How to Get an FSSAI License for Your Food Business
At a glance
Cost
Govt fee, by license tier
Timeline
7-60 working days
Difficulty
Easy
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licenses and registers food businesses so that food sold in India meets safety standards. If you manufacture, store, transport, distribute, or sell food, including from a home kitchen or cloud kitchen, you generally need an FSSAI registration or license before you operate.
What are the types of FSSAI registration?
Key takeaway
Thresholds Raised Sharply From 1 April 2026
FSSAI's ease-of-doing-business reform raised the Basic Registration ceiling more than 12 times over, from Rs 12 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore. If you assessed your category before this date, check again: many businesses that needed a State License before now qualify for the simpler, cheaper Basic Registration instead.
Basic Registration
State License
Central License
Source: FSSAI/MoHFW ease-of-doing-business reform and FoSCoS advisory, effective 1 April 2026. See the official FSSAI notice for exact fees by tier.
When Central License Is Mandatory
A Central License is required regardless of turnover for importers, exporters, businesses operating in more than one state, and e-commerce platforms dealing with food. If you fall in any of these categories, do not rely on Basic or State license rules alone.
What documents do you need for FSSAI registration?
Exact requirements vary by business type; keep digital copies ready in the formats specified on the portal.
FSSAI Application Document Checklist
- Passport-size photograph of the applicant/authorised person
- Identity proof (Aadhaar or PAN)
- Address proof for the business premises
- List of food products you will handle or sell
- Premises layout plan
- Water test report (where applicable)
- List of equipment (especially for manufacturers)
- Municipal NOC or local body clearance where required
Processing Time
7-15 days
Basic Registration
Often faster for complete applications
30-60 days
State & Central License
Depends on completeness and verification
Step-by-Step: Apply on FoSCoS
- 1
Open the FoSCoS portal
Open foscos.fssai.gov.in (FoSCoS) and sign in or create a user account.
- 2
Choose registration or license type
Pick Basic, State, or Central license from turnover and activity. Remember import/export, multi-state, and e-commerce rules above.
- 3
Complete the application form
Enter business, food categories, premises, and authorised person details to match your proofs exactly.
- 4
Upload documents
Upload photos, proofs, product list, layout, water test, equipment list, and NOC as prompted: clear scans, correct types and sizes per FoSCoS.
- 5
Pay fees and submit
Pay online; save your reference or application ID and track status until approval or a query.
Operate Only After Approval
Running a food business without the required FSSAI registration or license can attract penalties. Under food safety law, operating without authorisation can be punishable with a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh (and other consequences in serious cases). Do not sell food commercially until your certificate or license is issued unless a specific legal exemption applies to your case.
Official Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Government schemes you may qualify for
Based on this guide, these schemes could benefit your business.
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