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 Compliance Calendar 2026 — Key Dates

Staying on top of FSSAI compliance deadlines is critical for every food business. Missing deadlines means penalties, legal notices, and business disruption. Here is your 2026 FSSAI compliance calendar.

Annual Compliance Deadlines

May 31, 2026: FSSAI Annual Return (Form D1/D2) filing deadline for FY 2025–26 — State and Central licensees
Ongoing: Monitor license validity for pre-2026 licenses and initiate renewal 30 days before expiry

Monthly Compliance Activities

Check refrigerator and storage temperatures daily (record in log)
Pest control inspection (monthly for food businesses)
Review food supplier credentials and batch records
Verify all packaged products are within shelf life

Quarterly Activities

Professional pest control treatment and documentation
Review and update allergen management procedures
Staff hygiene training refresher
Internal food safety audit

Annual Activities

Water quality testing (NABL-accredited lab)
FoSTaC certificate renewal check (valid for 3 years)
FSSAI license validity verification
Annual return filing by May 31
Hygiene rating renewal (if applicable)

Important 2026 Dates

April 1, 2026: New FSSAI thresholds effective — ₹1.5 Cr / ₹50 Cr
April 1, 2026: Perpetual validity for new licenses
May 31, 2026: Annual return filing deadline

Conclusion

Set calendar reminders for all these dates. Velco Legal India offers annual compliance monitoring services — we track your deadlines and ensure you never miss a critical FSSAI filing. Ask about our compliance retainer packages.

FSSAI Compliance Calendar 2026: Key Dates Every Food Business Must Know