FSSAI Food Business License: Registration vs State vs Central License Guide
Every Food Business Operator (FBO) involved in manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, packaging, or sale of food products must mandatorily hold an FSSAI 14-digit license or registration under the FSS Act, 2006.
📌 In This Practical Manual
1. Eligibility Criteria & Statutory Requirements
Prior to initiating electronic filings on government portals (MCA V3, GSTN, or IP India), ensure full compliance with the following statutory parameters:
- ✓Basic Registration: Annual turnover up to ₹12 Lakhs (Petty food manufacturers, hawkers, small retailers).
- ✓State License: Annual turnover between ₹12 Lakhs and ₹20 Crores (Medium restaurants, cloud kitchens, manufacturers).
- ✓Central License: Annual turnover exceeding ₹20 Crores, or operating in 100% export/import, e-commerce, or multi-state chains.
2. Step-by-Step Filing Procedure
Our streamlined end-to-end execution workflow designed to minimize rejection queries and achieve fastest statutory approval:
FoSCoS Portal Account Creation
Register on the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal and select relevant Kind of Business (KoB).
Form A (Registration) / Form B (License) Filing
Fill facility layout, production capacity, food product categories, and technical personnel credentials.
Food Safety Management System (FSMS) & Documents
Upload water test reports, equipment list, FSMS plan, layout blueprint, and premises ownership proof.
Physical Inspection & Grant of 14-Digit License
Food Safety Officer (FSO) verifies the premise hygiene; upon satisfaction, the digital 14-digit FSSAI License is issued.
3. Mandatory Document Checklist
Keep these documents scanned and self-attested in clear high-resolution PDF/JPEG format:
4. Post-Registration Compliance Slabs
Failure to adhere to post-registration filing dates attracts heavy recurring statutory fines and director disqualification risks:
| Statutory Due Date | Compliance Requirement |
|---|---|
| Annual (By May 31) | Filing of Annual Return (Form D-1) on FoSCoS |
| Periodic (Every 6 Months) | Water Test Report & Food Safety Audit by NABL accredited lab |
| Before Expiry (1-5 Years) | FSSAI License Renewal (at least 30 days before validity ends) |
5. Frequently Asked Questions
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