FSSAI has 3 categories based on business size and turnover:
License Type Applicable For Annual Turnover
Basic Registration Small food businesses, home kitchens, petty retailers Up to ₹12 lakh
State License Medium-sized food businesses ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore (varies by activity)
Central License Large businesses, import/export, e-commerce, multi-state operations Above ₹20 crore or special categories
Certain businesses like importers, exporters, airport catering, large manufacturers, and central government agencies require a Central License regardless of turnover.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Typical documents include:
For Basic Registration
Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID
Passport-size photo
Business address proof
Nature of food business
For State/Central License
Form B
PAN card
Address proof of premises
Partnership deed/COI/MOA/AOA
Food safety management plan
List of food products
Equipment and machinery details
Water test report (for manufacturers)
NOC from municipality/local authority if applicable
Official document checklist:
FSSAI Document Requirements
Step 3: Create an Account on FoSCoS
Go to:
FoSCoS Registration Portal
Then:
Click “Apply for License/Registration”
Create a login using mobile number and email
Verify OTP
Select state and business type
Step 4: Select Business Category (KoB)
Choose the correct “Kind of Business” (KoB), such as:
Manufacturer
Retailer
Restaurant
Transporter
Wholesaler
Repacker
Food vending
Cloud kitchen
Importer
Selecting the wrong KoB is one of the most common reasons for rejection.
Step 5: Fill the Application Form
Forms Used
Form A → Basic Registration
Form B → State/Central License
You must provide:
Business details
Owner details
Food category
Installed capacity
Premises information
Source of raw materials
Step 6: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies in prescribed format and size.
Common upload errors:
Blurry documents
Wrong file size
Expired proof documents
Signature mismatch
Step 7: Pay Government Fees
Fees vary by license type.
Approximate fee structure:
Type Govt. Fee
Basic Registration ₹100/year
State License ₹2,000–₹5,000/year
Central License ₹7,500/year
The validity can usually be chosen between 1–5 years. Longer validity reduces renewal frequency.
Payments should only be made through the official FoSCoS portal.
Step 8: Submit Application
After submission:
An Application Reference Number (ARN) is generated.
You can track status online.
Track here:
Track FSSAI Application Status
Step 9: Inspection by Food Safety Officer (If Applicable)
For many State and Central Licenses, inspection may occur.
The officer checks:
Hygiene standards
Storage conditions
Food handling practices
Equipment
Pest control
Water quality
If deficiencies are found, improvement notice may be issued.
Step 10: Approval and License Issuance
If everything is satisfactory:
FSSAI issues a 14-digit license/registration number.
Certificate can be downloaded online.
You must:
Display the certificate at business premises
Print FSSAI number on packaging/menu/invoices where applicable
Typical Processing Time
Type Approximate Time
Basic Registration 7–10 days
State License 15–30 days
Central License 30–60 days
Timelines may vary depending on inspection and document verification.
Renewal Process
Renewal should be filed at least 30 days before expiry.
Delayed renewal may attract penalties.
Expired licenses may require fresh application.
Renewal portal:
FoSCoS Renewal Portal
Common Reasons for Rejection
Wrong license category
Incorrect KoB selection
Incomplete documents
Address mismatch
Improper food category selection
Missing declarations
Failed inspection
Website: https://legalxcode.com/fssa ...
