FSSAI Food Licence

Key facts

• Every food business (maker, trader, restaurant, cloud kitchen, home food seller, transporter, storage, importer, e-commerce seller) needs FSSAI registration or a licence before starting.
• Basic registration (Form A): turnover up to ₹12 lakh; fee ₹100 a year.
• State licence (Form B): turnover above ₹12 lakh up to ₹20 crore, within one state; fee ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 a year depending on the activity and capacity.
• Central licence (Form B): turnover above ₹20 crore, and always for importers, exporters, e-commerce operators, units on central government premises and businesses operating in more than one state (for the head office); fee ₹7,500 a year.
• Apply online on the FoSCoS portal. Registration is usually issued within 7 days; licences within about 30–60 days, sometimes after an inspection.
• Validity is 1 to 5 years, as chosen and paid for. Apply for renewal before expiry (about 30 days before for most licences). Renewal after expiry is allowed only for a limited period with a late fee of ₹100 per day; after that you must apply afresh.
• Licensed manufacturers and importers file the annual return Form D-1 by 31 May for the previous financial year. Milk and milk product makers also file half-yearly Form D-2.
• The 14-digit FSSAI number and logo must be printed on food labels and displayed at the premises; restaurants must show it on menus and bills.
• Licensed and registered food businesses need a trained Food Safety Supervisor (FoSTaC certificate) — at least one for every 25 food handlers.

Common questions

Which FSSAI licence (license) do I need?

Basic registration if turnover is up to ₹12 lakh, a state licence from ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore, and a central licence above ₹20 crore, or if you import, export, sell as an e-commerce operator or run operations in more than one state.

What is the FSSAI licence fee (registration fee)?

Basic registration ₹100 a year, state licence ₹2,000–₹5,000 a year depending on the business, and central licence ₹7,500 a year. You can pay for 1 to 5 years at once.

How do I apply for FSSAI registration?

On the FoSCoS portal: choose the kind of business, fill Form A (registration) or Form B (licence), upload ID and address proof of the premises, a photo, the list of food products and, for licences, layout plans, equipment list and water test report. Pay the fee online and track the application; registration usually comes within 7 days.

Do home bakers and cloud kitchens need FSSAI?

Yes. Any food business, including home-based bakers, tiffin services and cloud kitchens, needs at least basic FSSAI registration. Aggregators like Swiggy and Zomato also require it.

What is FSSAI annual return D-1?

An annual return by licensed manufacturers and importers showing the food products made or imported during the year. It is due by 31 May for the previous financial year; late filing costs ₹100 per day.

What if the FSSAI licence expires (renewal)?

Renew before expiry to avoid trouble. For a limited period after expiry, renewal is allowed with a late fee of ₹100 per day; beyond that the licence lapses, you must apply for a new one, and you shouldn't operate until it is granted.

What is the penalty for running a food business without FSSAI?

Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, running a food business without registration or a licence can lead to imprisonment of up to 6 months and a fine of up to ₹5 lakh.