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FSSAI License Registration Process for Food Businesses

FSSAI License Registration Process for Food Businesses (2025 Humane Guide)

Starting or scaling a food business—be it a cloud kitchen, bakery, or restaurant—means ensuring you stay compliant with food safety standards. Registering FSSAI license online is your essential first step toward operating legally, building trust, and listing on third-party delivery platforms.

 

This guide walks you through the simple, human-friendly process to get your FSSAI license in 2025, including cost, documentation, and must-know timelines for cloud kitchens & restaurants.

What Is FSSAI & Why Does It Matter?

  • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issues licenses to all food businesses to certify hygiene, quality, and regulatory compliance.

  • Having an FSSAI license is mandatory, and operating without one can lead to fines of up to ₹5 lakh and possible closure.

  • You'll need your FSSAI number to sell on Zomato, Swiggy, Amazon, or operate any food outlet.

Types of FSSAI License (Who Needs What?)

  • Basic Registration: For turnover up to ₹12 lakh/year (home kitchens, tiny food businesses).

  • State License: For turnover ₹12 lakh–₹20 crore/year (most cloud kitchens, restaurants, regional brands).

  • Central License: For turnover over ₹20 crore/year or multi-state operations (large food businesses, exporters, importers).

Step-by-Step: FSSAI License Online Registration

  1. Determine Your License Type

    • Check annual turnover and scale of operations.

    • Tip: Cloud kitchens can start with a Basic or State License as needed.

  2. Gather Documents

    • ID Proof (Aadhaar, PAN)

    • Address Proof

    • Passport photo

    • Kitchen/Shop premises proof (rent agreement/utility bill/NOC from landlord)

    • Food Safety Management Plan (simple hygiene checklist)

    • Business registration certificate (if company/partnership)

    • Other specific docs (for State/Central License)—layout of kitchen, NOC from municipality, list of food categories, etc.

  3. Apply Online at the FoSCoS Portal

    • Go to foscos.fssai.gov.in

    • Click “Apply for License/Registration”

    • Enter your state, business category (restaurant, home kitchen, cloud kitchen, etc.), and type of license.

    • Fill out the application (Form A for Basic; Form B for State/Central License).

    • Upload required documents and pay the fee (₹100–₹7,500/year; varies by license/state).

  4. Track Application Status

    • Your 17-digit reference number helps you monitor progress on the portal.

    • Respond quickly if documents are queried or the application is reverted for clarification.

  5. Inspection (if needed)

    • State/Central License usually involves a site inspection for hygiene & standards.

    • Ensure your kitchen/workspace is clean and hygienic to avoid delays.

  6. Get Your FSSAI License Certificate

    • Once approved, download your digital license certificate from the FoSCoS dashboard.

    • Print and display your 14-digit FSSAI number on premises and food packaging.

Timelines & Cost (2025)

License Type Cost (Annual) Processing Time
Basic Registration ₹100–₹500 7–10 working days
State License ₹2,000–₹5,000 15–30 days
Central License ₹7,500+ 25–45 days
 
  • Additional professional/consultant fees may apply if you use an agency, but DIY is easy for most startups.

  • Valid for 1–5 years, renew before expiry to avoid starting afresh.

Tips for Cloud Kitchens & Restaurants

  • Cloud kitchens MUST hold an FSSAI license to list on Swiggy, Zomato, etc.

  • Match your application “business type” to your real operations (catering, online kitchen, retail, etc.).

  • Have all documents scanned, clear, and ready—mismatches or missing data are the top reasons for delays or rejection.

  • Track your application, and respond to any queries quickly to avoid rejection or long delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is a license mandatory for home kitchens?
    Yes—Basic Registration is needed, even for small-scale or home food businesses.

  • Can you upgrade your license later?
    Yes, as your business grows and crosses turnover limits, you can apply for renewal/upgrade via the same FoSCoS portal.

  • Can you operate in multiple locations?
    Separate licenses are required for each premises; a Central License is needed for operations in multiple states.

Humane Bottom Line

  • The FSSAI license online process is clear, affordable, and user-friendly in 2025.

  • It protects your brand, keeps your business legal, and opens the door to partnerships and delivery platforms.

  • Keep your hygiene standards high, your documents ready, and your FSSAI number visible—and you’ll be on your way to serving safe, trusted food quickly!

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