Mandatory for all food businesses in India — manufacturing, trading, importing, food service, cloud kitchens, and e-commerce. Get your FSSAI license with InteLegal's expert support.
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is the apex body governing food safety regulations in India under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Every Food Business Operator (FBO) in India is legally required to obtain an FSSAI license or registration before commencing food business operations.
An FSSAI license/registration provides your business with a unique 14-digit FSSAI registration number that must be prominently displayed on all food product labels, business premises, and packaging materials. This number assures consumers that your food products meet Indian food safety standards.
The FSSAI regulates food manufacturing, storage, transportation, distribution, import, export, retail sale, and food service operations across India through its FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) online portal.
FSSAI has three categories of food licenses based on business size, turnover, and nature of operations:
| Criteria | Basic Registration | State License | Central License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Turnover | Up to ₹12 Lakh | ₹12 Lakh – ₹20 Crore | Above ₹20 Crore |
| Applicable For | Petty food businesses, home-based food units, small retailers | Mid-size manufacturers, restaurants, hotels, food traders | Large manufacturers, importers, exporters, multi-state FBOs |
| Issued By | State FSSAI Authority | State FSSAI Authority | Central FSSAI (FSSAI HQ, Delhi) |
| Production Capacity | < 100 kg/litre per day | 100 kg/litre – 2 MT/day | > 2 MT/day or multi-state |
| Govt. Fee (per year) | ₹100/year | ₹2,000–5,000/year | ₹7,500/year |
| Key Use Cases | Tiffin services, street food, small stores | Restaurants, catering, food processing units | Export, import, large chains, e-commerce platforms |
Online food delivery platforms, grocery delivery apps, and D2C food brands typically require a Central FSSAI License regardless of turnover, as they operate across multiple states. Cloud kitchens need a State License at minimum. InteLegal helps you determine the right category.
Operate your food business lawfully and avoid hefty penalties under FSS Act 2006
FSSAI logo on packaging builds consumer confidence in your food safety standards
Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon Food require FSSAI license for onboarding food businesses
FSSAI certification helps Indian food businesses access international markets
Banks and financial institutions prefer FSSAI-compliant food businesses for loans
Government and institutional tenders for food supply require valid FSSAI license
| Document | Basic Reg. | State License | Central License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identity Proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID of FBO) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Address Proof of Business Premises | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passport-size Photo of proprietor/director | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Food Safety Management Plan | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| List of Food Products to be manufactured/sold | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Layout Plan of processing unit / premises | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| NOC from Local Body / Panchayat / Municipality | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water Testing Report (for manufacturers) | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Import Export Code (for importers/exporters) | — | — | ✓ |
| Ministry of Commerce Approval (for 100% EOU) | — | — | If applicable |
InteLegal assesses your food business type, annual turnover, production capacity, and geographic scope to determine whether you need Basic Registration, State License, or Central License — and which sub-category applies.
We collect all required documents and prepare a Food Safety Management Plan (FSMP), declarations, and supporting information needed for your specific license category and food business type.
The application is filed on the official FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in with all documents, food product details, and government fee payment through the online challan system.
The designated FSSAI officer scrutinizes the application. For State and Central Licenses, a physical inspection of your food premises may be conducted. InteLegal helps you prepare for inspections and ensure your facility meets requirements.
Upon successful verification, the FSSAI license with your unique 14-digit registration number is issued digitally through the FoSCoS portal. You can download and display it at your premises and print it on product labels.
FSSAI requires annual returns (Form D1/D2) filing and license renewal before expiry. InteLegal provides comprehensive compliance management to keep your FSSAI status active and current throughout the license period.
Basic Registration: 7–15 days. State License: 30–45 days. Central License: 45–60 days. Timeline depends on document completeness and FSSAI officer workload.
Yes. Even home-based food businesses (tiffin services, home bakeries, home-cooked food suppliers) that earn from food must obtain at minimum an FSSAI Basic Registration. If you sell food online or through delivery apps, you must have a valid FSSAI number regardless of your scale of operations.
Operating a food business without an FSSAI license invites penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: (1) Fines up to ₹5 lakh for operating without license, (2) Fines up to ₹2 lakh for sub-standard food, (3) Imprisonment up to 3 months for minor violations, and (4) Up to 7 years imprisonment for adulteration causing harm. Authorities can also seal your premises and confiscate food stock.
Yes. Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon Food, and all other online food ordering platforms require a valid FSSAI license number to onboard any restaurant, cloud kitchen, or food business. The FSSAI number must also be displayed on the digital menu and packaging. Without it, you cannot legally list on these platforms.
As a food importer, you need a Central FSSAI License issued by FSSAI's New Delhi headquarters. All imported food must comply with FSSAI standards and the importer must display their FSSAI number on the Indian label/sticker. You also need LMPC registration from the Legal Metrology Department for pre-packaged imports. InteLegal can assist with both.
FSSAI licenses can be taken for 1 to 5 years at the time of application. Renewal must be filed at least 30 days before the expiry date. Renewal applications are filed on the FoSCoS portal. Late renewals attract a penalty fee. InteLegal sends renewal reminders and manages the entire renewal process on your behalf.
Yes. Any changes to your business such as adding new food products, changing the business address, adding a new manufacturing unit, or changes in ownership must be reported to FSSAI through a Modification application on FoSCoS. Unauthorized changes without updating FSSAI records can attract penalties and license cancellation.
Expert support for all food business registrations
⚠️ Operating Without FSSAI?
Penalty up to ₹5 Lakh and possible imprisonment. Don't risk your business — get compliant today.
InteLegal handles your complete FSSAI registration — from category assessment to certificate delivery. Combined with LMPC, Trademark, and EPR services, we are your single-stop business compliance partner.