The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates every food business in the country. Whether you sell snacks from home, run a sweet shop, or operate a restaurant chain — you need an FSSAI registration or license before you sell a single item. Operating without one can attract a penalty of up to ₹5 lakh and even imprisonment.
The 3 Types of FSSAI License
| Type | Who Needs It | Annual Turnover |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Home kitchens, hawkers, small retailers, tiffin services | Up to ₹12 lakh |
| State License | Restaurants, mid-size manufacturers, caterers, transporters | ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore |
| Central License | Large manufacturers, importers/exporters, multi-state chains, e-commerce food sellers | Above ₹20 crore |
💡 Not sure which one? Most small food businesses in cities like Sangli, Kolhapur, and Pune only need Basic Registration or a State License. If you sell on Swiggy/Zomato from a single kitchen, Basic Registration or State License (based on turnover) is enough.
Documents Required
For Basic Registration
- Aadhaar card of the owner
- Passport-size photograph
- Proof of business address (electricity bill / rent agreement)
- Nature of business details (what food you make/sell)
For State / Central License (additional)
- PAN card of owner / business entity
- Layout plan of the processing unit
- List of food categories to be manufactured
- Water test report (for manufacturers)
- List of equipment and machinery
- Partnership deed / Certificate of Incorporation (for firms and companies)
- NOC from the municipality or local body (where applicable)
FSSAI License Fees (2025)
- Basic Registration: ₹100 per year
- State License: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per year (depends on business category)
- Central License: ₹7,500 per year
Licenses can be taken for 1 to 5 years at a time. Choosing a longer validity saves renewal hassle.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the FoSCoS portal — Go to foscos.fssai.gov.in, the official Food Safety Compliance System.
- Choose your license type — The portal asks about your business activity, turnover, and location, then tells you whether you need Registration, State, or Central License.
- Fill Form A or Form B — Form A for Basic Registration, Form B for State/Central License. Enter business details, address, and food categories.
- Upload documents and pay fees — Upload scanned documents and pay the fee online.
- Inspection (if applicable) — For State/Central licenses, a Food Safety Officer may inspect your premises.
- Receive your license — Once approved, download your FSSAI certificate with your 14-digit license number. Display it prominently at your premises and print it on packaging.
Processing Time
- Basic Registration: usually within 7 days
- State License: 30–45 days
- Central License: 30–60 days
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FSSAI mandatory for a home kitchen or cloud kitchen?
Yes. Every food business — including home bakers, tiffin services, and cloud kitchens — needs at least a Basic Registration before selling food.
Do Swiggy and Zomato require an FSSAI number?
Yes. Both platforms require a valid FSSAI license number before listing any restaurant or kitchen.
What happens if my license expires?
Renew before expiry — operating on an expired license attracts a penalty of ₹100 per day. Renewal can be filed up to 180 days before expiry.
Can I upgrade from Basic Registration to State License later?
Yes. When your turnover crosses ₹12 lakh, you must upgrade. The FoSCoS portal has a direct upgrade option.
Get Your Food License Without the Headache
UniqueServices files FSSAI registrations and licenses for restaurants, home kitchens, and manufacturers across Maharashtra. We pick the right license type, prepare documents, and follow up till approval.
View Food License Service → Book Free Consultation