FSSAI Certificate – Complete Guide to Download, Display, and Verify Your Food License in India

The FSSAI Certificate is the official proof of your food business's compliance with India's food safety regulations, issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India after your registration or license application is approved. This Certificate contains your unique 14-digit FSSAI license number, business details, authorized food categories, validity period, and a digitally signed seal from FSSAI—serving as your legal authorization to manufacture, store, distribute, or sell food products in India. Whether you've just received approval notification or are managing an existing license, understanding how to download your FSSAI certificate from the FoSCoS portal, where and how to display it at your business premises and on product packaging, how customers and authorities can verify its authenticity, and what to do if you lose or damage your Certificate is essential for maintaining compliance and building consumer trust. At IndiaFilings, we guide food businesses through every aspect of FSSAI Certificate management—from procurement to display, verification, and replacement—ensuring you meet all regulatory requirements seamlessly.

What is an FSSAI Certificate?

An FSSAI Certificate (also called FSSAI license certificate or FSSAI registration Certificate) is an official document issued by FSSAI that authorizes a food business operator to engage in food-related activities. It serves as legal proof that your business meets the food safety standards prescribed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Types of FSSAI Certificates:

• FSSAI Basic Registration Certificate: For petty food business operators with annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh
• FSSAI State License Certificate: For medium-scale businesses with turnover ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore operating within one state
• FSSAI Central License Certificate: For large-scale businesses, importers, exporters, or multi-state operators with turnover above ₹20 crore

All three types of Certificates contain similar information but are issued by different authorities (State Food Safety Department for Basic Registration and State License; Central FSSAI office for Central License). Learn more about FSSAI Basic Registration, State License, and Central License.

What Information Does an FSSAI Certificate Contain?

Every FSSAI Certificate includes the following key details:

1. FSSAI License/Registration Number (14 Digits)

Your unique identification number, which must be displayed on all food products, business premises, and official documents. The number format indicates the type of license:

• 10012... = Basic Registration (State-issued)
• 11012... = State License
• 10011... = Central License

2. Certificate Type

Clearly states whether it's a "Registration Certificate" or "License Certificate" (State or Central).

3. Business Details

• Legal name of the food business
• Type of organization (Proprietorship, Partnership, Company, LLP)
• Complete address of business premises
• Nature of business (Manufacturer, Distributor, Retailer, Importer, Exporter, etc.)

4. Proprietor/Partner/Director Information

• Name of the proprietor or names of all partners/directors
• Contact details (phone and email)

5. Food Product Categories

List of all food categories your business is authorized to handle (e.g., Dairy Products, Bakery, Beverages, Meat & Poultry, Packaged Foods, etc.).

6. Validity Period

• Date of Issue: When the Certificate was granted
• Valid Up To: Expiry date (typically 1-5 years from issue date)

7. Digital Signature and Seal

Official seal and digital signature of the issuing authority (State Food Safety Officer or Central FSSAI officer), ensuring authenticity.

8. QR Code (in newer Certificates)

A scannable QR code for instant online verification of Certificate authenticity.

9. Terms and Conditions

Standard terms stating that the Certificate is valid only for the specified premises, products, and validity period, and must be renewed before expiry.

How to Download Your FSSAI Certificate Online

Once your FSSAI application is approved, you can download your Certificate digitally from the FoSCoS portal. Here's how:

Step 1: Log In to FoSCoS Portal

Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in and log in using your registered email and password. For help, see our FoSCoS Login Guide.

Step 2: Go to Your Dashboard

After logging in, you'll land on your dashboard showing all your FSSAI credentials.

Step 3: Navigate to "My Licenses" or "My Registrations"

Click on the section that shows your approved licenses/registrations.

Step 4: Select the Approved License

Find the license/registration with status "Approved" or "Active" and click on it.

Step 5: Click "Download Certificate" or "View Certificate"

You'll see a button labeled "Download Certificate", "View Certificate", or "Print Certificate". Click on it.

Step 6: Download the PDF

Your FSSAI Certificate will open as a PDF file in a new browser tab or download window. Click "Download" or "Save" to store it on your device.

Step 7: Print Multiple Copies

Print several copies of the Certificate:

• At least 2-3 copies for display at business premises
• Copies for your records and file
• Digital backup on cloud storage or email

Certificate Format: FSSAI Certificates are issued as digitally signed PDF files, typically A4 size, suitable for printing and framing.

Note: You can download your Certificate unlimited times from FoSCoS at no additional cost. If you face any issues downloading, contact FSSAI helpdesk or reach out to IndiaFilings for assistance.

FSSAI Certificate Display Requirements: Where to Display

FSSAI regulations mandate that your Certificate and license number must be displayed prominently at your business premises and on all food products. Here's where and how:

1. Display at Business Premises

Manufacturing Units/Factories:

• Print and frame your FSSAI Certificate
• Display it prominently at the main entrance or reception area
• It should be visible to FSSAI inspectors, customers, and visitors
• Place additional copies at production floor, quality control lab, and office

Retail Outlets/Shops:

• Display the Certificate near the billing counter or customer service area
• Ensure it's easily readable by customers
• Laminate or frame to protect from damage

Restaurants/Food Service Establishments:

• Display at the entrance or prominent wall visible to diners
• Many restaurants display it near the menu board or billing counter
• Kitchen area should also have a copy for inspection purposes

Home Kitchens/Cloud Kitchens:

• Keep the Certificate readily accessible for inspections
• Display a copy in your preparation/packaging area
• Upload a digital copy on your website or food delivery platform profile

2. Display on Food Products and Packaging

For packaged food products, displaying your FSSAI license number is mandatory on all labels:

Label Requirements:

• FSSAI Logo: Print the official FSSAI logo on your product label
• License Number: Display your 14-digit FSSAI number prominently (e.g., "FSSAI Lic. No. 10012021000123")
• Placement: The logo and number should be on the front or back label where easily visible
• Font Size: Should be legible (minimum 2mm height for most products)

Logo Usage:

You can download the official FSSAI logo from the FSSAI website or FoSCoS portal. Use only the official version—don't modify or distort it.

3. Display on Business Documents

Include your FSSAI license number on:

• Business invoices and bills
• Delivery challans
• Quotations and price lists
• Business cards and letterheads
• Website (footer or "About Us" section)
• Social media profiles (bio or about section)
• Online marketplace profiles (Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Swiggy)

4. Display on Vehicles (for Mobile Food Businesses)

Food trucks, delivery vehicles, and mobile vendors must display:

• FSSAI license number on the vehicle body (exterior)
• Certificate copy inside the vehicle for inspection
• Logo visible on sides/rear of the vehicle

Penalty for Non-Display: Failure to display your FSSAI Certificate or license number can result in fines up to ₹25,000 and may lead to license suspension. Always ensure proper display at all required locations.

How to Verify FSSAI Certificate Authenticity

Consumers, retailers, and authorities can verify the authenticity of an FSSAI Certificate or license number online to ensure they're dealing with a genuine, compliant food business.

Method 1: Verify on FSSAI Website

Step 1: Visit FSSAI Verification Portal

Go to the official FSSAI website: https://www.fssai.gov.in or https://foscos.fssai.gov.in

Step 2: Find License Verification Tool

Look for "Verify License", "Check License", or "License Verification" link (usually in the main menu or quick links section).

Step 3: Enter License Number

Input the 14-digit FSSAI license/registration number you want to verify.

Step 4: Enter Captcha

Type the security code displayed and click "Verify" or "Check."

Step 5: View Results

If the license is valid, the system will display:

• Business name
• License type (Registration/State License/Central License)
• Validity status (Active/Expired/Suspended)
• Expiry date
• Business address
• Food categories authorized

If the license is fake, expired, or suspended, the system will show an error message or "Invalid License Number."

Method 2: Scan QR Code (for Newer Certificates)

Many newer FSSAI certificates include a QR code. Simply scan it with your smartphone camera or a QR code reader app to instantly view Certificate details and verification status.

Method 3: Contact FSSAI Helpline

Call FSSAI's toll-free helpline 1800-112-100 and provide the license number for manual verification.

Why Verify FSSAI Certificates?

• For Consumers: Ensure the food business you're buying from is licensed and safe
• For Retailers/Distributors: Verify suppliers' FSSAI credentials before purchasing
• For E-commerce Platforms: Validate sellers' licenses during onboarding
• For Business Partners: Confirm compliance before entering contracts
• For FSSAI Inspectors: Cross-check Certificate authenticity during inspections

IndiaFilings ensures all Certificates we help procure are genuine and can be verified online immediately.

What to Do If You Lose Your FSSAI Certificate

If you've lost, damaged, or misplaced your FSSAI Certificate, don't panic. You can easily obtain a replacement copy.

Option 1: Download from FoSCoS (Easiest and Free)

1. Log in to your FoSCoS account
2. Navigate to "My Licenses/Registrations"
3. Select your active license
4. Click "Download Certificate"
5. Print the new copy

This is the fastest method and completely free. You can download and print as many copies as needed.

Option 2: Request Duplicate Certificate from FSSAI

If you can't access FoSCoS or prefer a physical Certificate from FSSAI:

1. Write a formal request letter to the issuing authority (State Food Safety Officer or Central FSSAI office)
2. Provide your FSSAI license number, business details, and reason for duplicate
3. Attach supporting documents (police FIR if Certificate was stolen, newspaper advertisement declaring loss, etc.)
4. Pay the duplicate Certificate fee (₹100-₹500 depending on state)
5. Submit the application and wait for processing (7-15 days)

Option 3: Contact IndiaFilings

IndiaFilings can quickly download and deliver your certificate from FoSCoS, saving you time and effort. We also assist with duplicate Certificate applications if needed.

FSSAI Certificate vs License Number: What's the Difference?

Many people confuse the FSSAI Certificate with the license number. Here's the distinction:

Key Point: The license number is part of the certificate. You need both—the Certificate for display at premises and the license number for product labeling.

Common FSSAI Certificate Issues and Solutions

Issue 1: Certificate Shows Wrong Information

Problem: Name, address, or other details are incorrect on the Certificate.
Solution: Apply for FSSAI license modification immediately to correct the information. Operating with incorrect details can lead to penalties.

Issue 2: Certificate is About to Expire

Problem: Your Certificate validity is ending soon.
Solution: Apply for FSSAI renewal at least 60 days before expiry. IndiaFilings sends automatic renewal reminders to avoid lapses.

Issue 3: Certificate Download Link Not Working

Problem: Can't download Certificate from FoSCoS.
Solution: Try a different browser (Chrome recommended), clear cache, or contact FSSAI helpdesk. IndiaFilings can download and deliver your Certificate on your behalf.

Issue 4: Certificate Has No QR Code

Problem: Older Certificates may not have QR codes.
Solution: This is normal for certificates issued before 2020. Your certificate is still valid. When you renew, the new Certificate will have a QR code.

Issue 5: Lost Original Certificate and Can't Access FoSCoS

Problem: Certificate lost and forgot FoSCoS login credentials.
Solution: First, recover your FoSCoS password using the "Forgot Password" option. Once logged in, download a fresh copy. If you can't recover access, apply for a duplicate Certificate from the licensing authority.

Why Should You Choose IndiaFilings for FSSAI Certificate Management?

Managing your FSSAI Certificate—from procurement to display, verification, and replacement—requires attention to detail and regulatory knowledge. Here's how IndiaFilings helps:

• Instant Certificate Download: We download and deliver your Certificate within minutes of approval notification
• Multiple Formats: We provide your Certificate in digital (PDF), printed, and laminated formats as per your need
• Display Guidance: We advise on correct Certificate display at premises and on products
• Label Design Support: We help design product labels with correct FSSAI logo and number placement
• Verification Assistance: We can verify any supplier or partner's FSSAI license on your behalf
• Lost Certificate Recovery: We quickly retrieve your Certificate from FoSCoS if you lose it
• Duplicate Certificate Processing: We handle duplicate Certificate applications with FSSAI if needed
• Correction Support: If your Certificate has errors, we manage modification applications to correct them
• Renewal Reminders: We track expiry dates and remind you well in advance
• Compliance Audit: We check that your Certificate display meets all FSSAI requirements
• Multi-License Management: If you have multiple Certificates (different locations), we organize and track all

Don't let certificate management become a compliance headache. Let IndiaFilings handle all aspects of your FSSAI Certificate—from download to display and beyond. Get Expert FSSAI Certificate Management from IndiaFilings

Get Expert FSSAI Certificate Management from IndiaFilings