Overview
The Food Safety and Standards Act requires every food business operator to be registered or licensed. The category depends mainly on annual turnover and the kind of business: a basic registration for the smallest operators, a State licence for mid-size businesses, and a Central licence for the largest ones and for certain activities such as importing.
Under the current rules, basic registration is for food businesses with turnover up to 12 lakh rupees a year, a State licence covers turnover above that up to 20 crore rupees, and a Central licence is needed above 20 crore and for importers and certain other categories. Some activities need a licence regardless of turnover.
Applications are made on the FSSAI online system. For licences, the application is reviewed by the food safety authority and, in many cases, the premises are inspected. The licence number must be printed on food packaging and displayed at the premises.
Which type do you need?
The right category depends on scale and activity, and picking the wrong one is a common cause of delay.
Usually a good fit if
- You run a restaurant, cloud kitchen, bakery, grocery, caterer or food manufacturing unit.
- You sell food through online marketplaces or delivery platforms that ask for your FSSAI number.
- You store, transport or distribute food items.
- You are planning to import or export food products.
Think twice if
- You only sell non-food items; no FSSAI registration is required.
- You are a very small home-based or petty food seller; a basic registration may be enough, but check the rules for your category.
Key benefits
Legal compliance
Operating without a licence can attract penalties and closure.
Platform eligibility
Delivery and marketplace platforms require an FSSAI number before listing.
Customer trust
The licence number on the pack and premises signals safety standards.
Bank and vendor onboarding
Larger buyers and institutions ask for FSSAI before they place orders.
Access to larger markets
Retail chains, hotels and exporters seek licensed suppliers.
Multi-year validity
Licences can be taken for up to five years in one go.
What we need from you
The list varies with the licence type. Basic registration needs less and a licence asks for more.
Identity and address
- Photo ID of the proprietor, partner or director
- Passport-size photograph
- Address proof of the premises, such as electricity bill, rent agreement or ownership paper
- No-objection letter from the owner if the premises are rented
Business papers
- Partnership deed, certificate of incorporation or Udyam or GST details, as applicable
- List of food products to be handled
- Declaration form signed by the operator
- Details of the authorised person and email and mobile number
For State or Central licences
- Plan of the premises showing layout and processing areas
- List of machinery and equipment with capacity
- Food Safety Management System plan
- Water test report where water is used in food or processing
- Proof of turnover or production capacity, as requested
For importers, additionally
- Import Export Code
- Authority letter and supporting documents as applicable
How the process works
Choose the licence type 1 day
We assess turnover, activity and location to pick basic registration, State or Central licence.
Prepare documents and plan 2 to 5 days
We compile papers and draft the layout and food safety plan where needed.
File on the FSSAI system 1 day
The application is submitted online with the fee and documents.
Scrutiny and inspection 1 to 4 weeks
The authority reviews the file and may inspect the premises and ask questions.
Licence issued On approval
On approval you receive the licence or registration with its number.
Display and use After issue
Display the certificate at the premises and print the number on packaging.
How long it takes
| Basic registration | About 7 days |
| State licence | About 15 to 30 days |
| Central licence | Longer, depending on inspection and queries |
Timelines depend on the local authority and the completeness of your papers.
Your obligations after you receive it
A licence comes with continuing duties.
- DisplayShow the licence at the premises and quote the number on invoices and packs.
- Annual returnManufacturers, importers and certain others file an annual return in the prescribed form, typically by 31 May for the previous year.
- RenewalRenew before the licence expires; late renewal attracts a fee.
- Hygiene standardsFollow the prescribed hygiene and sanitary rules, and keep records of inspections and training.
- Update changesReport changes in premises, products, partners or management.
FSSAI categories at a glance
| Type | Typical scale | Granting body |
|---|---|---|
| Basic registration | Turnover up to Rs 12 lakh | Local food safety authority |
| State licence | Turnover above Rs 12 lakh up to Rs 20 crore | State food safety authority |
| Central licence | Above Rs 20 crore, importers and certain categories | FSSAI |
Frequently asked questions
Is FSSAI mandatory for a home kitchen?
A food business operating from home is still a food business. Basic registration or a licence is needed, depending on turnover and the activity.
What is the difference between registration and a licence?
Registration is for small operators with lower turnover and a simpler process. A licence is for larger businesses and involves more documents and, often, an inspection.
Do I need FSSAI to sell on delivery apps?
Yes. Platforms generally require a valid FSSAI number before they list you.
How long is an FSSAI licence valid?
You can choose a period from one to five years, with the fee depending on the duration. It can be renewed before expiry.
Can I have one licence for several locations?
Generally, a separate registration or licence is needed for each premises, with some exceptions for specific cases.
What happens if I miss the annual return?
Late filing attracts a daily fee, and continued non-compliance can lead to action against the licence.
This page is general information to help you prepare, not legal, tax or professional advice for your situation. Rules, forms, thresholds and due dates change, so we confirm the current position before we file anything for you. Taxswami Consultants is an independent professional services firm and is not a government body.