FSSAI Cancellation in India – How to Surrender Your License

Every FSSAI Cancellation or license surrender process in India is governed by FSSAI regulations to ensure proper closure of food business operations and prevent misuse of certification. Whether you're permanently closing your food business, restructuring operations, or transferring ownership, understanding when and how to surrender FSSAI license is essential for legal compliance and avoiding penalties. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about FSSAI Cancellation and surrender procedures and the implications for your business.

When Should You Surrender or Cancel Your FSSAI License?

There are several scenarios when surrendering or canceling your FSSAI registration or license becomes necessary:

Permanent Business Closure

If you're permanently shutting down your food business operations—closing a restaurant, stopping manufacturing, or discontinuing food sales—you must surrender your FSSAI certificate to the licensing authority.

Change in Business Structure

When you restructure your business (e.g., converting a proprietorship to a company, or transferring ownership to a new entity), the existing FSSAI license cannot be transferred. You must:

• Surrender the old license under the previous business entity
• Apply for a new FSSAI license under the new business structure

Relocation to a Different State

If you hold an FSSAI State License and relocate your business to a different state, you must surrender your existing State License and apply for a new one in the new state (or upgrade to a Central License if you operate in multiple states).

Downgrading Business Scale

If your annual turnover falls below the threshold for your current license tier (e.g., from State License to Registration), you may choose to surrender your license and apply for the appropriate lower tier.

Voluntary Surrender

You may voluntarily surrender your FSSAI certificate at any time if you no longer wish to continue food business operations, even if the license has not expired.

Important: Operating with a valid FSSAI certificate while the business is closed or inactive does not attract penalties, but surrendering ensures clean regulatory records and prevents misuse.

How to Surrender Your FSSAI License Online

The FSSAI license surrender process is conducted entirely online through the FoSCoS portal. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to the FoSCoS Portal

Visit https://foscos.fssai.gov.in and log in using your registered credentials (the username and password you used for your FSSAI application).

Step 2: Navigate to Surrender Option

Once logged in, go to the "My Licenses/Registrations" section. Select the FSSAI certificate you wish to surrender and click on the "Surrender" or "Cancellation" option.

Step 3: Submit Surrender Application

Fill out the surrender application form, providing the reason for surrender (business closure, restructuring, relocation, etc.). Upload any supporting documents if required (e.g., closure affidavit, new business registration documents).

Step 4: Submit and Track

Submit the surrender application. You'll receive an acknowledgment reference number. Track the status of your surrender request on the FoSCoS portal.

Step 5: Receive Surrender Confirmation

Once the licensing authority processes your request, you'll receive a surrender confirmation or Cancellation order. Your FSSAI certificate will be marked as "Surrendered" or "Cancelled" in the FSSAI database.

Processing Time: Surrender requests typically take 7–15 working days for approval, depending on the licensing authority (State or Central).

Note: There is no fee for surrendering an FSSAI license.

What Are the Implications of Surrendering Your FSSAI License?

Surrendering your FSSAI certificate has several legal and operational implications:

Legal Implications

• No Longer Authorized to Operate: Once surrendered, you cannot legally operate a food business under the old FSSAI number. Any food operations after surrender are illegal and subject to penalties.
• Clean Exit: Surrender ensures your regulatory records show a clean, voluntary closure rather than an expired or revoked license.
• No Liability for Violations Post-Surrender: You are not liable for food safety violations or inspections related to the surrendered license after the surrender date.

Operational Implications

• Platform Removal: If your business is listed on food delivery platforms (Swiggy, Zomato) or e-commerce sites, your listing will be removed once your FSSAI certificate is surrendered.
• Cannot Use FSSAI Number: You must stop displaying the FSSAI number on product labels, packaging, premises, and marketing materials.
• Inventory Disposal: Any remaining packaged food products bearing the surrendered FSSAI number should be removed from sale or relabeled with a new FSSAI number (if you restart operations under a new entity).

Financial Implications

• No Refund: FSSAI does not refund the license fee for the remaining validity period after surrender. If you paid for a 5-year license and surrender after 2 years, you will not receive a refund for the unused 3 years.
• New Application Fees: If you restart operations under a new business structure or location, you must pay the full application fee for a new FSSAI certificate.

FSSAI Cancellation Process – Step-by-Step

Here's a complete step-by-step guide to the FSSAI Cancellation process:

Documents You May Need:

• Closure affidavit or declaration (notarized)
• Proof of new business structure (if restructuring)
• No-objection certificate (NOC) from property owner (if applicable)
• Final inventory and sales records (if requested by authorities)

Why Should You Choose IndiaFilings for FSSAI Cancellation Assistance?

Surrendering or canceling an FSSAI license may seem straightforward, but ensuring proper documentation, clean regulatory closure, and compliance with all formalities can be complex—especially if you're restructuring or relocating. IndiaFilings simplifies the entire process with expert-assisted support tailored to your business needs.

Our team of qualified professionals helps you determine whether surrender is necessary, prepare all required documents, submit error-free cancellation applications on the FoSCoS portal, and track approval until your surrender is confirmed. We handle end-to-end coordination with FSSAI authorities, ensuring clean exit from FSSAI obligations and protecting your business from post-closure liabilities. With pan-India support and deep expertise in FSSAI regulations, IndiaFilings is your trusted partner for hassle-free FSSAI Cancellation and surrender.

Ready to surrender your FSSAI license or need guidance on restructuring? Need FSSAI help? Talk to an expert today and ensure a smooth, compliant exit.

Need FSSAI help? Talk to an expert