Overview
Every food business operator in India, from a home kitchen or cloud kitchen to a manufacturer, distributor, retailer or restaurant, must hold an FSSAI registration or licence under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Applications are made online on FSSAI's FoSCoS portal.
Which one you need depends mainly on turnover. Under FSSAI's order effective 1 April 2026, basic registration covers turnover up to ₹1.5 crore, a State licence covers turnover above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore, and a Central licence applies above ₹50 crore. Some activities, such as import and certain kinds of manufacturing, may need a Central licence whatever the turnover. The 2026 amendment also gave registrations and licences perpetual validity, subject to risk-based inspections, instead of periodic renewal.
Our team works out the right category and food product codes, prepares the application and documents (including the food safety management plan where needed), files it on FoSCoS and responds to the authority's queries.
Who needs it
- Restaurants, cafés, cloud kitchens and home-based food businesses
- Food manufacturers, processors, packers and repackers
- Distributors, wholesalers, retailers and e-commerce food sellers
- Importers and exporters of food products
Documents required
What we usually ask for. Our team confirms the exact list for your case before anything is filed.
- Photo identity proof of the proprietor, partners or directors
- Proof of possession of the premises (rent agreement, ownership document or NOC)
- List of food products or categories you handle
- Constitution documents: partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, etc.
- For licences: layout plan, list of equipment, water test report and a food safety management plan, depending on the activity
- For some activities: NOC from the municipality or other authorities
How it works
- 1
Find the right category
From your turnover and activity we work out whether you need basic registration, a State licence or a Central licence.
- 2
Prepare the application
We select the food product categories and prepare the forms and supporting documents.
- 3
File on FoSCoS
The application is filed online and the government fee for your category is paid.
- 4
Queries and inspection
The authority may ask for clarifications or inspect the premises, particularly for licences. We help you respond.
- 5
Registration or licence issued
Once approved, the certificate is downloaded from FoSCoS. Display it at your premises and print the number where the law requires.
Typical timeline
Processing depends on the category and on the food safety authority. Basic registrations are usually decided faster than licences, which can involve scrutiny and an inspection of the premises. We'll tell you what to expect once we know your category and state.
Get a free quote
Answer a few questions and our team will contact you. It takes about two minutes.
Official sources
The government portals and laws this page is based on:
Please note