Certifications & Licenses
Get your FSSAI food licence with expert consultation
FSSAI update: food businesses can now be fined up to ₹5 lakh and face 6 months' jail for not having a food licence. FoSCoS registration or licence is required for all entities involved in the manufacture, distribution and transportation of food products.
- All states supported
- Basic, State & Central licences
- 10 yrs experienced FoSCoS expert
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What is the FoSCoS / FSSAI food licence?
FSSAI launched the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) w.e.f. 1st June 2020, replacing the existing Food Licensing and Registration System. A food licence registration certificate is required to run a food product business.
You have to register under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to manufacture, distribute and transport food products. FSSAI is established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
There is no difference between FSSAI, FoSCoS and Food License — these are all the same, and ensure the quality, purity and other important factors customers can rely upon.
Types of FSSAI licence
| Licence type | Eligibility | Validity |
|---|---|---|
FSSAI FoSCoS Basic Registration | Annual turnover of the business is less than ₹12 lakhs | 1 to 5 years |
FSSAI FoSCoS State License | Annual turnover of the business is between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores | 1 to 5 years |
FSSAI FoSCoS Central License | Annual turnover of the business is above ₹20 crores | 1 to 5 years |
Benefits of the FSSAI FoSCoS certificate
Customer trust
Transparent communication builds buyer confidence, leads to better service, and helps protect customers from unsafe or adulterated food.
Stronger legal standing
Holding an FSSAI certificate strengthens your legal position, clarifies regulatory oversight, and supports compliant operations in your jurisdiction.
Access to funding and loans
Registration can make government schemes, grants, and bank loans easier to access for food businesses.
Right to use the FSSAI mark
You may display the FSSAI logo on products and marketing, which increases credibility and consumer trust.
Higher brand value
Registration typically improves brand reputation and perceived value.
Easier business expansion
The license makes it simpler to enter new markets and operate across regions.
Recognition by government
Being recognized by the Government of India enhances legitimacy and can grow your customer base.
Licence to operate a food business
The license authorizes food operations and signals that safety standards are being met.
Clearer resolution of non‑compliance
When issues arise, registered businesses get clearer guidance and can work with authorities to resolve non‑compliance more smoothly.
Faster business growth
FSSAI registration can broaden your client base and speed up growth at scale.
Penalties and offences for non-compliance
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) treats lapses in food manufacturing and processing very seriously. Offences and penalties are laid out under Sections 50 to 65 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Operating without a valid FSSAI licence is a primary offence and may invite imprisonment along with a fine of up to about ₹5 lakh. Examples of other offences include:
- Selling food that is below the prescribed standard can attract a fine of up to ₹5 lakh
- Sale of misbranded products is punishable and may carry a fine of ₹3 lakh
- Using deceptive or unfair means in manufacturing, processing, or storage of food can lead to a fine of ₹1 lakh
- Using unhygienic or unsafe practices in production, processing, or storage of food can attract a penalty of ₹1 lakh
- Where a consumer suffers harm due to poor-quality food, the penalty may extend to ₹5 lakh
- Continued non-compliance may result in closure of the business unit and cancellation of the licence
Note: Amounts are indicative under the FSS Act, 2006. Please refer to the latest rules and notifications for current provisions.
Documents needed for FSSAI registration
- Passport size photo
- Certificate of business constitution — partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, shop and establishment licence, or other business registration certificate
- Address proof (rental agreement, letter of authorisation from owner of business premises, utility bills and so on)
- List of food products manufactured or processed
- Plan for food safety management system
- Identity proof documents like Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID card etc.
Who needs an FSSAI FoSCoS licence?
- Canteen
- Club
- Dhaba
- Distributor
- Food processor
- Restaurant
- Retailer
- Storage
- Supplier
- Transporter
- Wholesaler
- Other food businesses
How we work
From your first call to the final certificate, one dedicated expert handles your file.
Fill the form & make the payment
Get a call from an FSSAI expert
Upload all necessary documents
FSSAI expert applies for the certificate
Your certificate is issued by the FSSAI department
How your application moves
FSSAI License
- Fill the form & make the payment
- Get a call from an FSSAI expert
- Upload all necessary documents
- FSSAI expert applies for the certificate
- Your certificate is issued by the FSSAI department
Frequently asked questions
What is the full form of FSSAI?
The full form of FSSAI is the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
What is FoSCoS?
The Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS), launched by FSSAI, is built with a vision of a modern one-stop pan-India IT platform for food safety regulatory needs. FoSCoS shall also be integrated with other Government of India platforms such as GST, PAN and MCA to further ease processes for businesses and ensure 360-degree profiling of businesses.
Why register under FSSAI and get a FoSCoS licence?
FSSAI Registration is the legal process for all Food Business Operators (FBOs) in India to obtain the certificate that the food sold is safe for human consumption.
What are the types of FoSCoS food licences?
Based on the annual turnover of the food business, the types of FoSCoS food licences are:
- Basic FSSAI Registration — annual turnover of less than Rs. 12 lakhs
- State FSSAI License — annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crores
- Central FSSAI License — annual turnover more than Rs. 20 crores
How much does FoSCoS food licence registration under FSSAI cost?
The cost depends on the category and the duration of the food licence (1-5 years) you opt for:
- Basic FSSAI Registration — Rs. 1999 for 1 year, Rs. 2499 for 2 years, Rs. 2999 for 3 years, Rs. 3499 for 4 years, Rs. 3999 for 5 years (including govt fees)
- State FSSAI License — Rs. 3499 for 1 year (excluding govt fees)
- Central FSSAI License — Rs. 4499 for 1 year (excluding govt fees)
What are the documents required for FoSCoS licence registration?
Any govt. identity like Aadhaar Card, Ration Card, Voter ID Card, PAN Card or Driving License.
What is the validity period for the FSSAI FoSCoS licence?
The FSSAI FoSCoS licence is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years. After that, the FBO needs to apply for FSSAI licence renewal.
What is FLRS?
FSSAI introduced an online application named 'Food Licensing and Registration System' or FLRS. It verifies the eligibility of food businesses based on their premises and type of business, and lets food business entities apply online for the FSSAI licence.
Currently, FLRS is used by 5 Regional Offices of FSSAI in New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kerala.
How do I check my FSSAI FoSCoS licence renewal status?
FSSAI licence renewal can be done for 1-5 years and is necessary for every food business in India. Contact our food licensing experts and they will check your FSSAI licence renewal status for you.
Do I need a different FoSCoS licence for different states?
Yes, you have to take a Central FSSAI license for the main branch or head office and State FSSAI licenses for each specific state.
I am importing food items to sell in India. Do I still need a FoSCoS food licence?
Yes, you need a Central License for the specific address notified in your Import Export Code (IEC). For any import-export food business, the FSSAI Central License is necessary.
Can I transfer my FSSAI licence to someone else?
In case of the death of the FSSAI licence holder, the licence can be transferred to the legal representative or a family member of the holder, who needs to apply to the concerned authority to shift the licence to his/her name.
I plan to sell homemade food online on a small scale. Do I need an FSSAI licence?
Yes. You need FSSAI registration to sell homemade food on an online platform, even if your business is small scale with annual turnover between 0-12 lakhs.
What will happen if I forget to renew my food licence?
If you forget to renew your food licence, you have to pay a penalty of Rs. 100 per day. After that, your existing food licence can be cancelled and you will need to apply for a fresh licence.
I plan to start an import-export business. Do I need a FoSCoS licence?
Yes. But you must obtain your Import Export Code (IEC) first, and then apply for the FSSAI Central License before starting business operations.
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