FSSAI registration in India

What is FSSAI registration?

FSSAI registration is a statutory authorization issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India for businesses involved in manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, transportation, or sale of food.

Every food business must obtain either FSSAI Basic Registration or an FSSAI License before commencing operations.

The registration or licence comes with a 14 digit FSSAI number, which must be displayed at business premises and printed on food packages.

Understanding FSSAI and its role

FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Its functions include

• Framing food safety standards
• Regulating food manufacturing and sale
• Granting licenses and registrations
• Conducting inspections and enforcement

FSSAI registration vs FSSAI license

Why FSSAI registration is mandatory?

Under Section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 no person may operate a food business without a valid FSSAI registration or license.

Key Reasons

• Legal authorization to operate
• Mandatory for ecommerce and aggregators
• Required for funding expansion and partnerships
• Protection against penalties and closure

Consequences of operating without FSSAI

Operating without registration may attract

• Monetary penalties depending on business category
• Seizure of food stock
• Suspension or closure of business
• Prosecution under the Food Safety Act

Types of FSSAI registration and license

FSSAI Basic Registration

Applicable to

• Petty food retailers
• Home based food businesses
• Small manufacturers up to 100 kg or litre per day
• Milk vendors up to 500 litres per day

Fee ₹100 per year
Form Form A
Validity 1 to 5 years

FSSAI State License

Applicable to

• Medium scale manufacturers
• Restaurants and hotels up to four star
• Storage units up to 10000 MT
• Transporters with up to 100 vehicles

Fee ₹2000 to ₹5000 per year
Form Form B
Validity 1 to 5 years

FSSAI Central License

Mandatory for

• Multi state operations
• Importers and exporters
• Ecommerce food businesses
• Five star hotels
• Large manufacturers

Fee ₹7500 per year
Form Form B
Validity 1 to 5 years

Who needs FSSAI registration

Any person or entity involved in the food supply chain including

• Restaurants cafes and dhabas
• Cloud kitchens and dark kitchens
• Bakeries and sweet shops
• Food manufacturers and processors
• Dairy units and milk vendors
• Meat poultry and fish businesses
• Caterers and event food providers
• Food transporters and distributors
• Importers and exporters

FSSAI registration process online FoSCoS

FSSAI registration is completed online through the Food Safety Compliance System portal.

Step by Step Process

1. Create account on FoSCoS portal
2. Select license type based on turnover
3. Choose kind of business
4. Fill Form A or Form B
5. Upload required documents
6. Pay government fees
7. Submit application
8. Track application status
9. Receive registration certificate Form C

Processing time is typically 7 to 10 working days subject to scrutiny or inspection.

Documents required for FSSAI registration

Common Documents

• Identity proof
• Business address proof
• List of food products
• FSMS declaration
• Bank details

Additional for State and Central License

• Layout plan
• Machinery list
• Water analysis report
• Incorporation documents
• Authority letters
• Import export code if applicable

Virtual office for FSSAI registration: secure a valid business address

One of the mandatory requirements across all FSSAI registration types: Basic, State, and Central is submitting a valid business address proof. For home bakers, cloud kitchen operators, food startups, or businesses expanding into new cities, arranging a legitimate registered address can be a significant hurdle before operations even begin.

A Virtual Office offers a practical, cost-efficient solution that provides your food business with a credible commercial address along with all supporting documentation needed to satisfy FSSAI requirements without committing to a long-term physical lease.

How a Virtual Office helps with FSSAI registration:

• Provides a commercial business address accepted as valid address proof on the FoSCoS portal
• Supplies rental agreement and NOC documentation required during Form A or Form B submission
• Ideal for cloud kitchens, home-based food businesses, and food startups seeking a professional address
• Enables food businesses expanding to new states to establish a local registered address for State or Central License applications
• Supports ecommerce food operators who need a compliant address across multiple cities

myHQ Virtual Office provides GST and registration-ready address documentation across prime locations in major Indian cities, with paperwork processed within 24–48 hours so your FSSAI application timeline stays on track from day one.

FSSAI fees and costs 2026

Additional costs may include professional assistance documentation and testing charges.

Tracking FSSAI registration status

Applicants can track status through the FoSCoS dashboard using the application reference number or FSSAI license number.

Statuses include Submitted, Under Scrutiny, Reverted, and Approved.

FSSAI compliance requirements

• Display FSSAI certificate at premises
• Print FSSAI number on food packaging
• Follow hygiene and labeling norms
• Maintain basic records as applicable
• File annual returns where required

License validity renewal and modification

• Validity ranges from 1 to 5 years
• Renewal window is 120 to 30 days before expiry
• Late fee may apply subject to limits
• Modification required for changes in address, products, or ownership

Penalties for Non Compliance

Penalties may apply for

• Operating without license
• Substandard or misbranded food
• False advertising
• Non compliance with inspection directions

Penalties vary based on violation type and business scale.

Benefits of FSSAI Registration

• Legal compliance
• Consumer trust
• Brand credibility
• Business expansion
• Access to marketplaces and funding