FSSAI Food License in India: Types, Process & Fees (2026 Guide)
Every food business in India - from a home bakery to a large food processing unit - needs an FSSAI license or registration to operate legally. This guide explains the three FSSAI license types, eligibility, documents, the exact process, and how KanoonPe gets your food license with a flat all-inclusive quote.
Quick summary
- What it is: Mandatory licensing/registration for anyone manufacturing, storing, transporting, distributing, or selling food.
- Governed by: the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, regulated by FSSAI.
- Mandatory if: you run any food business - turnover determines whether you need Basic, State, or Central license.
- KanoonPe price: Flat, all-inclusive quote on a free callback · Timeline: typically 7–30 working days.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Governing law | Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 |
| Authority / portal | Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) - foscos.fssai.gov.in |
| License types | Basic Registration, State License, Central License |
| Turnover-based tiers | Up to ₹12 lakh (Basic); ₹12 lakh–₹20 crore (State); above ₹20 crore or specified categories (Central) |
| Timeline | 7–30 working days depending on license type |
| KanoonPe price | Flat, all-inclusive quote - request a free callback |
| Validity | 1 to 5 years, chosen at application, renewable |
What is an FSSAI food license?
An FSSAI food license is a mandatory authorisation issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India under the FSS Act, 2006 that permits a business to manufacture, process, package, store, transport, distribute, or sell food products in India.
Depending on the size and nature of the business, the requirement falls into one of three tiers - Basic Registration for very small operators, a State License for mid-sized businesses, and a Central License for large manufacturers, importers, and businesses operating across multiple states. Every food handler, without exception, must hold one of these.
Types of FSSAI license
| License type | Eligibility | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh (petty food businesses, small vendors, home kitchens) | District/State Food Safety Officer |
| State License | Annual turnover ₹12 lakh–₹20 crore (medium manufacturers, restaurants, storage units) | State FSSAI authority |
| Central License | Annual turnover above ₹20 crore, or importers, large manufacturers, e-commerce food businesses, operations in multiple states, airports/ports | Central FSSAI authority |
Who needs an FSSAI license?
- Restaurants, cafes, cloud kitchens, and catering businesses.
- Food manufacturers, processors, and packagers.
- Wholesalers, distributors, and transporters of food products.
- Importers and exporters of food items.
- E-commerce food businesses and food aggregators.
- Home-based food businesses selling above the Basic Registration threshold.
- Any business storing, handling, or selling packaged or unpackaged food.
Benefits of FSSAI registration/license
- Legal compliance - mandatory for every food business; avoids shutdowns and prosecution.
- Consumer trust - the FSSAI logo signals safety and hygiene standards.
- Business expansion - required for listing on food delivery apps and e-commerce platforms.
- Access to loans and subsidies - banks and schemes often require valid licensing.
- Reduced liability - demonstrates due diligence in case of food safety disputes.
- Import/export eligibility - Central License is required for cross-border food trade.
Documents required for FSSAI license
Identity and business proof
- PAN card and photo ID of proprietor/partners/directors
- Certificate of incorporation/partnership deed (for companies/firms)
- Business address proof (utility bill, rent agreement, NOC)
Food safety specific
- List of food products to be manufactured/sold
- Food safety management plan (for State/Central license)
- Layout plan of the processing unit (for manufacturing units)
- Water testing report (for manufacturing units, where applicable)
Additional for Central License
- Import Export Code (for importers/exporters)
- List of directors/partners with address proof
- NOC from municipality/local body where required
FSSAI license process (step by step)
- Determine the correct license tier. We assess your turnover and business activity to confirm Basic, State, or Central.
- Prepare documents. Collect identity, address, and business-activity documents specific to your tier.
- Apply on FoSCoS. File Form A (Basic) or Form B (State/Central) on the FSSAI online portal (FoSCoS).
- Pay government fee. Fee varies by license type and validity period selected.
- Application scrutiny. The Food Safety Officer reviews documents and may request an inspection.
- Inspection (if applicable). For State/Central licenses, premises may be inspected before approval.
- License issued. On approval, you receive your FSSAI license/registration certificate with a 14-digit license number to display at your premises and on packaging.
Ready to get started? Talk to a verified expert → - get a transparent, all-inclusive quote for your FSSAI license within one business hour.
FSSAI license cost in India
Government fees vary by license type and the number of years chosen - Basic Registration fees are minimal (around ₹100/year), while State and Central License fees range higher based on category and validity.
KanoonPe offers a flat, all-inclusive quote - covering documentation, correct license-type selection, filing on FoSCoS, and inspection coordination, so you don't pay for the wrong category or face rejection.
Timeline
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Document preparation & filing | 1–3 working days |
| Basic Registration approval | 7–10 working days |
| State License approval | 15–20 working days |
| Central License approval | 30–60 working days |
Validity and renewal
FSSAI licenses are issued for a period of 1 to 5 years, as chosen at the time of application. Renewal must be filed at least 30 days before expiry - see our dedicated FSSAI License Renewal service. A late fee of ₹100 per day applies for renewals filed after expiry.
Penalties for operating without an FSSAI license
Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI license or registration is a punishable offence under the FSS Act, 2006:
- Operating without registration/license can attract a penalty up to ₹5 lakh and imprisonment in serious cases.
- Selling substandard food can attract penalties up to ₹5 lakh; misbranded food up to ₹3 lakh.
- Food causing injury can lead to imprisonment up to 6 years and fines, depending on severity.
- Repeated non-compliance risks premises closure by the Food Safety Officer.
FSSAI Basic vs State vs Central license
| Feature | Basic | State | Central |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turnover | Up to ₹12 lakh | ₹12 lakh–₹20 crore | Above ₹20 crore |
| Applicable to | Small vendors, home businesses | Mid-size restaurants, manufacturers | Large manufacturers, importers, multi-state operations |
| Validity | 1–5 years | 1–5 years | 1–5 years |
| Renewal | Simple, minimal documentation | Moderate documentation | Detailed documentation, may need inspection |
Why choose KanoonPe
- Transparent flat pricing - one all-inclusive number for your exact license tier.
- Filed-on-time or refund - every order ships with a written SLA.
- One accountable case owner - a single named manager tracks your file end to end.
- Live status tracking - monitor your FoSCoS application in real time.
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