Trademark Assignment Guide: Process, Benefits, and Key Rules
26 Jul, 2025
By Online Legal India
Published On 26 Jul 2025
Category FSSAI
India’s food industry is witnessing rapid growth with the rise of restaurants, home kitchens, packaged food brands, and online delivery services. As the sector expands, ensuring food safety and hygiene has become more important than ever to protect consumer health. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a vital role in regulating food businesses and setting quality standards. In this blog, you will explore the FSSAI License requirements for food businesses in India that food businesses must follow to stay compliant and trustworthy.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) operates as a statutory organization governed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It was established through the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and began its operations in 2008. The authority is headquartered in New Delhi and has regional offices in Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Ghaziabad. FSSAI is responsible for regulating the manufacture, storage, sale, distribution, and import of food products to ensure food safety and quality across India.
FSSAI’s key responsibilities include setting food safety and packaging standards, approving food testing laboratories across India, and regularly inspecting food businesses to ensure compliance. It also runs public awareness campaigns to educate people about safe food practices and nutritional information.
Listed below are the three types of FSSAI Licenses, classified as per the FSSAI License Requirements based on the size, nature, and annual turnover of a food business:
This applies to small food businesses with an annual turnover below Rs. 12 lakh. It includes petty food manufacturers, street vendors, home-based kitchens, and small retailers. The local food authority issues this license after verifying minimal documentation.
A food business with turnover between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore needs a State License. It suits mid-sized units such as restaurants, food manufacturers, storage units, transporters (up to 100 vehicles), and distributors operating within a single state. The state food authority handles this license and assesses operations before approval.
Businesses with turnover above Rs. 20 crore or those involved in interstate operations, imports, exports, or e-commerce require a Central License. This category also includes large manufacturers, five-star hotels, and food chains across multiple states. The Central Government grants this license after detailed scrutiny.
Each license type matches the scale and operations of a food business. It ensures proper regulation and food safety compliance.
According to the Food Safety and Standards Act, every Food Business Operator (FBO) must secure FSSAI registration or a license. This applies to businesses of all sizes, whether small, medium, or large, including:
Food stalls, roadside vendors, and small grocery shops that sell edible items must register under FSSAI. These businesses directly handle food and must follow hygiene and safety guidelines.
Individuals or groups who cook and sell food from home, as well as cloud kitchens that prepare meals for online orders, need an FSSAI registration or license. These setups function like commercial kitchens and serve the public.
Businesses that supply food to retailers or store food items in warehouses or cold storage must hold a valid FSSAI license. This helps trace the food chain and ensures product safety during handling and storage.
Entities that carry food items using trucks, vans, milk tankers, or other transport vehicles need an FSSAI license. This includes both raw and processed food in transit.
Units involved in producing, packaging, or relabeling food items require an FSSAI license. This includes dairy units, meat processors, oil producers, and packaged snack manufacturers.
Establishments that serve food such as restaurants, food courts, hotels, and catering services must obtain an FSSAI license. This ensures that food served to customers meets quality standards.
Businesses that import or export food products or sell food online through platforms must register with FSSAI. This includes both local brands and international suppliers operating in India.
Here is a key reason why FSSAI license requirements are mandatory for food businesses in India:
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, makes it compulsory for every food business operator to obtain an FSSAI license. Any business that manufactures, sells, stores, distributes, or imports food must register under FSSAI. Without a license, the business faces penalties, including heavy fines or shutdown. This requirement helps regulate and monitor food businesses under a unified legal framework. (Source: fssai.gov.in)
The FSSAI license confirms that the food business meets the safety norms laid out by the authority. This ensures that consumers receive food that is safe and free from harmful substances. It builds trust and encourages consumers to rely on licensed businesses. The license also helps prevent food-borne illnesses and ensures public health protection.
The FSSAI license number printed on packaged products allows quick identification of the food business. It verifies that the food item meets quality and hygiene standards. This process helps identify and remove substandard or unsafe food from the market, reducing the risk of contamination.
FSSAI monitors businesses through periodic checks, inspections, and sampling. If a business fails to follow safety norms, FSSAI can issue warnings, suspend the license, or initiate legal action. This promotes accountability and discourages negligence in food handling or production.
All food businesses must update their license status through the FoSCoS portal. This includes renewal, closure, or change in business scale. The system maintains current information, supports traceability, and reduces the risk of illegal or expired operations. This ensures that only compliant and updated businesses remain active in the food sector.
The following documents are required for FSSAI registration or Licensing:
Below is the step-by-step process to apply for an FSSAI License for food businesses:
Step 1: Visit the FoSCoS Portal
First, you need to access the official FoSCoS portal. This platform manages all FSSAI license and registration applications across India. It replaces the older FLRS system.
Step 2: Create an Account or Log In
To create an account or log in, you must click on the “Sign Up” option to register as a new user. Provide your mobile number, email ID, and state details. If you already have an account, use your credentials to log in.
Step 3: Choose the Type of Application
Select the correct form based on your business. Use Form A for Basic Registration and choose Form B for a State License or Central License if your turnover is higher or your business spans multiple states.
Step 4: Fill in Business Details
Enter your business name, type, address, and food category. Provide additional details such as processing capacity, storage limits, or transport vehicles if applicable.
Step 5: Upload Mandatory Documents
Attach the required documents, such as ID proof, address proof, business registration, product list, premise layout, and other required documents. Submit documents in the correct format and size.
Step 6: Pay the Government Fee
You must pay the prescribed fee online. The amount depends on the license type and business nature. Basic Registration usually costs Rs. 100, while State and Central Licenses may cost between Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 7,500.
Step 7: Submit the Application and Note Reference Number
Once the form and documents are complete, apply. The system generates a reference number that helps track the status.
Step 8: Await Inspection (for State and Central Licenses)
An FSSAI officer visits your premises to check operations and verify information. This step applies only to medium and large-scale businesses.
Step 9: Receive the FSSAI License
After successful verification, the authority approves the application. You can download the FSSAI license from the portal. The license includes a 14-digit registration or license number, which must appear on all food packages or marketing material.
FSSAI licenses or registrations remain valid for a duration of 1 to 5 years, depending on the period selected during the application. Food Business Operators must apply for renewal before the expiry date to avoid disruptions. The renewal process starts as early as 180 days before the license expires. Delay in renewal can result in fines or even license cancellation. Timely renewal helps maintain compliance and ensures smooth business operations without legal issues.
Here are the penalties for non-compliance with FSSAI norms:
A food business operator must hold a valid FSSAI license. If the business operates without a license or with an expired one, it violates Section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This leads to a fine of up to Rs. 10 lakh. The authority may also initiate legal proceedings or shut down the business.
If a business sells food that is unsafe, substandard, or unfit for human consumption, it risks strict action. Unsafe food attracts a fine of up to Rs. 10 lakh. Substandard or misbranded food can lead to fines up to Rs. 3 lakh. If the food contains harmful substances, the business faces imprisonment and financial penalties.
The FSSAI issues improvement notices to correct violations. If a business fails to act on the notice within the given time, the authority may cancel or suspend the license under Section 32 of the Act. This leads to the stoppage of business operations.
If a business prevents a Food Safety Officer from entering the premises or collecting samples, it faces legal consequences. The penalty can go up to Rs. 2 lakh. Obstruction of official duty is a punishable offence.
If a food business gives incorrect details in the license application or annual returns, it violates Section 61. This results in a fine or even cancellation of the license. Providing truthful and accurate information is necessary at every stage of compliance.
Conclusion
An FSSAI license is more than just a legal formality. It plays a vital role in meeting FSSAI License Requirements and building customer trust. It ensures that food businesses follow hygiene and quality standards set by the authority. Timely registration and renewal prevent legal issues and business disruptions. Fulfilling FSSAI License Requirements reflects a responsible approach, strengthens brand credibility, and supports long-term success in India’s growing and regulated food industry. If you want to obtain an FSSAI License, contact Online Legal India to get expert assistance.
Any individual or entity involved in the manufacture, processing, storage, distribution, or sale of food products in India must obtain an FSSAI license or registration, depending on the size and nature of the business.
An FSSAI license remains valid for 1 to 5 years, based on the duration chosen during application. Renewal must be done before expiry to avoid penalties.
No. Operating without a valid FSSAI license violates the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and may result in penalties up to Rs. 10 lakh or business closure.
Common documents include a passport-size photo, identity and address proof, business registration proof, food safety management plan, and layout plan of the unit. Additional documents may vary depending on the license type.
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