What is FSSAI and why do I need a license?

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is the statutory food regulatory body of India. Any business involved in manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, or sale of food must obtain FSSAI license/registration. Operating without one risks penalties up to ₹5 lakh and imprisonment.

What are the FSSAI license types in India?

There are 3 types: (1) Basic Registration — turnover up to ₹1.5 Crore/year; (2) State License — turnover ₹1.5 Crore to ₹50 Crore/year; (3) Central License — turnover above ₹50 Crore or multi-state/importer/exporter operations.

How long does FSSAI registration take?

FSSAI Basic Registration takes 7–10 working days. State License takes 30–45 days. Central License takes 45–60 days. With Velco Legal India, we prepare and submit your application within 24 hours.

What is the cost of FSSAI license in India?

Government fees: Basic Registration ₹100/year, State License ₹2,000–₹5,000/year, Central License ₹7,500/year. Velco Legal India professional service fees start at ₹999 for Basic Registration.

What documents are required for FSSAI registration?

For Basic Registration: Photo ID proof, address proof of business, passport size photo. For State/Central License: additionally business registration certificate, rental agreement/ownership proof, food safety management plan, list of food categories.

Can I get FSSAI license online?

Yes. FSSAI licenses are applied 100% online through the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in). Velco Legal India provides complete online assistance — no physical office visit needed anywhere in India.

What is the penalty for operating without FSSAI license?

Operating a food business without FSSAI license attracts imprisonment up to 6 months and/or fine up to ₹5 lakh under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

How to renew FSSAI license?

FSSAI license must be renewed 30 days before expiry through FoSCoS portal. Late renewal attracts a penalty of ₹100/day. Velco Legal India handles renewal for ₹999 onwards with 24-hour application submission.

FSSAI Documents Required 2026 — Complete Checklist

Preparing the right documents before applying on FoSCoS is the most important step in getting your FSSAI license quickly. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 reason for application delays and rejections. Here is the complete 2026 document checklist, organized by license type.

Documents for FSSAI Basic Registration

These are required for all applicants seeking Basic Registration (turnover up to ₹1.5 crore):

Photo Identity Proof — Aadhaar Card (preferred), PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport
Passport-size Photograph — recent, clear background
Address Proof of Business — electricity bill, rent agreement, or property tax receipt
Bank Account Details — cancelled cheque or bank passbook copy
List of Food Products — handwritten or typed list of all products you manufacture/sell
Nature of Business Declaration — whether manufacturing, trading, storage, or service

Documents for FSSAI State License

In addition to basic documents, State License (₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore) requires:

Business Registration Certificate — GST registration, Shop & Establishment Certificate, Udyam Registration, or Company Incorporation Certificate
Layout Plan of Business Premises — drawn to scale, showing kitchen/production area, storage, toilets, entry/exit
Water Testing Report — from NABL-accredited laboratory (mandatory for manufacturers)
NOC from Municipality — if required by your state/district
Partnership Deed / MOA & AOA — for partnerships and companies
Board Resolution — authorizing a director to sign FSSAI documents (for companies)
List of Equipment and Machinery — for manufacturing businesses

Document Format: All documents must be in PDF format. Each file should be under 1 MB. Scan documents at 150–200 DPI for best quality. Blurry or unreadable uploads will cause application rejection.

Documents for FSSAI Central License

Central License (above ₹50 crore or importers) requires all State License documents plus:

IEC (Importer Exporter Code) — mandatory for importers and exporters
Detailed Facility Layout Plan — CAD drawing or architect-certified plan
Equipment List with Technical Specifications
HACCP / ISO 22000 / BRC Certificate — if available
Product Formulation / Recipe Details — for all food products
Sewage Disposal Scheme — for manufacturing premises
Brand / Trademark Registration — if applicable
NOC from Ministry of Commerce — for certain categories

Special Documents by Business Type

Restaurants and Hotels

Fire NOC from Fire Department
Health Trade License from local municipal body

Cold Storage and Warehouses

Cold storage technical specifications
Temperature monitoring records sample

Dairy Businesses

Milk procurement certificate from state dairy board
Pasteurization equipment details

Conclusion

Having all documents ready before starting your FoSCoS application saves significant time. Velco Legal India provides a customized document checklist specific to your business type and helps you prepare, scan, and organize all documents before filing. Get a free consultation today.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration: Complete Checklist 2026