What is the difference between registration and a licence?

Basic registration is for petty food business operators within the prescribed limits. A State or Central licence applies to larger operations, with the Central licence covering multi-State, import-export and specified businesses.

How do I know which category applies to me?

It is decided by turnover, installed capacity, kind of business and the States you operate in, against limits prescribed by regulation. We review your operations and confirm the category in writing before filing.

What is the Government fee?

It is prescribed per year and differs by category, kind of business and capacity, and is multiplied by the tenure you opt for. We confirm the exact amount for your case before the application is filed.

How long is an FSSAI licence valid?

You can opt for a tenure of one to five years. Renewal must be applied for before expiry.

Do cloud kitchens need an FSSAI licence?

Yes. A cloud kitchen is a food business and requires registration or a licence for the kitchen premises, and delivery platforms require the number for listing.

Do I need a separate licence for each outlet?

Licensing generally attaches to the premises, so each outlet, kitchen or storage unit needs its own coverage. A multi-State business also needs a Central licence for its head office.

Can I upgrade from Basic registration to a State licence?

Yes. Where turnover or capacity crosses the limit, the business applies in the higher category. It is better planned in advance than discovered during an inspection.

Is a water test report always required?

It is required for prescribed categories, typically where water is used in manufacturing or processing. We tell you whether your category needs one.

Will there be an inspection of my premises?

Inspection may be directed depending on the category and the case, and is more common for manufacturing. We brief you on what is examined and coordinate the documentation.

What is a deficiency memo?

It is a communication from the licensing authority seeking clarification or additional documents. It must be answered within the period allowed, failing which the application can be rejected.

Do I have to display my FSSAI number?

Yes. The licence must be displayed at the premises, and the number must appear on labels and, in prescribed cases, on menus and invoices.

Is an annual return required?

An annual return applies to prescribed categories of food business. We tell you whether it applies to yours and can file it.

Does FSSAI registration cover GST or a trade licence?

No. GST registration, municipal trade licence, shops and establishment registration and other local permissions apply independently.

Can I apply if my premises are rented?

Yes, with a rent agreement and, where required, an NOC from the owner as proof of possession.

What happens if I operate without a licence?

The FSS Act provides for penalty and further action, including prosecution in serious cases, and marketplaces will not list an unlicensed food business.

How long does it take to get the licence?

Basic registration is usually quicker than a State or Central licence. Timelines depend on the licensing authority, any deficiency memo and whether inspection is directed, so they cannot be guaranteed.

Can you handle renewal and modifications later?

Yes. Renewal, adding a kind of business, changing food categories and upgrading the category are all handled by the same team.

Food Business Licensing

FSSAI Registration & Food Licence

Basic registration, State licence or Central licence — we identify the category that fits your food business, prepare the documentation FSSAI actually asks for, and stay with you through queries and renewal.

Category orientation before you apply
Food-specific document preparation
Application filing and query handling
Renewal and annual-return guidance

Book Consultation+91 76970 00970 WhatsApp

FSS Act, 2006
FoSCoS portal
Basic · State · Central
14-digit licence number

Licensing engagement

FSSAI Registration / Licence

On quotescope-based

Portal: FoSCoS
Categories: Basic · State · Central
Government fee: As prescribed by category
Outcome: 14-digit FSSAI number

Category orientation
Kind-of-business mapping
Document preparation
Application filing on FoSCoS
Query and deficiency reply
Licence handover
Display and labelling briefing
Renewal reminder

*Government fee depends on the category applied for, the number of years opted and the number of premises. Processing time depends on the licensing authority and any inspection or clarification.

Step 1
Category orientation
Filing
FoSCoS application
Review
Authority query handling
Handover
Licence + compliance brief

Professionally reviewed by CA Suraj SoniLast reviewed 12 August 2026

Which FSSAI registration or licence may apply?

Basic registration, State licence or Central licence?

A higher category is generally indicated where you

operate at a turnover or production capacity above the limits prescribed for the lower category
operate from premises in more than one State
import or export food products
supply to Central Government agencies, railways, airports or seaports
operate a large manufacturing unit or a proprietary-food manufacturing activity
operate an e-commerce food business covered by the regulations

Basic registration is typically the starting point where you

are a petty food business operator within the prescribed turnover limit
run a small retail outlet, stall, or home-based food operation within the limits
operate from a single State with modest production or handling capacity
have just started and expect turnover below the threshold for the first year

Category applicability depends on turnover, installed capacity, kind of business and the States you operate in — several of which are prescribed by regulation and change. This is an orientation. Your actual category is confirmed after we review your operations, and it is stated in writing before any application is filed.

What an FSSAI licence actually is

Every food business operator in India — manufacturer, processor, packer, storage unit, transporter, distributor, retailer, restaurant, cloud kitchen, caterer, importer or e-commerce food seller — needs registration or a licence under the Food Safety and Standards Act. What differs is the category: petty operators take Basic registration, mid-sized businesses take a State licence, and larger, multi-State, import-export or specified businesses take a Central licence. The outcome is a 14-digit FSSAI number that must be displayed and, in prescribed cases, printed on labels.

Category-driven
Basic, State or Central is decided by turnover, capacity, activity and geography — not by preference.
Kind of business
Your licence records the specific kinds of business you carry on. Doing an activity not on your licence is a compliance gap.
Premises specific
Licensing generally attaches to premises. Additional units, warehouses or kitchens need their own coverage.
Continuing obligations
Display, labelling, hygiene, record keeping, annual returns where applicable, and timely renewal follow the licence.

Why founders choose this structure

Lawful operation
Operating a food business without the applicable registration or licence exposes you to penalty and closure action under the FSS Act.
Marketplace and aggregator onboarding
Delivery platforms, marketplaces and institutional buyers require a valid FSSAI number before listing a food business.
Consumer trust
The displayed licence number is the most visible food-safety signal a customer sees.
Export and import readiness
Import and export of food articles requires the appropriate licence category alongside your IEC.
Cleaner operations
The documentation FSSAI expects — layout, water test, hygiene plan, food-safety management — improves how the kitchen or plant actually runs.
Scaling without re-work
Applying in the right category now avoids an unplanned upgrade in the middle of a growth or funding cycle.

How the category is decided

Petty food business operators
Small operators within the prescribed turnover and capacity limits — small retailers, hawkers, itinerant vendors and small home-based operations — generally take Basic registration.
Turnover-based movement
Once annual turnover crosses the limit prescribed for registration, a State licence generally becomes applicable. Higher turnover and capacity move a business towards a Central licence.
Installed capacity
Manufacturing and processing units are also tested on production capacity, and for dairy and meat on the specific capacity criteria prescribed.
Multi-State operations
Operating from premises in more than one State typically requires a Central licence for the head office along with State licences for the individual premises.
Import and export
Importers and exporters of food articles fall in the Central licence category, in addition to holding an IEC.
Specified categories
Supply to Central Government agencies, railways, airports, seaports and defence establishments, and certain specified businesses, attract a Central licence.
E-commerce food businesses
Food businesses operating through e-commerce are covered by the regulations, and the applicable category depends on the model and scale.
Per-premises rule
Licensing generally attaches to the premises. Additional kitchens, outlets or warehouses require their own registration or licence.

Readiness check

Are you ready to apply for an FSSAI licence?

0/6

Getting started

Let's get the basics in place.

01
Do you know your expected annual turnover and, where relevant, installed capacity?
02
Do you operate — or plan to operate — from more than one State?
03
Do you have proof of possession for every premises you operate from?
04
Is a layout plan available for the kitchen, plant or storage area?
05
Do you know the exact food categories you will handle?
06
Do you import or export any food article?

Your score is only a starting point. A short consultation can confirm your proposed structure, name strategy and documentation before filing begins.

0/6

Getting started

Let's get the basics in place.

Manufacturer
Restaurant
Cloud kitchen
Retailer
Wholesaler
Trader
E-commerce
Importer
Caterer

Documents you'll need

Photo identity and address proof of the proprietor, partners, directors or authorised signatory
Passport-size photograph of the applicant
Constitution proof — partnership deed, certificate of incorporation or similar
Proof of possession of premises — ownership document, rent agreement or NOC from owner
List of food products or categories proposed to be handled
Contact details and email for portal correspondence

From category call to FSSAI licence.

Food-specific documentation, filed with the right authority.

01Day 1
Business review
We map your activity, premises, capacity, turnover and States of operation, and identify the category and licensing authority.
02Day 1–4
Document build
Identity and premises proof, layout plan, equipment and food-category lists, water analysis where required, and the declarations for your category.
03Day 3–6
Application filing
The application is filed on FoSCoS with the chosen tenure and the prescribed Government fee.
04Varies
Authority scrutiny
The licensing authority reviews the application and may raise a deficiency memo. Responses are prepared and filed within the prescribed window.
05Varies
Inspection where directed
Certain categories and cases involve inspection of the premises before grant. We prepare you for what is examined.
06On approval
Grant of licence
The 14-digit FSSAI number and licence certificate are issued for the tenure applied for.
07On completion
Compliance briefing
Display requirements, labelling, hygiene records, annual return applicability and the renewal calendar are explained.

Not sure whether you need Basic, State or Central?

Get the category confirmed before you pay a Government fee.

Book Consultation+91 76970 00970

Your FSSAI engagement

From category orientation to licence handover.

01
Category orientation
Included
Turnover, capacity, activity and States of operation reviewed to identify whether Basic, State or Central applies.
02
Kind-of-business mapping
Included
Manufacturer, restaurant, cloud kitchen, retailer, wholesaler, trader, transporter, caterer, importer or e-commerce — recorded accurately on the application.
03
Document preparation
Included
Identity, premises, layout, equipment list, food-category list, water test report where required and the declarations the category calls for.
04
Food safety management plan
Included
Assistance with the food-safety management system documentation required for the applicable category.
05
FoSCoS filing
Included
The application is filed with the correct licensing authority, category and tenure, and the prescribed fee is paid.
06
Deficiency and query reply
Included
Where the authority raises a query or requires additional documents, we prepare and submit the response within the window.
07
Inspection coordination
Included
Where the authority directs an inspection of the premises, we brief you on what is examined and coordinate the paperwork.
08
Licence handover and briefing
Included
You receive the licence with a briefing on display, labelling, hygiene records and the renewal date.
09
Additional premises
On request
Extra kitchens, outlets, warehouses or units covered through separate applications.
10
Modification or upgrade
On request
Adding a kind of business, changing a food category or upgrading from Basic to State or Central.
11
Annual return and renewal
On request
Annual return where applicable to your category, and renewal before expiry.
12
Label review
On request
Review of pack labels against the labelling and display regulations.

Where the facts require a considered view — for example a borderline turnover or a multi-State model — we say so and confirm the category in writing rather than filing on an assumption.

What an FSSAI licence costs.

There are two components — the prescribed Government fee, which depends on the category, tenure and premises, and our professional fee, which depends on the documentation your category requires.

Professional fee

On quotescope-based

Fees are quoted in writing after a scope review. Government / statutory fees at actuals.

Professional services
MYFINTAX fee
Category orientation, kind-of-business mapping, documentation, filing, deficiency replies and compliance briefing.
Government fee
Statutory
Prescribed per year by category — Basic registration, State licence and Central licence carry different fees. Multi-year tenure multiplies the annual fee.
Water analysis report
Varies
Charged by the recognised laboratory, where required for your category.
Layout and technical documentation
Varies
Where a layout plan or capacity certification has to be prepared by a professional.
Additional premises
Varies
Each additional kitchen, outlet, unit or warehouse is a separate application with its own fee.
Renewal and annual return
Varies
Quoted separately closer to the due date.

We confirm the exact Government fee for your category and tenure in writing before filing, so there is no surprise at the payment stage.

Basic registration, State licence or Central licence.

Parameter	Basic Registration	State LicenceMost growing businesses	Central Licence
Typical fit	Petty food business operators within prescribed limits	Mid-sized single-State manufacturers, restaurants and traders	Large, multi-State, import-export and specified businesses
Turnover indication	Below the registration threshold prescribed	Above the registration threshold, below the Central limit	Above the limit prescribed for State licence
Geography	Single premises	Within one State	Multi-State, or head office of a multi-State business
Import / export	Not permitted	Not permitted	Covered
Government fee	Lowest prescribed slab	Higher, varies with capacity and kind of business	Highest prescribed slab
Inspection likelihood	Lower	Case dependent	Higher for manufacturing
Annual return	Generally not applicable	Applicable to prescribed categories	Applicable to prescribed categories
Tenure	1 to 5 years as opted	1 to 5 years as opted	1 to 5 years as opted

The limits and criteria are prescribed by regulation and revised from time to time. We confirm your category against the position in force rather than a table on the internet.

Licence granted

What your food business must keep doing.

Immediately
Display and disclose
- Display the licence at a prominent place at the premises
- Print the FSSAI number on labels and, where required, on invoices and menus
- Share the number with aggregators and marketplaces
Ongoing
Hygiene and sanitary practice
- Follow the sanitary and hygienic requirements prescribed for your kind of business
- Maintain pest control, cleaning and temperature records
- Ensure food handlers meet the medical and training requirements applicable
Records
Keep the paperwork
- Maintain purchase, production and sale records as prescribed
- Retain water test reports and laboratory analysis where applicable
- Maintain the food safety management system documentation
Periodically
Returns and testing
- File the annual return where it applies to your category
- Carry out periodic product testing where prescribed
- Keep the food-safety supervisor requirement current where applicable
Before expiry
Renewal and changes
- Apply for renewal in advance of the expiry date
- File modification when a kind of business, product or premises changes
- Upgrade the category if turnover or capacity has moved you up

Operating on an expired licence is treated as operating without one. Renewal is planned in advance rather than on the expiry date.

A food licence is one of several obligations.

GST, accounting, payroll and trademark protection sit alongside FSSAI for most food businesses. One team can carry all of it.

Explore MYFINTAX business support

Avoid these FSSAI mistakes.

Applying in the wrong category
Taking Basic registration when a State licence applies is the most common error. It resurfaces during inspection, aggregator onboarding or a growth review — and usually at the worst moment.
Missing kinds of business
A licence records specific kinds of business. Running a cloud kitchen on a retail registration, or storing in an uncovered warehouse, is a gap even when the number is valid.
One licence for many premises
Each kitchen, outlet or storage unit generally needs its own coverage. A single number does not travel across locations.
Ignoring the deficiency memo window
Deficiency memos carry a limited response period. A missed reply usually means rejection and a fresh application with a fresh fee.
Weak layout or capacity documentation
Vague layouts and unsupported capacity figures delay manufacturing applications more than anything else.
Forgetting display and labelling
The number must be displayed and, in prescribed cases, printed on labels. Enforcement action often starts here rather than with the licence itself.
Letting the licence lapse
Renewal has to be applied for before expiry. A lapsed licence can require a fresh application and interrupts marketplace listings.
Believing FSSAI covers everything
GST, trade licence, shops and establishment registration, and local municipal permissions apply independently.

Why MYFINTAX

CA-led judgement
Your position is reviewed by a Chartered Accountant, not simply pushed through a portal form.
End-to-end responsibility
One team from documentation and filing to the notices and compliance that can follow.
Transparent scope
You know what is professional fee, what is statutory and what varies before you commit.
Business-first advice
Advice is given against your actual operations, not as a generic default.
Continuity
Accounting, GST, TDS, payroll, ROC and CFO support sit in the same ecosystem when you need them.

“MYFINTAX has been a true partner in our compliance journey. From GST filings and ROC annual returns to trademark registration, everything is handled professionally and on time. Their proactive approach has helped our creative brand stay protected and compliant.”
Snehal Tripathi
Director, Roboto Studio Pvt Ltd
“Our export compliance, IEC, and legal structuring were managed end-to-end by MYFINTAX. Their expert guidance on Startup India registration and tax exemption eligibility was particularly valuable for our global trade operations.”
Shweta SK Tirkey
Director, ArchAngel Exim Private Limited
“As a financial services business, MYFINTAX's assistance with DPIIT recognition, income tax filings, and trademark protection gave us the right support for our growth journey. Their team understands the nuances of regulatory compliance and startup taxation and provides practical guidance whenever required.”
Nitin Nashine
Director, GISA Insurance Brokers Limited

Food business registered. Is GST sorted?

Most food businesses cross the GST triggers early, especially when selling through aggregators. An applicability review avoids a retrospective problem.

Explore GST registration

Protect the name above the counter.

A brand built on a food licence still needs trademark protection. Search, class selection and filing handled by the same team.

Explore trademark registration

FAQs

FSSAI Registration & Food Licence — questions founders ask

Still unsure? A short call with a Chartered Accountant is usually faster than reading one more page.

Let's build together

Ready to license your food business?

Start with a category review, apply once in the right slab, and stay supported through display, records and renewal.

Book Consultation +91 76970 00970 WhatsApp

CA Suraj Soni · Chartered Accountant · Founder, MYFINTAX

Content reviewed for current regulatory and procedural relevance on 12 August 2026.

Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 with the Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses Regulations, and the application workflow of the FoSCoS portal.

Content is for general informational purposes and does not constitute case-specific professional advice. Requirements, fees and processing depend on your facts and current Government procedure.

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Book Consult

FSSAI Registration & Food Licence

FSSAI Registration / Licence

Basic registration, State licence or Central licence?

A higher category is generally indicated where you

Basic registration is typically the starting point where you

What an FSSAI licence actually is

Category-driven

Kind of business

Premises specific

Continuing obligations

Why founders choose this structure

Lawful operation

Marketplace and aggregator onboarding

Consumer trust

Export and import readiness

Cleaner operations

Scaling without re-work

How the category is decided

Petty food business operators

Turnover-based movement

Installed capacity

Multi-State operations

Import and export

Specified categories

E-commerce food businesses

Per-premises rule

Are you ready to apply for an FSSAI licence?

Documents you'll need

From category call to FSSAI licence.

Business review

Document build

Application filing

Authority scrutiny

Inspection where directed

Grant of licence

Compliance briefing

Get the category confirmed before you pay a Government fee.

From category orientation to licence handover.

Category orientation

Kind-of-business mapping

Document preparation

Food safety management plan

FoSCoS filing

Deficiency and query reply

Inspection coordination

Licence handover and briefing

Additional premises

Modification or upgrade

Annual return and renewal

Label review

What an FSSAI licence costs.

Professional services

Government fee

Water analysis report

Layout and technical documentation

Additional premises

Renewal and annual return

Basic registration, State licence or Central licence.

What your food business must keep doing.

Display and disclose

Hygiene and sanitary practice

Keep the paperwork

Returns and testing

Renewal and changes

A food licence is one of several obligations.

Avoid these FSSAI mistakes.

Applying in the wrong category

Missing kinds of business

One licence for many premises

Ignoring the deficiency memo window

Weak layout or capacity documentation

Forgetting display and labelling

Letting the licence lapse

Believing FSSAI covers everything

Why MYFINTAX

CA-led judgement

End-to-end responsibility

Transparent scope

Business-first advice

Continuity