When it comes to starting a food-related business in India, having an FSSAI License Certificate is not just a legal formality – it’s your ticket to building trust, ensuring quality, and avoiding heavy penalties. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates and supervises the food industry, ensuring that every product reaching the consumer is safe and meets hygiene standards.
Whether you are opening a small bakery, launching a packaged food brand, or running a restaurant chain, obtaining an FSSAI License is one of the first and most crucial steps. In this guide, we’ll take you through the process in detail so that you can secure your license without unnecessary delays.
Why is the FSSAI License Important for Your Food Business?
Before we jump into the steps, let’s understand why the FSSAI License matters:
Legal Compliance – Selling food without an FSSAI license is a punishable offense under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Customer Trust – The license number on your packaging shows customers that your food meets safety standards.
Business Growth – Many online marketplaces, distributors, and retailers require vendors to have a valid FSSAI License before partnering with them.
Brand Reputation – It positions your business as reliable and committed to quality.
Types of FSSAI Licenses
The type of FSSAI License you need depends on your business size, turnover, and nature of operations.
FSSAI Basic Registration
For small food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh.
Suitable for petty food manufacturers, small retailers, or hawkers.
FSSAI State License
For medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore.
Required for restaurants, medium-scale manufacturers, storage units, and transporters operating within a state.
FSSAI Central License
For large businesses with an annual turnover above ₹20 crore or operating in multiple states.
Required for importers, large manufacturers, and e-commerce food sellers.
Step-by-Step Process to Get Your FSSAI License Certificate
Let’s break the process into easy-to-follow steps:
Step 1: Identify the Correct License Type
The first step is to determine whether your business needs a Basic Registration, State License, or Central License.
Check your annual turnover and business operations.
For example, a small juice shop will need only a Basic Registration, while a packaged food manufacturer selling across India will require a Central License.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
The documents you need vary depending on your license type, but generally include:
For All Types:
Photo ID proof of the business owner (Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Passport)
Passport-sized photographs
Address proof of the business premises (utility bill, rental agreement, etc.)
Food safety management plan
For State/Central License:
Partnership deed / Incorporation certificate / Shop & Establishment certificate
List of directors/partners with contact details
NOC from municipality or local body
Layout plan of the processing unit (if applicable)
Import/export code (for importers/exporters)
Step 3: Create an Account on the official Portal
FSSAI applications can be easily submitted online via the FSSAIRegistration.com portal.
Visit https://fssairegistration.com
Click on Sign Up and create an account using your email ID and phone number.
Log in to your dashboard to begin the application process.
Step 4: Fill in the FSSAI Application Form
Select Apply for Registration/License.
Choose the license type based on your earlier assessment.
Fill in details like:
Name of business
Nature of business activity (manufacturing, retail, distribution, etc.)
Address of premises
Product categories you will deal with
Upload the required documents in the prescribed format.
Step 5: Pay the Applicable Fees
The FSSAI license fee depends on the type of license:
Basic Registration: ₹100 per year
State License: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per year (depending on the category)
Central License: ₹7,500 per year
Step 6: Application Verification by FSSAI Authorities
Once you submit the application, the FSSAI department will:
Scrutinize your documents
Possibly conduct an inspection of your business premises (mainly for State and Central Licenses)
If your documents are complete and your facility meets the standards, the application moves forward quickly.
Step 7: License Approval and Certificate Issuance
After successful verification:
The FSSAI issues your 14-digit license number.
You can download your license certificate directly from the FoSCoS portal.
You must display this license number at your business premises and on all food product labels (if applicable).
FSSAI License Renewal
FSSAI licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years. Renewal applications must be filed at least 30 days before expiry. If you miss the deadline, you’ll have to apply for a new license and may face penalties.
Penalties for Operating Without an FSSAI License
Operating a food business without a valid license can lead to:
A penalty of up to ₹5 lakh
Imprisonment in severe cases
Closure of your business operations
Conclusion
Getting your FSSAI License Certificate is a straightforward process if you follow the right steps and prepare your documents carefully. It’s more than just a legal requirement—it’s an assurance to your customers that your food is safe, hygienic, and trustworthy. For any food-related business, whether small or large, having this license opens the doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and customer confidence.
Note: If you want expert guidance in applying for your FSSAI License hassle-free, visit https://fssairegistrar.com/ for professional assistance.
