FSSAI License in India: Categories, Documents and Process (2026)
Every Indian food business needs an FSSAI license. Here's which one applies to you — Basic, State or Central — plus the documents and step-by-step process.
Selling, manufacturing or transporting food in India without an FSSAI license is a punishable offence under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 — and yet thousands of small businesses operate without it. This guide explains which license category applies to you, what you need to apply, and how to do it.
Who needs an FSSAI license?
Any Food Business Operator (FBO) — including:
- Restaurants, cafes, dhabas, cloud kitchens
- Food manufacturers, processors, packagers
- Importers and exporters of food
- Wholesalers, retailers, distributors
- Home-based food businesses
- Cloud kitchens, dabbawalas, caterers
- E-commerce food sellers (Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon Fresh)
The three FSSAI license categories
1. Basic FSSAI Registration
- Eligibility: turnover ≤ ₹12 lakh per annum
- For: petty FBOs — tiffin services, small dhabas, home bakers, small kirana stores
- Validity: 1–5 years
- Government fee: ₹100 per year
2. State FSSAI License
- Eligibility: turnover ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore per annum
- For: mid-sized FBOs operating in a single state
- Validity: 1–5 years
- Government fee: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per year depending on category
3. Central FSSAI License
- Eligibility: turnover > ₹20 crore, or operating in more than one state
- For: large manufacturers, importers, exporters, e-commerce food platforms
- Validity: 1–5 years
- Government fee: ₹7,500 per year
Documents required
For Basic / State / Central
- Form B (application) duly signed
- Photo ID of the proprietor / partner / director
- Address proof of the premises (electricity bill / rent agreement)
- List of food products to be handled (with categories)
- Food safety management plan (for State and Central)
- NOC from local municipality (if applicable)
- NOC from owner if premises is rented
- Source of milk / meat / fish supply declaration (if applicable)
- Water test report (manufacturing units)
- Premises photograph
Step-by-step application process
Step 1: Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in
Click Apply for License/Registration.
Step 2: Determine your category
Use the eligibility checker on the portal — it asks turnover, business type and operations.
Step 3: Fill Form A or Form B
- Form A for Basic Registration
- Form B for State / Central License
Step 4: Upload documents
All scans must be ≤ 3 MB, in PDF / JPG format.
Step 5: Pay the government fee
Online via debit card / net banking / UPI.
Step 6: Track your application
Status updates: Submitted → Inspected → Granted
Timeline: Basic — 7–15 days. State — 15–30 days. Central — 30–60 days.
After getting your license
- Display the FSSAI license number prominently in your premises
- Print the 14-digit FSSAI number on all food labels, menus and delivery packaging
- Annual return (Form D-1) — by 31st May for manufacturers
- Renewal — at least 30 days before expiry
Penalties for non-compliance
- Operating without an FSSAI license: up to ₹5 lakh fine + 6 months imprisonment
- Misleading labels: up to ₹10 lakh fine
- Selling unsafe / sub-standard food: up to life imprisonment in extreme cases
Need help applying? FilingBase handles FSSAI license applications end-to-end in 7–15 working days. Get a free quote →
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