How to Apply For Food License: FSSAI Registration Process, Documents, Fees

Food safety and hygiene is the most important thing in the food business.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a government authority that safeguards public health by regulating food safety and hygiene standards in India.

Who is Required to get FSSAI Registration

Food business operators (FBOs) who engage in the manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, and sale of food products are required to get FSSAI registration or license.

If you run a Restaurant or Food Cafe and want to list your business on Swiggy or Zomato, the first requirement is FSSAI Registration.

Penalty for Non-Compliance FSSAI Act

Types of FSSAI License/Registration

There are three types of FSSAI Licenses 1) Basic Registration 2) State License 3) Central License. FSSAI Registration and License are two different things. It depends on the Nature, turnover & capacity of production of the business.

Basic Registration- The person having a turnover of less than, up to Rs.12 lakh p.a have to obtain FSSAI Basic Registration. This is for small and retail food operators, who don’t have large business operations like- petty food manufacturers, Snacks shops, etc. For The FSSAI Basic Registration applicant has to file Form A.

State License- The Person having a turnover of more than Rs.12 lakh p.a but up to Rs.20 crore p.a have to get FSSAI State License. This is for small and medium size Food Business Operators, whose turnover is more than small FBOs but up to RS 20 crore like- medium-sized storage, manufacturing units, etc. For The FSSAI State License applicant has to file Form B.

Central License- The person having a turnover of more than Rs.20 crore p.a have to get FSSAI Central License. This requirement applies to large Food Business Operators, such as large manufacturers, those operating businesses across multiple states, and those involved in food operations with Government Agencies, among others. In such cases, the applicant is required to file Form B.

FSSAI License Eligibility

You can find out the limits for your business to get registered under FSSAI from the below link. Every food business has different limits for FSSAI registration.

Download the PDF and check your Eligibility- FSSAI License Registration Eligibility List

FSSAI License Fees

Fee Structure for FSSAI License(for 1 year)

Documents for FSSAI License Registration

• Identity Proof such as a PAN Card, Passport, or Voter ID.
• Address Proof of premises such as an electricity bill or rent agreement.
• Applicant’s Photograph.
• List of food products that you manufacture, process, store, distribute, or sell.
• Food safety layout plan.
• Bank Account Details.
• NOC from the municipality or any other department if required.
• Certificate of incorporation or Partnership deed.
• Water test reports.
• List of directors/ List of proprietors.
• Raw material sources.

How to Apply for FSSAI license Registration online

#1- For a new FSSAI License First, you need to check out the FoSCoS site and click on Apply license & registration.

#2- Click on apply for license/registration.

#3- Now select your State.

#4- Now, you have five distinct options to select from based on your specific business requirements: Manufacturer, Trader, Food Service, Central Government Agency, and Head Office.

Manufacturers and traders cover most of the food business operators. After that select category & sub-category and then select type of registration and click on submit option.

#5- Click on apply for registration for all businesses.

#6- On the next page, a new form will open, and fill in the all details & information as per your requirements then click on save & next.

#7- Now enter your Mobile No., Email ID, and contact details. On this page, a new login ID automatically generates, you must create a password, and then click submit.

#8- On the next page, you have to upload documents like a photo, id proof (with less than 3MB Image size) after that select the payment gateway and pay the Fee online.

Following successful payment, you will receive a Payment slip along with an application Reference No. This Reference No. is crucial as it assists you in checking the status of your FSSAI License.

The officer overseeing your application has the authority to either approve or reject it within the next 7 days. Alternatively, the officer may opt to provide advance notice and conduct an inspection of your business site. Once all the necessary formalities have been fulfilled, the officer will then proceed to send your approved license to your designated email address.

FSSAI License Validity and Renewal

• FSSAI license is issued for a validity of 1 to 5 years, as an option taken by the FBOs.
• you can apply for the renewal of your license 180 days prior.

FSSAI License late Renewal Penalty

You can renew your license after the expiry date with extra charges, here are the charges-

Renewal will not be allowed after the 180th day from the original expiry date, and the person will have to apply for a new FSSAI license.

FSSAI License Renewal Process online

#1- For renewal of the FSSAI License & Registration First, you need to check out the FoSCoS site and click on Renewal license Tab.

#2- On the next page fill out your license no., the end date of the license, and the captcha code then click on submit.

#3- Now your auto-populated License form will open and you need to just check out the details, then select the years for license validity and click on submit.

#4- Choose your preferred payment gateway and proceed to pay your license renewal fees. Once the payment is successfully processed, your renewal license certificate will be promptly sent to your designated email address.

FSSAI License Benefits

• it provides legal identity to businesses.
• It ensures the quality of the products and Creates awareness about food safety.
• Having a food license makes it easier for an FBO to be recognized by the government and investors.
• It helps to build own goodwill.
• it makes business easy in a legal way.

How to check FSSAI license status Online

First, you need to check out the FoSCoS site and Enter your  Application Reference No. which is mentioned in your license payment slip then click on submit.

After submission, it will show your Food license application status.

How to Download FSSAI License Certificate online

1- To download FSSAI certificate First Visit the FoSCos website and click on the Login-Businesses option on the top of the homepage.

2- Enter your User ID, Password, and Captcha, then click on the Sign-in button

3- Click on the ‘Issued’ option. then Click on the Issued-License option

4- To access your FSSAI certificate, simply click on the reference number displayed on the screen. Then, proceed to click on the download & save option to retrieve and save your Food License Certificate.

FSSAI Return Filling-

Every FBO registered under FSSAI must diligently file returns as mandated by the Act. These returns are categorized into two types: Annual Returns and Half-Yearly Returns, and their classification is contingent upon the entity’s type and size.

1. Half-yearly return– FSSAI half-yearly return file under Form D-2 in every 6 months and the due dates are-
For 1 April to 30 September-         31 October
For 1 October to 31 March-           30 April
2. Annual Return- FSSAI Annual return is file under Form D-1 every year and the due date for Form D-1 is- 31 May of FY.

FAQs-