How to Get FSSAI Food Licence Online — Registration & Renewal

Every food business in India — from a home kitchen to a large manufacturer — needs an FSSAI licence to operate legally. The entire process is online through the FoSCoS portal. This guide covers everything: types of licences, how to apply, documents, fees, renewal, and penalties.

What is FSSAI Food Licence?

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is the regulatory body that governs food safety in India under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. An FSSAI licence is a mandatory registration or licence that certifies your food business meets hygiene and safety standards.

Once registered, you get a 14-digit FSSAI registration/licence number that must be displayed on all food packages and at your business premises.

Why is FSSAI Licence Important?

• Legal requirement — operating without it attracts penalties up to ₹5 lakh
• Consumer trust — the FSSAI logo signals food safety compliance
• Business credibility — required for listing on food delivery apps, e-commerce platforms, and retail chains
• GST and trade licence — often needed alongside GST registration and trade licence

Who Needs an FSSAI Licence?

Every food business operator (FBO) in India needs FSSAI registration or licence, including:

• Restaurants, cafés, dhabas, and food stalls
• Home-based food businesses (cloud kitchens, tiffin services)
• Food manufacturers and processors
• Food transporters and distributors
• Food importers and exporters
• Online food sellers and delivery platforms
• Caterers and canteen operators
• Dairy farms and meat processing units
• Food storage and warehousing businesses

No exemption — even petty food vendors and small home kitchens must get at least a Basic Registration.

Types of FSSAI Licence

FSSAI has three categories based on the nature and annual turnover of your food business:

1. FSSAI Basic Registration

2. FSSAI State Licence

3. FSSAI Central Licence

Tip: If you're starting a small food business, you likely need Basic Registration. If you also need MSME/Udyam registration, get that done alongside your FSSAI licence.

Documents Required for FSSAI Licence

For Basic Registration (Form A)

• Aadhaar card of the applicant
• Passport-size photograph
• Proof of business premises (rent agreement or ownership document)

For State and Central Licence (Form B)

• Identity proof — Aadhaar card, PAN card, or voter ID
• Passport-size photograph of the FBO
• Proof of business premises — rent agreement, utility bill, or ownership deed
• Partnership deed / Certificate of Incorporation / MOA & AOA (as applicable)
• List of food products to be manufactured or dealt with
• Food safety management plan / layout plan of the processing unit
• List of equipment and machinery with number and installed capacity
• Authority letter from manufacturer (for agents/distributors)
• NOC from municipality or panchayat
• Water test report from a recognised laboratory
• Import-Export Code (IEC) — for importers/exporters
• Certificate from Ministry of Commerce — for 100% EOU units

Requirements may vary slightly based on business type. The FoSCoS portal guides you through exactly what's needed during application.

FSSAI Licence Fees

• You can pay for 1 to 5 years at once during application
• Payment is online via net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI on the FoSCoS portal

How to Apply for FSSAI Licence Online — Step-by-Step

The entire application is done through the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in.

Step 1: Create an Account on FoSCoS

1. Go to foscos.fssai.gov.in
2. Click "Sign Up" on the homepage
3. Enter your name, email, mobile number, and create a password
4. Verify your mobile number via OTP
5. Log in with your credentials

Step 2: Choose Licence Type

1. After login, click "Apply for License/Registration"
2. Select your business type and state
3. The system will recommend whether you need Basic Registration, State Licence, or Central Licence based on your inputs
4. Select the appropriate option

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

1. Form A (Basic Registration) — simple form with basic business details
2. Form B (State/Central Licence) — detailed form covering business info, food categories, equipment, water source, etc.
3. Fill all mandatory fields carefully

Step 4: Upload Documents

1. Upload scanned copies of all required documents
2. Accepted formats: PDF, JPG, PNG
3. Ensure documents are clear and within the file size limit shown on the portal

Step 5: Pay the Fees

1. Review the fee based on your licence type and duration (1–5 years)
2. Pay online via UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking
3. Save the payment receipt

Step 6: Submit and Track

1. Review your application one final time
2. Click "Submit"
3. Note your Application Reference Number
4. Track status anytime under "Track Application" on FoSCoS

What Happens After Submission?

• Basic Registration — usually auto-approved; you get the registration certificate immediately or within 7 working days
• State Licence — inspected and processed within 30 to 60 days by the designated State Food Safety Officer
• Central Licence — processed within 30 to 60 days by the central licensing authority

If there's a query or deficiency, the officer will raise it on the portal. You'll receive an SMS/email notification to respond.

FSSAI Licence Renewal Process

FSSAI licences must be renewed before expiry. You can apply for renewal 30 days before the expiry date.

How to Renew FSSAI Licence Online

1. Log in to foscos.fssai.gov.in
2. Go to "Apply for License Renewal"
3. Your existing details will be pre-filled
4. Update any changed information (address, food categories, etc.)
5. Upload updated documents if required
6. Pay the renewal fee (same as fresh licence fee)
7. Submit the application

Important Renewal Points

• Apply early — late renewal attracts a penalty of ₹100 per day of delay
• If the licence expires and you don't renew, you need to apply afresh
• Renewal is valid for 1 to 5 years, same as a fresh application
• You can also apply for modification (change of address, addition of food category) through the portal without renewal

Penalties for Operating Without FSSAI Licence

Penalties are enforced by Food Safety Officers and adjudicating officers under the FSS Act.

FSSAI Logo Usage Rules

Once you have a valid FSSAI licence, you must display the FSSAI logo and your 14-digit licence number on:

• All food product packaging and labels
• Menus and bills (for restaurants)
• Your business premises (visible to customers)
• Online listings and websites

Rules for the Logo

• Use the standard FSSAI logo in the prescribed format (green and white)
• The logo must include your 14-digit licence/registration number
• Do not alter, modify, or resize the logo disproportionately
• Using the logo without a valid licence is an offence punishable with fine

FSSAI Licence vs Registration — Quick Comparison

Related Registrations for Food Businesses

Starting a food business? You'll likely need these alongside your FSSAI licence:

• GST Registration — mandatory if turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh for special category states)
• Trade Licence — required from your local municipal body to operate a shop or establishment
• Udyam/MSME Registration — free registration that gives you access to government schemes, priority lending, and subsidies

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FSSAI licence mandatory for home-based food businesses?

Yes. Even if you run a small tiffin service or sell homemade pickles, you need at least a Basic FSSAI Registration. The fee is only ₹100 per year.

How long does it take to get an FSSAI licence?

Basic Registration is usually approved within 7 working days (often instantly). State and Central licences take 30 to 60 days depending on the inspection and verification process.

Can I apply for FSSAI licence without GST number?

Yes. FSSAI registration does not require a GST number. However, if your turnover crosses the GST threshold, you'll need GST registration separately.

What is the validity of an FSSAI licence?

FSSAI licence is valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on how many years you pay for at the time of application. You must renew it before expiry.

Can I modify my FSSAI licence after issuance?

Yes. You can modify details like business address, food categories, or partner information through the FoSCoS portal under the modification section. Some changes may require supporting documents.

What is the penalty for late renewal of FSSAI licence?

A late fee of ₹100 per day is charged for each day of delay beyond the expiry date. If you delay too long, the licence may lapse and you'll need to apply afresh.

Is FSSAI licence required for food delivery apps like Swiggy and Zomato?

Yes. All restaurants and cloud kitchens listed on food delivery platforms must have a valid FSSAI licence. The platforms verify your FSSAI number during onboarding.