PREMNATH P

Developer

Published on: Sep 23, 2026

FSSAI License Registration: State & Central License

If your business is involved in selling, manufacturing, storing, transporting, or distributing food or edible products, compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is mandatory. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, every Food Business Operator (FBO) must obtain FSSAI Registration or an FSSAI License, depending on the size and nature of the business.

Obtaining an FSSAI License ensures food safety, legal compliance, and consumer trust while protecting your business from penalties and operational risks. For more specific insights, explore our comprehensive guide on food safety licenses.

At IndiaFilings, we simplify the FSSAI license apply online process, offering end-to-end support—from eligibility assessment to approval—so you can focus on growing your food business. Learn more about obtaining your FSSAI license in Tamil Nadu from our detailed resource guide.

Licensing & Registration for Food Businesses in India

As per Section 31(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, all Food Business Operators must obtain authorization from FSSAI. This requirement is governed by the FSSAI (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. For a step-by-step guide on the FSSAI registration process, visit our detailed process guide.

Depending on the scale, turnover, and activity of the business, an FBO must obtain:

  • FSSAI Registration
  • State FSSAI License
  • Central FSSAI License

Who Requires an FSSAI License?

Any individual or entity involved in food-related activities must obtain FSSAI authorization, including:

  • Food manufacturers & processors
  • Restaurants, cafĂ©s, bakeries & hotels
  • Cloud kitchens & catering services
  • Food delivery & online food sellers
  • Wholesalers, retailers & distributors
  • Importers & exporters of food products
  • Food transporters & storage units

After submitting the application, businesses can track approval using FSSAI license check online procedures. Check out our guide on application status tracking.

FSSAI Registration (For Small Food Businesses)

FSSAI Registration is mandatory for petty or small-scale FBOs with limited operations. Our special guide for home-based food businesses can provide tailored insights.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Annual Turnover: Less than ₹12 lakhs
  • Milk Handling: Up to 500 litres per day
  • Food Distribution: At religious or social events (non-caterers)

The 14-digit FSSAI Registration Number starts with “2” and is issued by the State Authority.

FSSAI License for Food Businesses

Businesses exceeding ₹12 lakhs turnover or involved in food manufacturing must obtain an FSSAI License.

Types of FSSAI Licenses

1. State FSSAI License

  • For medium-scale food businesses
  • Turnover: ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores
  • Issued by the State Government
  • Applies to manufacturers, traders, marketers, transporters, etc.

2. Central FSSAI License

  • For large-scale food businesses
  • Turnover: Above ₹20 crores
  • Mandatory for:
    • Importers & exporters
    • E-commerce food businesses
    • Large manufacturers
    • Businesses operating in multiple states

Benefits of Obtaining an FSSAI License

Obtaining an FSSAI food license online provides multiple advantages:

  • Legal Compliance: Mandatory under Indian law
  • Food Safety Assurance: Ensures hygienic and safe food practices
  • Brand Trust: Builds consumer confidence with FSSAI logo display
  • Investor Confidence: Adds credibility for funding & partnerships
  • Market Expansion: Required for online platforms & exports
  • Operational Ease: Smooth inspections & regulatory approvals

Documents Required for FSSAI License

IndiaFilings assists with document preparation, verification, and submission, ensuring error-free filing. For more details, consult our document preparation guide.

For Non-Manufacturing Businesses

  • List of Directors / Partners / Proprietor
  • Photo ID & address proof of authorised signatory
  • Proof of business premises (rent agreement / electricity bill)
  • Partnership Deed / MOA & AOA / Proprietorship Declaration
  • Form IX (Authorised Person Nomination)
  • IEC (for importers/exporters, if applicable)
  • Vehicle details (for transporters)

For Manufacturing / Processing Units

  • All documents listed above, plus:
  • Blueprint/layout plan of processing unit
  • Photographs of production unit
  • List of machinery & equipment
  • Water analysis report (chemical & bacteriological)
  • Food safety management plan (if required)

Validity & FSSAI License Renewal

  • License validity ranges from 1 to 5 years
  • Renewal must be applied at least 30 days before expiry
  • Late renewal attracts penalties and may lead to cancellation

For an easy renewal process, refer to our insights on how to ensure timely renewals.

Penalties for Operating Without FSSAI License

Operating a food business without FSSAI authorization can result in:

  • Imprisonment: Up to 6 months
  • Fine: Up to ₹5 lakhs
  • Business closure & legal action

Regular FSSAI license check online helps prevent compliance lapses. Understand the consequences in detail by visiting our guide on license issues.

Why Choose IndiaFilings for FSSAI License?

IndiaFilings offers reliable, affordable, and expert-driven FSSAI licensing services across India, ensuring compliance and peace of mind.

Our Process

  1. Free Consultation – Identify correct license type
  2. Document Assistance – Accurate & complete documentation
  3. Application Filing – Error-free online submission
  4. Follow-ups – Handling authority queries
  5. License Issuance – Fast approval & delivery
  6. Affordable Fees – Transparent food license pricing

We support restaurants, manufacturers, cloud kitchens, online sellers, and large food enterprises. For detailed compliance steps, explore our easy compliance steps guide.

Apply for FSSAI License Online with IndiaFilings

Securing an FSSAI License is the first step toward building a compliant, trustworthy, and scalable food business. IndiaFilings ensures a smooth, hassle-free FSSAI registration process with expert support at every stage.

Contact IndiaFilings today to apply for your FSSAI License online at an affordable price and operate your food business legally with confidence.

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