Everything a food business owner needs to know about FSSAI registration and licensing in India.
Is FSSAI license mandatory for all food businesses in India?+
Yes — it is mandatory under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 for every Food Business Operator (FBO) involved in manufacturing, processing, storing, distributing, or selling food. This includes restaurants, home bakers, cloud kitchens, food manufacturers, traders, caterers, and even temporary stall holders. Operating without a valid FSSAI registration or license can attract penalties up to ₹5 lakh and forced closure of the business by food safety officers.
What is the difference between FSSAI Basic Registration, State License, and Central License?+
The three types are based on annual turnover and scale: Basic Registration (Form A) — for businesses with turnover below ₹12 lakh/year. Govt fee ₹100/year. State License (Form B) — for businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore, operating within a single state. Govt fee ₹2,000–₹5,000/year. Central License (Form B) — for businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore, or those operating in multiple states, importers, exporters, and large food chains. Govt fee ₹7,500/year. Taxocount identifies the correct type before filing to prevent rejection.
Can a home baker or tiffin service get FSSAI registration?+
Yes, absolutely. Home-based food businesses — home bakers, tiffin services, home kitchens selling online or locally — must have FSSAI registration. If the annual turnover is below ₹12 lakh, a Basic Registration (Form A, ₹100/year govt fee) is sufficient. If the turnover crosses ₹12 lakh, upgrade to a State License. You can use your home address as the registered premises — a utility bill and NOC from property owner (if rented) are sufficient as address proof.
Is FSSAI required for a cloud kitchen or Zomato/Swiggy listing?+
Yes — FSSAI registration is mandatory for all cloud kitchens. Zomato and Swiggy require a valid FSSAI license to list your restaurant on their platforms. Without it, your application will be rejected and your listing may be taken down. The FSSAI number must be displayed on your online menu and packaging. The type (Basic/State/Central) depends on your annual turnover.
How long does FSSAI registration take?+
Basic Registration: 7 working days. State License: Up to 30 working days — may include an inspection of your premises by a food safety officer. Central License: 30–60 working days. Applications are filed online on the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in). Taxocount tracks the status and follows up with the department to ensure timely processing.
For how many years is an FSSAI license valid?+
FSSAI registration and licenses can be obtained for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years. You choose the validity period at the time of application — the government fee is multiplied proportionally. A 5-year license is more economical as it reduces renewal frequency. You must renew your FSSAI license before it expires — failure to renew on time attracts a penalty of ₹100 per day. Taxocount sends renewal reminders 60 days before expiry for all our clients.
Can I upgrade from Basic Registration to State License?+
Yes. As your business grows and your turnover crosses ₹12 lakh per year, you must upgrade from Basic Registration to a State License. You apply for a fresh State License using Form B on the FoSCoS portal. Similarly, when turnover crosses ₹20 crore, you must upgrade to a Central License. Taxocount handles the upgrade process — advising when the upgrade is required and managing the new application.
What happens if my food business operates in multiple states?+
If your business operates in two or more states, you need a Central License for your head office/registered office — regardless of turnover. Additionally, each unit (manufacturing plant, warehouse, or restaurant) in a different state needs its own separate registration or license based on the individual unit's turnover and scale. Taxocount manages multi-state FSSAI compliance for businesses with multiple locations.
What is the FSSAI renewal process and what are the penalties for late renewal?+
FSSAI licenses must be renewed before the expiry date by filing a renewal application on FoSCoS portal and paying the renewal fee (same as the original fee). If you miss the renewal date, a penalty of ₹100 per day applies from the date of expiry until the renewal is filed. If the license expires completely without renewal, you may need to apply for a fresh license. Taxocount tracks all client licenses and sends WhatsApp reminders 60 days before expiry to ensure no penalties are incurred.