FSSAI License Registration in India: Types, Process & Cost

FSSAI license registration in India is mandatory for every food business operator — from a small home-based tiffin service to a large food manufacturing plant — and is now filed exclusively through the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal. Which of the three tiers you need (basic registration, state license, or central license) depends on your annual turnover and the scale of your operations, not the type of food business itself.

Key takeaways

FSSAI compliance has three tiers based on turnover: basic registration, state license, and central license.
Basic registration applies to small food businesses with turnover up to ₹12 lakh annually.
State license applies to mid-sized businesses (turnover ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore); central license applies above ₹20 crore or for specific categories like imports/exports.
All applications are now filed through the FoSCoS portal, which replaced the older Food Licensing and Registration System.

Which FSSAI Tier Applies to You

Tier	Applicability	Issuing Authority
Basic Registration	Turnover up to ₹12 lakh (petty food businesses, small vendors, home kitchens)	State/local authority
State License	Turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore (most restaurants, mid-sized manufacturers, distributors)	State Food Safety Department
Central License	Turnover above ₹20 crore, or businesses involved in imports/exports, large manufacturing, or operations across multiple states	FSSAI Head Office

Step-by-Step FSSAI Registration/License Process

Step 1: Determine your applicable tier based on annual turnover and business scale.
Step 2: Register on the FoSCoS portal and select the correct application form (Form A for basic registration, Form B for state/central license).
Step 3: Fill in business details, food category, and premises information, and upload the required documents.
Step 4: Pay the applicable government fee, which varies by tier and licence duration (1-5 years).
Step 5: The application is reviewed by the relevant authority; an inspection of the premises may be conducted for state/central licenses.
Step 6: Receive the registration certificate or license, which must be displayed prominently at the business premises.

Documents Required

PAN of the business/proprietor/partners/directors
Identity and address proof of the proprietor, partners, or directors
Proof of business premises (rent agreement/ownership document with utility bill)
List of food products or categories to be manufactured, processed, or sold
Water testing report (for manufacturing units, where applicable)
Layout plan of the processing unit (for state/central license applications)
Partnership deed, LLP agreement, or Certificate of Incorporation, as applicable

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for basic registration when actual turnover already exceeds ₹12 lakh, risking penalties for the wrong tier
Not renewing the license before expiry, since operating with an expired FSSAI license attracts penalties
Missing the display requirement — the FSSAI license number and certificate must be visibly displayed at the premises
Failing to update the license when adding new food product categories not covered in the original application
Assuming cloud kitchens or delivery-only food businesses are exempt — they need the same registration as any other food business operator
Not training kitchen staff on basic hygiene and labelling requirements, which can trigger compliance issues during a routine inspection even with a valid license in hand

FSSAI Compliance for Cloud Kitchens and Delivery-Only Brands

Cloud kitchens and delivery-only food brands operating out of shared kitchen spaces or dark stores need the same tier of FSSAI registration or license as any dine-in restaurant of comparable turnover, and each physical kitchen location typically requires its own license if operating across multiple cities or premises under one brand. A frequent compliance gap in this segment is failing to update the FSSAI license when the brand adds new food categories (say, expanding from a single cuisine to a multi-brand cloud kitchen model) or when the kitchen relocates to a new address without amending the license accordingly.

Food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato also independently verify a seller’s FSSAI license number before onboarding and periodically re-verify it, so an expired or unamended license can silently pause a listing without the operator immediately realising why orders have stopped, making proactive renewal tracking especially important for delivery-first brands that don’t have a physical storefront to remind them.

How ComplianceKaro Helps

We assess your turnover and business scale to determine the correct FSSAI tier, prepare the FoSCoS application, and manage renewals so your food business stays compliant year-round. Pair this with our company incorporation service if you’re setting up a new food business entity, and accounting and bookkeeping to track turnover against license thresholds. Book a free consultation.

FAQ

Do home-based food businesses need an FSSAI license?

Yes, even small home-based food businesses with turnover up to ₹12 lakh need FSSAI basic registration, which has simpler documentation requirements than a full license.

How long is an FSSAI license valid?

FSSAI licenses and registrations can be obtained for a validity period of 1 to 5 years, chosen at the time of application, and must be renewed before expiry to avoid penalties.

What is the difference between FSSAI registration and FSSAI license?

Registration is a simpler process for small food businesses below ₹12 lakh turnover, while a license (state or central) is required for larger businesses and involves more detailed scrutiny, including possible premises inspection.

Get your food business compliant. Book a free consultation and let ComplianceKaro handle your FSSAI registration or license.