A Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining an FSSAI License in India from Registration to Central Licensing
- Myperfectpack
- 12 hours ago
- 5 min read
Obtaining an FSSAI license is a crucial step for anyone involved in the food business in India. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates food safety and ensures that food products meet quality standards. Without the proper license, food businesses cannot legally operate, which can lead to penalties or closure. This guide breaks down the process of obtaining an FSSAI license, explaining the different categories, eligibility criteria, required documents, and application procedures. It also offers practical tips to help you navigate the process smoothly and avoid common mistakes.
🚀 How MyPerfectPack as an FSSAI Food Mitra Helps You
MyPerfectPack offers specialised support as an official FSSAI Food Safety Mitra — a trained professional certified to help food businesses with compliance and licensing. Here’s how they can speed up and simplify your FSSAI application:
✅ 1. Expert Guidance on Licence Type
They help you choose the correct FSSAI category (Basic / State / Central) based on your business size and turnover — a key step to avoid rejection.
✅ 2. Complete Documentation Support
They assist with collecting, checking and organising all required documents so that your application is error-free.
✅ 3. End-to-End Filing on FoSCoS
As Food Mitra, the MyPerfectPack team upload your details, fill forms, pay fees, and communicate with authorities on your behalf — saving you time and hassle.
✅ 4. Faster Communication
They coordinate submission, follow-ups, and any queries from FSSAI officers quickly — which reduces delays.
✅ 5. Help With Renewals & Modifications
They also support renewals, updates, or licence changes in future, which makes compliance ongoing and easier
Basic Registration for Small Food Businesses
Who Needs Basic Registration?
Basic Registration is designed for small food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs. This includes small manufacturers, retailers, hawkers, petty food vendors, and small-scale food service providers. If your business falls under this turnover limit and operates at a local level, Basic Registration is the right starting point.
Eligibility Criteria
Annual turnover must not exceed ₹12 lakhs.
Business must operate within a single state or union territory.
Includes small-scale food manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, hawkers, and petty food vendors.
Required Documents
Proof of identity of the business owner (Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport).
Proof of business address (rental agreement, electricity bill, or property tax receipt).
Passport-sized photograph of the applicant.
Food safety management plan or certificate (if applicable).
List of food products to be handled or sold.
Declaration form signed by the applicant.
Application Procedure
Visit the FSSAI online portal and register as a new user. Link : https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/
Fill out the Basic Registration form with accurate business details.
Upload the required documents.
Pay the registration fee (usually nominal or free for Basic Registration).
Submit the application and wait for approval, which typically takes 7 to 15 days.
Once approved, you will receive a 14-digit FSSAI registration number.
If you have any doubt , call us 1800-309-0135 , 9036016421
State License for Medium-Sized Food Businesses
Who Needs a State License?
Businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores require a State License. This category covers medium-sized food manufacturers, storage units, transporters, distributors, and food service providers operating within a state.
Eligibility Criteria
Annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores.
Business operates within a single state.
Includes manufacturers, storage units, transporters, distributors, and caterers.
Required Documents
Completed application form (Form B).
Proof of identity and address of the business owner.
Proof of business premises ownership or lease agreement.
List of food products handled.
Food safety management system plan.
NOC from the local municipality or health department.
Water testing report from an authorized lab.
Food handler’s training certificate.
Incorporation certificate or partnership deed (if applicable).
Layout plan of the processing unit or kitchen.
Application Procedure
Register on the FSSAI online portal and select the State License application.
Fill out Form B with detailed business information.
Upload all required documents in the prescribed format.
Pay the applicable fee based on the turnover and category.
Submit the application for review.
The licensing authority may conduct an inspection of the premises.
Upon successful inspection and verification, the State License is issued within 30 to 60 days.
Central License for Large and Export-Oriented Food Businesses
Who Needs a Central License?
Central License is mandatory for large food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crores or those involved in import/export, operating in multiple states, or running 10 or more manufacturing units.
Eligibility Criteria
Annual turnover above ₹20 crores.
Businesses operating in more than one state.
Importers and exporters of food products.
Food businesses with 10 or more manufacturing units.
Large-scale manufacturers, storage units, transporters, and distributors.
Required Documents
Application form (Form A) completed with detailed business information.
Proof of identity and address of the applicant.
Business registration certificate or incorporation documents.
List of food products handled.
Detailed layout plan of the manufacturing unit.
Food safety management plan.
NOC from local authorities.
Water analysis report.
Food handler’s training certificates.
Import/export license (if applicable).
Proof of turnover (audited financial statements).
Application Procedure
Register on the FSSAI portal and choose the Central License application.
Complete Form A with all necessary details.
Upload the required documents carefully.
Pay the license fee based on the turnover slab.
Submit the application for processing.
The FSSAI authority will conduct an inspection of the premises.
After successful verification, the Central License is issued within 60 days.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
Prepare documents in advance: Gather all necessary documents before starting the application to avoid delays.
Use the official FSSAI portal: Always apply through the official website to prevent fraud or misinformation.
Check document formats: Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and in the required format (PDF, JPEG).
Be accurate: Provide truthful and consistent information to avoid rejection.
Follow up: Track your application status regularly on the portal.
Train your staff: Ensure food handlers have valid training certificates to meet compliance.
Maintain hygiene: Premises should be clean and compliant with food safety standards before inspection.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents.
Underestimating the turnover and applying for the wrong license category.
Ignoring the need for local NOCs and water testing reports.
Delaying renewal of the license, which can lead to penalties.
Not maintaining proper records and food safety management systems.
Applying through unofficial agents or websites.
Failing to prepare for the inspection process.
🧠 What a Food Safety Mitra Is
Under FSSAI’s scheme, a Food Safety Mitra is a certified professional who supports food businesses in compliance processes such as licensing, training, and digital filings:
Digital Mitra: Assists with online applications and compliance
Trainer Mitra: Provides food safety training
Hygiene Mitra: Helps with hygiene ratings and audits
MyPerfectPack acts as a Digital Mitra, helping you through the licence application and compliance workflows swiftly.
📌 Final Tips
✔ Apply well before you start selling/serving food — FSSAI compliance is mandatory and delays can halt operations.
✔ Choose the right category — wrong selection is a common cause of rejection.
✔ Use a Mitra like MyPerfectPack if you want hassle-free, faster approval with professional assistance.