How to Apply for an FSSAI Licence in India: Process, Requirements and Why It Matters

Recent food-safety inspections and enforcement action in Maharashtra have brought FSSAI licences and food-law compliance into sharp focus for restaurants, cloud kitchens, food manufacturers, retailers, warehouses and quick-commerce businesses.

In July and August 2026, food-safety authorities in Maharashtra intensified inspections of food businesses. Licences of establishments including well-known clubs and food businesses have reportedly been suspended following findings relating to hygiene, pest control, storage conditions and other food-safety requirements. More recently, the Maharashtra FDA suspended the food licence of a quick-commerce dark store in Malad following an inspection that reportedly identified serious hygiene violations.

These actions highlight an important point for anyone operating a food business in India:

Obtaining an FSSAI licence is only the first step. Maintaining continued compliance with food-safety standards is equally important.

This article explains what an FSSAI licence is, who needs one, how to apply for an FSSAI licence online, and what can happen if a food business operates without proper registration or fails to comply with applicable standards.

What Is an FSSAI Licence?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the statutory authority responsible for regulating and supervising food safety in India. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 establishes a regulatory framework governing the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food products with the objective of ensuring that food available to consumers is safe and wholesome.

Food businesses are generally required to obtain either an:

• FSSAI Registration

• State FSSAI Licence, or

• Central FSSAI Licence

depending upon the nature and scale of their operations.

The licence or registration is associated with a 14-digit FSSAI number, which serves as an important regulatory identifier for a food business.

Who Needs an FSSAI Licence in India?

The requirement is not limited to large food manufacturers.

A wide range of businesses engaged in the food ecosystem may require FSSAI registration or licensing, including:

• Restaurants and cafés

• Cloud kitchens

• Bakeries

• Food manufacturers

• Food processing units

• Hotels

• Caterers

• Grocery stores and supermarkets

• Food wholesalers and distributors

• Warehouses storing food products

• Online food businesses

• Quick-commerce and e-commerce food businesses

• Importers and exporters of food products

• Dairy businesses

• Meat and poultry businesses

• Food packaging and relabelling businesses

• Home-based food businesses

• Sweet shops

• Food stalls and vendors

Accordingly, a business does not have to actually manufacture food to fall within the FSSAI regulatory framework.

Businesses involved in the storage, distribution or sale of food can also be regulated under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

FSSAI Registration vs State Licence vs Central Licence

One of the first questions faced by a food business is:

Which FSSAI licence do I need?

The answer depends upon factors including the type of food business, turnover, production capacity, location and nature of operations.

1. Basic FSSAI Registration

Basic registration is generally intended for small or petty food businesses falling within the prescribed eligibility criteria.

Historically, the framework has included businesses with annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh, subject also to business-specific production or operational limits. However, businesses should verify their precise eligibility on the current FoSCoS portal because the applicable criterion can depend upon the category of food business.

Examples may include:

• Small retailers

• Small food vendors

• Petty manufacturers

• Small home-based food businesses

• Street-food vendors

2. State FSSAI Licence

Businesses exceeding the basic registration criteria but falling within the relevant thresholds for a State Licence ordinarily require an FSSAI licence issued through the State licensing authority.

Restaurants, food manufacturers, warehouses, distributors and other food businesses may fall within this category depending on their turnover, capacity and nature of operations.

3. Central FSSAI Licence

Larger businesses and certain specified categories of food businesses require a Central FSSAI Licence.

Central licensing can apply, depending upon the category and applicable eligibility requirements, to businesses such as:

• Large food manufacturers

• Importers

• Businesses operating in specified regulated categories

• Certain businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions

• Large-scale food processing or storage units

• Certain e-commerce food businesses

• Businesses operating at airports, seaports and other specified premises

The distinction between State and Central licensing should therefore not be determined only by turnover.

The correct licence depends upon the specific “Kind of Business” selected under the FSSAI licensing framework.

How to Apply for an FSSAI Licence Online

FSSAI registrations and licences are presently processed through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS).

FoSCoS is FSSAI's online platform for new licences and registrations, renewals, modifications, annual returns and related licensing services.

The broad process is as follows.

Step 1: Determine the Correct Kind of Business

Before filing an application, identify precisely what the business does.

For example:

• Manufacturer

• Restaurant

• Retailer

• Distributor

• Wholesaler

• Storage/warehouse operator

• Importer

• Relabeller

• Caterer

This is important because the licence category, documents and eligibility requirements can change depending upon the Kind of Business (KoB).

An incorrect classification at the application stage can create problems later during inspection or renewal.

Step 2: Determine Whether Registration, State Licence or Central Licence Is Required

The next step is to determine the appropriate licensing category based upon factors including:

• Annual turnover

• Manufacturing or processing capacity

• Type of food products

• Number and location of establishments

• Nature of business

• Whether goods are imported

• Storage capacity

• Operational structure

Businesses should avoid choosing a lower licence category merely because it involves fewer formalities.

Incorrect licensing can itself create compliance problems.

Step 3: Create an Application on the FoSCoS Portal

The applicant can access the FoSCoS portal and select:

Apply for New Licence/Registration

The portal then asks for the place of operation and the relevant business category before directing the applicant towards the appropriate application process.

Step 4: Complete the Relevant Application

Depending upon the type of approval required, the applicant will have to provide details relating to the food business, which can include:

• Name of the applicant/entity

• Registered/business address

• Address of food premises

• Nature of business

• Food products/categories handled

• Details of proprietor/partners/directors

• Contact details

• Manufacturing or processing capacity

• Storage capacity

• Water source

• Machinery and equipment

• Other operational details

Accuracy at this stage is important.

The licence ultimately granted should properly correspond with the actual activities being undertaken at the premises.

Documents Required for an FSSAI Licence

The precise list of documents depends upon the category of application and nature of food business. FSSAI's FoSCoS portal maintains category-specific document requirements.

Depending upon the application, documents may include:

Identity and Entity Documents

• PAN

• Aadhaar or identity proof

• Certificate of incorporation

• Partnership deed

• LLP documents

• Memorandum and Articles of Association

• Authorisation or board resolution

Premises Documents

• Ownership documents

• Rent or lease agreement

• No-objection certificate from the owner, where applicable

• Address proof

• Layout or blueprint of the premises in applicable cases

Operational Documents

Depending upon the type of food business, authorities may require documents relating to:

• Machinery and equipment

• Food categories

• Manufacturing process

• Production capacity

• Water testing

• Food-safety management systems

• Source of raw materials

• Technical personnel

• Recall plans

• Other licences or permissions

A restaurant will therefore not necessarily require the same documentation as a food manufacturing facility.

What Is the FSSAI Licence Fee?

The government fee depends upon the type and duration of the licence.

At present, the FoSCoS fee structure provides a fee of ₹100 per year for basic registration, while a Central Licence ordinarily carries a government fee of ₹7,500 per year. State Licence fees depend upon the applicable category. Licences or registrations may generally be applied for for a period of up to five years.

The government fee should be distinguished from any professional fee charged by a consultant, Food Safety Mitra or lawyer assisting the applicant.

How Long Is an FSSAI Licence Valid?

An FSSAI licence or registration can generally be obtained for a selected validity period, subject to the maximum period permitted under the applicable system.

Businesses should monitor the expiry date carefully and initiate renewal in time.

Operating after expiry can expose a business to avoidable regulatory complications.

Why Is an FSSAI Licence Important?

It is tempting to treat an FSSAI licence as another certificate to be obtained before opening a restaurant or launching a food brand.

That approach misses its real significance.

1. Operating Without the Required Licence Can Attract Legal Action

Section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act establishes the licensing and registration requirement for food businesses, subject to the statutory framework applicable to petty food manufacturers and other specified operators.

Operating a food business that legally requires a licence without obtaining one can expose the operator to prosecution and penalties under the Act.

2. Authorities Can Inspect Food Premises

Food-safety authorities have enforcement powers under the Act and regulations.

An inspection may examine matters including:

• Hygiene

• Pest control

• Storage

• Temperature control

• Raw materials

• Expired products

• Food handling

• Contamination risks

• Labelling

• Licensing documents

• Food-safety procedures

Therefore, obtaining a licence does not immunise a food business from inspection.

An FSSAI Licence Can Be Suspended or Cancelled

This is particularly relevant in light of the recent Maharashtra enforcement drive.

An FSSAI licence is not an unconditional permission to continue conducting business irrespective of compliance.

Where authorities find regulatory violations, the statutory framework provides mechanisms including improvement notices and, in appropriate circumstances, suspension or cancellation proceedings. FSSAI's enforcement guidance specifically recognises the improvement-notice process under the food-safety regime.

Recent enforcement demonstrates the practical consequences.

In August 2026, FSSAI reportedly suspended the licences of food manufacturing facilities in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh following inspections in which serious hygiene and pest-control issues were alleged.

The Maharashtra FDA has separately taken action against restaurants, clubs, warehouses and other food establishments following inspections.

For food businesses, therefore:

The question is no longer merely “Do we have an FSSAI licence?”

The more important question is:

“Are our premises and business practices compliant with the conditions under which that licence was granted?”

What Should Businesses Do Before an FSSAI Inspection?

Businesses should not wait for an inspection notice or raid before reviewing compliance.

A basic FSSAI compliance review should include:

1. Verify the Licence

Check whether:

• The licence is currently valid.

• The correct entity holds the licence.

• The correct address is mentioned.

• The correct Kind of Business is reflected.

• All relevant food categories are covered.

• Changes in operations have been properly incorporated.

2. Review Hygiene and Sanitation

Businesses should review:

• Kitchen cleanliness

• Pest-control records

• Employee hygiene

• Drainage

• Waste disposal

• Equipment cleaning

• Food-contact surfaces

• Storage conditions

3. Check Raw Materials and Finished Products

Maintain systems for identifying:

• Expired products

• Damaged packaging

• Improperly stored products

• Untraceable raw materials

• Contaminated stock

• Products outside applicable food standards

4. Review Labelling

Food manufacturers and packaged-food businesses should carefully review their labels.

Depending upon the product, this may involve compliance relating to:

• Ingredients

• Nutritional information

• Allergens

• FSSAI licence number

• Vegetarian/non-vegetarian declaration

• Net quantity

• Date marking

• Manufacturer details

• Consumer-care information

• Claims made on packaging

Incorrect food labelling can result in regulatory action even where the food itself is otherwise safe.

The current enforcement environment extends beyond hygiene alone; recent regulatory action has also focused on alleged labelling and product-compliance violations.

What Should You Do If Your FSSAI Licence Is Suspended?

A suspension can have immediate commercial consequences because a food business may be prevented from carrying on affected operations.

The first step is to carefully examine:

1. The inspection report;

2. The alleged violations;

3. Any improvement notice;

4. The suspension or prohibition order;

5. The statutory provision invoked;

6. The authority of the officer passing the order;

7. Whether an opportunity to respond was provided where legally required; and

8. The applicable appellate or other legal remedy.

A business should avoid treating every food-safety dispute as a purely administrative issue.

Depending upon the facts, questions may arise regarding:

• Jurisdiction

• Compliance with statutory procedure

• Natural justice

• Sampling procedure

• Laboratory reports

• Proportionality of the action

• Whether defects have subsequently been rectified

• Whether the licence should remain suspended after corrective measures have been implemented

Recent proceedings arising from regulatory action against food and beverage companies also demonstrate that questions of authority, procedure and proportionality can become significant when enforcement action affects commercial operations.

Can a Restaurant Operate Without an FSSAI Licence?

If the restaurant falls within a category requiring registration or licensing under the Food Safety and Standards Act, it should not operate without the appropriate approval.

The same principle applies to:

• Cafés

• Cloud kitchens

• Bakeries

• Catering businesses

• Delivery-only kitchens

• Food stalls

• Hotels serving food

The exact category of registration or licence will depend upon the applicable eligibility criteria.

Do Home Bakers Need an FSSAI Licence?

Home-based businesses are not automatically exempt merely because food is prepared from a residential premises.

A home baker or home-based food operator may require FSSAI Registration or an FSSAI Licence, depending upon turnover, scale and nature of operations.

Small businesses should therefore check their eligibility rather than assuming that FSSAI rules apply only to restaurants and factories.

Do Cloud Kitchens Need an FSSAI Licence?

Yes, a cloud kitchen carrying on a food business is ordinarily required to obtain the appropriate FSSAI registration or licence.

The absence of dine-in customers does not remove food-safety obligations.

For regulatory purposes, the relevant question is the food business being conducted—not whether customers physically sit at the premises.

Do Quick-Commerce Warehouses and Dark Stores Need FSSAI Compliance?

Businesses storing and distributing food can also fall within the food-safety regulatory framework.

The recent inspection and suspension involving a quick-commerce dark store in Mumbai is an important reminder that warehouses and fulfilment facilities dealing with food products can face the same regulatory scrutiny as more traditional food establishments.

Businesses operating in quick commerce should therefore review not only their licences but also:

• Storage practices

• Pest control

• Segregation of expired goods

• Cold-chain requirements

• Handling of fruits and vegetables

• Hygiene of storage premises

• Traceability of products

FSSAI Compliance in Maharashtra: Why Businesses Should Review Their Position Now

The enforcement environment in Maharashtra has become particularly active.

Recent inspections have affected restaurants, clubs, manufacturers, warehouses and other establishments. Regulatory findings reported during these actions have included poor hygiene, pests, improper storage, expired food and other alleged violations.

For restaurants and other food businesses in Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nashik and other parts of Maharashtra, this is an appropriate time to conduct a proactive FSSAI compliance review.

Businesses should particularly verify:

• Whether they hold the correct FSSAI licence;

• Whether it covers their present activities;

• Whether modifications made to the business have been reflected in the licence;

• Whether prescribed hygiene requirements are being followed;

• Whether records can be produced during an inspection;

• Whether packaged products comply with labelling requirements; and

• Whether operational teams know how to respond when a Food Safety Officer conducts an inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions About FSSAI Licences

Where can I apply for an FSSAI licence?

Applications can be filed online through FSSAI's Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS).

Is FSSAI registration mandatory?

Food businesses falling within the Food Safety and Standards Act's registration or licensing framework must obtain the applicable registration or licence before carrying on the relevant food business.

What is the difference between FSSAI registration and an FSSAI licence?

Registration is intended for eligible petty or small food businesses, while larger or specified businesses require a State or Central Licence.

Can I get an FSSAI licence online?

Yes. Applications for new registrations and licences are available through FoSCoS.

What is the cost of FSSAI registration?

The official FoSCoS fee schedule presently lists the government fee for basic registration at ₹100 per year.

What is the cost of a Central FSSAI licence?

The FoSCoS fee schedule presently lists ₹7,500 per year as the government fee for a Central Licence.

Can an FSSAI licence be suspended?

Yes. Depending upon the nature of the violation and statutory process followed, regulatory action may include improvement directions, suspension or cancellation of a food licence.

Can I challenge suspension of an FSSAI licence?

Depending upon the order passed, the authority involved and the applicable statutory provisions, appellate or other legal remedies may be available. The order and inspection record should be examined before determining the appropriate remedy.

Need Assistance With an FSSAI Licence or Food Safety Compliance?

Apar Law advises businesses on food and consumer regulatory compliance, licensing issues, responses to regulatory notices and disputes arising from enforcement action.

Businesses facing an FSSAI inspection, licence suspension, show-cause notice or other action should review the relevant inspection record and statutory process promptly, particularly where the regulatory action affects ongoing business operations.

This article is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.