FSSAI State License Process| Documents| Fees
FSSAI State License
An FSSAI State Licence is essential for operating a food business within a single state in India. It is a state-specific licence issued by the respective State Food Safety Authority and is mandatory for Food Business Operators (FBOs) whose annual turnover exceeds ₹12 lakh but is less than ₹20 crore. In the case of food transporters, the turnover threshold for a State Licence extends up to ₹30 crore per annum.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) ensures that food businesses comply with prescribed safety, hygiene, and quality standards to protect public health. Obtaining the correct FSSAI licence based on turnover and business activity is a statutory requirement for all food businesses in India.
BizCatalyst Technologies is a trusted service provider for FSSAI State Licence registration, offering fast, reliable, and cost-effective assistance to help food businesses remain fully compliant with regulatory requirements.
What is the FSSAI State License?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established in 2006 as an autonomous body under the Government of India. It is responsible for regulating and monitoring food safety and quality standards across the country in accordance with prescribed guidelines.
FSSAI categorises food business registrations into three types: Basic, State, and Central. As per FSSAI norms, any Food Business Operator (FBO) with an annual turnover exceeding ₹12 lakh but not exceeding ₹20 crore is required to obtain an FSSAI State Licence.
An FSSAI State Licence applies to a wide range of food-related businesses, including food manufacturers, processors, packers and re-packers, dairy and dairy product units, storage facilities, distributors, importers, and exporters operating within a single state. This licence ensures that such businesses comply with food safety regulations and maintain quality standards throughout their operations.
Importance of the FSSAI State License?
An FSSAI State Licence is essential for the following reasons:
Legal Requirement:
An FSSAI licence is a statutory requirement for food businesses. Operating without valid FSSAI registration can result in heavy penalties, substantial fines, or even imprisonment under applicable food safety laws.
Business Growth:
An FSSAI State Licence enhances the credibility of food businesses at the state level, helping them gain recognition, expand operations, and attract more customers and business opportunities.
Consumer Trust:
Displaying the FSSAI logo and licence number on food products builds consumer confidence by assuring customers that the food is safe, hygienic, and compliant with regulatory standards.
Quality Assurance:
An FSSAI State Licence ensures that food products meet prescribed safety and quality standards, helping maintain consistency, hygiene, and compliance across the food supply chain.
Eligibility of FSSAI State License
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) prescribes specific eligibility conditions for obtaining an FSSAI State Licence. A food business operator is eligible if it meets any of the following criteria:
Turnover-Based Eligibility:
Food businesses operating within a single state with an annual turnover exceeding ₹12 lakh but not exceeding ₹20 crore.Food Processing Units:
Food processing plants, including re-labellers and re-packers, with a production capacity of more than 2 metric tonnes per day, without an upper limit.Dairy Units:
Dairy processing and milk chilling units with a handling capacity ranging from 500 litres to 50,000 litres of milk per day.Hotels:
Hotels classified as 4-star or below.Storage Facilities:
Food storage units having a total storage capacity of less than 50,000 metric tonnes per annum.Small and Medium Processing Facilities:
Food processing and repacking units with a daily capacity ranging from more than 100 kg up to 2 metric tonnes per day.Slaughterhouses:
Slaughter units with any one of the following daily capacities:More than 2 and up to 50 large animals, or
More than 10 and up to 150 small animals, or
More than 50 and up to 1,000 poultry birds.
Document Required for FSSAI State License
The following documents are required for obtaining an FSSAI State Licence under the guidelines issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):
Passport-size photographs of the applicant
Identity proof and address proof of the applicant (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence)
PAN card of the applicant
Proof of ownership of business premises (if the premises are owned)
Rent agreement along with No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord (if the premises are rented)
Details of raw material suppliers
Form B, duly filled and signed by the applicant
List of machinery and equipment installed at the business premises
NOC from the local municipal authority or local body
Details of food categories and proposed food products to be manufactured, processed, or handled
Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, if applicable
Form IX (Nomination of authorised person)
Authorisation letter mentioning the name and address of the responsible person
Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan
Submission of complete and accurate documentation ensures faster processing and smooth approval of the FSSAI State Licence.
Process of FSSAI State Registration
The applicant must follow the steps below to obtain an FSSAI State Licence in India:
Step 1: Visit the Official FSSAI Portal
The Food Business Operator (FBO) must visit the FoSCoS Portal and select the option for New Registration/Licence.
The applicant must fill Form B based on the business’s annual turnover and nature of operations. All required documents must be uploaded before proceeding to pay the applicable government fee.
Step 2: Application Verification by FSSAI Authority
After successful payment and submission of the application, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) reviews the application.
The authority generally responds within 7 working days. If required, a premises inspection may be scheduled by the Food Safety Officer for further verification.
Step 3: Clearance and Approval
Once the inspection (if applicable) and document verification are completed, and all queries are resolved, the Food Safety Officer recommends the application for approval.
Step 4: Issuance of FSSAI State Licence
Upon approval, FSSAI issues the 14-digit FSSAI State Licence number, which must be clearly displayed on food products, packaging, invoices, and business premises in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Cost of FSSAI State License
The government fee for an FSSAI State Licence varies based on the nature of the food business and its production capacity, as outlined below:
FSSAI State Licence – Government Fee Structure
| Category / Production Capacity | Government Fee (Per Annum) |
|---|---|
| Restaurants, Boarding Houses, Clubs, Canteens, Caterers, Banquet Halls, Hotels (Below 3-Star), Food Vendors | ₹2,000 |
| Food Business Operators with: • Production capacity below 1 MT per day, or • Milk handling 501 to 10,000 litres per day, or • Milk solids 2.5 MT to 500 MT per annum | ₹3,000 |
| Hotels (3-Star and Above) OR • Production capacity above 1 MT per day, or • Milk handling 10,001 to 50,000 litres per day, or • Milk solids 501 MT to 2,500 MT per annum | ₹5,000 |
Important Notes
Basic FSSAI Registration fee: ₹100 per annum
FSSAI Central Licence fee: ₹7,500 per annum
The above fee structure specifically applies to FSSAI State Licences, and the applicable fee must be paid annually based on business capacity and category.
Validity and Renewal of FSSAI State License
An FSSAI State Licence is issued with a validity period ranging from 1 year to 5 years, as chosen by the Food Business Operator (FBO) at the time of application. To ensure uninterrupted operations, the licence must be renewed at least 30 days before its expiry.
If the licence is not renewed within the prescribed time, a renewal application may still be submitted within 180 days from the date of expiry, subject to applicable late fees. However, no renewal application is permitted after 180 days, and the FBO must apply for a fresh FSSAI licence in such cases.
Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI licence attracts penalties and legal consequences under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which may include fines and imprisonment.
