FSSAI license registration in India: complete guide 2026

If your business handles food in any form, whether you manufacture it, store it, distribute it, or sell it, you are required to obtain an FSSAI license before you begin operations. This applies to home bakers, cloud kitchens, restaurants, packaged food brands, importers, and large food manufacturers alike. Operating without one puts you at risk of fines, forced shutdowns, and legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

This guide covers everything you need to know about FSSAI license registration in India in 2026, including the types of licenses, documents required, the step-by-step process on the Foscos portal, applicable fees, and what happens if you skip registration.

What is FSSAI?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and is responsible for regulating and supervising food safety across India.

FSSAI sets standards for food products, specifies hygiene and manufacturing requirements, and mandates that all food business operators (FBOs) obtain a registration or license before commencing operations. This covers everyone from a small tea stall to a multinational food company importing products into India.

The 14-digit FSSAI license number must be displayed on every food product label, business signboard, and on the business premises. It signals to consumers and regulators that the food business has been assessed and meets the minimum safety standards prescribed by Indian law.

Types of FSSAI licenses in India

FSSAI licenses are categorised based on the scale and nature of the food business. There are three tiers:

License type	Annual turnover threshold	Validity
Basic registration	Below Rs. 12 lakhs	1 to 5 years
State license	Rs. 12 lakhs to Rs. 20 crores	1 to 5 years
Central license	Above Rs. 20 crores (or interstate/export operations)	1 to 5 years

Basic registration is meant for petty food businesses such as small retailers, hawkers, and home-based operations with minimal turnover. It is issued by the local authority.

State license applies to mid-sized manufacturers, processors, re-labellers, and distributors operating within a single state and falling within the defined turnover range.

Central license is required for large businesses, importers of food products, operators of central warehouses or cold chains, and businesses operating across multiple states. Even if turnover is below Rs. 20 crores, any business involved in import or export must obtain a central license.

Some categories mandate a central license regardless of turnover: food importers, exporters, FBOs serving central government agencies, operators of food vending machines in multiple states, and e-commerce food businesses operating nationwide.

What is the Foscos portal?

Foscos stands for Food Safety Compliance System. It replaced the earlier Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) in 2020 and is now the official digital platform for all FSSAI-related activities in India.

The portal is available at foscos.fssai.gov.in and serves as the single window for:

• New license and registration applications
• License renewals and modifications
• Real-time application tracking
• Annual return submissions (Form D)
• Complaint filing and resolution
• Integration with GST and PAN databases for verification
• Compliance monitoring and inspection scheduling

Foscos was designed to reduce physical visits to government offices and make the food safety compliance process more transparent. Applications are processed digitally, and in many cases, licenses are issued without requiring a physical inspection, especially for basic registration.

The portal supports role-based access for food business operators, licensing authorities at the state and central level, and third-party auditors. Businesses can log in and check the status of their application at any stage of processing.

Documents required for FSSAI registration

The documents needed vary depending on the license category. Below is a consolidated list:

For basic registration

• Passport-size photograph of the applicant
• Government-issued photo ID proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, or voter ID)
• Proof of business address (utility bill, rent agreement, or property ownership document)
• Completed Form A (application form for basic registration)

For state license

• Completed Form B (application form for state/central license)
• Business registration document (partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, or shop and establishment certificate)
• GST registration certificate
• Passport-size photographs of the proprietor or partners or directors
• Proof of premises (rent agreement or ownership documents)
• Layout or blueprint of the food processing unit
• List of food products to be manufactured or handled
• List of machinery and equipment installed at the premises
• Source of water used in processing (water test report if applicable)
• NOC from the municipality or local body (in some states)

For central license (additional requirements)

• Certificate of incorporation from MCA (for companies)
• Import Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT, if applicable
• Annual turnover proof for the previous financial year
• Food safety management plan
• Declaration from a food safety supervisor (if applicable)
• Recall plan for the food product (for manufacturers with central license)

All documents must be scanned and uploaded in the specified formats during the online application. The portal accepts PDF, JPEG, and PNG files, typically with a size limit of 1 MB per document.

Step-by-step FSSAI registration on Foscos

1. Create an account on the Foscos portal
   Go to foscos.fssai.gov.in and click on “Sign Up”. Enter your name, mobile number, and email address. You will receive an OTP for verification. Once verified, set a password and log in to your account.

2. Select the type of application
   On the dashboard, click “Apply for License/Registration”. The portal will ask a series of questions about your business, including the nature of operations, annual turnover, and whether you operate across states. Based on your answers, Foscos will recommend the appropriate license category: basic registration, state license, or central license.

3. Fill in the application form
   Complete the relevant form (Form A for basic, Form B for state or central). You will need to provide details such as:

   • Business name and type of entity
   • Nature of food business (manufacturing, processing, retail, distribution, etc.)
   • Complete address of the business premises
   • Details of food products to be covered
   • Installed capacity (for manufacturers)
   • Details of the responsible person or food safety supervisor

4. Upload supporting documents
   Upload all required documents in the prescribed format. Ensure scans are clear and legible. Blurry or incomplete uploads are a common reason for application rejection or delays.

5. Pay the applicable fee
   After reviewing your application, proceed to the payment section. Fees can be paid online via net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI. The fee amount depends on the license type and the number of years selected (1 to 5 years).

6. Submit the application
   Once payment is confirmed, submit the application. You will receive a reference number via email and SMS. Use this number to track your application on the Foscos portal.

7. Scrutiny and inspection
   The licensing authority reviews your application for completeness and accuracy. For state and central licenses, a physical inspection of your premises may be scheduled. The inspector will verify the infrastructure, hygiene conditions, water quality, and equipment. Basic registration applications are often approved without inspection if documents are in order.

8. License issuance
   If the application is approved, the FSSAI license certificate is generated digitally and available for download from the Foscos portal. The 14-digit license number is valid for the period selected at the time of application.

The processing time varies: basic registrations are typically completed in 7 to 10 working days, state licenses in 30 to 60 days, and central licenses in 60 to 90 days, depending on inspection schedules and document completeness.

FSSAI registration fees

Fees are determined by the type of license and the validity period chosen. The base annual fees as of 2026 are:

License type	Fee per year
Basic registration	Rs. 100
State license (petty manufacturer)	Rs. 2,000
State license (other food businesses)	Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 (varies by type)
Central license	Rs. 7,500

If you opt for a 5-year license, you pay the annual fee multiplied by five at the time of application. There are no instalments. The fee is non-refundable once the application is submitted, so ensure all details are accurate before payment.

Modification fees and late renewal fees may also apply. If you fail to renew before the license expires, a late fee is charged for each month of delay.

FSSAI license renewal process

FSSAI licenses are not permanent. They are issued for 1 to 5 years depending on the period selected at the time of application. Renewal must be initiated well in advance to avoid a lapse in compliance.

Key points for renewal in 2026:

• Renewal applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the expiry date. FSSAI recommends initiating the process at least 120 days in advance to avoid disruptions.
• Log into your Foscos account, navigate to the license, and click on “Renew”.
• Update any changed information, including address, food products, or business structure.
• Upload updated documents if there have been any changes since the last application.
• Pay the renewal fee for the period you want to extend (1 to 5 years).
• If renewal is not filed before expiry, the license lapses, and you must apply fresh. Operating with a lapsed license is treated the same as operating without one.

If your application for renewal is pending at the time of expiry, and you have submitted it before the due date, you may continue operations until the authority takes a decision. Keep your acknowledgment receipt as proof.

Penalties for operating without FSSAI license

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, prescribes strict penalties for non-compliance. These are not minor administrative fines. The penalties escalate based on the severity of the violation:

• Operating without registration or license: Penalty of up to Rs. 5 lakhs and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months.
• Selling sub-standard food: Fine of up to Rs. 5 lakhs.
• Selling misbranded food: Fine of up to Rs. 3 lakhs.
• Manufacturing or selling adulterated food (not injurious to health): Fine of up to Rs. 10 lakhs.
• Adulterated food that causes grievous injury or death: Imprisonment of up to life and fine of Rs. 10 lakhs or more.
• False information in application or documentation: Fine of up to Rs. 2 lakhs.

Beyond financial penalties, enforcement officers have the authority to seize and destroy non-compliant food stock, seal business premises, and suspend or cancel the license. Food safety officers conduct surprise inspections, and any unlicensed business is an immediate target.

FSSAI has also made it mandatory for e-commerce food platforms to ensure all sellers listed on their platforms hold a valid FSSAI license. This means that even if you are a home baker selling through Swiggy Instamart or Zomato, you need to be registered.

Frequently asked questions

Who needs an FSSAI license?

Any individual or business involved in manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, import, or sale of food products in India needs an FSSAI registration or license. This includes restaurants, cloud kitchens, home bakers, dairy units, food importers, distributors, retailers, and food e-commerce sellers.

Is FSSAI registration the same as an FSSAI license?

No. FSSAI registration (basic) is for small food businesses with annual turnover below Rs. 12 lakhs. Businesses with higher turnover or those operating at state or national level need an FSSAI license (state or central). Registration is simpler and cheaper; licenses involve more documentation and sometimes a physical inspection.

Can I apply for an FSSAI license offline?

No. Since the Foscos portal went live in 2020, all FSSAI applications must be submitted online at foscos.fssai.gov.in. Offline applications are not accepted.

How long does it take to get an FSSAI license?

Basic registration typically takes 7 to 10 working days. State licenses take 30 to 60 days. Central licenses can take 60 to 90 days, depending on inspection timelines and the completeness of your application.

Can I use a virtual office address for FSSAI registration?

For the registration address, FSSAI requires the actual address of the premises where food operations are carried out. However, if your business also requires a registered office address for GST or company registration, a virtual office address is accepted for those compliances. Many food businesses use a virtual office for their statutory registered address while maintaining a separate operational address for FSSAI.

What happens if I change my business address after getting the FSSAI license?

Any change in business address must be updated on the Foscos portal by applying for a modification. Operating from an address different from the one on record is a compliance violation. The modification application must be submitted and approved before you shift operations to the new location.

Is the FSSAI license number mandatory on food labels?

Yes. The 14-digit FSSAI license or registration number must be printed on every food package, along with the FSSAI logo. Failure to do so is a labelling violation and can result in penalties under the FSS Act.

What is Form D under FSSAI?

Form D is the annual return form that food manufacturers and certain other FBOs are required to file with FSSAI every year. It captures details of food products manufactured, quantity produced, and sales data. It must be submitted on the Foscos portal by 31 May each year for the previous financial year.

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Food businesses that also need a compliant address for GST registration or company registration can use a virtual office from myHQ, which provides a commercial registered address accepted by GST authorities and the Registrar of Companies across 25+ cities in India.

For more on business registration and compliance, see:

• Company registration process for private limited companies
• GST registration in India online: procedure, fees, and required documents
• How to get a GST-registered business address for ecommerce platforms

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• GST registration rejected: common reasons and fixes
• Can you use your home address for GST registration?
• CBIC GST registration instructions 2026: what businesses need to know