Food License Fees

Food License Fees in India: A Complete List, Steps, and More

Online Legal India LogoBy Online Legal India Published On 06 Dec 2025 Category FSSAI

A Food business comes with a responsibility to keep customers safe and satisfied. You need an FSSAI license to operate it. Before applying, it is important to know the food license fees in India. This license helps food businesses to meet safety standards. In this blog, you will learn about the food license fees and more.

What Is a Food License?

A food license is the official permission issued by the FSSAI. FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. This license is also known as FSSAI Registration. It helps food businesses run their business. It proves that they follow hygiene and safety rules. This also helps to build customer trust.

Types of Food Licenses in India

Listed below are the three types of food licenses in India:

Basic FSSAI Registration

Basic registration is the simplest form of a license. This applies to food businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakh. It is for home-based sellers, petty manufacturers, small shops, hawkers, and street vendors. This ensures they sell safe and good-quality food.

State FSSAI License

You must apply for a State FSSAI license when your food business operates within a single state. This applies with an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore. It is for medium businesses like restaurants, caterers, warehouses, distributors, and small manufacturers. It ensures clean and safe food.

Central FSSAI License

The Central FSSAI license is suitable for large-scale food businesses. It is applicable when your food business have an annual turnover of more than Rs. 20 crore. In case of import, export, or interstate trade it is also applicable. Businesses supplies food to railways, airports, government offices, etc.  

Food License Fees in India

Food license fees depend on business type, annual turnover, and license category:

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

Other Food License Fees in India

Below is the table outlining the food license fees in India:

Charge Type What It Means Fees (Rs.)
Renewal Charges Fee to renew your food license. Same as the original application fee. ?100–?7,500 (depends on license type)
Modification Fee Fee to change business details like name, address, or product category. ?1,000 + extra fee (same as annual fee)
Duplicate License Fee Cost to get a copy if the original license is misplaced or damaged. ?1,000 + extra fee (10% of applicable license fee)
Late Renewal Penalty Fee for renewing the license after expiry. ?100 per day until submission
Inspection/Laboratory Fees Cost for inspection or product testing. Varies by business type and testing

Documents Required for Food License Registration in India

The following documents are required for food license registration in India:

Below is the documents required for food license registration in India:

Common Documents for All Types of FSSAI Licenses

  1. Identity and Address Proof: Like Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, etc.
  2. Business address proof like a rent agreement, lease, utility bill, or ownership papers.
  3. Passport-sized photo of the applicant.
  4. Business Constitution/Type Proof: It can include the Certificate of Incorporation for companies. Partnership Deed, Proprietorship Registration Certificate.
  5. Product catalogue: A detailed list of all products for manufacture, sale, or distribution.
  6. Food Safety Management System Plan
  7. A self-declaration form as per FSSAI requirements.
  8. No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local authority or health department, if applicable.
  9. Water Testing Report for businesses involved in food or beverages.

Basic Registration

  1. Form A: A completely filled and signed application form.
  2. A declaration that describes the type of business.
  3. Food Handler Certificate (if applicable).

State & Central License Documents

  1. Form B: Application form completely filled and signed.
  2. List of Directors/Partners: contact information and photocopies of photo ID
  3. Equipment and Machinery Details: Give quantity and installed capacity.
  4. Water Analysis Report
  5. Layout Plan: A simple map or blueprint showing the size and area of the food unit.
  6. Authority Letter: From the manufacturer nominating a responsible person.
  7. No Objection Certificate (NOC): From the local authority
  8. Health NOC: From the health department, if applicable.
  9. Food Categories List
  10. Recall Plan: If applicable, for central license holders.
  11. Import Export Code (DGFT) and other required certificates, if needed.
  12. Form IX: Nomination of a responsible person.
  13. Supporting documents include: Evidence of turnover and transportation information.

How to Apply for a Food License in India?

Here is the step-by-step process to apply for food license in India:

Step 1: Visit the FoSCoS Portal

You must go to the official FoSCoS portal to apply for the FSSAI license. In this step, you can begin your FSSAI registration process.

Step 2: Create a User Account

Click “Sign Up” to create your account. Enter your name, email, and mobile number. You will get an OTP to confirm your details. Once you verify the OTP, your user account becomes active and ready to use.

Step 3: Select the Correct License Type

Log in to your account and click “Apply for New License/Registration.” Then choose the right license type. The options can include Basic, State, or Central based on your business needs. Choosing the correct option helps ensure a smooth and easy registration process.

Step 4: Fill out the Application Form

Fill out and submit the application form with the required information. Form A is applicable for Basic registration. Form B is for a State or Central License. In this form, give details of the name of the business, address, phone number, and e-mail. Type of food business operation, number of employees, production capacity, includes necessary documents.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

You should upload all the required documents in scanned copies. Keep each document's file size below 2 MB. It includes proof of identity, business registration, a list of food products. Other required documents mentioned above. Though, an accurate submission of documents helps to reduce the chance of delays.

Step 6: Pay the License Fees

In the next step, you must pay the required FSSAI registration fee by making an online payment. Then, the portal confirms the payment. It gives you an Application Reference Number (ARN). So, you can check the status of your application with this number.

Step 7: Review and Inspection

The FSSAI team reviews your application and documents to ensure food safety rules are met. They may also inspect your premises. If they need corrections or extra papers, they will inform you so you can finish the compliance process.

Step 8: License Approval and Download

Once your FSSAI application got approved, log in to the FoSCoS portal. You can download your food licence certificate in PDF form. The certificate has a 14-digit number. It shows that your business follows food safety rules to operate.

Benefits of Knowing the FSSAI License Fees in India

Listed below are the key benefits of knowing the FSSAI license cost in India:

Better Financial Planning

If you know the FSSAI license cost in advance, you can plan your finances. This helps a company to prepare funds for FSSAI registration. It prevents financial pressure. This guarantees that daily business operations can continue without disruption. Business can also handle other expenses, such as raw materials, salaries, utilities, etc.

Avoids Delays and Penalties

Understanding the cost and timeline helps food business to complete the FSSAI registration. Delays in payment or renewal can attract penalties. So, early financial planning can meet deadlines and avoid fines. This also helps food businesses to maintain compliance.

Helps in Choosing the Right License

FSSAI offers three types of licenses including Basic, State, and Central. Each license type has different eligibility criteria, fees, and requirements. Knowing the food license fees helps food businesses select the one based on their nature. It includes its size, turnover, and daily operations.

Smooth Business Operations

Proper planning of FSSAI costs ensures timely payment and document submission. This helps to prevent unnecessary issues, interruptions, or delays in business processes.

Conclusion

In India, knowing the food license fees is an essential step for food business owners before FSSAI registration. This helps them to plan, avoid unnecessary charges, and support business growth. If you need any help about FSSAI registration or renewal, contact Online Legal India.

FAQ

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

A food license is also Known as FSSAI license in India. It allows a food business to operate. It ensures that your food business follows hygiene, safety, and quality standards.

Q2. What is the food license fees in India?

In India, food license fees depend on your business size. Small businesses (up to Rs. 12 lakh turnover) pay Rs. 100 per year. Medium businesses pay Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 for a State license. Large or multi-state businesses pay Rs. 7,500 yearly for a Central license.

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

Yes. The renewal fees for the FSSAI license is the same as the new application fee.

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

Yes, there is a penalty for late renewal of the FSSAI license. A Rs. 100 penalty per day will be applicable in case of late renewal or missed deadline.

Q5. Where can I check the FSSAI license cost?

You can check the FSSAI license cost on the official FoSCoS portal. It is in 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.


Share With :
Author:
online legal india logo
Online Legal India

Online Legal India, a subsidiary of FastInfo Legal Services Pvt. Ltd., is registered under the Companies Act, 2013. Backed by a skilled team of professionals, we offer a comprehensive range of services. We deliver high-quality solutions to individuals, business owners, company founders, corporate entities, and more, addressing their company registration needs and resolving various challenges they encounter in everyday lives.

Leave A Comment


Comments

Anjali Malhotra

Commenter

Anjali Malhotra

Commenter