Yes. Every Food Business Operator (FBO) involved in food manufacturing, selling, storage, or transport must obtain FSSAI Registration or License.
An FSSAI License is a mandatory 14-digit legal authorization issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure food safety and quality. Every Food Business Operator (FBO) in India—including manufacturers, retailers, and e-commerce sellers—must obtain this license to operate legally. The type of license (Basic, State, or Central) is determined by the business’s annual turnover and scale of operations.
Expert Insight: “A home-based baker from Jaipur recently contacted us after her products were delisted from a major marketplace. The reason? A missing FSSAI number. In 2026, digital platforms and retailers have zero-tolerance policies for non-compliance. An FSSAI license is no longer just a legal hurdle; it is your ticket to the modern marketplace.”
Operating without FSSAI Registration can lead to heavy penalties, business closure, and legal action.
An FSSAI License signals that:
In simple terms, FSSAI Certification is your food business’s credibility badge.
FSSAI License is a mandatory legal authorisation required to operate any food-related business in India. It is issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and allows a business to manufacture, process, store, distribute, or sell food products in compliance with prescribed safety standards.
An FSSAI License is a 14-digit registration or license number issued to food businesses under Indian food safety laws. It authorises an entity to carry out food-related activities legally.
It covers:
The license is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the apex statutory body responsible for food safety regulation in the country.
Depending on the size and nature of the business, the license is granted by:
All applications are processed digitally through the official FoSCoS system, ensuring transparency and standardisation across India.
In simple terms, any person or entity involved in the food supply chain in India must apply for an FSSAI License or FSSAI Registration. The law does not differentiate between small or large businesses when it comes to food safety—only the type of license changes based on scale and turnover.
If your business handles food at any stage, FSSAI compliance is not optional.
Yes. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, every Food Business Operator (FBO) must obtain FSSAI Registration or License before starting operations.
This applies even if:
The moment food is prepared, stored, packed, transported, or sold, FSSAI becomes applicable
The following categories must apply for FSSAI License or Registration without exception:
All these businesses are regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and must remain compliant throughout their operations.
Choosing the right FSSAI License is not about preference—it is about legal eligibility. The type of license you need depends on three core factors:
Selecting the wrong category is one of the most common compliance mistakes we see, and it often leads to application rejection, inspection issues, or penalties later.
Best suited for:
Annual turnover: Up to ₹12 lakh
Compliance level: Entry-level
Required for:
Annual turnover: ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore
Mandatory for:
Turnover: Above ₹20 crore or pan-India operations
Under Indian food laws, a Food Business Operator (FBO) is any person or entity that owns, manages, or controls a food-related business at any stage of the food supply chain.
This definition is intentionally broad. It ensures that every link in the food ecosystem—from preparation to final sale—is accountable for food safety and hygiene.
If you are involved in food in any capacity, you are likely classified as an FBO.
As per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, an FBO is responsible for:
The law does not limit FBO status to manufacturers alone. Even businesses that do not cook or process food directly can still be FBOs.
All FBOs are regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and must obtain the appropriate FSSAI Registration or License before commencing operations.
An FSSAI License Registration is not just a statutory requirement—it is a business enabler. Over the years, we have seen food businesses face more trouble due to lack of registration than due to product quality issues.
When obtained correctly, an FSSAI License protects your business legally, strengthens your brand, and opens doors to growth opportunities.
The most immediate benefit of FSSAI License Registration is legal security.
With a valid FSSAI License:
Today’s consumers are more aware and cautious about food safety. An FSSAI License helps build visible trust.
Key credibility advantages include:
Simply put, an FSSAI License makes your food business look professional and reliable.
An FSSAI License plays a crucial role when you plan to grow.
It helps in:
Many expansion plans fail at the paperwork stage. Having your FSSAI Registration in place removes a major bottleneck.
An FSSAI License is more than a certificate—it is a structured compliance system designed to regulate food safety across India. Its features are built to ensure traceability, accountability, and consistency, regardless of business size.
Understanding these features helps food businesses use their license correctly and avoid compliance gaps.
Every FSSAI Registration or License carries a unique 14-digit identification number. This number is not random—it contains information about:
This number must be:
From a regulatory perspective, this number enables traceability in case of complaints, inspections, or recalls.
One of the practical features of an FSSAI License is its flexible validity period.
Food businesses can choose:
This flexibility allows businesses to:
However, timely FSSAI Registration Renewal is critical. An expired license is treated as non-compliance, even if renewal is in process.
An FSSAI License is recognised across India, regardless of where it is issued.
This means:
This nationwide validity is one reason why FSSAI Certification is considered the backbone of food business compliance in India.
Basic FSSAI Registration is meant for very small food businesses operating at a local level.
You are eligible if:
An FSSAI State License applies to medium-scale food businesses operating within a single state.
You are eligible if:
The FSSAI Central License is mandatory for large or nationally operating food businesses.
You are eligible—and required—to apply if:
Phase II expanded the scope to include transmission terminal equipment, which is critical for data transfer over optical networks. This phase brought vital backbone equipment under the compliance umbrella.
| Parameter | FSSAI Basic Registration | FSSAI State License | FSSAI Central License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applicable Turnover | Up to ₹12 lakh per annum | Above ₹12 lakh up to ₹20 crore | Above ₹20 crore per annum |
| Type of Business | Small, low-risk food businesses | Medium-scale food businesses | Large-scale & high-risk food businesses |
| Operational Area | Local / limited area | Within one state | Multiple states or pan-India |
Phase II expanded the scope to include transmission terminal equipment, which is critical for data transfer over optical networks. This phase brought vital backbone equipment under the compliance umbrella.
| Parameter | FSSAI Registration | FSSAI License |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Entry-level registration for small food businesses | Full-scale license for medium & large food businesses |
| Applicable Turnover | Up to ₹12 lakh per annum | Above ₹12 lakh per annum |
| Business Scale | Small, low-risk operations | Medium to large commercial operations |
| Types Available | Only one type (Basic Registration) | Two types: State License & Central License |
| Who Should Apply | Home-based sellers, petty retailers, street vendors | Restaurants, manufacturers, importers, exporters |
| Issuing Authority | Local FSSAI Authority | State or Central FSSAI Authority |
| Inspection Requirement | Usually not required | May be required (mandatory for large units) |
| Validity Period | 1 to 5 years | 1 to 5 years |
| Renewal Requirement | Mandatory before expiry | Mandatory before expiry |
This depends on turnover, business activity, and scale of operations. Applying under the wrong category is a common cause of rejection.
Documents vary based on license type and nature of business. Typically, they include:
Document accuracy matters more than volume. Incorrect or mismatched details often lead to clarification notices.
The application is submitted online with prescribed government fees. During filing:
Once submitted, an application reference number is generated for tracking.
The application is examined by the concerned licensing authority. At this stage:
Timely and correct responses help avoid delays.
All FSSAI License applications are processed through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS), the official online platform of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
The portal enables:
This system has improved transparency but also increased scrutiny—errors are easier to detect.
For certain businesses—especially manufacturing units—physical inspection may be part of the process.
During inspection, officials verify:
If all requirements are met, the authority issues the FSSAI Registration Certificate or License with a unique 14-digit number.
State and Central Licenses involve higher compliance and therefore require detailed documentation.
To maintain ranking authority, your content must reflect these January 2026 updates:
FSSAI regularly publishes official notifications that impact licensing and compliance. Recent updates include amendments to regulations governing:
| License Type | Government Fee (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic FSSAI Registration | ₹100 per year | Standard for micro food businesses |
| FSSAI State License | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per year | Varies by state & business category |
| FSSAI Central License | ₹7,500 per year | Applicable to large/ multi-state/ import-export businesses |
| Stage | Approximate Time | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Application Submission | 1–2 days | Online filing via FoSCoS portal |
| Initial Review by Authority | 3–7 working days | Verification of basic details |
| Document Scrutiny | 5–10 working days | Authority may seek clarifications |
| Physical Inspection (if applicable) | 7–10 working days | Usually for manufacturing units |
| Final Approval & License Issuance | 7–15 working days | Total timeline depends on completeness of documents and responses |
| License Type | Validity Period | Who Can Choose | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic FSSAI Registration | 1 to 5 years | Small & home-based food businesses | Shorter validity preferred for new or seasonal businesses |
| FSSAI State License | 1 to 5 years | Restaurants, cloud kitchens, medium manufacturers | Longer validity reduces renewal frequency |
| FSSAI Central License | 1 to 5 years | Large businesses, importers, exporters | Commonly opted for long-term operations |
| Stage | What Happens | Important Points |
|---|---|---|
| Check License Expiry Date | Review the expiry date mentioned on the FSSAI certificate | Renewal should be planned in advance |
| Renewal Window | Apply within 180 days before expiry | Early renewal avoids penalties and disruption |
| Online Renewal Application | Renewal is filed online through the FoSCoS portal | Business and license details must match existing records |
| Document Submission | Updated documents are uploaded (if required) | Changes in address, products, or ownership must be disclosed |
| Government Fee Payment | Renewal fee is paid based on selected validity | Fee depends on license type and renewal years |
| Authority Review | Licensing authority reviews the renewal application | Clarifications may be raised if discrepancies are found |
| Inspection (If Applicable) | Physical inspection may be conducted | Common for manufacturers or high-risk categories |
| Renewal Approval | Renewed FSSAI License is issued | New validity period starts from expiry date |
Silvereye Certifications provides reliable, end-to-end assistance for FSSAI Registration and Licensing, helping food businesses stay compliant without confusion or delays.
Whether you are a home-based food seller, a growing restaurant, or a large food manufacturer, FSSAI License India is the foundation of a legally compliant and trustworthy food business. From choosing the correct FSSAI Registration or License to managing validity, renewal, and ongoing compliance, every step plays a critical role in protecting your business from penalties and operational risks.
Staying updated with FSSAI rules and maintaining timely renewals ensures uninterrupted operations and long-term credibility. With the right guidance, the FSSAI process becomes straightforward and manageable. Silvereye Certifications supports food businesses across India with accurate filing, transparent advice, and end-to-end compliance assistance—helping you focus on growth while staying fully compliant with food safety regulations.
Yes. Every Food Business Operator (FBO) involved in food manufacturing, selling, storage, or transport must obtain FSSAI Registration or License.
FSSAI Registration applies to small businesses (turnover up to ₹12 lakh), while an FSSAI License is required for medium and large food businesses.
Yes. Home bakers, tiffin services, and home food sellers must obtain FSSAI Registration or License based on turnover.
Typically 10–30 working days, depending on the license type, document accuracy, and inspection requirements.
An FSSAI License is valid for 1 to 5 years, as selected by the applicant at the time of application.
Renewal should be filed before expiry, preferably within the allowed advance window to avoid penalties.
A penalty of ₹100 per day applies after expiry, and prolonged delay may lead to license cancellation.
Yes. Online sellers and cloud kitchens must have a valid FSSAI License to sell on food delivery and e-commerce platforms.
FSSAI Licenses are issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India through its online compliance system.
At Silvereye Certifications & Consulting Services Pvt. Ltd., we simplify compliance and certification processes, guiding you to achieve and maintain required industry approvals with complete trust.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Silvereye Certifications is a private consulting firm. We do NOT issue government certificates, licenses, or official documents. We provide professional consulting services to help businesses navigate the application process for government certifications. All certificates and approvals are issued solely by the relevant government authorities.