FSSAI License Type Finder
Find out which FSSAI license your food business needs in seconds. Our free interactive tool analyzes your turnover, food category, area of operation, and manufacturing capacity to recommend the correct license - FSSAI Registration, State License, or Central License.
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The key facts, in one place
Everything a founder usually has to piece together from five different pages, in one place.
- License Types
- 3 CategoriesRegistration, State License, Central License
- Processing Time
- 7-60 DaysVaries by license type
- Govt. Fee Range
- ₹100-₹7,500/yr
- Validity
- 1-5 YearsApplicant's choice at the time of filing
- Mandatory For
- All FBOsAll food business operators in India
- Portal
- FoSCoSfoscos.fssai.gov.in
What is the FSSAI License Type Finder?
The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) requires every food business operator (FBO) in India to obtain a valid license or registration. The correct license category depends on your business's annual turnover, manufacturing capacity, area of operation, and food category.
Our FSSAI License Type Finder simplifies this determination. By answering a few questions about your business, you instantly learn whether you need FSSAI Registration (Form A), a State License (Form B), a Central License (Form B), or if your cottage-scale business is exempt.
The FSSAI Act, 2006 mandates that no person shall commence or carry on any food business unless they hold a valid license or registration. Non-compliance attracts penalties up to ₹5 lakh and/or imprisonment.
FSSAI License Types Compared
Understand the three FSSAI license categories and which applies to your business.
Registration (Form A)
Below ₹12 lakh
Central License (Form B)
Above ₹1 crore
| Aspect | Registration (Form A) | Central License (Form B) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Turnover | Below ₹12 lakh | Above ₹1 crore |
| Manufacturing Capacity | Below 100 kg/day | Above 2 MT/day |
| Area of Operation | Single state | Multiple states / International |
| Government Fee (per year) | ₹100 | ₹7,500 |
| Processing Time | 7-10 days | 30-60 days |
| Applicable Businesses | Small retailers, petty vendors, cottage units | Large manufacturers, importers, exporters, chain restaurants |
| Business Type | Sole proprietorship, small shops | Companies, corporations, online platforms |
Who Needs FSSAI License Type Finder?
- All food business operators (FBOs) in India who manufacture, process, store, distribute, or sell food products.
- Food manufacturers ranging from small cottage units to large-scale industrial plants.
- Restaurants, hotels, dhabas, caterers, and food service providers.
- Retailers, distributors, wholesalers, and grocery stores selling packaged or unpackaged food.
- Importers and exporters of food products.
- Online food delivery platforms and e-commerce food sellers.
- Canteens, mid-day meal providers, and institutional kitchens.
- Anyone unsure which FSSAI category applies to their food business.
Documents Required
Common to every entity
- Government-issued Photo ID (Aadhaar / PAN / Voter ID)Mandatory
- Address Proof of Business PremisesMandatory
- Photograph of Food Business Operator (FBO)Mandatory
- List of Food ProductsMandatory
- FSSAI Application Form (Form A or Form B)Mandatory
- Partnership Deed / MoA / AoA (for entities)
- Certificate of Incorporation (for companies)
- NOC from Local Municipality / Panchayat
- Water Test Report (FSSAI-recognized lab)
- Recall Plan (for manufacturers / importers)
- Import Export Code (IEC) for importers/exporters
- Proof of Turnover (ITR / Balance Sheet)
How to Apply for FSSAI License
Determine Your License Type
This is the most critical step. Applying for the wrong license category wastes time and money.
Prepare Required Documents
Ensure all documents are self-attested, legible, and match the information in your application. Incomplete documentation is the #1 cause of delays.
Create FoSCoS Account
Use your mobile number and email ID to create an account. OTP verification is required.
Fill & Submit Application
Be extremely careful with the details - especially your business name, address, and product list. Errors lead to queries and rejection.
Pay Government Fee
Fee depends on license type and validity period. Keep the payment receipt for your records.
Department Review & Inspection
Ensure your facility meets food safety and hygiene standards before the inspection. Keep all documents ready.
Receive Your License
Download the certificate from the FoSCoS portal. Display it prominently at your business premises. The license number must also appear on food product labels for manufacturers.
Expected Timeline
The processing timeline varies by license type:
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | |
| Step 2 | |
| Step 3 | |
| Step 4 | |
| Step 5 | |
| Step 6 |
Pricing & Fees
Government fees and professional service charges for FSSAI license application.
FSSAI Registration
Registration for small businesses (turnover <₹12L)
- Form A application preparation
- Document verification
- FoSCoS filing
- Follow-up with authorities
- Certificate delivery
State License
State License for medium businesses (₹12L-₹20Cr)
- Form B application preparation
- Complete document handling
- FoSCoS filing & tracking
- Inspection coordination
- Dedicated relationship manager
- Certificate delivery
Central License
Central License for large businesses (>₹1Cr turnover)
- Form B + Annexure preparation
- Full documentation support
- FoSCoS filing & tracking
- Inspection coordination
- CA-supervised review
- Priority processing
- Certificate delivery
Full fee breakdown
| Particulars | Government fee | Professional fee |
|---|---|---|
| FSSAI Registration (per year) | ₹100 | ₹1,500+ |
| State License (per year) | ₹2,000 - ₹5,000 | ₹4,999+ |
| Central License (per year) | ₹7,500 | ₹9,999+ |
| License Renewal (per year) | Same as new license | 50% of new license fee |
| License Modification | ₹100 - ₹1,000 | ₹1,500+ |
Find Your FSSAI Service Plan
Tell us about your business and we'll recommend the right FSSAI service plan for you.
What type of food business do you have?
What is your approximate annual turnover?
Which FSSAI license do you need?
How soon do you need it?
Benefits of Using Our FSSAI Service
Expert Guidance
- CA-supervised team with 10+ years of FSSAI compliance experience. We know exactly which license category applies to your business.
Fast Processing
- Average 7-10 working days for Registration, 15-20 days for State License. We pre-verify documents to avoid rejections and delays.
End-to-End Service
- From document preparation and FoSCoS filing to inspection coordination and certificate delivery - we handle everything.
Compliance Assurance
- Fully compliant with the latest FSSAI regulations and FoSCoS portal requirements. Stay updated with changes in food safety norms.
Dedicated Support
- A dedicated relationship manager keeps you informed at every stage. Phone, email, and WhatsApp support available.
Renewal Management
- We track your license expiry dates and send timely reminders. Never miss a renewal deadline again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying for the wrong FSSAI category
Use our FSSAI License Type Finder tool above to determine the correct category before applying. Applying for a lower category when you need a higher one results in rejection and wasted time.
Incomplete or mismatched documents
Our team reviews all documents before submission. Ensure names, addresses, and details match exactly across all documents.
Missing renewal deadlines
Apply for renewal at least 90 days before expiry. Our service includes automatic reminder alerts so you never miss a deadline.
Not displaying the license at premises
FSSAI mandates that the license be prominently displayed at your business location. For manufacturers, the license number must appear on product labels.
Listing wrong food categories
Accurately declare all food products. Operating outside declared categories is a violation that can lead to penalties and license cancellation.
Ignoring FSSAI show-cause notices
Respond to all FSSAI communications within 30 days. Non-response leads to license rejection or cancellation. We monitor and respond on your behalf.
Every rejection above has a fix - most come down to how the innovation note is written, not the business itself. Most applicants don't know that until after the rejection.
If you have already been rejected, or want to make sure it does not happen, the 15-minute call below is the fastest path.
Why Choose Bizeneed for FSSAI License?
Frequently asked questions
FSSAI Registration (Form A) is a basic registration for small food businesses with turnover below ₹12 lakh per year. An FSSAI License (Form B) includes both State License (for turnover ₹12 lakh - ₹20 crore) and Central License (for turnover above ₹1 crore or multi-state operations). Registration is simpler and faster; licenses require more documentation and may involve inspection.
The license type depends on three factors: (1) Annual turnover of your food business, (2) Manufacturing/processing capacity per day, and (3) Area of operation (single state vs. multi-state/international). Use our free FSSAI License Type Finder tool above for an instant determination based on your specific business details.
FSSAI Registration takes 7-10 working days. State License takes 15-30 working days. Central License takes 30-60 working days. These timelines include document review, possible inspection, and approval. Delays can occur due to incomplete documentation or queries from FSSAI authorities.
If your license expires, you can apply for renewal with a late fee. Operating with an expired license is treated as operating without a license and attracts penalties. You can apply for renewal up to 90 days before expiry. We recommend applying 60 days before expiry to avoid any risk of business disruption.
No, you do not need a separate license for each product. A single FSSAI Registration or License covers all food products your business deals with, as listed in your application. However, if you add new food categories later, you must apply for a modification to include them.
No. All food products sold online - through your website, Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato, or any other platform - must have a valid FSSAI license. Online food business aggregators themselves require a Central FSSAI License. Food platforms verify FSSAI numbers before listing sellers.
FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) is the official online portal of FSSAI (foscos.fssai.gov.in) for applying, tracking, and managing FSSAI Registrations and Licenses. All applications, renewals, and modifications must be submitted through this portal. It replaced the older SFLAM system in 2021.
Under Section 31 of the FSSAI Act, 2006: First offense - penalty up to ₹5 lakh and/or imprisonment up to 6 months. Subsequent offenses - penalty up to ₹10 lakh and/or imprisonment up to 1 year. FSSAI officers can also seize food products and seal business premises.
FSSAI licenses are not transferable. When a business changes ownership, the new owner must apply for a fresh FSSAI license or registration. The existing license must be surrendered. If the ownership change is within the same entity (e.g., change of partnership), a modification application can be filed.
Yes, if your home-based food business has annual turnover above ₹12 lakh, you need at least FSSAI Registration. Many home bakers and home chefs selling through online platforms have turnover below ₹12 lakh and may qualify for Registration. However, platforms like Swiggy and Zomato may require a full State or Central License.
FSSAI Registration is the basic form (Form A) for small food businesses. FSSAI License refers to State License (Form B) and Central License (also Form B with additional annexures). Registration is for small-scale operators; licenses are for medium to large-scale operators requiring more stringent compliance.
There are three types: (1) FSSAI Registration - for small businesses with turnover below ₹12 lakh, (2) State FSSAI License - for medium businesses with turnover ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore, and (3) Central FSSAI License - for large businesses with turnover above ₹1 crore, multi-state operations, or manufacturing capacity above 2 MT/day. Additionally, importers and exporters require a Central License.
Yes. You can apply for modifications through the FoSCoS portal for changes like business address, addition/removal of products, change of business name, or change of authorized signatory. A nominal fee applies. Significant changes may require re-inspection by FSSAI authorities.
Importers of food products must obtain a Central FSSAI License. Additionally, they need an Import Export Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Imported food products must comply with FSSAI standards and carry a label with FSSAI logo, license number, and country of origin.
FSSAI licenses can be renewed through the FoSCoS portal. You need your current license number, updated turnover proof, and any changes in business details. Apply at least 90 days before expiry. Renewal fee is the same as a new license. Late renewal incurs additional late fees. Our service handles renewal applications and sends reminder alerts.
Written by Bizeneed Research Team, FSSAI Compliance & Food Safety Registration Experts
Last updated 2026-09-06
Sources
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- FSSAI FoSCoS Portal
- Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. FSSAI regulations are subject to change. Always refer to the official FSSAI website for the latest guidelines and consult a qualified professional for your specific case.
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