Why an FSSAI License is Legally Mandatory for Every Food Business
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, selling or packaging any food, beverage, or confectionery product in India without valid FSSAI registration is a punishable offense carrying fines of up to ₹5 Lakhs and imprisonment. Beyond legal mandates, displaying your 14-digit FSSAI license number on your store board and packaging is mandatory for onboarding onto Swiggy, Zomato, and BIZIT.
FSSAI License Categories: Which One Do You Need?
- FSSAI Basic Registration (Form A): For micro food enterprises, street vendors, and home kitchens with annual turnover under ₹12 Lakhs. Government fee: ₹100/year.
- FSSAI State License (Form B): For medium-sized restaurants, cloud kitchens, cafes, caterers, and sweet shops with annual turnover between ₹12 Lakhs and ₹20 Crores. Government fee: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000/year depending on production capacity.
- FSSAI Central License: For large-scale food manufacturers, import/export operators, and food chains operating across 2 or more Indian states with turnover exceeding ₹20 Crores.
Step-by-Step Application via FoSCoS Portal
- Visit the official Food Safety Compliance System portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in).
- Select your operational state and declare your Kind of Business (KoB) — e.g., Food Services > Restaurant / Caterer / Food Delivery.
- Upload supporting documents: Kitchen layout blueprint, list of food categories, electricity bill / rental agreement, water testing report from an accredited laboratory, and owner photo ID.
- Pay the prescribed statutory fees through online payment gateway.
- A Food Safety Officer (FSO) may conduct a scheduled hygiene inspection of your kitchen premises before granting your digital certificate.
Explore top bakeries, restaurants, and cloud kitchens in our Food & Dining Directory. Showcase your verified FSSAI certification and food hygiene standards on your BIZIT digital card.