How Many Days Does It Take to Get an FSSAI License?

One of the most common questions from food business operators preparing to apply for FSSAI authorisation is how long the approval will take. The answer depends on the type of FSSAI authorisation being sought — basic registration, state license, or central license — and several other factors related to the completeness of the application and the processing capacity of the licensing authority. This guide explains the prescribed timelines for each category and what food business operators can do to avoid unnecessary delays in getting their FSSAI license approved.

FSSAI License Processing Time — A Quick Overview

FSSAI has prescribed indicative timelines for processing different categories of food business authorisations. These timelines begin from the date of submission of a complete application:

These are the prescribed or indicative timelines. Actual processing can take longer depending on factors such as application completeness, inspection requirements, and the workload of the relevant authority.

Processing Time for FSSAI Basic Registration

FSSAI basic registration is the simplest and fastest category of food business authorisation. The prescribed processing time is 7 days from the date of submission of the application.

Under FSSAI regulations, if the Registering Authority does not act on the application within 7 days, the registration is treated as deemed approved — meaning the food business operator is considered registered by default. This provision protects small food business operators from indefinite delays.

In practice, basic registrations are often processed within a few working days when all required documents are submitted correctly and there are no deficiencies in the application.

Processing Time for FSSAI State License

The FSSAI state license is required for medium-scale food businesses operating within a single state. The prescribed processing time for a state license is 30 days from the date of receipt of a complete application by the Licensing Authority.

State license applications may require a physical inspection of the food business premises before approval. If an inspection is scheduled, the 30-day timeline may effectively be extended, as the clock may pause during certain stages of scrutiny or deficiency resolution.

Applicants who respond promptly to any queries or deficiency notices raised during scrutiny can help keep the process moving within the prescribed timeframe.

Processing Time for FSSAI Central License

The FSSAI central license is required for large food businesses, multi-state operators, importers, exporters, and certain specific categories of food businesses. The processing time for a central license is generally between 30 and 60 days, depending on the category of food business and whether an inspection or additional verification is needed.

Central license applications are processed by FSSAI's central licensing authority and may involve more detailed scrutiny compared to state-level applications. Businesses in certain high-risk food categories or those with complex operations may take longer to process.

What Is Deemed Approval Under FSSAI?

FSSAI's deemed approval provision is an important protection for food business operators. Under this rule:

• For basic registration — If the Registering Authority does not grant or refuse registration within 7 days of receiving the application, the registration is deemed to have been granted.
• For state and central licenses — If the Licensing Authority does not issue or refuse a license within the prescribed period after completing the process, the license may be deemed approved under applicable FSSAI provisions.

In practice, food business operators should not rely on deemed approval as a guaranteed outcome. It is always better to follow up on the application status and ensure the certificate is formally issued and downloadable from the portal before beginning operations.

Factors That Affect FSSAI License Processing Time

Several factors can cause the actual processing time to exceed the prescribed timelines:

• Incomplete application — Missing documents or incorrect information trigger deficiency notices, pausing the processing clock until the applicant responds
• Inspection requirement — Applications that require a physical inspection of the premises add time to the overall process, as inspections must be scheduled and completed before approval
• High application volumes — Peak periods may result in longer queues at the licensing authority, extending the actual wait time beyond the prescribed period
• Queries from the authority — If the Licensing Authority raises questions about the application or requests additional clarification, the timeline extends until those are resolved
• Technical issues on the portal — Occasional technical difficulties with the FOSCOS portal can delay submission or processing
• Category-specific requirements — Certain food categories (such as health supplements, infant foods, or imported products) may have additional compliance checks that extend the timeline

How to Avoid Delays in FSSAI License Approval

Food business operators can take several steps to minimise processing delays:

• Submit a complete application — Ensure all required FSSAI documents are ready and uploaded correctly before submission
• Respond quickly to queries — Monitor the FSSAI application status regularly and respond to any deficiency notices or queries from the authority without delay
• Provide accurate business information — Errors in the application — such as incorrect business address, wrong food category selection, or mismatched documents — commonly trigger deficiency notices
• Use the correct application category — Applying under the wrong category (for example, applying for basic registration when a state license is required) leads to rejection and restarts the timeline
• Seek professional assistance — Engaging a professional to prepare and submit the FSSAI application reduces the risk of errors that delay processing

How IndiaFilings Helps Speed Up Your FSSAI Application

A delay in FSSAI approval can directly impact a food business's ability to begin operations, onboard with delivery platforms, or supply products to retailers. IndiaFilings provides professional support that helps food business operators submit accurate, complete applications from the first attempt — significantly reducing the likelihood of deficiency notices or avoidable delays. The team handles document preparation, application filing through the FOSCOS portal, and active follow-up on the application status, ensuring your food business gets its FSSAI authorisation as efficiently as possible. Visit IndiaFilings to get started with your FSSAI application today.

Conclusion

The time it takes to get an FSSAI license depends on the type of authorisation — 7 days for basic registration, 30 days for a state license, and 30 to 60 days for a central license under normal circumstances. Incomplete applications, inspection requirements, and delayed responses to authority queries are the most common reasons for longer processing times. Submitting a complete and accurate application from the outset is the single most effective way to get your FSSAI license approved within the prescribed timeframe.