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 State License Guide 2026 — Restaurants & Manufacturers

FSSAI State License is the mid-tier food license in India, required for food businesses with an annual turnover above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore (revised thresholds effective April 1, 2026). It is issued by the State Food Safety Commissioner or Designated Officer and is the most common license for restaurants, food manufacturers, and distributors.

Who Needs FSSAI State License?

Restaurants, hotels, and dhabas with turnover above ₹1.5 crore
Mid-sized food manufacturers and food processors
Food distributors, wholesalers, and C&F agents
Cold storage facilities and food warehouses
Catering businesses and banquet halls
Supermarkets, hypermarkets, and large retail stores
Dairy units and milk processing plants
Flour mills and grain processing units
Vegetable oil and fat processing units
Food service establishments and institutional canteens

April 2026 Thresholds: State License now covers turnover from ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore (previously ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore). Businesses previously requiring registration may now need a State License.

Documents Required

Government-issued ID proof of proprietor / partner / director
Passport-size photograph
Business registration certificate (GST / Shop Act / Udyam)
Proof of business premises (rent agreement / ownership documents)
Layout plan or blueprint of the business premises
List of food products manufactured, processed, or stored
Water testing report (for manufacturers)
NOC from municipality or local authority (if applicable)
Partnership deed / MOA and AOA (for companies)

Government Fees

The government fee for FSSAI State License ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per year depending on the type of food business and category. This is paid directly on the FoSCoS portal during application.

Application Process

Login to FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in)
Select "Apply for License" → choose State License
Fill Form B with complete business details
Select your Kind of Business (KOB) from the FSSAI list
Upload all required documents
Pay government fee online
Submit and note Application Reference Number
Await scrutiny and possible physical inspection
Receive State License (7–14 working days)

FoSTaC Training Requirement

State License holders must have at least one trained Food Safety Supervisor per 25 food handlers, certified through the FoSTaC (Food Safety Training and Certification) programme. This is mandatory and checked during FSSAI inspections.

Annual Return Filing

All State License holders must file FSSAI Annual Return (Form D1) by May 31 every year, covering food production, sales, and compliance details for the previous financial year. Failure to file attracts ₹100/day late fee.

Conclusion

FSSAI State License is the foundation of legal operation for growing food businesses. With Velco Legal India, you get end-to-end assistance — from document preparation to FoSCoS filing and follow-up. Starting at ₹2,499. Pay after delivery.

FSSAI State License: Step-by-Step Guide 2026