FSSAI Licensing
Every food business in India—whether it manufactures, distributes, stores, or transports food—must obtain FSSAI registration or a license.
Moreover, the type of authorization you need depends on your annual turnover and scale of operations. Smaller businesses typically require basic registration, while larger operations must apply for a full FSSAI license.”
Why It Matters
A valid FSSAI license confirms that your business meets mandatory legal requirements and boosts your credibility.
It also reassures customers about food safety and quality and opens the door to growth.
Legal Foundation
Under Section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, no food business can operate without a license or registration.
The process is governed by the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing & Registration) Regulations, 2011.
You can apply via FoSCoS, the FSSAI’s online compliance portal.
Contact Us
Types of Licenses & Registration
Basic Registration
- For small food business operators (turnover ≤ ₹12 lakh)
- Includes petty retailers, hawkers, cottage-scale units, and temporary stalls.
- Results in a 14‑digit registration number, which must appear on your packaging.
State License
- For medium-scale operations (turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore)
- Mandatory for all Grains, Cereals, Pulses Milling units
- Also required for manufacturers, distributors, restaurants, and many other FBOs, based on the turnover and production capacity
Central License
- For large businesses with a turnover of more than ₹20 crore — such as importers, exporters, e-commerce operators, and companies operating across multiple states— a Central FSSAI license is required.
- Necessary for food units with specific high-volume categories.
Who Needs It
- Food Business Operators (FBOs) that must register or license include:
- Retail shops, bakeries, snack outlets, and hawkers
- Cloud kitchens, warehouses, distributors, wholesalers and retailers
- Manufacturers, repackers, brand owners (relabellers), importers, exporters, e-commerce businesses handling food
- Cold storage units, food transporters, and novel food businesses
- Hotels, restaurants, caterers, and canteens
- Any other food-related businesses
How We Help at Food Safety Works
- We guide you to pick the right category and license type, based on your business size.
- Manage the entire FSSAI application (registration or licensing) on your behalf.
- Help you prepare and file periodic regulatory returns, lab reports and all other compliances as required by FSSAI.
Do I always need an FSSAI license for my food business?
Yes, as per Section 31, every food business needs either registration or a license.
What happens after I register with FSSAI?
You’ll receive a 14‑digit registration number, which must be printed on food packaging. The registration certificate/license shall be displayed at a prominent location. You are then required to follow basic hygiene and safety practices outlined in the FSSAI guidelines, maintain proper records, and comply with inspections if conducted by the authorities. This registration essentially makes your business legally recognized and accountable under food safety laws.
What’s the difference between a State and Central license?
A State FSSAI license is meant for medium-sized food businesses operating within a single state and having an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore. A Central FSSAI license, on the other hand, is required for larger businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore. Moreover, it is mandatory for those operating in multiple states, and additionally, for specific activities such as importing or exporting food, large-scale manufacturing, or operating at airports and seaports.
Where do I apply for the FSSAI license?
Use the FoSCoS portal, FSSAI’s online compliance system.
What if I run a food stall or a small retail shop?
If you run a small food stall, hawker setup, or a small retail shop, you only need FSSAI Basic Registration. This applies to very small businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh.
Are there penalties for not having an FSSAI license?
Yes. Operating a food business without an FSSAI license or registration is a legal violation under the Food Safety and Standards Act. You can face penalties such as fines (which may go up to ₹5 lakh depending on the offence), closure of the business, and even imprisonment in severe cases involving unsafe food. Essentially, running any food business, small or large, without FSSAI approval is considered non-compliant and can lead to strict action by authorities.