Understanding Different FSSAI Licenses: Basic, State, and Central

Managing food business operations effectively helps providers deliver food products that are both safe and sanitary to customers. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) functions as the responsible government body that oversees food safety protocols in all regions of India. Business entities operating in the food sector require an FSSAI license to operate legally.

The license type issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India depends on a business’s annual turnover, operational size, and characteristics. FSSAI provides three kinds of licensing options ranging from Basic to State to Central which support businesses at varied operational levels. This guide provides a complete overview of FSSAI licensing options, eligibility requirements, registration procedures, and fees, along with the mandatory standards for selecting the appropriate license for your food business.

Types of FSSAI Licenses

Basic FSSAI License

The Basic FSSAI license is for food operations with annual revenues that do not exceed ₹12 lakh. This category includes:

• Small food manufacturers operating at a limited scale.
• Home-based food businesses, such as homemade pickles, bakery items, or cloud kitchens.
• Small retailers and food vendors, such as roadside food stalls, juice corners, and tea stalls.
• Hawkers and cottage industries involved in small-scale food production and sale.

How to apply for an FSSAI license online?

Applying for a Basic FSSAI license is simple:

Register on the FoSCoS Portal – Visit the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) website and create an account.

Submit the Required Documents – Upload important business documents, ID proof, proof of business address, and food product details.

Pay the Applicable Fee – The registration fee actually varies from ₹100 to ₹5,000 depending on the type and validity of the license.

Await License Approval – Once the application is submitted, the license is generally issued within 7 to 10 days.

State FSSAI License

Food businesses generating annual revenue between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore must obtain a State FSSAI license. A State FSSAI license can also apply to businesses that have multiple locations but operate within the same state.

The following businesses fall under this category:

• Medium-sized food manufacturers producing packaged foods, processed foods, or beverages.
• Dairy units handling between 500 to 50,000 liters of milk per day.
• Restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses that serve a larger customer base.
• Food transporters who distribute food products within a state.

FSSAI license requirements for small businesses

• Business registration proof (GST certificate, company registration, etc.).
• A layout plan of the food production premises.
• Food safety management plan, including hygiene and quality control measures.
• List of food products being manufactured, processed, or sold.

The FoSCoS portal processes State FSSAI license applications, and approval typically takes 30 days.

Central FSSAI License

Businesses operating on a large scale must obtain a Central FSSAI license if their annual sales exceed ₹20 crore or if they supply food products across multiple states. The central authority of FSSAI issues this license to businesses involved in food imports, exports, and nationwide distribution.

The following businesses must obtain a Central FSSAI license:

• Large food manufacturers involved in mass production.
• Exporters and importers of food products.
• Businesses supplying food to government organizations, such as defense canteens and railway food services, must obtain a Central FSSAI license regardless of turnover.
• Dairy units processing more than 50,000 liters of milk per day.

FSSAI documentation requirements

• Identity and address proof of the business owner.
• Blueprint or layout plan of the food processing/manufacturing unit.
• Water and product quality test reports from an NABL-accredited lab.
• Proof of ownership or rental agreement of business premises.

Central FSSAI license applications must be submitted through the FoSCoS portal, where approval can take up to 60 days, depending on inspections and verification.

FSSAI Registration Process

The FSSAI registration process involves the following steps:

Determine the Type of License – Based on your business turnover and operations, choose between Basic, State, or Central license.

Apply Online via FoSCoS Portal – Visit the official FSSAI website, create an account, and submit the online application.

Upload Required Documents – Provide business registration details, address proof, identity documents, and food product details.

Pay the Fee and Await Inspection – Depending on the license type, the FSSAI authority may conduct an inspection before granting approval.

Receive Your License – Once approved, the FSSAI license is issued, and you can legally operate your food business.

FSSAI License Fees and Validity

The cost of an FSSAI license varies based on the license type:

The license is valid for 1 to 5 years and must be renewed before expiry.

FSSAI License Renewal Process

All Food Safety and Standards Authority of India licenses need renewal before their expiration date. An organization must apply for license renewal at least 30 days before the expiration date to avoid penalties. The renewal process follows the same steps as a new registration which demands current business information together with food safety certification files.

FSSAI Compliance for Restaurants and Other Businesses

To maintain FSSAI compliance, businesses must:

Display the FSSAI registration number at their premises and on packaging.
Follow food safety and hygiene standards as per FSSAI guidelines.
Renew the FSSAI license before expiry to avoid penalties.
Maintain records of food sources, suppliers, and storage conditions.
Undergo periodic food safety audits and inspections.

Conclusion

Being FSSAI licensed means your business provides customers with assurance regarding trustworthiness and product safety along with top-tier quality standards. The competitive food industry demands an FSSAI license to fulfill regulation standards which simultaneously enhances your business reputation thus attracting customer trust. Acquiring the appropriate FSSAI license is a fundamental step for businesses, from home-based food ventures to mid-sized restaurants, cloud kitchens, packaging units, and large-scale manufacturing facilities, ensuring business expansion, operational authenticity, and consumer trust.

The Legal Dost recognizes the importance of legal compliance, so we provide a straightforward FSSAI registration service for businesses of all sizes. The experts at our organization deliver full-scale assistance for FSSAI registration while handling license renewals and managing compliance needs and offering documentation solutions to help your businessowell food safety regulations.