Food license - FSSAI registration for food businesses

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It regulates and supervises food safety in India.

Yes, FSSAI registration or license is mandatory for all food businesses operating in India. This includes manufacturers, processors, packers, traders, distributors, transporters, and retailers of food products.

Under FSSAI's order effective 1 April 2026, the general turnover bands are registration up to ₹1.5 crore, State licence above ₹1.5 crore through ₹50 crore, and Central licence above ₹50 crore. Activity-specific criteria may change the correct route.

Under the March 2026 amendment, a granted registration or licence continues unless suspended, cancelled or surrendered. Applicable annual fees, returns and food-safety duties still apply.

Yes, FSSAI applications can be filed online on the FoSCoS portal. The entire process is digital, from application to license issuance.

Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, as amended in 2023, provides a penalty up to ₹10 lakh for a business required to hold a licence that operates without it. The licensing exception for operators registered under section 31(2) must be considered.

FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) is the online portal launched by FSSAI for filing licence applications, modifications, annual compliance actions and tracking application status. It replaced the old FLRS system.

Food businesses must meet the applicable food-safety standards for their products and activities. The licence or registration category should be checked for the specific food business on FoSCoS.

Yes, online food sellers, e-commerce platforms, and cloud kitchens all require FSSAI registration or license depending on their turnover and food categories.

No, FSSAI license is non-transferable. If ownership changes, a new license application must be filed by the new owner.

FSSAI regulates all food products for safety and quality. AGMARK (Agricultural Marketing) certifies the quality of specific agricultural commodities like fruits, vegetables, cereals, and spices.

Yes, food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato must have FSSAI registration. Individual restaurant partners on these platforms must also have valid FSSAI licenses.

FSSAI product approval is required for novel foods, health supplements, nutraceuticals, and food products containing new ingredients. The approval process involves safety assessment by FSSAI before the product can be marketed.

The March 2026 amendment removed routine fixed-period renewal. A granted registration or licence continues unless suspended, cancelled or surrendered; check annual fee, applicable return and modification duties on FoSCoS.

Under the general turnover order effective 1 April 2026, the State licence band is above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore, subject to activity-specific criteria. It continues unless suspended, cancelled or surrendered, with annual compliance duties.