How to Get an FSSAI License – Application Process Explained

Anjali Verma, a 32-year-old home baker from Pune, began selling cupcakes from her kitchen during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. With an initial investment of ₹5,000 for baking tools and ingredients, her customer base quickly grew to over 150 regular clients. Within six months, she was earning nearly ₹45,000 a month.

When she attempted to list her baked goods on Swiggy and Zomato, her application was rejected due to a missing FSSAI licence. Realising the importance of food safety compliance, Anjali applied online for the Basic FSSAI Registration. She uploaded the necessary documents and paid a fee of ₹100. Within seven days, her application was approved.

Following her registration, Anjali’s FSSAI-certified brand began supplying cupcakes across Pune and nearby areas, generating monthly revenue of more than ₹1.5 lakh.

What is FSSAI and Why Do You Need It?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body formed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It is responsible for regulating and supervising the safety standards of food products across India. FSSAI licences ensure that food businesses operate within the legal framework and follow hygienic practices.

Why is an FSSAI Licence Important?

• It is mandatory for all food-related businesses.
• Enhances consumer confidence.
• Avoids legal penalties and shutdowns.

Read More – How to Start a Business
 

Numerical Example:

In 2023, over 11.2 lakh food businesses in India received notices for not having valid FSSAI licences. According to official statistics from FSSAI, failure to comply can lead to fines of up to ₹5 lakh and even imprisonment of up to 6 months for repeat offences.

Penalties for Operating Without an FSSAI Licence

Types of FSSAI Licences in India

There are three categories of FSSAI Licences based on the size and type of the food business:

1. Basic Registration: For small businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh.
   
   
2. State Licence: For businesses with a turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
   
   
3. Central Licence: For businesses with a turnover exceeding ₹20 crore, or those involved in import/export, e-commerce, or operating in multiple states.

FSSAI Licence Types Based on Turnover:

Numerical Example:

Ravi Shah owns a spice trading business in Gujarat. With a turnover of ₹26 crore per year, he mistakenly operated under a State Licence instead of a Central one. During an audit in 2022, he was fined ₹1.25 lakh for the incorrect classification. He then re-applied for the Central Licence via FoSCoS.

Who Should Apply for an FSSAI Licence?

If you operate in any of the following sectors related to food handling, you are required to apply for an FSSAI Licence:

• Home-based food businesses
• Cloud kitchens
• Food manufacturers and processors
• Importers and exporters of food items
• Food packaging and labelling companies
• Wholesalers, distributors and transporters
• Canteens and cafeterias
• Hotels, restaurants, and catering services

Numerical Example:

Zoya Foods is a Mumbai-based tiffin service started in 2021 with just 12 clients. When approached by a corporate firm to supply meals for 200 employees daily, they were asked to submit their FSSAI registration. They immediately applied for a State Licence and got approved within 20 days, enabling them to expand their reach.

How to Apply for FSSAI Licence Online?

You can apply online for an FSSAI licence through the official portal known as FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System).

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Visit the official FSSAI website.
   
   
2. Click on "Sign-Up" and register using your mobile number and email ID.
   
   
3. Log in using your credentials.
   
   
4. Click on "Apply for New Licence/Registration".
   
   
5. Choose the type of business and the corresponding licence.
   
   
6. Fill in business details such as name, address, type of business, and turnover.
   
   
7. Upload the required documents in PDF/JPEG format.
   
   
8. Pay the required fee online.
   
   
9. Apply and note the Application Reference Number (ARN) for tracking.

Numerical Example:

Arjun Mehta, a pickle maker from Indore, submitted his online application on March 1, 2024. He uploaded all documents and paid 

₹100 for Basic Registration. On March 7, he received his FSSAI certificate via email, enabling him to sell his products legally across Madhya Pradesh.

Also Read - How to Register a Company
 

List of Documents Required

Once you determine the type of FSSAI licence applicable to your business (Basic, State, or Central), the next critical step is preparing the correct documentation. Each licence tier has different documentation needs based on the scale and type of operations.

Documents Required for FSSAI Licence

Numerical Example:

Deepa Nair, who runs a home-based bakery called Deepa’s Cake Studio in Delhi, needed to apply for a State Licence as her turnover had crossed ₹12 lakhs. She was quoted ₹2,000 by a consultant to prepare her FSMP. However, by referring to templates available on the FSSAI portal and customising one herself, Deepa submitted a self-prepared FSMP, saving ₹1,000 and getting her application approved in just 9 days.

Processing Time and Validity

The time taken to process an FSSAI licence application depends on the type of licence. Authorities assess the documents, conduct inspections (if required), and then issue the licence.

• Basic Licence: Typically processed in 7 working days.
  
  
• State & Central Licence: May take 30–45 working days, depending on the application load and inspection timelines.
  
  
• Validity Period: Licences are issued for 1 to 5 years, depending on what the applicant chooses and pays for. Renewal is required before expiry.

Numerical Example:

In January 2024, the FSSAI received over 50,000 applications. Data showed that 92% of Basic Licences were issued within 10 days, while central licences took an average of 32 days due to inspection delays and additional document verification. Among these, 

GreenSprout Organics, a mid-sized food exporter from Chennai, received its central licence in 28 days after submitting complete documentation upfront.

How to Check FSSAI Licence Status Online?

Once your application is submitted via the FoSCoS portal, you can track its progress in real-time.

Steps to Track FSSAI Licence Status:

1. Go to the official FoSCoS portal: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/
   
   
2. Click on “Track Application Status” on the homepage.
   
   
3. Enter your Application Reference Number (ARN).
   
   
4. Click “Submit” to view the current stage of your application (e.g., Pending Inspection, Under Scrutiny, Approved, Licence Issued).

Numerical Example:

Priya Agarwal, who runs a small tiffin service in Pune, applied for a Basic FSSAI Licence. Her ARN was 2024/FOOD/00056789. Upon checking the status online five days after submission, she noticed it read “Pending Inspection”. On the sixth day, it updated to 

“Licence Issued”. She was able to download her certificate directly from the portal on the same day without visiting any government office.

How to Renew Your FSSAI Licence?

Renewing your licence is essential to continue operations legally. It’s advisable to begin the renewal process at least 30 days before the expiry date.

Steps to Renew FSSAI Licence:

1. Visit: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/
2. Log in using your credentials.
3. Navigate to “Renew Licence/Registration”.
4. Upload the necessary documents and submit them.
5. Pay applicable fees depending on the licence type and validity period selected.

Late Renewal Fine:

If you fail to renew before the expiry date, a fine of ₹100 per day is levied until submission.

Numerical Example:

Ramesh Foods, a food distributor in Ahmedabad, had a State FSSAI Licence due for renewal on 1st February 2024. They missed the deadline and applied for renewal 12 days late, which resulted in a penalty of ₹1,200 (₹100 x 12 days). Though their licence was eventually renewed, it took an extra 5 days due to the penalty and documentation re-verification.

Conclusion

Obtaining an FSSAI licence is a vital legal step for any food business in India—it ensures food safety, builds customer trust, and supports smooth business operations across state and national levels. By following the correct procedure and submitting accurate documents via the FoSCoS portal, you can secure your licence without unnecessary delays or penalties.

FAQs

1. Is an FSSAI licence mandatory for home-based food businesses?
Yes, even home kitchens selling food commercially need Basic FSSAI Registration.

2. What is the fee for a Basic FSSAI licence?
The government fee is ₹100 per year for Basic Registration.

3. Can I apply for an FSSAI licence offline?
No, all FSSAI applications must be submitted online through https://foscos.fssai.gov.in.

4. What is the penalty for running a food business without an FSSAI licence?
A penalty of up to ₹5 lakh or imprisonment may be imposed under the FSS Act.

5. How many days before expiry should I renew my FSSAI licence?
At least 30 days before the licence expiration date.

6. Can I transfer my FSSAI licence to someone else?
Yes, in case of the death of the proprietor, the licence can be transferred to a legal heir.

7. What is the difference between FSSAI Registration and Licence?
Registration is for small businesses (turnover < ₹12 lakh), while a licence is for medium and large-scale food businesses.

8. Is there a helpline for FSSAI support?
Yes, you can call the FSSAI helpdesk at 1800-112-100.
 

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‘Simplify Finance for Everyone.’ This is the common goal of our team, as we try to explain any topic with relatable examples. From personal to business finance, managing EMIs to becoming debt-free, we do extensive research on each and every parameter, so you don’t have to. Scroll up and have a look at what 15+ years of experience in the BFSI sector looks like.