How to Apply for FSSAI License Online – A Step-by-Step Process for Indian Businesses

Planning to launch your dream cloud kitchen, a home-based baking business, or a small café? Before you start serving customers, there’s one crucial legal step you can’t miss: getting your FSSAI license. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the governing body that ensures the quality and safety of food products sold across the country. Obtaining this license is not just a legal requirement; it’s a powerful way to win customer trust and establish your brand’s credibility. It’s a core component of Starting a Startup in India: Legal and Tax Essentials. This blog post is your ultimate step by step FSSAI license guide, created to demystify the entire procedure and show you exactly how to apply FSSAI license online seamlessly and efficiently.

First, What Type of FSSAI License Do You Need?

The very first step in the FSSAI license application process India is to determine which category of license your business falls into. The FSSAI has tiered its licensing system based on the scale, turnover, and nature of your food business operations. Choosing the correct license type is critical, as applying for the wrong one can lead to rejection and delays. This classification ensures that regulations are appropriately applied, from a small street vendor to a large multinational food corporation. Understanding these categories will help you gather the right documents and prepare for a smooth application process.

1. FSSAI Basic Registration

This is the entry-level registration designed for petty food business operators (FBOs) and small-scale businesses. If you are just starting, this is likely the category you will fall under. It’s meant for businesses whose annual turnover does not exceed ₹12 lakh. This registration ensures that even the smallest players in the food industry adhere to basic hygiene and safety standards, making the food ecosystem safer for everyone.

Who it’s for: Small-scale manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, marketers, distributors, street food vendors, and cottage industries.
Example: A home baker selling cakes on Instagram, a local tiffin delivery service, or a neighbourhood tea stall.

2. FSSAI State License

As your business grows, you will need to upgrade to a State License. This category is for mid-sized food businesses that have a significant operational presence within a single state. The eligibility criterion for a State License is an annual turnover of more than ₹12 lakh but less than ₹20 crore. This license involves more stringent compliance requirements compared to the Basic Registration, including more detailed documentation and potential inspections to ensure adherence to food safety management systems.

Who it’s for: Mid-sized manufacturers, restaurants, hotels (3-star and above), caterers, and food processing units.
Example: A popular restaurant chain with several outlets in one city, a medium-sized dairy processing unit supplying milk to a district, or a hotel with a functional restaurant.

3. FSSAI Central License

The FSSAI Central License is reserved for large-scale food businesses with extensive operations. This includes businesses with an annual turnover of over ₹20 crore, those operating in multiple states, or those involved in the import and export of food products. This is the highest level of food license in India, and it comes with the most rigorous compliance and quality control standards. Central License holders are often large corporations, e-commerce platforms, and businesses dealing with specialized food products regulated directly by the central government.

Who it’s for: Large manufacturers, 100% export-oriented units, importers, exporters, and e-commerce food businesses with operations across the country.
Example: A large packaged food company like Britannia or Nestle, an e-commerce grocery platform like BigBasket, or an operator at a major airport or seaport.

Checklist: Key Documents & FSSAI License Requirements India

Before you begin the online application, gathering all the necessary paperwork is a crucial step that can save you a significant amount of time and prevent frustrating delays. The document requirements vary based on the type of license you are applying for. Having a well-organized folder with clear, scanned copies of all documents will make the FSSAI registration process India much smoother. Below is a detailed checklist to help you prepare for the application.

Documents for FSSAI Basic Registration

The documentation for Basic Registration is minimal, making it easy for small businesses to comply.

Passport-sized photograph of the applicant.
Photo ID and Address Proof of the Food Business Operator (FBO) (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driver’s License).
Proof of business address (e.g., electricity bill, rent agreement), if it’s different from the personal address.

Additional Documents for FSSAI State & Central License

For State and Central licenses, the list of FSSAI license requirements India is more extensive due to the larger scale of operations. You will need all the documents for Basic Registration, plus the following:

Proof of possession of premises: Rent Agreement, Sale Deed, or Electricity Bill.
Blueprint or layout plan of the processing unit, showing all dimensions and allocation of areas.
List of Directors/Partners/Proprietor with their full names, addresses, and contact details, along with their ID and Address Proof.
Business legal documents: Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership Deed, or Memorandum of Association (MOA) & Articles of Association (AOA). You can find a detailed list in our guide on the Documents Required for Incorporation of a Company.
A detailed list of food categories you plan to manufacture or sell.
A Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan or certificate.
A water test report from a NABL-accredited laboratory confirming its potability, which is mandatory for manufacturing and processing units.
Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), which is mandatory if your business involves importing or exporting food products.

How to Apply FSSAI License Online: A Detailed Walkthrough

The government has streamlined the entire FSSAI online application procedure through a single, unified portal. This makes it convenient for business owners across the country to apply for and manage their food licenses without the need for physical visits to government offices. The official platform for all FSSAI-related services is the FoSCoS – Food Safety Compliance System. It’s crucial to use only this official website to avoid fraudulent portals. Following these steps carefully will ensure your application is submitted correctly.

Step 1: Sign Up on the FoSCoS Portal

Your journey begins by creating an account. Navigate to the FoSCoS homepage and find the ‘Signup’ button. You will be prompted to provide some basic details, including your full name, a valid email address, and a mobile number. You will also need to create a unique Login ID and a strong password for your account. Once you submit these details, you will receive a verification code on your mobile and email to activate your account. This login will be your gateway for all future interactions with the FSSAI portal, including renewals and modifications.

Step 2: Choose Your License Type & Fill the Application

After successfully signing up and logging in, you will see a dashboard with various options. Click on the ‘License/Registration’ tab and then select ‘Apply for New License/Registration’. The portal will then guide you through a series of questions about your business, such as the state of operation and turnover, to help you select the correct license type (Basic, State, or Central). Once you select the appropriate category, you will be directed to the relevant application form—Form A for Basic Registration or Form B for State/Central License. Fill in all the details accurately, including your business name, address, contact information, and the kinds of food products you will be handling. This step is a critical part of the online FSSAI license application for businesses.

Step 3: Upload All Required Documents

This is where your prepared checklist of documents comes in handy. The application form will have a dedicated section for uploading documents. You need to upload clear, legible, and scanned copies of all the required paperwork as per your license type. Pay close attention to the instructions on the portal regarding file formats (usually PDF or JPG) and maximum file sizes. Incorrect or unclear documents are one of the most common reasons for application rejection, so double-check everything before you upload.

Step 4: Pay the Government Fees

Once you have filled out the form and uploaded all the documents, the portal will direct you to the payment gateway. The government fee for the FSSAI license depends on the type and validity period you choose (1 to 5 years).

Basic Registration: ₹100 per year.
State License: Between ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per year, depending on the business type.
Central License: ₹7,500 per year.

The portal supports various online payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, net banking, and UPI, making the process convenient.

Step 5: Note Your Application Reference Number

After successful payment, the system will generate a 17-digit application reference number. This number is extremely important. You should immediately save it, take a screenshot, or print the acknowledgement receipt. This reference number is your unique identifier for the application and will be required for all future correspondence and for tracking the status of your license. Without this number, you will not be able to check the progress of your application.

Step 6: Track Your Application Status

The FSSAI license application process India doesn’t end with submission. You must proactively track its status. To do this, log back into your FoSCoS account and navigate to the ‘Track Application Status’ section. Enter your 17-digit reference number to see the current stage of your application. The FSSAI department may raise queries or ask for additional documents, which will be communicated through the portal. Responding to these queries promptly is essential for speedy approval. Once approved, you can download your digitally signed FSSAI certificate directly from the portal.

What Happens After You Apply for an FSSAI License in India?

Submitting your application is a major milestone, but it’s important to understand the subsequent steps and timelines to manage your expectations. The processing time varies depending on the license type. Generally, a Basic Registration is approved within 7-10 working days, while State and Central Licenses can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days, as they involve more detailed scrutiny. During this period, an FSSAI-designated officer will review your application and all the submitted documents.

If the officer finds any discrepancies or requires more information, they will raise a query on the FoSCoS portal. You will be notified via email or SMS and will have a specific timeframe (usually 30 days) to respond with the necessary clarifications or documents. Failure to respond in time can lead to the rejection of your application. Once the officer is satisfied, your license will be approved. After approval, you must download the FSSAI certificate from the portal, print it, and display it prominently at your business premises. It is mandatory to display the FSSAI license number on all your product packaging as well.

Conclusion: Simplify Your FSSAI Registration with TaxRobo

Securing an FSSAI license is a fundamental step for any food business in India. The process involves choosing the right license type, meticulously preparing your documents, and carefully following the FSSAI online application procedure on the FoSCoS portal. While the online system has made it easier, navigating the requirements can still be challenging. Remember, an FSSAI license is more than just a legal formality—it’s a hallmark of safety, quality, and trust that can significantly boost your brand’s reputation and credibility with customers. If you want to avoid common pitfalls and ensure your application is handled professionally, let us help.

The FSSAI registration process India can be complex, with specific documentation and compliance nuances. If you want to avoid errors and get your license quickly, TaxRobo is here to help. Our team of experts will manage the entire process for you, from document preparation to final submission and follow-up. Contact us today to easily apply FSSAI license online!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the validity of an FSSAI license, and when should it be renewed?

An FSSAI license can be obtained for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the fee you pay at the time of application. To ensure continuous compliance and avoid penalties, you must apply for renewal at least 30 days before the expiry date of your existing license. The renewal process can also be completed through the FoSCoS portal.

2. Can I use my home address to apply for an FSSAI license for a home-based business?

Yes, absolutely. For home-based food businesses like baking, catering, or tiffin services, you can use your residential address as the business premises. You will typically require an FSSAI Basic Registration, provided your annual turnover is within the ₹12 lakh limit.

3. What is the penalty for not having an FSSAI license?

Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI license is a serious offense under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The penalties can be severe, including imprisonment for up to six months and a hefty fine that can go up to ₹5 lakh, depending on the nature and gravity of the offense. This highlights the importance of Navigating Legal Compliance for Startups in India from the very beginning.

4. Can I modify my FSSAI license after it has been issued?

Yes, you can apply for a modification of your FSSAI license through the FoSCoS portal. A modification is necessary if there are any changes to your business details, such as a change in address, the addition of new food products to your line-up, a change in directors or partners, or any other significant information mentioned in the original license.

Apply FSSAI License Online: Your Step-by-Step Guide