RENU SURESH

Published on: Jun 24, 2026

FSSAI State License

Obtaining a Food Business License is a fundamental requirement for food business entities in India. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is issuing FSSAI licenses to all food business operators (FBOs) nationwide. The respective state licensing authority grants the FSSAI State License. FBOs typically secure this license with an annual turnover ranging from more than 12 lakhs to less than 20 crores, with an extended turnover limit of 30 crores for transporters. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of the FSSAI State License, its significance and the procedure to obtain it.

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Benefits of FSSAI License

The benefits of obtaining an FSSAI State License for a food business are listed as follows:

Legal Compliance: It ensures your food business operates within the law.
Trustworthiness: It boosts consumer trust in your products.
Market Expansion: It helps you grow within your state and potentially expand to new areas.
Quality Assurance: It ensures your food meets high-quality standards.
Consumer Safety: It keeps your customers safe by following safety rules.
Competitive Edge: It makes your business more competitive in the food industry.
Support and Guidance: FSSAI provides help and updates on regulations.
Reduced Risk: It lowers the risk of health issues and legal problems.

In simple terms, having an FSSAI State License helps your food business comply with the law, gain trust, grow, and provide safe, quality products to consumers.

Types of FSSAI Licenses

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licenses are essential for various food-related businesses, including manufacturing, trading, restaurants, small eateries, grocery shops, importers, exporters, home-based food businesses, dairy farms, and processors. These licenses are categorized into three types based on the annual turnover of the food business operator:

FSSAI Basic License or FSSAI Registration:

Eligibility: FSSAI Registration is required for businesses with an annual turnover of less than 12 lakhs.
Description: The basic license suits small food businesses with limited turnover. It is an entry-level license.

FSSAI State License

Eligibility: Mandatory for businesses with an annual turnover between 12-20 crores.
Description: A state license is necessary for medium-sized food businesses operating within a specific state. It caters to businesses with moderate turnovers.

FSSAI Central License

Eligibility: Compulsory for businesses with an annual turnover exceeding 20 Crores.
Description: The central license is essential for large food businesses operating across multiple states or having a substantial annual turnover. It is the highest-level license.

Click here to learn more about the difference between the FSSAI License and FSSAI Registration.

Who Requires an FSSAI License?

Every food business operator in India, including exporters and importers of food items, must obtain an FSSAI license. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates that food businesses comply with specific criteria for licensing.

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Eligibility Criteria For FSSAI State License

The FSSAI has specific eligibility criteria for obtaining a State License for food business operators (FBOs). Here are the eligibility criteria for a State License:

FBO with an annual turnover of more than 12 Lakhs but less than 20 crores, except for Transporters:
Food business operators with an annual turnover within this range must apply for a State License.
Transporters involved in transporting food products have a higher turnover limit for a state license, which is 30 crores.
Any mill involved in the processing of cereals, grains, and pulses requires a state FSSAI license.
FBO producing food (other than Milk and meat and products made from Milk and Meat) up to 101 Kgs/2 MT Liters per day:
Food business operators producing food items other than milk and meat products with a daily production of up to 101 kilograms or 2 metric tons litres per day must apply for a State License.
Dairy units, including milk chilling units, which procure or handle and collect milk in between 501 – 50,000 Litres of Milk per day / 2.5 MT – 2,500 MT of Milk Solids per annum:
Dairy units involved in handling and processing milk within the specified quantity limits are required to obtain a state FSSAI license.
Slaughterhouses with specific slaughtering capacities are required to obtain a state license. The criteria for different types of animals are as follows:
- Large Animals: 3 to 50
- Small Animals: 11 to 150
- Poultry Birds: 51 to 1000

Documents Required for FSSAI State License

The documents required for obtaining an FSSAI State License can vary depending on whether the food business is involved in manufacturing or non-manufacturing activities. Here is a general list of documents required for both manufacturing and non-manufacturing FBOs:

Documents Required for Company

Non-Manufacturing / Non-Producing FBO	Manufacturing or Producing FBO
Company Documents Certificate of Incorporation MOA & 1 PAN Card List of Directors Board Resolution Form IX: Nomination Form List of Food Products	All necessary documents for non-manufacturing or non-producing units, along with the following supplementary documents
Documents of Directors & Nominee Government-issued Photo Identity Card Address Proof Email ID & Mobile Mo (For OTP) Educational Qualification	Blueprint/Layout Plan of the Processing Unit: This should include specific meters or square meters dimensions detailing the area allocated for each operation. Photograph of the Manufacturing/Production Unit. Detailed List of Machinery and Equipment: This list should specify the number of each item, their installed capacity, and the horsepower they use. Water Test Analysis Report: If water is used as an ingredient, a chemical and bacteriological analysis report from a recognized public health laboratory is required. This report should confirm the water's potability and include the name of the authorized laboratory representative who collected the sample and the collection date. (This document is not required if water is not used as an ingredient.) Recall Plan: A strategy outlining the procedures to be followed in case of a product recall.
Proof of Address of Food Business. Sale Deed/ Rent agreement, and Electricity Bill Not Older than two months
Note: A nominee is responsible for compliance with Food laws, rules, and regulations for the Food Business.

Documents Required for LLP

Non-Manufacturing / Non-Producing FBO	Manufacturing or Producing FBO
LLP Documents Certificate of Incorporation LLP Agreement PAN Card List of Partners Partners Resolution Form IX: Nomination Form List of Food Products	All necessary documents for non-manufacturing or non-producing units, along with the following supplementary documents.
Documents of Partners & Nominee Government-issued Photo Identity Card Address Proof Email ID & Mobile Mo (For OTP) Educational Qualification	Blueprint/Layout Plan of the Processing Unit: This should include specific meters or square meters dimensions detailing the area allocated for each operation. Photograph of the Manufacturing/Production Unit. Detailed List of Machinery and Equipment: This list should specify the number of each item, their installed capacity, and the horsepower they use. Water Test Analysis Report: If water is used as an ingredient, a chemical and bacteriological analysis report from a recognized public health laboratory is required. This report should confirm the water's potability and include the name of the authorized laboratory representative who collected the sample, along with the collection date. (This document is not required if water is not used as an ingredient.) Recall Plan: A strategy outlining the procedures to be followed in case of a product recall.
Proof of Address of Food Business. Sale Deed/ Rent agreement, and Electricity Bill Not Older than two months
Note: A nominee is responsible for compliance with Food laws, rules, and regulations for the Food Business.

Documents Required for Partnership Firms

Non-Manufacturing / Non-Producing FBO	Manufacturing or Producing FBO
Partnership Firms Documents Registration Certificate Partnership Agreement PAN Card List of Partners Partners Resolution Form IX: Nomination Form List of Food Products	All necessary documents for non-manufacturing or non-producing units, along with the following supplementary documents.
Documents of Partners & Nominee Government-issued Photo Identity Card Address Proof Email ID & Mobile Mo (For OTP) Educational Qualification	Blueprint/Layout Plan of the Processing Unit: This should include specific meters or square meters dimensions detailing the area allocated for each operation. Photograph of the Manufacturing/Production Unit. Detailed List of Machinery and Equipment: This list should specify the number of each item, their installed capacity, and the horsepower they use. Water Test Analysis Report: If water is used as an ingredient, a chemical and bacteriological analysis report from a recognized public health laboratory is required. This report should confirm the water's potability and include the name of the authorized laboratory representative who collected the sample, along with the collection date. (This document is not required if water is not used as an ingredient.) Recall Plan: A strategy outlining the procedures to be followed in case of a product recall.
Proof of Address of Food Business. Sale Deed/ Rent agreement, and Electricity Bill Not Older than two months
Note: A nominee is responsible for compliance with Food laws, rules, and regulations for the Food Business.

Documents Required for Individual/Proprietor Documents

Non-Manufacturing / Non-Producing FBO	Manufacturing or Producing FBO
Proprietor Documents Photo of Proprietor Government-issued photo IDs such as PAN, AADHAAR, Voter ID etc., of Proprietor Email I.D. and Mobile No of Proprietor (For OTP)	All necessary documents for non-manufacturing or non-producing units, along with the following supplementary documents.
List of Food products	Blueprint/Layout Plan of the Processing Unit: This should include specific meters or square meters dimensions detailing the area allocated for each operation. Photograph of the Manufacturing/Production Unit. Detailed List of Machinery and Equipment: This list should specify the number of each item, their installed capacity, and the horsepower they use. Water Test Analysis Report: If water is used as an ingredient, a chemical and bacteriological analysis report from a recognized public health laboratory is required. This report should confirm the water's potability and include the name of the authorized laboratory representative who collected the sample, along with the collection date. (This document is not required if water is not used as an ingredient.) Recall Plan: A strategy outlining the procedures to be followed in case of a product recall.
Proof of Address of Food Business. Sale Deed/ Rent agreement, and Electricity Bill Not Older than two months
Note: If the proprietor is carrying on the food business at the address mentioned in his Photo ID Card like AADHAR, Voter ID, then no proof of address of Food Business is required.

Documents Required for Society

Non-Manufacturing / Non-Producing FBO	Manufacturing or Producing FBO
Documents of Society Certificate of Registration Memorandum of Society Rules and Bylaws PAN Card List of Governing Body Copy of Resolution Form IX: Nomination Form	All other documents that are prescribed for non manufacturing or non-producing units and the following additional documents
List of Food Products	Blueprint/Layout Plan of the Processing Unit: This should include specific meters or square meters dimensions detailing the area allocated for each operation. Photograph of the Manufacturing/Production Unit. Detailed List of Machinery and Equipment: This list should specify the number of each item, their installed capacity, and the horsepower they use. Water Test Analysis Report: If water is used as an ingredient, a chemical and bacteriological analysis report from a recognized public health laboratory is required. This report should confirm the water's potability and include the name of the authorized laboratory representative who collected the sample, along with the collection date. (This document is not required if water is not used as an ingredient.) Recall Plan: A strategy outlining the procedures to be followed in case of a product recall.
Documents of Directors & Nominee Government-issued Photo Identity Card Address Proof Email ID & Mobile Mo (For OTP) Educational Qualification
Proof of Address of Food Business. Sale Deed/ Rent agreement, and Electricity Bill Not Older than two months
Note: A nominee is a person responsible for the compliance of Food laws, their rules, and regulations for the Food Business

Documents Required for Trust

Non-Manufacturing / Non-Producing FBO	Manufacturing or Producing FBO
Documents of Trust Registered Trust Deed PAN Card Details of Trustee (S) Copy of Resolution Form IX: Nomination Form List of Food Products	All other documents that are prescribed for non manufacturing or non-producing units and the following additional documents
Documents of Directors & Nominee Government-issued Photo Identity Card Address Proof Email ID & Mobile Mo (For OTP) Educational Qualification	Blueprint/Layout Plan of the Processing Unit: This should include specific meters or square meters dimensions detailing the area allocated for each operation. Photograph of the Manufacturing/Production Unit. Detailed List of Machinery and Equipment: This list should specify the number of each item, their installed capacity, and the horsepower they use. Water Test Analysis Report: If water is used as an ingredient, a chemical and bacteriological analysis report from a recognized public health laboratory is required. This report should confirm the water's potability and include the name of the authorized laboratory representative who collected the sample, along with the collection date. (This document is not required if water is not used as an ingredient.) Recall Plan: A strategy outlining the procedures to be followed in case of a product recall.
Proof of Address of Food Business. Sale Deed/ Rent agreement, and Electricity Bill Not Older than two months
Note: A nominee is responsible for compliance with Food laws, rules, and regulations for the Food Business.

Additional Documents Required for FSSAI State License

List of additional documents required for FSSAI State License based on various food-related activities, presented in a tabular format:

Activity	Additional Documents Required
Hotels/Restaurants	Analysis report (Chemical & Bacteriological) of vending water used as an ingredient in food from a recognized public health laboratory, with sample collection date and lab staff's name.
Importer of Food Items	Recall Plan - Import Export Code (IEC) certificate issued by DGFT (Director-General of Foreign Trade).
Merchant Exporter	Import Export Code (IEC) certificate - Declaration that products meant for export will not be sold in the domestic market, and they meet importing countries' standards.
E-Commerce (E-Shopping)	Recall Plan - List of vehicle registration numbers.
Transporters	List of Vehicle Registration Numbers - NOC (No Objection Certificate) from manufacturers.
Dairy Processing	Source or procurement plan for milk.
Meat Processing	Source of Raw Material - NOC from Municipal Corporation/local body.
Slaughter House	NOC from Municipal Corporation/local body.
Nutraceuticals	Product Specification for each product mentioning ingredients as per applicable health supplement products and Nutraceutical Schedule in the prescribed format.
Proprietary Foods	Composition of each product as per the prescribed format.
Novel Foods	Product Approval from FSSAI Headquarters for each product.
Packaged Drinking Water	Pesticide Residues Report of water from a recognized public health laboratory, confirming water's potability. The report should include the sample collection date, the lab staff's name, the source of raw water, and the treatment plan.

Process for Obtaining FSSAI State License

Securing an FSSAI State License is crucial for food businesses and involves several key steps. Here is a simplified overview of the process:

Step 1: Document Preparation and Application Submission

Gather all the necessary documents required for your specific food business category.
Complete the FSSAI application form, which is typically Form B.
Submit the application form through the online portal FOSCOS (Food Safety Compliance System).
Ensure that the standard fees are paid during the application submission.

Step 2: Application Scrutiny

FSSAI officials will examine your application and the submitted documents in depth.
This scrutiny is essential to verify that all the required information and documents are in order.

Step 3: On-Site Inspection (if necessary)

In some cases, FSSAI officials may inspect your business premises on-site.
The purpose of the inspection is to assess the level of compliance with food safety regulations.

Step 4: Grant of State FSSAI License

If your application is found to comply with the regulations and standards, the licensing authority will grant you the State FSSAI License.
It is important to note that the licensing authority may revoke the application if non-compliance issues are identified.

Step 5: Commence Business Operations

You can commence your food business operations once you have obtained the State FSSAI License.
Ensure that you prominently display the FSSAI License at your business premises as regulations require.

Click here to know more about How to Download FSSAI Certificate

Penalties for Non-Compliance

A valid FSSAI license is a mandatory requirement for starting a food business. Failure to do so can result in significant penalties and legal consequences for food business operators (FBOs).

FBOs operating without a valid food license may be subjected to fines. The penalty can go up to Rs 10 lakhs.
In addition to fines, individuals involved in food businesses without a valid license may face imprisonment for a period of up to six months.
In situations where unsafe food provided by the FBO leads to grievous injuries to consumers, the penalties can be much more severe. In such cases, imprisonment may extend to six years or more.

Suppose an FBO is guilty of non-compliance under the Food Safety and Standards Act. In that case, all the directors, partners, managers, or secretaries associated with the FBO can also be held liable for legal proceedings and punishments under the Act.

FSSAI State License Validity

Effective January 12, 2023, the FSSAI has introduced new regulations regarding the validity of FSSAI State Licenses. According to these regulations, a State License granted under these Regulations will be valid for one year from the issue date. This license can be auto-renewed for subsequent one-year periods under specific conditions.

FSSAI State License Renewal

To be eligible for auto-renewal, the following conditions must be met:

No Change in License Details: The existing details of the license must remain unchanged.
No Cancellation/Suspension: The license to be renewed should not be cancelled or suspended.

Annual Returns for Manufacturers and Importers

Manufacturers and importers applying for renewal must have filed their annual returns with FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) before applying for renewal.

Prescribed Date For License Renewal

In a separate order dated October 29, 2021, the FSSAI has expanded the renewal application window. Operators can apply for FSSAI license renewal starting 180 days before the license expires and extending up to 180 days after the license expires.

Inspection Requirement

Designated officers may conduct inspections before renewal if deemed necessary. However, no inspection is needed if the Food Business Operator (FBO) possesses a valid certificate from an agency accredited by the Food Authority, an accredited food safety auditor, or any other organization notified by FSSAI.

Penalties for Late Renewal

Late renewal applications filed within 180 days after the license's expiration will incur penalties as follows:

Three times the existing annual license fee during the first 90 days after the original expiry date.
An additional two times the existing annual license fee (totalling five times the original fee) from the 91st to the 180th day after the original expiry date.

Non-Renewal Consequences

No renewal application can be filed after 180 days from the original expiration date. During the period between the original expiry date and the issuance of the renewed license, FBOs are prohibited from conducting any food business. Engaging in the food business during this period will result in penalties and punishments as per Section 63 of the FSS Act, 2006. Know more about FSSAI License Regulations on Food Packaging

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about FSSAI State License for Food Businesses in India.

An FSSAI State License is a mandatory license issued by the respective state licensing authority to food business operators (FBOs) with an annual turnover ranging from more than 12 lakhs to less than 20 crores. It allows FBOs to legally operate their food businesses within the boundaries of the state where the license is obtained.

Food business operators with an annual turnover between 12 lakhs and 20 crores, except for transporters (who have a higher turnover limit of 30 crores), are required to obtain an FSSAI State License. This includes manufacturers, processors, retailers, and others involved in the food industry within a particular state.

Some key benefits of obtaining an FSSAI State License include legal compliance, boosted consumer trust, market expansion opportunities, quality assurance, consumer safety, competitive edge, regulatory guidance and support, and reduced risk of health issues and legal problems.

The main documents required vary based on the type of food business, but generally include proof of incorporation, PAN card, list of directors/partners, blueprint/layout plan, machinery list, water analysis report, recall plan, and proof of business address, among others.

As per the new regulations effective from January 12, 2023, an FSSAI State License is valid for one year from the date of issue. It can be auto-renewed for subsequent one-year periods if certain conditions are met.

Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI license can result in hefty fines up to Rs 10 lakhs, and individuals may face imprisonment for up to six months. In cases of grievous injuries due to unsafe food, the penalties can be more severe, including imprisonment for six years or more.

Yes, an FSSAI State License can be renewed. Food business operators can apply for renewal starting 180 days before the license expires and up to 180 days after expiration. Late renewals within the 180-day period incur penalties.

The process involves document preparation, application submission through the FOSCOS portal, application scrutiny, on-site inspection (if necessary), and finally, the grant of the State FSSAI License by the licensing authority.

Yes, certain food business activities like hotels/restaurants, importers, exporters, e-commerce, transporters, dairy processing, meat processing, slaughterhouses, nutraceuticals, proprietary foods, novel foods, and packaged drinking water require additional documents specific to their operations.

IndiaFilings offers expert guidance and a streamlined process to secure an FSSAI State License hassle-free. Their services ensure efficient application submission, compliance with regulatory requirements, and a smooth application journey for food businesses.