FSSAI Food License in India: Types, Documents & Registration Process

FSSAI is the apex food regulator established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It sets the standards for food safety and hygiene in India and licenses every entity in the food supply chain - from farms and manufacturers to restaurants, retailers, and e-commerce sellers.

Every registered food business gets a 14-digit FSSAI number that must be displayed on packaging, at the premises, and often on menus and invoices. This number signals to customers and authorities that your business is compliant with food safety norms.

The definition of a food business operator (FBO) is deliberately wide. You need FSSAI registration or a license if you are involved in any of the following:

If food touches your business at any point in its journey to the consumer, you almost certainly need to be registered.

FSSAI compliance is tiered based primarily on your annual turnover and the scale/nature of your operations. There are three categories.

1. FSSAI Basic registration. This is for the smallest food businesses - petty FBOs such as home-based sellers, small retailers, hawkers, and tiny units with low annual turnover. It is the entry-level registration and involves the simplest paperwork.

2. FSSAI State license. This applies to medium-sized businesses operating within a single state - mid-sized manufacturers, larger restaurants, storage units, transporters, and distributors whose turnover crosses the Basic threshold but stays under the Central threshold. It is issued by the State licensing authority.

3. FSSAI Central license. This is for large operations - big manufacturers, importers, exporters, e-commerce food operators, businesses operating in multiple states, and units supplying to government agencies. It is issued by the Central licensing authority. Businesses working across several states typically need a Central license for their head office and separate State licenses for individual units, depending on their structure.

Because the exact turnover slabs and production-capacity thresholds are set and periodically revised by FSSAI, always confirm the current limits before applying, or have a professional map your business to the correct category.

The document set varies by category - Basic needs the least, Central the most. Commonly required documents include:

For Basic registration:

Additionally for State and Central licenses:

The precise checklist depends on your business type, so treat the above as indicative and confirm the exact requirements for your category.

The application is filed online through the FSSAI's licensing portal.

Step 1: Determine your category. Assess your turnover, scale, and whether you operate in one or multiple states to decide between Basic, State, and Central.

Step 2: Create an account and select the form. Register on the FSSAI portal and choose the correct application form for your category.

Step 3: Fill in business details. Enter details of your business, premises, the food products you handle, and the responsible person.

Step 4: Upload documents. Upload the required documents for your category in the prescribed format.

Step 5: Pay the government fee. Pay the applicable fee. Fees depend on the category and the license period you select, as notified by FSSAI - so check the current schedule before paying.

Step 6: Inspection (where applicable). For State and Central licenses, the authority may inspect your premises to verify compliance with food safety standards.

Step 7: Grant of registration/license. Once verified, FSSAI issues your registration certificate or license with your 14-digit FSSAI number. Display it prominently at your premises and on your packaging.

An FSSAI registration or license is issued for a chosen period - typically ranging from one to five years - and must be renewed before it expires. Key points:

Because operating without a valid FSSAI license can lead to fines and, in serious cases, closure, treating renewal as a fixed calendar reminder is wise.

Do home-based food businesses need FSSAI registration?

Yes. Even small home-based food sellers, cloud kitchens, and hobby bakers qualify as food business operators and typically need at least a Basic FSSAI registration to operate legally.

How do I know whether I need Basic, State, or Central registration?

It depends mainly on your annual turnover, your scale of operations, and whether you operate in one state or multiple states or import/export. Small businesses usually fall under Basic, mid-size single-state businesses under State, and large or multi-state and import/export businesses under Central.

Is the FSSAI number required on food packaging?

Yes. Once registered, your 14-digit FSSAI number must be displayed on your product packaging and at your business premises. It assures customers and regulators that your business meets food safety norms.

How long is an FSSAI license valid?

An FSSAI license or registration is issued for the period you choose, generally between one and five years. You must renew it before expiry, as operating on an expired license is treated as operating without one.

What happens if I run a food business without an FSSAI license?

Operating without the appropriate FSSAI registration or license is an offence under the food safety law and can attract monetary penalties and, in serious cases, action against your business. Getting registered before you start selling is essential.

Choosing the wrong FSSAI category, mis-stating your food products, or fumbling the document set can delay your license by weeks - and delays mean lost sales for a food business. At Regikart, our specialists first map your turnover and operations to the correct category (Basic, State, or Central), then prepare and file a clean FSSAI application so it clears smoothly.

With in-house CA and CS teams and offices in Kolkata, Delhi, Gurugram, and Pune serving clients pan-India, we handle new registrations, upgrades from Basic to State or Central as you grow, and timely renewals so your license never lapses. We also cover the other licenses a food business needs. From a single home kitchen to a multi-state manufacturing operation, Regikart gets your FSSAI compliance right the first time. Talk to us to get licensed without the guesswork.