1️⃣ What is a food license in India?

A food license is a mandatory registration issued by FSSAI that allows individuals or businesses to manufacture, store, distribute, or sell food legally in India.

2️⃣ Who needs a food license in India?

Any individual or business involved in food activities such as manufacturing, trading, catering, packaging, transport, or online food delivery must obtain an FSSAI food license.

3️⃣ Is FSSAI registration mandatory for small businesses?

Yes, even small food businesses such as home kitchens, street vendors, food stalls, and petty retailers must obtain Basic FSSAI Registration.

4️⃣ What are the types of food licenses in India?

There are three types of food licenses in India: Basic FSSAI Registration for small businesses, State FSSAI License for medium-sized businesses, and Central FSSAI License for large businesses and importers or exporters.

5️⃣ What is the validity of a food license?

An FSSAI food license is valid for 1 to 5 years depending on the period selected during application.

6️⃣ How much does a food license cost in India?

The cost of a food license in India starts from ₹100 per year for Basic Registration and may go up to ₹7,500 per year for a Central License.

7️⃣ How long does it take to get a food license?

A food license is usually issued within 7 to 30 working days depending on the license type and verification process.

8️⃣ What documents are required for a food license?

Documents required for a food license include identity proof, address proof of business, passport-size photo, food safety management plan, and list of food products.

9️⃣ Can I start a food business without a license?

No, starting a food business without an FSSAI license is illegal and may attract penalties up to ₹5 lakh or imprisonment.

🔟 Is food license required for home-based food businesses?

Yes, home-based food businesses and cloud kitchens must obtain an FSSAI registration or license before selling food.

1️⃣1️⃣ What is the difference between FSSAI registration and license?

FSSAI registration is meant for small food businesses with low turnover, while an FSSAI license is required for medium and large food businesses.

1️⃣2️⃣ Is GST mandatory for food license?

No, GST registration is not mandatory for obtaining a food license, but it may be required depending on turnover and business nature.

1️⃣3️⃣ Can a food license be renewed online?

Yes, food license renewal can be done online through the FoSCoS portal before expiry.

1️⃣4️⃣ Is FSSAI license required for online food sellers?

Yes, online food sellers, cloud kitchens, and food delivery partners must have a valid FSSAI license.

Get Food License in India @ ₹999 in 15days, Expert Help

🔍 Overview of Food License Registration in India

In India, a Food license is required for any individual or entity that is involved in food-related activities such as manufacturing, processing, packaging, distribution, and sale of food products. The food license is issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which is a comprehensive law that regulates food safety and hygiene standards in the country.

Issuing Authority in India

FSSAI is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and it functions under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.

Types of FSSAI Registration

The food license is classified into three categories, namely: (FSSAI Notification 01/04/2026 Onwards.)

Basic Registration: This is for small-scale food businesses having a turnover upto Rs. 1.5 crores.
State License: This is required for medium-sized food businesses having a annual turnover more than Rs. 1.5 crores to 50 crores. It is issued by the State Government where the business is located.
Central License: This is required for large-sized food businesses that have an annual turnover of more than Rs. 50 crores. It is issued by the Central Government through the FSSAI.

The food license application process involves filling out an application form, providing necessary documents such as proof of identity, address, and the type of food business, and paying the requisite fee. The license is issued within 15 days of the application.

Who Needs Food License?

In India, any person or business involved in handling food at any stage must obtain an FSSAI Food License or Registration. This is mandatory under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.:

Food Manufacturers & Processors: Food manufacturing units, Packaged food producers, Dairy units, milk chilling centers, Slaughterhouses, meat & poultry processing units
Food Sellers & Traders: Retail food shops, Wholesalers & distributors, Supermarkets & departmental stores
Food Service Providers: Restaurants, cafés, food courts, Sweet shops & bakeries, Hotels, resorts, guest houses, Caterers cloud kitchens & home kitchens
Food Transport & Storage: Food transporters, Cold storage & warehouses, Godowns handling food items
Online & Special Categories: Online food delivery platforms (Zomato, Swiggy, etc.), E-commerce food sellers, Importers & exporters of food products, Food business operators at airports, seaports, railways
Small & Home-Based Food Businesses: Home bakers, Homemade pickle, papad, spice makers, Street food vendors & hawkers

Documents Required for Food License

Common documents include:

Proprietorship

1) Photo of Proprietor.

2) PAN Card of Proprietor.

3) Aadhar Card of Proprietor.

4) Legal Occupancy of Principal place of Business Property Tax Receipt, ROR copy, Electric bill

5) Trade License.

6) Water Test Report.(For State and Central License)

Partnership

1) PAN Card of Firm & Partners.

2) Aadhar Card of Partners.

3) Legal Occupancy of Principal place of Business Property Tax Receipt, ROR copy, Electric bill

4) Trade License

5) Water Test Report (For State and Central License)

6) Deed of Partnership

Public Limited/ Private Limited

1) PAN card of Company & Directors

2) Aadhar Card of Directors

3) Legal Occupancy of Principal place of Business Property Tax Receipt, ROR copy, Electric bill.

4) Trade License

5) Incorporation Certificate

6) MOA And AOA

7) Water Test Report (For State and Central License)

Benefits of Food License

Food license registration in India offers several benefits to food businesses, some of which are:

Food license registration ensures that the food business complies with the legal requirements.
It helps to maintain food safety and hygiene standards and reduces the risk of penalties or fines.
Food license registration helps to build consumer trust
Food license registration is essential for businesses that wish to expand their operations to other states or countries.
It is a mandatory requirement for obtaining import-export licenses.
Food license registration improves the marketability of the food products as it assures consumers.
It also opens up opportunities to supply to large retail chains and government institutions.
Food license registration helps to create a positive brand image for the food business.

In summary, food license registration is essential for any food business in India as it ensures compliance with the legal requirements, builds consumer trust, improves marketability, and provides access to various government schemes and subsidies.

Procedure for Food License Registration

Here's a step-by-step procedure for Food License or FSSAI registration in India:

Sign up on the FoSCoS Portal
Login to your account
Click to “Apply for New License/Registration” button.
Select the premise of operation “General”, “Railway Station” or “Airport/Seaport”
Choose the State where License/Registration will be obtained.
Choose Manufacturing, Trade/Retail, Food Service, or Central Govt. Agency from the group of business types.
Select any one of the Multiple Selection can be made from each group.
Click on the Proceed button.
Fill Registration Certificate Details such as applicant details, address of premises, contact details
Select years you want to apply from one to five years.
Attach the necessary documents
The last step is to pay the requisite fee for the food license
After completing the above steps, submit the application

How Long It Takes to Get a Food License in India?

The food license will be issued within 15 working days after successful application and document submission. The process is quick, hassle-free, and fully digital through the official portal.

Govt. Fees for Food License

Category	Eligibility	Govt. Fees	Our Fees
FSSAI Basic Registration	Turnover up to Rs. 12 lakhs	Fee of Rs.100/-.	Processing Fees Rs.1000/-
FSSAI State License	Turnover Rs. 12 lakhs to Rs. 20 crores.	Fee between Rs.2,500/- to Rs.5,000/-	Processing Fees Rs.1000/-
FSSAI Central License	Turnover of more than Rs. 20 crores.	Fee of Rs.7,500/-	Processing Fees Rs.1000/-

Validity and Renewal

Generally valid for 1 year.
Must be renewed annually before expiry to avoid penalties.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating a food business without an FSSAI license is illegal and can attract penalties up to ₹5 lakh and imprisonment.
The sale of misbranded products is punishable with a fine of up to ₹3 lakh.
The production, processing, or storage of food using unethical and unhealthy practices is punishable with a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.
A penalty of up to ₹5 lakh may also be imposed if a person suffers due to low-quality food.