FSSAI State License Registration Online in India

Overview

Food Business Operators dealing in manufacturing, storage, distribution of food and beverages, transportation, retailing, and marketing need an FSSAI State License. As per the revised FSSAI thresholds effective 1st April 2026, businesses with an annual turnover between Rs. 1.5 crore and Rs. 50 crore operating within a single state are mandatorily required to have the State Food License. If they want to operate in multiple states, or their turnover exceeds Rs. 50 crore, they require a Central Food License.

Note: Manufacturers and marketers are required to obtain an FSSAI State License irrespective of minimum turnover, in certain categories. The minimum tenure of an FSSAI State License is one year and the maximum is five years.

FSSAI State License

For any food business it is mandatory to have a food license. This applies not only to the preparation of food but to everyone who handles food at various stages before it reaches the consumer — including raw materials, manufacturing, processing, packaging, distribution, and the agencies authorised to sell them. This license ensures that a food business runs with appropriate quality checks. FSSAI rules and guidelines must be followed by all businesses that require this license. FSSAI is responsible for setting the principles, standards, and controls for the welfare of the business and consumers.

Overview: FSSAI

FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act). FSSAI is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, which governs all food businesses in India. Any business in the food industry — food processing, manufacturing, distribution, and packaging — must be registered under FSSAI. Packaged food products must display a 14-digit food license registration number on the packaging.

It is important to note that FSSAI Basic Registration is different from an FSSAI License. The type of license or registration required depends on the size and nature of the business.

As per the FSSAI thresholds revised effective 1st April 2026, if a food business has an annual turnover of more than Rs. 1.5 crore and up to Rs. 50 crore, it must obtain a State FSSAI License. (The earlier turnover limits of Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore were revised by the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026.)

The following must apply for a State Food License regardless of turnover, in certain cases: manufacturing units with capacity up to 2 MT per day, dairy units handling up to 50,000 litres per day, 3-star and above hotels, relabelling and repacking units, club canteens, and all catering businesses. The minimum tenure of a Food License is one year and the maximum is five years. Form B must be submitted through the FoSCoS portal to apply for the State Food License when turnover is within the state license threshold and the area of operation is limited to a single state.

Why Is FSSAI State License Important?

1. The penalty for not having a food license is much higher than the cost of obtaining one. The license acts as a preventive measure against legal penalties and proceedings.
2. It provides assurance that food has been manufactured correctly, as the license is issued only after proper verification of food quality.
3. It is mandatory for all Food Business Operators (FBOs) engaged in any food business under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
4. FSSAI License is an important factor for businesses looking to secure corporate contracts and government tenders.
5. The license serves as evidence that the food is pure, non-adulterated, harmless, and safe for consumption.
6. License holders can use the FSSAI logo on menu cards and promotional materials to gain an advantage over unregistered FBOs.

Procedure for Obtaining FSSAI State License

The application for an FSSAI State License is filed through the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal. The process involves the following stages:

1. Documentation and Consultation
   • Fill in the application form and share your business details with us
   • Our expert will contact you to understand your business category and applicable turnover slab
   • Provide all necessary documents required for Form B
2. Form B Filing on FoSCoS
   • Form B, along with the required documents, is filed on the FoSCoS portal on your behalf.
3. Scrutiny by the Licensing Authority
   • The concerned Food Safety Officer scrutinises the application and documents, and may raise objections that need to be resolved within the stipulated time.
4. Inspection (if applicable)
   • Depending on the category and nature of the business, the licensing authority may conduct a premises inspection to verify compliance before approval.
5. Approval and Delivery of License
   • Once the licensing authority is satisfied, the license is approved and issued.
   • A digital copy is made available on the FoSCoS portal, and we share it with you along with any physical copy where applicable.

FSSAI State License Benefits

• Legal Compliance: Ensures your food business operates within the law under the FSS Act, 2006.
• Avoids Penalty: Operating without a valid license can attract fines and, in serious cases, imprisonment.
• Consumer Trust: Signals to customers that your food meets FSSAI's safety and quality standards.
• Government Tenders: An FSSAI License is often a mandatory eligibility document for corporate and government food supply tenders.
• Loan Approval: Banks and financial institutions typically require a valid FSSAI License as part of due diligence for business loans.
• Business Expansion: Recognition of the brand at a state and eventually national level, and creation of awareness among consumers and the public.
• The FSSAI logo can be used on menu cards and promotional materials to help build customer trust.

Documents Required for FSSAI State License

1. Partnership deed of partnership firm
2. Affidavit for proprietorship firm
3. List of the categories of food to be manufactured (Product List)
4. Manufacturer Authority letter
5. Copy of certificate obtained under the Co-operative Societies Act 1861 or Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act 2002
6. Form IX
7. Memorandum of Association — MoA (for Pvt. Ltd. or OPC)
8. Company Registration Certificate
9. No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the municipality or local body
10. Form B — duly completed and signed
11. Detailed Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan and blueprint of the processing unit, showing dimensions and operation-wise area allocation
12. List of directors/partners/proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID
13. Proof of possession of premises
14. List and names of machinery and equipment to be used, with installed capacity
15. LLP agreement
16. Ministry of Tourism Certificate
17. Declaration form
18. Water analysis report for water to be used in the process
19. Source of raw material and NOC for raw material, where applicable
20. Recall plan, wherever applicable
21. IEC (Import Export Code) certificate, where the business is involved in import or export of food articles
22. Supporting documents as proof of turnover and transportation

FSSAI State License Government Fee (New License)

Note: The above fee slabs are based on FSSAI's Schedule 3 fee structure and are independent of the 2026 turnover threshold revision. Since fee schedules can be updated periodically, it's advisable to confirm the applicable fee for your specific category on the FoSCoS portal before applying.

License Renewal

The FSSAI State License must be renewed before it expires — the renewal application should be filed at least 30 days before the expiry date mentioned on the license. Filing after expiry can attract a late fee and, if delayed further, may require a fresh application instead of a simple renewal, so it's best not to wait until the last date.

Non-Compliance

All businesses must comply with FSSAI guidelines and regulations. Failure to comply will result in penalties, as non-compliance is a matter of public health and safety.

Why Choose LegalTax?

1. Expert consultation on the correct license category for your turnover and business type
2. End-to-end documentation support
3. FoSCoS filing handled on your behalf
4. Fast and simple processing
5. PAN India service
6. Money-back guarantee
7. Best and affordable price guarantee
8. Completely digitised process
9. 4.9/5 Google rating with 350+ reviews

FAQs

Q1. Give an overview of State Food License.

Food Business Operators dealing in manufacturing, storage, distribution, transportation, retailing, and marketing of food and beverages need an FSSAI State License. As per the FSSAI thresholds revised effective 1st April 2026, businesses with annual turnover between Rs. 1.5 crore and Rs. 50 crore operating within a single state are mandatorily required to have it. Those operating across multiple states, or with turnover above Rs. 50 crore, need a Central Food License. Certain manufacturers and marketers must obtain a State License irrespective of turnover. The tenure ranges from one to five years.

Q2. What is a State Food License?

A State Food License is mandatory for any food business. It covers everyone who handles food at any stage — raw materials, manufacturing, processing, packaging, distribution, and sale. The license ensures the food business operates with appropriate quality checks in accordance with FSSAI rules and guidelines.

Q3. Does the export of food products require a NOC from FSSAI?

No.

Q4. How can an FSSAI license be renewed once it expires?

FBOs should apply for renewal at least 30 days before the license expires. If the renewal application is filed after expiry, a late fee applies, and prolonged delay can require a fresh application instead of renewal — so it's best to file well before the expiry date.

Q5. What documents are required for an FSSAI State License?

1. Partnership deed of partnership firm
2. Affidavit for proprietorship firm
3. List of food categories to be manufactured (Product List)
4. Manufacturer Authority letter
5. Copy of certificate under the Co-operative Societies Act 1861 or Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act 2002
6. Form IX
7. MoA (for Pvt. Ltd. or OPC)
8. Company Registration Certificate
9. NOC from municipality or local body
10. Form B — duly completed and signed
11. FSMS plan with processing unit dimensions and area allocation
12. List of directors/partners/proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID
13. Proof of possession of premises
14. List of machinery and equipment with installed capacity
15. LLP agreement
16. Ministry of Tourism Certificate
17. Declaration form
18. Water analysis report
19. Source of raw material, recall plan, and IEC certificate, where applicable
20. Supporting documents for proof of turnover and transportation

Q6. Is it mandatory to have an FSSAI License for export units?

Yes. Both import and export units dealing in food items must obtain an FSSAI License.

Q7. If someone is importing food items for sale in India, do they need an FSSAI license?

Yes. A Central License is required from the address mentioned in the Import Export Code. An FSSAI Central License is compulsory for import/export activities, regardless of turnover.

Q8. What is the procedure for obtaining a State FSSAI License?

1. Documentation and Consultation: Fill in the form, our expert will contact you, and you provide the necessary documents.
2. Form B Filing on FoSCoS: Your application and documents are filed on the FoSCoS portal.
3. Scrutiny: The Food Safety Officer reviews the application and may raise objections.
4. Inspection (if applicable): The premises may be inspected before approval, depending on the category.
5. Approval and Delivery: After approval, the license is issued on FoSCoS and shared with you.

Q9. What is non-compliance?

Non-compliance means failing to follow FSSAI guidelines and regulations. Any business that fails to comply will face penalties, as this is a matter of public health and safety.

Q10. Why choose LegalTax?

1. Expert consultation, documentation support, and FoSCoS filing handled on your behalf
2. Fast and simple processing, PAN India service
3. Money-back guarantee
4. Best and affordable price guarantee
5. Completely digitised process
6. 4.9/5 Google rating with 350+ reviews