One Nation, One Food Law
In India, an FSSAI license (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is a mandatory 14-digit registration number required for any business involved in the food supply chain. It ensures that food products meet safety and hygiene standards established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Types of FSSAI Licenses
The type of license you need depends on your business’s annual turnover and scale of operations:
- Basic Registration: For small businesses, startups, or petty food hawkers with an annual turnover below ₹12 lakh.
- State License: For medium-sized food business operators (FBOs) with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
- Central License: Mandatory for large-scale FBOs with a turnover above ₹20 crore, as well as for importers, exporters, and businesses operating across multiple states.
Application Process & Fees
- Submit Application: Log in to FoSCoS and fill out the appropriate form (Form A for Basic, Form B for State/Central).
- Upload Documents: Required documents typically include ID proof, premise proof, and a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan.
- Pay Fees: Fees vary by category—roughly ₹100/year for Basic, ₹2,000–₹5,000/year for State, and ₹7,500/year for Central licenses.
- Inspection: A Food Safety Officer may conduct an inspection of your premises before the license is granted.
Why It’s Essential
- Legal Compliance: Avoid heavy penalties or business closure.
- Consumer Trust: Displaying the FSSAI logo builds credibility and assures customers of food quality.
- Platform Access: E-commerce platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, and Amazon require a valid FSSAI license to list your products.
Recent Update: As of February 2026, authorities have intensified inspections, recently seizing over 4,000 kg of adulterated goods from businesses operating with expired or no licenses.
FSSAI Central Registration: Businesses having annual turnover above 20 crore can apply for FSSAI central license.
