The Mandate for Safety: Navigating Food License Registration
The term Food License Registration encompasses the entire spectrum of mandatory legal certifications required for all Food Business Operators (FBOs) in India. Governed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), this process ensures that every entity involved in the food ecosystem, from production to sale, adheres to strict health and safety standards mandated by the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006.1
Acquiring the appropriate FSSAI certificate is the foundational step toward establishing a legal and credible food business.2 It is a commitment to the consumer regarding the hygiene, quality, and safety of the product or service offered.3 Ignoring this requirement is not only illegal but also carries the risk of severe financial and criminal penalties.4
Differentiating the Three Tiers of FSSAI Compliance
The FSSAI system mandates three distinct levels of certification, primarily categorized based on the annual turnover and the operational capacity of the business.5 Understanding the correct category is the first step in the FSSAI Registration Online process.6
1. FSSAI Basic Registration (Petty FBOs)
This is the entry-level certification for small-scale food businesses.
| Criteria | Details |
| Annual Turnover | Up to ₹12 Lakhs |
| Applicable For | Petty retailers, small home-based food businesses, hawkers, temporary stalls, and small manufacturers with production capacity up to 100 kg/litre per day. |
| Application Form | Form A |
| Annual Fee | ₹100 |
2. FSSAI State License (Medium FBOs)
This license is required for medium-sized FBOs operating only within the geographical limits of a single state.
| Criteria | Details |
| Annual Turnover | Between ₹12 Lakhs and ₹20 Crores |
| Applicable For | Medium to large restaurants, mid-scale manufacturers, large storage facilities, and food transporters operating intrastate. |
| Application Form | Form B |
| Annual Fee | Varies from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 |
3. FSSAI Central License (Large/Multi-State FBOs)
The highest tier of licensing, mandatory for large entities with pan-India or international operations.
| Criteria | Details |
| Annual Turnover | Exceeding ₹20 Crores |
| Mandatory For | Importers/Exporters, FBOs operating in two or more states, large manufacturers (capacity above 2 MT per day), and e-commerce food businesses. |
| Application Form | Form B |
| Annual Fee | ₹7,500 |
The Digital Path: FSSAI Registration Online Process
The entire procedure for obtaining a Food License Registration is carried out through the FSSAI’s official online portal, the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) (foscos.fssai.gov.in).7 The process is designed to be streamlined and transparent.8
Step-by-Step Guide to Digital Application
Check Eligibility and Select Category: The applicant must first definitively choose the required category (Registration, State, or Central) based on their turnover and nature of business.9
Access FoSCoS: Visit the portal and initiate the application by selecting the relevant state and the Kind of Business (KoB).
Fill the Form: Complete the respective application form (Form A for Registration, Form B for License) accurately with all mandatory business, contact, and product details.10
Upload Documents: Attach the necessary supporting documents in the specified digital format.
Fee Payment: Pay the applicable government fee online. A unique Application Reference Number (ARN) is generated for tracking.
Scrutiny and Issuance: The Designated Officer reviews the application. For licenses, a physical inspection may be conducted. Upon satisfaction, the FSSAI certificate, valid for 1 to 5 years, is issued electronically.
Essential Documentation Checklist
The simplicity of the FSSAI Registration process is largely due to its minimal document requirement compared to the license categories.
Key Documents for Basic Registration (Form A)
Photo ID and Address Proof of the applicant (Proprietor/Partner/Director).11
copyright-sized Photograph.
Proof of Possession of Premises (e.g., Rent Agreement, Latest Utility Bill).12
Declaration Form.
Core Documents for FSSAI Licenses (Form B)
For State and Central Licenses, the scrutiny is higher, requiring additional detailed documentation:
Business Constitution Proof (Partnership Deed, Certificate of Incorporation).13
Layout Plan and List of Machinery (mandatory for manufacturing units).14
Water Analysis Report from a recognized lab.15
Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Plan or Declaration.
The Cost of Non-Compliance and Mandatory Renewal
H5: Penalties for Operating Without a Food License
Operating without the necessary Food License Registration is a serious offense under Section 63 of the FSS Act, 2006.16 The penalty is severe:
Fine up to ₹5 Lakhs
Imprisonment up to 6 months
Other violations, such as selling sub-standard food, misbranded food, or operating in unhygienic conditions, also attract heavy fines ranging from ₹1 Lakh to ₹10 Lakhs.17
Renewal is Mandatory
The validity of the FSSAI certificate is limited (1 to 5 years).18 Renewal must be initiated on the FoSCoS portal at least 30 days before the expiry date.19 Failure to do so incurs a late fee of ₹100 per day.20 If the renewal is not filed before the expiry date, the certificate lapses, and the FBO must file a fresh application, halting all commercial operations.21