Every business that handles food in India — manufacturing, processing, packing, storing, transporting, distributing or selling — needs an FSSAI registration or licence. Which tier applies depends on turnover, production capacity and whether you operate in more than one state. Getting the tier wrong is the most common mistake, and it surfaces at the worst moment: during an inspection, or when a marketplace asks for your licence number.
Who needs this
- Restaurants, cloud kitchens, caterers and food trucks
- Manufacturers, processors and packers
- Traders, distributors, transporters and warehouse operators
- Importers and exporters of food products
- E-commerce food sellers, who must display the licence number
Documents required
This is the usual list. Depending on your state and your specific facts, an authority may ask for more — we tell you at the scope stage rather than midway through.
- Photo identity and address proof of the proprietor, partners or directors
- Proof of the premises — rent agreement or ownership document with a no-objection certificate
- Layout plan of the processing unit, for manufacturers
- List of food categories and products handled
- Water test report and a food safety management plan, for manufacturing units
- Details of equipment and installed capacity
How we handle it
1. Tier assessment
We confirm whether basic registration, a state licence or a central licence applies. This depends on turnover, capacity and geography, and it is worth getting right the first time.
2. Application
The application is filed on FoSCoS with the supporting documents and the correct product categories.
3. Queries and inspection
We respond to departmental queries and prepare you for inspection where one is scheduled.
4. Licence and ongoing duties
The licence is issued. We set up the annual return obligation and track renewal well before expiry.
Fees and timeline
The FSSAI licence number must be displayed on packaging and at the premises. Operating without one, or on the wrong tier, carries penalties and can lead to a marketplace delisting you overnight.
We quote after a short conversation rather than publishing a single number, because the honest answer depends on your state, your turnover and your category. Call +91 98999 00300 or send the details through the enquiry form.
Common questions
What decides basic, state or central?
Broadly, turnover and production capacity, with central licence required for importers, exporters, large units and businesses operating in multiple states. We assess against your numbers rather than a generic table.
How long is the licence valid?
One to five years, as chosen at the time of application. Renewal must be applied for before expiry — a lapsed licence means a fresh application.
Do cloud kitchens need a licence?
Yes, and marketplaces will not onboard you without one.
Is an annual return required?
Manufacturers and certain other categories must file an annual return. Missing it carries a daily penalty.
This page is general information, not advice on your facts. Rules, rates and due dates change. Government fees are payable to the concerned authority and are separate from our professional fees.