Food business, all scales
Category: Licenses & Certifications. From ₹2,499. Typical timeline: 7–14 days.
Overview
Every person or entity manufacturing, storing, transporting, distributing or selling food in India — from a home tiffin service to a large processing plant — must hold registration or a licence under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The requirement scales with turnover and risk: a Basic Registration for small operators, a State Licence for mid-sized units, and a Central Licence for large manufacturers, importers and businesses operating across states. Holding the correct category keeps a food business legally saleable on e-commerce platforms and protects it from seizure or closure during inspections.
Who needs it
- Restaurants, cloud kitchens and cafes serving food to the public
- Packaged food manufacturers, re-packers and re-labellers
- Grocery stores, supermarkets and food e-commerce sellers
- Importers/exporters of food products and ingredient traders
Eligibility
- Basic Registration: annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh (petty food manufacturers, hawkers, small retailers)
- State Licence: annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore, or specified production capacities
- Central Licence: annual turnover above ₹20 crore, importers/exporters, operations in multiple states, airports and ports
- Applicant must be 18 years or older and the premises must meet basic hygiene and sanitation norms
Documents required
- Passport-size photograph and government ID proof of the applicant
- Proof of business premises (rent agreement/utility bill/NOC from owner)
- List of food products to be manufactured or sold
- Partnership deed/incorporation certificate for firms and companies
- Water testing report (for manufacturing units) and layout plan of the premises
Process
- Category assessment — Determine whether Basic Registration, State Licence or Central Licence applies based on turnover, production capacity and business footprint.
- Application filing on FoSCoS — Submit Form A (registration) or Form B (licence) with the requisite documents on the Food Safety Compliance System portal.
- Fee payment — Pay the applicable government fee online based on the category and validity period chosen.
- Department scrutiny/inspection — The food authority reviews the application and, for licences, may conduct a premises inspection.
- Certificate issuance — On approval, the registration certificate or licence with a 14-digit FSSAI number is issued for display at the premises.
Government fees
- Basic Registration (per year): ₹100
- State Licence (per year): ₹2,000 – ₹5,000, varies by category
- Central Licence (per year): ₹7,500 per year
Professional fee
Kanoons charges from ₹1,999 for FSSAI registration/licence assistance, covering category determination, document preparation and end-to-end FoSCoS filing.
Timeline
Basic Registration is typically issued in 7–14 working days; State and Central Licences can take longer if a physical inspection is scheduled or documents need correction.
Deliverables
- FSSAI Registration Certificate or Licence with a unique 14-digit number
- Digital copy for display on packaging, menus and storefronts
- Guidance note on labelling and hygiene compliance obligations
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for FSSAI registration if I run a home-based tiffin service?
Yes, home-based food businesses with turnover under ₹12 lakh qualify for Basic Registration, which is the simplest and cheapest category.
What happens if my turnover crosses ₹12 lakh during the year?
You must upgrade to a State Licence within 30 days of crossing the threshold; continuing on Basic Registration beyond that is non-compliant.
Is FSSAI licence mandatory for selling on Swiggy or Zomato?
Yes, these platforms require a valid FSSAI number before onboarding any food outlet.
How long is the FSSAI licence valid?
Licences can be taken for 1 to 5 years at a time; renewal must be filed at least 30 days before expiry.
Common mistakes
- Applying under the wrong category (Basic instead of State) based on outdated turnover figures
- Listing food products not covered in the original application
- Missing the 30-day renewal window and operating with an expired licence
- Not updating the licence after a change in premises or business structure
Penalties for non-compliance
- Operating without registration/licence can attract imprisonment up to 6 months and fine up to ₹5 lakh under Section 63 of the FSS Act
- Selling substandard food can attract a penalty up to ₹5 lakh under Section 51
- Misbranding or false labelling attracts penalty up to ₹3 lakh under Section 52
Legal references
- Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 — governs food business licensing, FSSAI (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)
- Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 — prescribes category thresholds and procedure
- FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) — the official e-governance portal for filing
What will this cost you?
Adjust the options below for an instant, indicative estimate. Final pricing is confirmed once our team reviews your specific documents.
All catalogue prices are exclusive of GST. Tax (typically 18%) is calculated and added at checkout. Government fees vary by state and are confirmed before filing.
Packages for this service
Every tier includes the same filing accuracy and compliance review — the difference is turnaround priority, support access and how hands-on we are with your documents.
Indicative tiers — talk to us to confirm exact scope and pricing for your business.
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