Whenever we visit bakery, restaurant, or even a small roadside stall. One thing that comes to everyone mind is “Is this food is safe for me and my family” and if not where should we complaint about it.
Here is the answer, FSSAI (Food Safety & Standard Authority of India) is the official governing body. Who has the authority of set food safety measure and monitor whether food sold is safe and hygienic or not. Every food business must need to register and have FSSAI license to operate in India.
Let’s explore everything about it in a very simple way.
The FSSAI License is an official permit that allows food-related business to operate in India. It shows that your business follows food safety rules & guidance and your food is safe for consumption.
It is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) — the main government organization responsible for food safety.
Think of it like your health certificate, but for your food business. Without it, selling food is not legal.
Different businesses need different types of licenses depending on their size:
1. Basic FSSAI Registration
For very small businesses.
Annual turnover less than ₹12 lakh.
Examples: Home cooks, small vendors, petty food manufacturers.
Fee: Very low (around ₹100 per year).
2. State FSSAI License
For medium-sized businesses.
Annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
Examples: Mid-sized restaurants, bakeries, caterers, small food factories.
Issued by the State Authority.
3. Central FSSAI License
For large-scale businesses.
Annual turnover more than ₹20 crore.
Any business operating in multiple states.
Also required for importers/exporters and large food manufacturers.
Fee: Highest (around ₹7,500 per year or more).
Any food business operator (FBO) engaged in:
Manufacturing, processing, storing, packaging food.
Running restaurants, hotels, cafés, or catering services.
Selling food through shops, supermarkets, or stalls.
Wholesalers, distributors, and retailers.
Importing or exporting food.
Transporting food in trucks or vans.
Operating vending machines that sell food items.
If you fall into these categories – you must register with FSSAI.
The process is simple and mostly online through the FoSCoS Portal.
1: Decide Type of License
Check turnover and business type → Basic / State / Central.
2: Visit FoSCoS Portal
Go to https://foscos.fssai.gov.in.
Create login credentials.
3: Fill Application Form
Form A → for Basic Registration.
Form B → for State or Central License.
Provide business details, food categories, and business location.
4: Upload Documents
Common documents required:
Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport of applicant.
Address proof of business place.
Photos of food premises.
Food Safety Management System plan.
List of food products.
Business constitution documents (partnership deed/incorporation certificate).
5: Pay Application Fee
Fees depend on license type (from ₹100 per year for basic to ₹7500+ per year for central).
6: Application Review & Inspection
Food Safety Officer may visit your shop/factory for inspection.
7: Get License
If everything is okay, FSSAI will issue the certificate.
You must display it in your shop/restaurant/factory.
Choosing wrong category of license.
Uploading incomplete or unclear documents.
Forgetting to renew on time.
Not displaying FSSAI certificate in business place.
Ignoring hygiene and failing inspection.
We simplify the process of getting FSSAI license by:
Identifying correct license type for your business.
Providing easy checklists of documents.
Step-by-step application support.
Sending reminders for renewals.
1 – Ravi’s Bakery, Bangalore
Ravi owns a bakery in Bangalore, wants to have state license for his bakery. He applied for a State License through the FoSCoS portal. Which required proper verifications so, he uploaded required documents, photo of kitchen and pay the fees online through portal. After this his bakery is inspected and he got the license. Now he is fssai approved sellers with help him to deal with supermarkets and give customers confidence.
2 – Meera, Home Tiffin Service, Jaipur
Meera runs a small tiffin service from home. Her business turnover is only ₹5 lakh per year. She only needed a Basic Registration. Within a week, she got her license for ₹100 fee. After registration sells of his service is increase because it is approved by FSSAI which shows customers that it is safe and hygienic.
1: Do I need FSSAI license for home-based food business?
Yes, if they sell food commercially basic registration is mandatory.
2: What if I don’t get FSSAI license?
if you don’t have the license, your business is count as illegal business and your business will shut down with lot of penalties and fines.
3: How long does it take to get FSSAI license?
it depends on inspection and document verification which generally takes 2-3 weeks
4: Is license different from registration?
Yes!
Small businesses → Registration.
Medium/large businesses → State/Central License.
5: Do I need license if I only sell packed foods from others?
Yes. FSSAI license/registration is also needed for wholesalers, distributors, and retailers.
6: Can I operate in multiple states with one license?
No. If you operate in multiple states, you need a Central License.
7: Is renewal costly?
No. Renewal fee is the same as new license fee and depends on business size.
The FSSAI License is the backbone of India’s food safety system. Whether you are a home cook, a street vendor, or a big factory owner, getting an FSSAI registration or license is compulsory.
It is not just about law and penalties – it is about winning the trust of customers.
the process is online through FoSCoS portal which made the registration process simpler and transparent for everyone with minimal charges to get registered. So, act smart, register today, and let your food business grow with safety, confidence, and government recognition.
Are you still having trouble in getting your IEC, MyNation is here for you – Our expert are ready to assist you at each and every query and step.
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