If your business touches food in any way — making it, storing it, transporting it, or selling it — Indian law requires you to hold an FSSAI registration or licence. That 14-digit FSSAI number on a package is not decoration; it is a legal requirement, and operating without it carries real penalties. This guide explains who needs what, and how to get it.
What is FSSAI?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the regulator established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Every Food Business Operator (FBO) must obtain registration or a licence appropriate to the scale of their operations, applied for through the online FoSCoS portal.
Three tiers: which one applies to you?
The tier depends mainly on your annual turnover and the scale and nature of your operations:
- Basic Registration — for small operators with annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh (home kitchens, small vendors, petty retailers).
- State Licence — for medium operators with turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore (mid-size manufacturers, larger restaurants, distributors).
- Central Licence — for large operators with turnover above ₹20 crore, importers, exporters, and businesses operating in multiple states or supplying government.
Documents required
- Photo identity and address proof of the proprietor/partners/directors
- Proof of the business premises (rent agreement / utility bill / NOC)
- A food-safety management plan (for licences)
- List of food products to be handled
- Incorporation/partnership documents, where applicable
- Passport-size photograph of the applicant
The application process
- Determine the correct tier (Basic / State / Central) based on turnover and scale.
- Create an account and file the application on the FoSCoS portal.
- Upload the required documents and pay the fee.
- Respond to any clarification or inspection queries raised by the authority.
- Receive your FSSAI registration/licence with the 14-digit number.
Validity and renewal
An FSSAI registration or licence can be issued for 1 to 5 years. It must be renewed before expiry. Display your FSSAI number on your premises and on food packaging as required.
Frequently asked questions
Do home bakers and cloud kitchens need FSSAI?
Yes. Any food business operator, including home bakers and cloud kitchens, needs at least a Basic Registration — and a State or Central licence as turnover and scale grow.
What is the difference between FSSAI registration and licence?
A Basic Registration is for the smallest operators (turnover up to ₹12 lakh). A State Licence covers medium operators, and a Central Licence covers large operators, importers and multi-state businesses.
How long is an FSSAI licence valid?
It can be issued for between 1 and 5 years, and must be renewed before it expires to avoid penalties.