FSSAI License 2025 – A Complete Guide on How to Get Food Business Approval in India

Dreaming of turning your culinary passion into a business? Whether it’s a cozy cafe, a home bakery, or a bustling cloud kitchen, one document stands between your dream and reality: the FSSAI license. Getting your FSSAI License 2025 is the first and most critical step towards launching a legitimate food venture in India. For those aiming to open a specific type of establishment, our guide on How to Start a Restaurant in India offers further insights. This license is not just a piece of paper; it’s a certification of quality, a symbol of trust for your customers, and a legal mandate from the government. This comprehensive guide will provide a clear, step-by-step breakdown of the application process, making it easy for you to understand how to get FSSAI license India, achieve legal compliance, and win customer trust from day one.

What is an FSSAI License and Why is it Crucial for Your Business?

Before diving into the application process, it’s essential to understand what FSSAI is and why its license is non-negotiable for any food business in India. FSSAI, which stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, is the primary governing body responsible for regulating and supervising food safety across the country. Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, its main role is to lay down science-based standards for food articles and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.

Obtaining an FSSAI license offers several significant benefits that go far beyond mere legal compliance:

Legal Compliance: First and foremost, operating any food-related business without an FSSAI license is illegal and can lead to severe penalties, including hefty fines and imprisonment. It is a mandatory requirement for every Food Business Operator (FBO). This license is a cornerstone of Navigating Legal Compliance for Startups in India.
Brand Credibility: An FSSAI license number displayed on your premises or product packaging instantly builds trust and confidence among consumers. It signals that your business adheres to the highest standards of hygiene and quality, making customers more likely to choose your products over non-licensed competitors.
Business Expansion: If you plan to grow your business, the FSSAI license is your gateway to bigger opportunities. Online food aggregators like Zomato and Swiggy mandate an FSSAI license for partnership. It’s also essential for accessing loans, securing funding, and expanding your operations to new locations or retail chains.
Ensuring Food Safety: The process of obtaining the license forces you to follow prescribed safety and hygiene protocols. This commitment to quality not only protects your customers’ health but also safeguards your business’s reputation against issues related to food contamination or adulteration.

Understanding the 3 Types of FSSAI Licenses

The Indian food safety regulation system is designed to cater to businesses of all sizes, from a small street-side vendor to a large multinational corporation. To accommodate this diversity, FSSAI has structured its licensing into three distinct categories based on the scale of operations and annual turnover. Identifying the correct license type is the first crucial step in the food business approval process India, as applying for the wrong category can lead to rejection and delays.

1. FSSAI Basic Registration

This is the entry-level registration for small-scale food businesses. It is designed for petty food business operators (FBOs) whose operations are limited in scale and turnover.

For whom: Small retailers, itinerant vendors, hawkers, street food stalls, home-based bakers, tiffin services, and cloud kitchens in their initial phase.
Turnover criteria: Applicable for businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh.
Key takeaway: This is the most straightforward registration and is ideal for individuals or small startups testing their business idea in the food industry.

2. FSSAI State License

As a business grows, it needs to upgrade from a Basic Registration to a State License. This license is for mid-sized FBOs whose operations are confined to a single state.

For whom: Mid-sized manufacturers, processors, storage units, transporters, retailers, restaurants, hotels, and caterers.
Turnover criteria: Applicable for businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
Key takeaway: If your business operates solely within one state (e.g., a restaurant chain with multiple outlets in Delhi) and falls within this turnover bracket, the State License is the appropriate choice.

3. FSSAI Central License

This is the highest level of licensing and is mandatory for large-scale food businesses, as well as those involved in import, export, or operating across multiple states.

For whom: Large manufacturers, importers, 100% export-oriented units, operators in Central Government agencies, and businesses with operations in two or more states. This also includes operators at airports, seaports, and railways.
Turnover criteria: Mandatory for businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore.
Key takeaway: This license is governed directly by the Central Government and involves the most stringent compliance requirements, reflecting the large scale of operations.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to the FSSAI License 2025 Application Process

Navigating the food business approval process India can seem daunting, but it becomes manageable when broken down into clear steps. The entire procedure is now digitized through the FoSCoS portal, making it more transparent and efficient. Here are the detailed steps for FSSAI registration India to ensure a smooth application experience.

Step 1: Gather the Essential Documents

Application rejection often happens due to incomplete or incorrect documentation. Before you even begin the online application, ensure you have all the necessary paperwork ready. The FSSAI license requirements for food business India vary slightly based on the license type.

Common Documents for All (Basic, State & Central):

Photo ID Proof of the FBO: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Driving License, or Passport of the proprietor, partner, or director.
Passport-sized Photograph: Recent photograph of the applicant.
Proof of Business Address: Utility bills (electricity or water), rent agreement, or sale deed of the business premises.
Business Constitution Proof: Partnership Deed, Certificate of Incorporation, or Shop & Establishment Registration, depending on your business structure. Choosing the Right Legal Structure for Your Business is a critical first decision that determines which of these documents you will need.

Additional Documents for State & Central License:

Blueprint/Layout Plan: A detailed floor plan of the processing unit showing dimensions and allocation of different areas.
List of Equipment and Machinery: A comprehensive list of all equipment to be used, including their numbers and installed capacity.
List of Food Categories: A detailed list of all food products you intend to manufacture or process.
Water Test Report: An analysis report of the water to be used in the food processing, conducted by a NABL-accredited or FSSAI-notified lab.
Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Plan: A documented plan outlining your approach to food safety and hygiene.
NOC from Local Municipality: A No Objection Certificate from the local municipal authority or other relevant local body.
For Importers: Importer Exporter Code (IEC) issued by the DGFT.

Step 2: The Online Application on the FoSCoS Portal

Once your documents are in order, the next step is to file the application online. FSSAI has streamlined this process through its unified portal.

Visit the Official Portal: The entire application is processed through the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal. You can access it here: FoSCoS Official Website.

Here is a breakdown of the online process:

Sign Up: Go to the FoSCoS portal and click on ‘Signup’ to create an account for your business. Provide a valid email ID and mobile number for verification.
Select License Type: After logging in, the portal will guide you to select the appropriate license type (Basic Registration, State, or Central) based on your business activities and turnover.
Fill the Application Form: You will be directed to the relevant application form—Form A for Basic Registration or Form B for State and Central License. Fill in all details accurately, including business name, address, contact information, and food categories.
Upload Documents: Scan and upload all the required documents in the specified format (usually PDF or JPG). Ensure the scans are clear and legible.
Pay the Fees: Proceed to the payment gateway to pay the applicable government fees online using a credit card, debit card, or net banking.
Submit and Track: After successful payment, submit the application. A 17-digit application reference number will be generated. Keep this number safe, as you will need it to track the status of your application.

Step 3: Scrutiny and Inspection

After you submit your application, it enters the verification stage. The authorities will follow specific guidelines for food business approval in India to ensure your business complies with all standards.

Application Scrutiny: The FSSAI department will carefully review your application form and the uploaded documents. If they find any errors, missing information, or discrepancies, they will raise a query through the FoSCoS portal. You must respond to this query within the given timeframe (usually 30 days) to avoid rejection.
On-site Inspection: For State and Central license applications, a Food Safety Officer (FSO) will be assigned to conduct a physical inspection of your business premises. The FSO will verify that your facility complies with the hygiene, sanitation, and safety standards laid out in the FSS Act, 2006. They will check your equipment, water supply, waste disposal system, and overall operational practices.
Approval and Issuance: If your application and premises are found to be compliant with all regulations, the FSSAI authority will approve your application. The license or registration certificate will be issued digitally, and you can download it from your FoSCoS account dashboard.

FSSAI License Fees, Validity, and Renewal

Understanding the costs and timelines associated with the license is crucial for business planning. Here’s a quick overview of the fees, validity period, and renewal process.

Government Fees Structure

These fees are paid directly to the government during the online application.

License Type	Government Fee (Per Year)
Basic Registration	₹100
State License	₹2,000 to ₹5,000
Central License	₹7,500

Note: The fees mentioned above are purely government charges. If you hire a professional or consultant to handle the process, their service fees will be additional.

Validity and Renewal Process

Validity: An FSSAI license or registration can be obtained for a period ranging from 1 to 5 years. It is often more cost-effective to apply for a longer validity period.
Renewal: The renewal of the license must be initiated before its expiry. The FoSCoS portal allows you to apply for renewal as early as 180 days before the expiry date. It is mandatory to file the renewal application at least 30 days before the expiry date. Failure to do so can result in a late fee of ₹100 per day. If the license expires, you will have to apply for a fresh license, which can disrupt your business operations.

Conclusion

Securing your FSSAI License 2025 is a fundamental step towards building a legally compliant and reputable food business in India. It is a testament to your commitment to quality and safety, which is paramount in the food industry. While the process is straightforward when followed correctly, ensuring accuracy in documentation and application details is key to a smooth and quick approval. From choosing the right license type to navigating the FoSCoS portal and preparing for an inspection, each step requires careful attention.

Don’t let paperwork delay your business launch. The food business approval process India can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. The experts at TaxRobo can manage the entire process for you, from documentation and filing to responding to queries and ensuring you get your FSSAI license hassle-free. Contact us today to get started!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Do I need an FSSAI license to sell homemade food from my kitchen?

A: Yes. If you are selling food to the public, even on a small scale from your home kitchen, you are considered a Food Business Operator. You must obtain at least the FSSAI Basic Registration, provided your annual turnover is below ₹12 lakh. This ensures you are legally compliant and builds trust with your customers.

Q2. What is the penalty for not having an FSSAI license?

A: Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI license is a serious offense. The penalties can be severe, including imprisonment for up to 6 months and a fine of up to ₹5 lakh, depending on the nature and gravity of the offense. It is not worth the risk to your business or your freedom.

Q3. How long does it take to get the FSSAI license?

A: The timeline for obtaining the license varies by type. FSSAI Basic Registration is typically issued within 7-10 working days. For State and Central licenses, the process is more elaborate and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days, as it includes document scrutiny and a potential physical inspection of the premises.

Q4. How do I display the FSSAI license?

A: It is mandatory for all FBOs to display the FSSAI registration certificate or license in a prominent location at their business premises where it is easily visible to customers. Additionally, the 14-digit FSSAI license number must be printed on all food product packaging along with the FSSAI logo.