & Central):

• Business Registration: Company incorporation certificate, partnership deed, LLP agreement, shop act license
• Manufacturing Plan: Layout plan of processing unit with dimensions
• Equipment List: Machinery and equipment details for food production
• Product Analysis Report: Lab test reports for manufactured products
• Recall Plan: Food recall procedure and plan
• HACCP/ISO Certificates: If applicable for quality standards
• NOC from Landlord: If premises are rented
• Supporting Documents: Bank statement, GST certificate, ITR (for turnover proof)

Specific Documents by Business Type:

• Restaurants/Cloud Kitchens: Kitchen layout plan, menu card, fire safety certificate
• Manufacturers: Manufacturing license, factory plan, BIS certificate (if applicable)
• E-commerce Food Sellers: E-commerce agreement, platform registration proof
• Importers: Import Export Code (IEC), foreign supplier details, product testing reports
• Transporters: Vehicle registration certificate, transportation plan
• Storage Units: Cold storage license (if applicable), warehouse layout

Step 1: Visit FoSCoS Portal

Go to the official FoS CoS FSSAI gov in portal at https://foscos.fssai.gov.in. This is the Food Safety Compliance System for all food license registration and renewal work.

Step 2: Select License Type

Click on "Food Licensing & Registration (FLR)" and choose the appropriate license category: New Registration (for basic), New License (for state/central), or check eligibility criteria first.

Step 3: Create New Account

If first-time user, click "Sign Up" and enter name, email, mobile number, PAN card, Aadhaar number. Create username and password. Verify email and mobile with OTP. Login credentials will be your access to FoS CoS portal.

Step 4: Fill Application Form

Login and select New Application. Fill Form A (for basic registration) or Form B (for state/central license). Enter business details: name, address, type of business, nature of food products, annual turnover, number of workers, premises area.

Step 5: Upload Food License Documents

Upload all required documents for food licence in PDF/JPEG format (max 2MB each). Ensure all documents are clear, valid, and information matches across all papers. Include PAN, Aadhaar, address proof, business registration, and category-specific documents.

Step 6: Select License Validity

Choose license validity period: 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, or 5 years. Longer validity is more cost-effective. Fees are calculated based on license type and validity period selected.

Step 7: Make Online Payment

Review application summary and proceed to payment. Pay the applicable fees online via UPI, debit/credit card, net banking, or other payment modes. Keep transaction reference number for tracking.

Step 8: E-Sign and Submit

Complete Aadhaar-based e-Sign to authenticate your application. Enter Aadhaar number, receive OTP, verify and digitally sign. Submit the complete application. You'll receive application reference number via email and SMS.

Step 9: Inspection (If Required)

For state and central licenses, FSSAI officials may conduct premises inspection to verify hygiene standards, infrastructure, and documentation. Basic registration typically doesn't require inspection. Ensure compliance with food safety norms.

Step 10: Receive Food License

After verification and approval (5-60 days depending on license type), FSSAI issues your food license certificate with unique 14-digit license number. Download from FoS CoS portal, print and display at business premises. Certificate sent to registered email.

✓ Legal Authorization

Operate food business legally across India with government-issued license, avoiding penalties and business closure risks.

✓ Consumer Trust

Build customer confidence with FSSAI certification displayed on products and premises, enhancing brand reputation significantly.

✓ Market Access

Mandatory for selling on e-commerce platforms, supermarkets, restaurants, and institutional supplies requiring FSSAI compliance.

✓ Business Expansion

Expand operations across states, export food products internationally, and participate in government tenders and contracts.

✓ Loan Eligibility

Improves access to bank loans and financial assistance as FSSAI license validates business legitimacy and compliance.

✓ Quality Standards

Ensures adherence to food safety and hygiene standards, improving product quality and reducing contamination risks.

✓ Avoid Penalties

Prevent hefty fines up to ₹5 lakhs and imprisonment up to 7 years for operating without mandatory food license.

✓ Online Services

Access digital services through FoS CoS portal for renewal, modification, complaint filing, and compliance management.

✓ Training Support

Access FSSAI training programs, workshops, and resources for food safety management and quality improvement.

✓ Competitive Edge

Stand out from unlicensed competitors with certified compliance, attracting quality-conscious customers and partners.

✓ Export Opportunities

FSSAI license is prerequisite for food export certification, opening international markets for your products.

✓ Unique Identity

14-digit FSSAI number serves as unique identifier for your food business, ensuring traceability and accountability.

1. What is FSSAI and what does FSSAI stand for?

FSSAI stand for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is the apex food regulatory body established in 2011 under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. FSSAI is responsible for regulating and supervising food safety standards across India, issuing food licenses to businesses, conducting inspections, monitoring food quality, creating safety guidelines, and protecting public health. Every person or organization involved in food manufacturing, storage, distribution, or sale must obtain FSSAI registration or license to operate legally.

2. What is food license and who needs it?

A food license is mandatory certification issued by FSSAI authorizing food business operators to manufacture, store, distribute, or sell food products in India. Food license is required for: all food manufacturers regardless of size, restaurants, cafes, cloud kitchens, bakeries, food retailers and grocery stores, sweet shops, food delivery platforms, catering services, importers and exporters of food, food storage and warehousing units, food transporters, milk and dairy processors, meat and poultry shops, food packaging units, e-commerce food sellers, and home-based food businesses. Failure to obtain mandatory food license attracts penalties.

3. What is FoS CoS FSSAI gov in portal?

FoS CoS FSSAI gov in stands for Food Safety Compliance System portal operated by FSSAI at https://foscos.fssai.gov.in. It is the official online platform for all food license registration, renewal, and modification work in India. Through FoS CoS portal, applicants can: apply for new basic registration, state license, or central license; renew existing licenses before expiry; modify license details like address or product categories; track application status using reference number; make online fee payments securely; download digital license certificate after approval; file complaints against food safety violations; and access forms, guidelines, and training resources. All food licensing activities are now conducted through FoS CoS portal.

4. What documents are required for food licence registration?

Documents for food licence include: Form A (basic registration) or Form B (state/central license), PAN card of proprietor/partners/directors, Aadhaar card for identity verification and e-sign, passport-size photograph, business address proof (electricity bill, rent agreement, property documents not older than 2 months), list of food product categories to be manufactured/sold, source of water and water test report if applicable, NOC from municipality/local authority where required, business registration certificate (incorporation certificate, partnership deed, LLP agreement), manufacturing unit layout plan with dimensions, machinery and equipment list, product analysis lab reports, food recall plan, NOC from landlord if rented, and supporting documents like bank statement, GST certificate, turnover proof.

5. How to do FSSAI registration online?

To complete FSSAI registration online, visit FoS CoS FSSAI gov in portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in, click on Food Licensing & Registration, sign up with name, email, mobile, PAN, Aadhaar and create login credentials, login and select New Application for basic registration or New License for state/central, fill application form with business details including name, address, turnover, product categories, upload all required food license documents in PDF/JPEG format under 2MB, select license validity period (1-5 years), review application and make online payment via UPI/card/net banking, complete Aadhaar-based e-sign verification, and submit application. You'll receive reference number via email for tracking. After verification (5-60 days), download license certificate from portal.

6. What is the difference between basic registration, state license, and central license?

Basic FSSAI registration is for small-scale food businesses with annual turnover up to ₹12 lakhs, costs only ₹100, and has simpler requirements. State FSSAI license is for medium-scale businesses with turnover ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores operating within one state, costs ₹2,000-₹5,000, requires more documentation and possible inspection. Central FSSAI license is for large-scale businesses with turnover above ₹20 crores, importers/exporters, multi-state operations, costs ₹7,500-₹15,000, requires comprehensive documentation, mandatory inspection, and detailed compliance. License type determines renewal requirements, compliance audits, and regulatory oversight. Choose correct license based on annual turnover and business scale to avoid rejection.

7. How to do FSSAI licence check online?

To do FSSAI licence check or FSSAI license check, visit official FSSAI website at www.fssai.gov.in, navigate to "License/Registration" or "Verify License" section, enter the 14-digit FSSAI license number displayed on food packaging or business premises, click Search or Verify button, and view complete license details including business name, license type (basic/state/central), issue date, expiry date, validity status (active/expired/suspended), registered address, food product categories authorized, and license holder information. FSSAI license check helps consumers verify genuine food products and businesses validate supplier compliance. You can also download verified certificate copy for records. Regular licence verification ensures food safety and prevents fraud.

8. How long does food license registration take?

Food license registration timeline varies by type: Basic Registration typically takes 5-7 working days as it requires minimal verification and no inspection. State License takes 30-45 days including document verification and premises inspection by state authorities. Central License takes 45-60 days due to comprehensive documentation review, mandatory inspection, and central authority approval. Timeline can extend if documents are incomplete, clarifications are needed, inspection reveals non-compliance, or during peak application periods. To expedite registration of FSSAI, ensure all food license documents are accurate and complete, respond promptly to queries, maintain compliant premises, and consider professional assistance for complex applications. Track status regularly through FoS CoS portal.

9. What is the cost of food license registration?

Food license registration costs depend on license type and validity period. Basic Registration: ₹100 for 1 year, ₹500 for 5 years. State License: ₹2,000 for 1 year, ₹5,000 for 5 years. Central License: ₹7,500 for 1 year, ₹18,750 for 5 years. These are government fees payable on FoS CoS FSSAI gov in portal. Professional consultation charges for documentation support, application filing, and follow-up range from ₹999 to ₹5,000 depending on license complexity. Additional costs may include: water testing (₹500-₹2,000), product testing (₹3,000-₹10,000), and infrastructure compliance upgrades if needed. Longer validity periods are more cost-effective, saving renewal hassles and fees.

10. Can cloud kitchens and home-based food businesses get FSSAI license?

Yes, cloud kitchens and home-based food businesses must obtain FSSAI license to operate legally. Cloud kitchens delivering through platforms like Swiggy, Zomato require food license registration - basic registration if turnover under ₹12 lakhs, state license for higher turnover. Home-based food businesses selling products online or locally also need FSSAI registration. Application process through FoS CoS portal is same, but food license documents include: home address proof as business premises, kitchen layout plan, NOC from housing society if applicable, platform agreement for cloud kitchens, and hygiene compliance certification. FSSAI has simplified norms for home food businesses to encourage entrepreneurship while ensuring safety standards.

11. What happens if I operate food business without FSSAI license?

Operating food business without mandatory FSSAI license attracts severe penalties under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Consequences include: fine up to ₹5 lakhs depending on violation severity, imprisonment up to 7 years for serious offenses endangering public health, immediate closure of business premises by food safety officers, confiscation of food stock and equipment, blacklisting preventing future licensing, business reputation damage and consumer trust loss, inability to sell on e-commerce platforms or to institutions, and difficulty in obtaining bank loans or expansion funding. Additionally, unlicensed businesses cannot file complaints against others or claim insurance. Registration of FSSAI is not optional but mandatory legal requirement for food safety and business continuity.

12. How to renew FSSAI license before expiry?

To renew food license before expiry, login to FoS CoS FSSAI gov in portal with existing credentials, go to License/Registration section and click on Renewal option, select the license to be renewed from your dashboard, update any changed information like address or product categories if needed, upload updated documents for food licence if there are changes, select new validity period (1-5 years), make online payment for renewal fees, complete e-sign verification, and submit renewal application. Renewal can be applied 30 days before expiry and up to 60 days after expiry with late fee. Renewal is typically processed faster than new applications (7-15 days). Operating with expired license invites penalties, so renew timely through FoS CoS portal.

13. Can I modify FSSAI license after registration?

Yes, you can modify food license after registration through FoS CoS portal. Login with credentials, select Modification option, choose license to modify, and update changeable details including: adding new food product categories, changing business premises address (requires new address proof), updating business name (requires supporting documents), changing authorized signatory, adding manufacturing units or branches, updating contact details, and increasing production capacity requiring license upgrade. Submit modification application with relevant food license documents, pay applicable modification fees, and wait for approval (7-30 days depending on change type). Major changes like address or significant capacity increase may require fresh inspection. Keep license details updated to maintain compliance and avoid issues during renewal.

14. What is the validity period of food license?

Food license can be obtained for validity periods ranging from 1 year to 5 years based on your choice during application on FoS CoS FSSAI gov in portal. You select the validity period and pay corresponding fees. Available options: 1 year validity (lowest initial cost but requires frequent renewal), 2 years validity, 3 years validity (popular choice balancing cost and convenience), 4 years validity, or 5 years validity (most cost-effective, highest savings). Longer validity periods cost less on per-year basis and reduce renewal hassles. License starts from approval date and expires on that date in chosen year. Plan renewal 30 days before expiry to ensure uninterrupted operations. Validity period doesn't affect license authority or compliance requirements.

15. Do I need different licenses for multiple food products?

No, single FSSAI license covers multiple food product categories. During registration of FSSAI, you select all relevant food categories from FSSAI's product classification (dairy, bakery, beverages, spices, oils, confectionery, etc.). One license covers all selected categories at that premises. However, if you operate: multiple business premises in different locations, you need separate license for each location with unique address; different business entities (separate companies), each needs its own license; or expand to new product categories not covered, file modification to add categories to existing license. Manufacturing and retail/service activities at same premises can be covered under one license. License number remains same, covering all authorized products and activities at registered location.

16. Is inspection mandatory for food license registration?

Inspection requirements vary by license type. Basic Registration (turnover up to ₹12 lakhs) typically doesn't require premises inspection - approval is based on submitted documents. State License (₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores) may require inspection by state food safety officers to verify premises, equipment, hygiene standards, and document authenticity. Central License (above ₹20 crores, importers, multi-state) mandatorily requires comprehensive inspection before approval. During inspection, officers check: premises layout matching submitted plan, availability of required equipment, water quality and source, waste disposal arrangements, hygiene and sanitation facilities, staff training in food safety, and document verification. Ensure premises meet FSSAI standards before applying to avoid rejection. Professional consultants help prepare premises for inspection.

17. Can I get FSSAI license for multiple states?

FSSAI license is premises-specific and state-specific. If you operate business in multiple states, you need: separate state licenses for premises in each state if turnover is within state license range (₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores per state); or single Central License if combined turnover exceeds ₹20 crores or you operate in 2+ states with integrated supply chain. Central license covers all locations nationwide under one license number. For multi-state operations below ₹20 crores without integrated supply, obtain individual state licenses through respective state authorities. E-commerce businesses selling pan-India from single warehouse can operate on one state license. For expansion, apply for new license in new state or upgrade to central license on FoS CoS FSSAI gov in portal.

18. What is the difference between food license and food registration?

"Food license" and "food registration" are often used interchangeably but technically differ. Food Registration (Basic Registration) is for small-scale businesses with turnover up to ₹12 lakhs, costs ₹100, has validity 1-5 years, involves simpler process with Form A, and typically doesn't require inspection. Food License (State and Central) is for medium and large businesses with turnover above ₹12 lakhs, costs ₹2,000-₹18,750 depending on type and validity, involves detailed application with Form B, requires inspection, and has stricter compliance audits. However, in practice, both are collectively called "FSSAI license" or "food license" as both authorize food business operations. Registration is essentially a basic tier license. All food businesses need either registration or license through FoS CoS portal for legal operations.

19. How to download FSSAI certificate after approval?

To download food license certificate after approval, login to FoS CoS FSSAI gov in portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in with your credentials, go to dashboard or My Applications section, look for approved applications showing status as "Certificate Issued" or "License Granted", click on the application or license number, you'll see certificate details page with Download button, click Download Certificate to save PDF copy to your device, and take printout for display at business premises. Certificate contains 14-digit license number, business name and address, license type, validity period, authorized food categories, and QR code for verification. Certificate is also sent to registered email. Keep digital and physical copies safe. Display prominently as required by law. Use FSSAI license check to verify authenticity anytime.

20. Should I hire professional help for FSSAI registration?

While you can apply for registration of FSSAI yourself through FoS CoS portal, professional help is recommended for: first-time applicants unfamiliar with portal navigation and requirements, state and central licenses with complex documentation, ensuring all food license documents meet specifications to avoid rejection, selecting correct license type and product categories, preparing premises for inspection and ensuring hygiene compliance, responding to queries and clarifications from authorities, faster approval through expert follow-up, and ongoing compliance management including renewals and modifications. Professional services starting at ₹999 save time, ensure accuracy, provide complete documentation support, guide through inspection preparation, and offer post-registration compliance assistance. Investment worthwhile for hassle-free licensing and avoiding costly mistakes or penalties.

Starting at just