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Explore everything about Food Licence in India – FSSAI registration, different license types, who needs it, and how to apply for hassle-free compliance.
5 May 2024
Afinthrive Advisory
A Food Licence, also known as an FSSAI Licence, is a mandatory requirement for businesses involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, and sale of food products in India. It is regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), ensuring that food products meet safety standards and are safe for consumption.
The licence serves as a mark of quality assurance and builds trust among consumers. Whether you're a small food stall, cloud kitchen, catering business, or a large food manufacturer, obtaining a valid food licence is essential for operating legally in the Indian food industry.
Failure to obtain the licence can result in heavy penalties, business closure, or even legal actions. Hence, timely registration and compliance are crucial for any food business operator.
For startups and MSMEs, navigating the application process, documentation, and compliance regulations for the food licence can be overwhelming. This is where a Virtual CFO comes in to streamline the entire licensing journey and ensure full regulatory adherence.
At Afinthrive Advisory, our Virtual CFO services help food businesses with complete support for FSSAI Food Licence, including:
Our team ensures that your food business meets all legal requirements and continues operations without regulatory interruptions.
NEED FOR FOOD LICENCE:
BENEFITS OF FOOD LICENCE:
Whether you're starting a small home-based kitchen or running a large food processing unit, obtaining an FSSAI Food Licence is a non-negotiable requirement. It safeguards your business, protects consumers, and opens up opportunities for growth.
How Afinthrive Advisory Helps?
Afinthrive Advisory offers expert Virtual CFO services tailored for food businesses needing FSSAI registration. From documentation to submission, we provide end-to-end assistance, making sure your food business remains compliant, legally sound, and ready to scale. With our industry experience and regulatory insight, we simplify the process and let you focus on your passion—delivering great food.
Get your FSSAI Registration done quickly and affordably, with expert help every step of the way.
Essential
₹2500
(20%)
₹
2000
Plan inclusive of all charges
KEY FEATURES
Enhanced
₹6000
(25%)
₹
4500
Plan inclusive of all charges
KEY FEATURES
Ultimate
₹12000
(21%)
₹
9500
Plan inclusive of all charges
KEY FEATURES
Detailed aspects that food business operators often overlook but are critical for long-term operations
Businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore or operations in multiple states must apply for a Central FSSAI licence.
Central vs. State Licence Applicability
FBOs involved in manufacturing or import must file Form D1 by May 31st each year; non-compliance attracts penalties.
Annual Return Filing for Manufacturers
Mandatory for all FBOs to display FSDBs at premises with license number and food safety officer contact.
Food Safety Display Boards (FSDBs)
Online food businesses (e.g., cloud kitchens, Swiggy/Zomato sellers) must obtain a separate e-commerce category licence.
FSSAI Licence for E-Commerce Food Sellers
FBOs dealing in health supplements or novel foods require separate product approvals before launch.
Product Approval for Nutraceuticals & Supplements
Key Aspects Every Food Business Operator Should Know
A Food Licence, issued by the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India), is mandatory for anyone involved in manufacturing, storing, distributing, or selling food. Whether you're a home-based cloud kitchen or a large food chain, this licence ensures your food meets safety and hygiene standards.
There are three categories of licences—Basic Registration, State Licence, and Central Licence—each suited to the scale and nature of your food business. For example, businesses with an annual turnover below ₹12 lakh need only basic registration, while large-scale operators require a Central Licence.
Beyond legality, a food licence signals to consumers that your food is safe and meets regulatory standards. In competitive markets, displaying a valid FSSAI number can significantly boost customer trust and act as a unique selling point for your brand.
An FSSAI Licence number is mandatory on packaged food labels. It not only ensures traceability but also makes marketing easier by reassuring consumers about quality and compliance. Failing to include it can result in product recalls or penalties.
With the boom in online food delivery, platforms like Zomato and Swiggy require vendors to have a valid FSSAI Licence. Even home chefs selling through Instagram or WhatsApp must comply, making this licence a crucial component of any online food business strategy.
Many businesses face rejection due to incorrect document submissions, wrong licence categories, or unverified premises. Understanding the documentation checklist and matching your licence type with your operations is vital for a smooth approval process.
Running a food business without an FSSAI Licence can attract heavy penalties, imprisonment, or shutdown orders. Authorities conduct surprise inspections, and lack of compliance can permanently damage brand reputation and customer trust.
Food Licences need to be renewed before expiry to avoid late fines or blacklisting. If your business grows or shifts categories, you must also apply for an upgrade. Tracking these timelines is key to uninterrupted operations and long-term scalability.
Here is the check list of documents required.
Get Answers to your most asked questions.
A Food Licence, also known as an FSSAI Licence, is a mandatory registration or license required for anyone involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, or sale of food in India, as regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
All food business operators (FBOs), including restaurants, food manufacturers, traders, grocery stores, food importers/exporters, and even food delivery platforms, must obtain a Food Licence depending on the size and nature of their business.
There are three types: 1) FSSAI Basic Registration – for small businesses with turnover below ₹12 lakh, 2) FSSAI State Licence – for businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore, and 3) FSSAI Central Licence – for large-scale businesses or those operating in multiple states.
Yes, even home-based food businesses like tiffin services or home bakers must obtain an FSSAI licence or registration based on their annual turnover.
You can apply online through the FSSAI’s official portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in), by filling the application form, uploading necessary documents, and paying the applicable fee.
A Food Licence can be issued for 1 to 5 years, depending on the fee paid. Businesses must renew it before expiration to avoid penalties.
Common documents include passport-sized photo, identity and address proof, business constitution certificate (e.g., partnership deed, incorporation certificate), proof of premises (rent agreement or ownership document), and a food safety management plan.
Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI licence can attract penalties up to ₹5 lakh and imprisonment, depending on the offense under the FSS Act, 2006.
Costs vary: Basic Registration fees are around ₹100 per year; State Licences range from ₹2,000–₹5,000 per year; and Central Licences cost around ₹7,500 per year. Actual fees may vary by category and product type.
No, if you operate in more than one state, you must obtain a Central Licence for your head office and individual State Licences for each location.
Yes, you can track your application status through the FSSAI FoSCoS portal using your application reference number.
Registration is for petty food businesses with turnover under ₹12 lakh. Licensing (State or Central) is required for larger businesses. The key differences lie in the turnover, scale of operations, and documentation requirements.
