Food License Cost in India: Basic, State & Central Fees

By Online Legal India Published On 11 Dec 2025 Category FSSAI

Every food operator in India requires obtaining an FSSAI License. To get the license, they have to pay the food license cost. Now there are different FSSAI fees depending on the type of license applied. In this blog we will go through the types of FSSAI Licenses and registration fees based on that. Read to know more.

What is a Food License?

A food license is a legal permit that ensures food businesses meet safety standards. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India issues this license. FSSAI want to register all food business operators on their scale, format and revenue. You can do the registration online through the FoSCoS portal. FSSAI Registration is a non-negotiable step for every food business operating in India.

Types of FSSAI Licenses in India

There are three main FSSAI licenses in India. Each license is for a particular type of food business. The cost of the license and the registration process varies depends on the scale and nature of your operations.

Check out the section below to know about different types of Food Licenses in India:

Basic FSSAI Registration

Basic FSSAI Registration is a food safety certificate for small food businesses. It is applicable for businesses with an annual turnover up to Rs.12 Lakhs. This is an entry level requirement differentiating small food operations from larger ones.

Now check who can apply and the cost for Basic FSSAI Registration.

Who can apply: Small businesses can apply that have an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakh.
Cost: The Basic Food License Cost is Rs. 100 per annum
Who it’s for
Home kitchens, small food vendors, petty manufacturers and small sellers
Application form: Form A (Online)

The registration process is simple. It ensures that even small businesses operate under hygienic and safe conditions.

State FSSAI License

FSSAI State License is for medium-sized food businesses operating in a single state. Businesses with an annual turnover between Rs. 12 Lakh to 20 Crore apply for this license. This license is more suitable for businesses like restaurants, caterers, and storage warehouses.

Now check who can apply and the cost for State FSSAI Registration.

Who can apply: Businesses that have a turnover between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore
Cost: The State Food License Cost is Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 per annum
Who it’s for
Medium-sized businesses. It includes restaurants, small manufacturers, caterers, and food distributors.
Application form: You need to apply for this license through Form B (Online)

The cost for this license depends on the type of food business. It also depends on the state where it operates.

Central FSSAI License

The Central FSSAI License is the highest food license in India. Businesses with an annual turnover above Rs.20 Crores apply for this license. It is for food business operators involved in interstate trade and import/export.

Now, check who can apply and the cost for Central FSSAI Registration.

Who can apply: Large businesses that have a turnover above Rs. 20 crore. It includes businesses involved in interstate trade, import/export.
Cost: The Central Food License Cost is Rs. 7,500 per annum
Who it’s for:
Large-scale food units, importers, exporters, multi-state operations
Application form: You need to apply for this license through Form B (Online)

This license guarantees that large-scale food businesses align with food safety standards. It ensures that they deliver high-quality products.

Hope this section clears your doubt on Types of FSSAI Licenses. In the section below go through the costs.

FSSAI License Cost Breakdown

FSSAI License Cost depends on the type of license required. It also depends on the size of your business and your annual turnover. Below, we have provided a detailed food license cost structure based on the type of license:

FSSAI License Type	Who Can Apply (Turnover)	Annual Government Fee (Rs. )	Who It is For
Basic Registration	It is applicable for small businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakh.	Rs. 100	Home kitchens, small sellers, petty food vendors
State License	This license is suitable for Businesses with a turnover between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore	Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 which varies by state and activity	Medium-sized businesses like restaurants, manufacturers, and traders
Central License	This applies to Businesses with a turnover above Rs. 20 crore or operating in multiple states	Rs. 7,500	Large-scale units, importers, exporters, and multi-state operations

Extra Charges for FSSAI Registration

Apart from the basic Food License Cost, there are many other charges to pay. You may encounter such charges during the FSSAI licensing process. Check out in the section below the extra charges for FSSAI Registration:

Charge Type	What It Means	Fees (Rs. )
Renewal Charges	Fee to renew your food license. Same as the original application fee.	Rs. 100 to Rs. 7,500 which depends on the license type
Modification Fee	This fee is required to update business details like name, address, or product category.	Modification fees are usually equal to one year's license fee (so Rs- 100 for Basic, Rs- 2,000–Rs- 5,000 for State, Rs- 7,500 for Central), depending on the type of change.
Duplicate License Fee	The cost to get a copy if the original license is lost or damaged.	10% of the applicable annual license/registration fee.
Late Renewal Penalty	This fee is charged when renewal is done after the license has expired.	If renewal is applied for before expiry but late (within 30 days prior), Rs- 100 per day late fee. After expiry, you can renew within a grace period (typically up to 180 days) with higher penalties (often 3× the annual fee for the first 90 days, then more), or the license may be treated as expired and require a fresh application.
Inspection / Laboratory Fees	The cost is charged if your food business needs inspection or product testing.	Varies depending on business type and testing

Factors Affecting the FSSAI License Cost

Several factors affect food license cost in India. Understanding these helps with better planning and prevents surprises.

Check out in the section below the factors affecting Food License Cost in India

Annual Turnover of the Business

The most significant factor for FSSAI license cost is the annual turnover of a business. Small businesses having a turnover up to Rs. 12 lakh will pay a nominal fee of Rs. 100, while larger businesses will pay more who have turnovers between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore. A Central License costing Rs. 7,500 is applicable for businesses having turnovers exceeding Rs. 20 crore.

Business Type or Category

The business category or type is essential for determining the food license cost. The FSSAI provides different licenses for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, importers, and exporters. Each category has its own cost structure. Additionally, direct sellers and e-commerce businesses often have particular licensing food license cost.

Food Product Category

Food categories like meat, dairy, bakery products, oils, and beverages need more inspections. It can increase the food license cost. If your business handles regulated products, expect higher fees. This is because of the heavy compliance requirements.

Location and Premises Capacity

The location and the size of your business premises matter too. For larger facilities or businesses operating in states, a Central License is applicable. It costs higher to a State License.

Duration of License Validity

Longer validity periods can cause higher charges. Opting for a longer validity can save you from frequent renewals. It offers stability in compliance planning.

Modifications in License Details

Modification of business details in the license comes with extra charges. It will increase your food license cost.

Special Provisions for Direct Sellers, E-Commerce, and Importers/Exporters

Businesses such as e-commerce operators, direct sellers, and importers/exporters, have particular requirements. Their food license cost is also higher. Import/export businesses need a Central License, which comes with a higher cost.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

For obtaining a FSSAI license, you will need to submit various documents. It depends on the type of license you are applying for. Below is a list of general and specific documents:

Common Documents for All License Types:

Identity and address proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.)
Proof of business address. It can be rental agreement, utility bill, etc.
Passport-sized photo of the applicant
Business registration proof (Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership Deed, etc.)
List of the food products
Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Plan
Self-declaration form as per FSSAI guidelines
NOC (No Objection Certificate) from local authority (if applicable

Conclusion

Food license cost is an essential investment. Knowing it is important for the integrity and long-term success of your brand. Obtaining the right food license is crucial. It ensures compliance as per the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. Understand your license category, set budget and get your FSSAI License. If you have any query, get in touch with Online Legal India.

FAQ

Q1. What is a food license and why is it required?

A food license also known as FSSAI license in India is a legal stipulation for food businesses. It allows a food business to operate in India. A FSSAI License ensures that your food business follows hygiene and quality standards. Every food seller, manufacturer, or distributor in India need to have FSSAI License.

Q2. What is the food license cost in India?

The food license cost in India varies depending on the business turnover. It also depends on type of FSSAI License. Basic FSSAI registration costs is Rs. 100 per year for small businesses who have a turnover up to Rs. 12 lakh. A State FSSAI license is for medium businesses. It ranges from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 per annum. Large or multi-state businesses require a Central FSSAI license. This food license cost Rs. 7,500 per year.

Q3. Are the renewal fees for the FSSAI License the same as the new application fees?

The renewal fees for the FSSAI license will be same as the new application fee.

Q4. Is there any penalty for late renewal of the FSSAI License?

Yes. If you fail to renew your FSSAI license on time, there is a penalty of Rs. 100 per day. This continues until completion of the renewal.

Q5. How to check the FSSAI license cost online?

You can check the food license cost by visiting the official FoSCoS portal. You will have to navigate to the "Fee Structure" section.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Online Legal India is a digital platform. If you require legal assistance, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified lawyer or law firm.

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