FSSAI Registration and License — Complete Guide for Food Businesses in India

Any person or entity engaged in the manufacture, processing, storage, distribution, import or sale of food products in India must obtain registration or a license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This applies to everyone from street food vendors to large food manufacturers. Here is the complete guide.

Three Levels of FSSAI Registration/License

1. FSSAI Basic Registration (Form A):

• For small food businesses with annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh
• Petty food manufacturers, small retailers, hawkers, dhaba owners, home-based food businesses
• Valid for 1-5 years (renewable)
• Applied at the District level through FoSCoS portal

2. FSSAI State License (Form B):

• For medium food businesses with annual turnover above ₹12 lakh and up to ₹20 crore
• Hotels, restaurants, caterers, food manufacturers within one state, cold storage operators, small-scale manufacturers
• Applied through the State Food Safety Authority

3. FSSAI Central License (Form B):

• For large food businesses with annual turnover above ₹20 crore
• Businesses with operations in multiple states, importers, exporters, food business operators at airports and seaports
• Applied through FSSAI's central authority

Documents Required

• Identity proof of the proprietor/partners/directors
• Address proof of the business premises
• Proof of possession of premises (rent agreement, ownership document)
• Food safety management plan (for manufacturing units)
• List of food products to be manufactured or dealt with
• NOC from local body (municipality/panchayat)
• Water testing report for manufacturing units
• Layout plan of the food business premises

FSSAI Registration Process — FoSCoS Portal

All FSSAI applications are now processed through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in. Register on the portal → Select the appropriate license type → Fill the application → Upload documents → Pay the fee → Receive the FSSAI number (14-digit FBO number). The 14-digit FSSAI number must be displayed prominently on all food product labels and at the business premises.

Annual Renewal

FSSAI licenses must be renewed before expiry. Failure to renew on time results in operating without a valid license, which can attract penalties up to ₹5 lakh and business closure orders from food safety officers. Renewal applications should be filed at least 30 days before the expiry date.

Conclusion

FSSAI compliance is non-negotiable for any food business in Kerala — from home bakers and cloud kitchens to large manufacturers. SPOTON provides complete FSSAI registration and licensing services across Calicut and Kerala. Contact us to get your food business licensed quickly and correctly.