Any food business operating in India — from a restaurant in India to a home-based baker, food processor, or import trader — must obtain FSSAI registration or licence under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006. The applicable category (Basic Registration, State Licence, or Central Licence) depends on your annual turnover and business type. BigMind Consulting handles FSSAI applications, FoSCoS portal filing, document compilation, and annual renewals for food businesses across India.
FSSAI registration types — which applies to you?
FSSAI Basic Registration
Turnover
Up to ₹12 lakh/year
Business Examples
Petty food manufacturers, small retail shops, small food vendors, home-based food sellers
Annual Fee
₹100/year
State FSSAI Licence
Turnover
₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore/year
Business Examples
Restaurants, hotels, food manufacturers, processors, storage facilities, retailers above ₹12L
Annual Fee
₹2,000–₹7,500/year (category-dependent)
Central FSSAI Licence
Turnover
Above ₹20 crore/year (or special categories)
Business Examples
Large manufacturers, importers, e-commerce food businesses, dairy units, 100% EOU
Annual Fee
₹7,500/year (food business) to ₹75,000 (importers)
Documents required for FSSAI registration in India
Basic Registration (Form A)
- Aadhaar Card of applicant
- Passport-size photograph
- Business address proof
- List of food products to be sold/manufactured
State / Central Licence (Form B)
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Business registration documents (incorporation cert, MSME, etc.)
- Food safety management plan or HACCP/ISO certificate (for large businesses)
- Water test report (for manufacturing units)
- Layout plan of premises
- List of food products and equipment
- NOC from municipality / pollution board (if applicable)
FSSAI application process on FoSCoS portal
Create Account on FoSCoS Portal
Register at foscos.fssai.gov.in with your mobile number and email. BigMind manages the full portal process on your behalf.
Select Correct Licence Category
Choose Basic Registration (Form A) or State/Central Licence (Form B) based on your turnover and business type. Selecting the wrong category causes delays.
Fill Application & Upload Documents
Complete all sections of the application form, upload required documents, and pay the applicable fee online.
State Authority Review
For State Licences in India, the application is reviewed by the India State Food Safety Commissioner's office. A food safety officer may inspect the premises.
FSSAI Registration / Licence Issued
Upon approval, the FSSAI 14-digit registration/licence number is issued. The licence certificate must be prominently displayed at the food premises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between FSSAI Basic Registration, State Licence, and Central Licence?
FSSAI Basic Registration is for small food businesses with annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh. State Licence is for medium-sized food businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore. Central Licence is required for large food businesses with turnover exceeding ₹20 crore, food importers, e-commerce food businesses, and manufacturers/processors with Central licence criteria. BigMind Consulting advises on the applicable category.
Is FSSAI registration mandatory for a home-based food business in India?
Yes. Any person or entity involved in the manufacture, processing, storage, distribution, sale, or import of food products must obtain FSSAI registration or licence, regardless of scale. A home-based food business (e.g., a cloud kitchen or homemade food seller) with turnover below ₹12 lakh qualifies for Basic Registration.
How long is an FSSAI licence valid and when must it be renewed?
FSSAI licences and registrations are valid for 1 to 5 years, at the applicant's option. Renewal must be filed at least 30 days before the expiry date. Operating with an expired FSSAI licence is a food safety offence attracting penalties including cancellation.
Can a restaurant in India operate with just a Basic FSSAI Registration?
A restaurant with annual turnover above ₹12 lakh requires a State FSSAI Licence, not just Basic Registration. Most established restaurants in India will need a State Licence. For restaurants with turnover above ₹20 crore or those operating in multiple states, a Central Licence applies.
What is the FoSCoS portal and how is FSSAI registration filed?
FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) is the FSSAI's online portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in) for filing new registrations, licences, renewals, and modifications. BigMind Consulting files all FSSAI applications through the FoSCoS portal on behalf of clients, coordinating with the India State Food Safety Commissioner's office where required.
Related Guides
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BigMind Consulting handles FSSAI registration and licence applications for food businesses across India and India.
BigMind Consulting · FSSAI Registration & Food Business Licensing · India