Food Safety Compliance · Delhi, India
Governed by FSS(Licensing & Registration) Amendment Regulations, 2026 — Gazette No. 172 · Effective 1 April 2026
FSSAI License &
Registration Services
Complete FSSAI compliance for your food business — from choosing the right category under the revised 2026 thresholds to securing your perpetual-validity license, filing annual Food Safety Compliance Returns (FSCR), and navigating label, audit, and e-commerce obligations.
Threshold (2026)
License Threshold
Validity (2026)
Experience
Overview
What is FSSAI & the 2026 Reforms
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the apex statutory body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Every Food Business Operator (FBO) in India — from a home baker to a multi-state food manufacturer — must obtain FSSAI registration or a license before commencing operations. In March 2026, FSSAI notified its most significant regulatory overhaul in over a decade, effective 1 April 2026.
Mandatory for All FBOs
Every person or entity involved in manufacturing, processing, storing, distributing, importing, or selling food must hold a valid FSSAI credential under Section 31 of the FSS Act, 2006.
Perpetual Validity (2026)
From 1 April 2026, all FSSAI licenses and registrations have perpetual validity — no renewal required. However, annual fee payment and FSCR filing remain mandatory to avoid deemed suspension.
Risk-Based Inspections
Inspections are now driven by risk level and compliance history — not a fixed calendar. Compliant businesses face fewer checks. High-risk or non-compliant FBOs face stricter, more frequent scrutiny.
Non-Compliance = Suspension
Failure to pay the annual fee or file the Food Safety Compliance Return (FSCR) on time results in deemed suspension of the license or registration — without any separate show cause notice.
New vs Old Turnover Thresholds at a Glance
License Categories
FSSAI Registration & License Types — 2026 Thresholds
Choosing the correct FSSAI category is the first and most critical compliance step. The FSS(LR) Amendment Regulations, 2026 significantly revised the turnover thresholds from 1 April 2026. Select your category below to see eligibility, who must apply, required documents, and applicable production capacity limits.
w.e.f. 1 Apr 2026
FSSAI Basic Registration
The entry-level FSSAI credential for small food businesses. Issued by the Designated Officer of the local / district food safety authority. From 1 April 2026, the threshold has increased from ₹12 lakh to ₹1.5 crore — bringing home kitchens, cloud kitchens, petty manufacturers, small retailers, and local vendors under a lighter compliance tier with instant approval.
Who Must Obtain Basic Registration
🏠 Home-Based Food Businesses
Home bakers, tiffin services, homemade pickles, papad & snacks — with annual turnover up to ₹1.5 crore.
☁️ Cloud Kitchens (Small)
Delivery-only kitchen operations with turnover within the registration threshold. Eligible for instant registration.
🛒 Petty Retailers & Vendors
Small grocery shops, kirana stores, roadside stalls, and mobile food units not registered under the Street Vendors Act.
🏭 Petty Manufacturers
Small-scale food producers with limited production capacity — confectionery, namkeen, spices, dairy products.
🥘 Restaurants & Dhabas (Small)
Small eateries, dhabas, canteens, cafeterias with annual turnover up to ₹1.5 crore.
🛵 Food Aggregator Sellers
Sellers on Zomato, Swiggy, and ONDC with turnover within limits. ONDC compliance display obligations apply.
Documents Required — Basic Registration
📋 Identity & Business
- Photo identity proof (Aadhaar / PAN / Voter ID)
- Proof of business address (rent deed / ownership document)
- Passport-size photograph of FBO / proprietor
🏢 Premises
- Food Safety Management System plan (basic)
- List of food categories intended to be handled
- Declaration of annual turnover
Street Vendor Exemption: If your business is registered under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood & Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, you are deemed registered under FSSAI from 1 April 2026. No separate application or fee is required, but Schedule 4 hygiene standards must be maintained.
w.e.f. 1 Apr 2026
FSSAI State License
Issued by the Commissioner of Food Safety of the respective state government. Applicable to medium-scale food businesses operating within a single state. The 2026 revision raised the upper threshold from ₹20 crore to ₹50 crore — meaning businesses that previously required a Central License may now qualify for the less burdensome State License category.
Who Must Obtain a State License
🏭 Mid-Scale Manufacturers
Food processing units — packaged foods, beverages, snacks, bakery, confectionery — with turnover between ₹1.5 crore and ₹50 crore.
🍽️ Restaurant Chains (State-level)
Multi-outlet restaurant groups, QSR chains, food courts, and catering companies operating within one state.
🚛 Distributors & Wholesalers
Food distributors, C&F agents, and wholesale dealers with turnover within the state license range.
🥛 Dairy Units
Milk processing, curd, paneer, ghee and butter manufacturers not reaching the ₹50 crore Central License threshold.
🥩 Meat & Poultry Units
Slaughterhouses, meat processing plants, and poultry processing facilities licensed at state level.
🏪 Supermarkets & Retail Chains
Grocery chains and modern retail stores operating within one state with qualifying turnover.
Production Capacity Limits — State License
| Category | Production Limit (State License) | Above This Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Milk & Milk Products | Up to 50,000 litres per day / 2,500 MT per annum | Central License required |
| Vegetable Oil Processing | Up to 100 MT per day | Central License required |
| Slaughterhouse | Up to 50 large animals / 150 small animals / 1,000 poultry per day | Central License required |
| Meat Processing | Up to 500 kg per day or 150 MT per annum | Central License required |
| Food Products (Other) | Up to 2 MT per day (dry) or 500 litres per day (liquid) | Central License required |
| Proprietary Food | Any quantity within single state | Multi-state → Central License |
Documents Required — State License
🏢 Entity & Business Proof
- PAN card of entity / proprietor / partners / directors
- Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed / MOA & AOA
- Photo ID and address proof of authorised signatory
- Board resolution / authorisation letter
🏗️ Premises & Operations
- Proof of possession of premises — rent deed / ownership title
- Blueprint / layout of processing unit with dimensions
- List of machinery, equipment, and installed capacity
- Water test report (potable water) from recognised lab
🛡️ Food Safety & Compliance
- Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan
- List of food categories and products to be manufactured / handled
- FSSAI-certified FOSTAC training certificates for food handlers
- Medical fitness certificates for food handling staff
🌱 Sector-Specific (if applicable)
- NOC from local municipality / panchayat
- Pollution Control Board consent (for manufacturing units)
- Cold storage licence (if applicable)
- Pesticide residue analysis report (for fruit & vegetable processors)
w.e.f. 1 Apr 2026
FSSAI Central License
Issued by the Central Licensing Authority (FSSAI headquarters or regional offices). Required for large food businesses, importers, exporters, and multi-state operators — regardless of turnover. The 2026 revision raised the threshold from ₹20 crore to ₹50 crore, meaning only truly large-scale operators are in this highest compliance tier.
Who Must Obtain a Central License
🏭 Large Manufacturers
Food manufacturers with annual turnover above ₹50 crore, or production capacity exceeding the state license limits for their category.
🌐 Importers of Food Products
Any entity importing food products, ingredients, food additives, or supplements into India — regardless of turnover. Applies to all ports of entry.
📦 Exporters of Food Products
Any entity exporting food or food products from India — including 100% Export Oriented Units (EOUs). Central License required irrespective of turnover.
🏪 Pan-India Food Chains
Restaurant chains, food brands, and distributors operating across multiple states with combined turnover above ₹50 crore.
🥛 Large Dairy & Meat Units
Dairy processing units above 50,000 litres/day and meat processing units exceeding state license capacity thresholds.
🍱 Central Government Canteens
Canteens and food service operations of central government establishments, railways, airlines catering units, and defence canteens.
Documents Required — Central License
🏢 Entity Documents
- Certificate of Incorporation / Registration
- MOA & AOA / LLP Agreement / Partnership Deed
- List of directors / partners with PAN and ID proof
- Board resolution authorising the applicant
🏗️ Premises & Plant
- Complete blueprint / layout of premises with dimensions (signed by licenced architect)
- List of all machinery with make, model, and installed capacity
- Utility certificates — electricity, water supply
- Waste disposal and effluent treatment details
🛡️ FSMS & Quality
- Comprehensive Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan
- HACCP plan (for manufacturers — mandatory)
- Product testing reports from NABL / FSSAI-notified labs
- FSSAI FOSTAC training certificates for all food handlers and supervisors
🌐 Import / Export Specific
- IE Code (Import Export Code) from DGFT
- Customs House Agent / Freight Forwarder details
- Port of clearance details (ICD, sea port, airport)
- Country of origin certificate (for importers)
Third-Party Audit (2026): Under Regulation 2.1.17 of the 2026 Amendment, Central License holders may be directed by the Commissioner of Food Safety or FSSAI to undergo a mandatory third-party food safety audit from an FSSAI-recognised auditor at the FBO’s cost. Full records access must be granted to the auditor.
Certain businesses have specific licensing requirements regardless of turnover — or face unique compliance obligations under the 2026 amendments.
☁️ Cloud Kitchens & Ghost Kitchens
Qualify for instant Basic Registration up to ₹1.5 Cr. Must display FSSAI number on all delivery platforms (Swiggy, Zomato, ONDC). If operating multiple brands from one kitchen, each brand may need a separate registration if marketed as distinct entities.
🛒 E-Commerce Food Sellers (ONDC)
FSSAI license number must be displayed on every product listing. Seller apps on ONDC must ensure accurate nutritional info, shelf life, and allergen declarations. Buyer apps must facilitate consumer food safety grievance redressal from 1 April 2026.
🚛 Food Transporters
Vehicles used exclusively for transporting food require a State or Central License based on the type of food carried. Cold chain operators and reefer vehicle operators need appropriate licensing and must maintain temperature logs.
🥗 Catering & Contract Food Service
Caterers, airline catering units, railway pantry car operators, and institutional food service providers need a Central or State License based on jurisdiction. Hospital food services have additional dietary standards compliance requirements.
🌾 Organic Food Businesses
Organic food processors and sellers require FSSAI license plus organic certification (NPOP / PGS-India). Organic claims on labels must be certified; FSSAI logo on organic products requires additional approval.
💊 Nutraceuticals & Health Supplements
Manufacturers and sellers of nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, and proprietary foods need a Central License plus product-specific approvals. Science-based claims mandatory from 2026 — all health claims must be backed by scientific evidence as per FSSAI’s new 2026 norms.
🧒 Infant & Baby Food
Manufacturers of infant formula, follow-up formula, and baby food require Central License with strict labelling compliance. The 2026 labelling amendment exempts RDA declarations on non-retail containers for infant nutrition products.
🎪 Temporary Events & Exhibitions
Food stalls at fairs, exhibitions, religious events, and temporary markets need a Temporary Registration (valid for the event period). Permanent FBOs participating in events may use their existing FSSAI number with a temporary premise endorsement.
Our Services
Complete FSSAI Compliance Services
From first-time registration under the revised 2026 thresholds to ongoing annual FSCR filing, product label reviews, third-party audit preparation, and category upgrades — we handle every aspect of your FSSAI compliance.
FSSAI Basic Registration
Instant registration for food businesses with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore. We assess eligibility under the new thresholds, prepare your FoSCoS application, and secure approval — typically without a pre-inspection under the 2026 instant registration provision.
FSSAI State License
For businesses with turnover between ₹1.5 crore and ₹50 crore, operating within a single state. We manage the complete FoSCoS application, documentation compilation, Food Safety Management System preparation, and liaison with State Food Safety Authorities.
FSSAI Central License
For businesses above ₹50 crore, importers, exporters, and pan-India operators. We handle the Central Licensing Authority application, HACCP documentation, product testing coordination, and port-level clearance support for import/export FBOs.
Category Upgrade / Migration
If your turnover has crossed ₹1.5 crore or ₹50 crore, you must upgrade your FSSAI category. We handle the threshold-based migration on FoSCoS, ensuring your license number is retained and continuity of compliance is maintained without operational disruption.
License Modification
Changes in business address, addition of food categories, change in authorised signatory, addition of premises or manufacturing lines — all handled end-to-end on FoSCoS. Modifications other than threshold migration follow the existing procedure.
Annual FSCR Filing
The Food Safety Compliance Return (FSCR) must be filed annually on FoSCoS. Non-filing results in deemed suspension of your license without notice. We ensure timely filing, accurate reporting of food production / handling volumes, and fee payment each year.
Label & Display Compliance
Your food product labels must comply with the FSS (Labelling & Display) Regulations, 2020 and subsequent 2025/2026 amendments. We audit existing labels, prepare compliant label designs, and advise on mandatory declarations — nutritional information, allergens, veg/non-veg symbols, FSSAI logo, and health claim substantiation.
Product Approval & Novel Food
Food products not covered under existing FSSAI standards require a Product Approval from FSSAI before they can be manufactured or imported. We prepare the technical dossier, arrange NABL/FSSAI-notified lab testing, and coordinate with the Product Approval Cell.
Third-Party Food Safety Audit
Under Regulation 2.1.17 (2026), FBOs may be directed to undergo third-party food safety audits from FSSAI-recognised auditors. We prepare your business for the audit — FSMS documentation, Schedule 4 hygiene records, HACCP review, FOSTAC training certificates — and accompany you through the audit process.
E-Commerce & ONDC Compliance
Food businesses selling on Zomato, Swiggy, Amazon Fresh, Flipkart Grocery, or the ONDC network must comply with specific obligations from 1 April 2026 — license display, product information accuracy, shelf-life declarations. We assess your current compliance posture and implement required changes.
FOSTAC Training & FoSCoS Registration
All food businesses must ensure that a trained and certified Food Safety Supervisor is present — especially for State and Central License holders. We facilitate FOSTAC (Food Safety Training and Certification) enrolment and track certificates for your team via FoSCoS.
Notice & Inspection Response
Received a show-cause notice, improvement notice, or an inspection order from FSSAI or the State Food Safety Authority? We help you draft a comprehensive response, gather supporting evidence, and represent your interests before the Designated or Licensing Officer.
Step-by-Step FSSAI Licensing Process
Initial Consultation — Category Assessment
We assess your annual turnover, nature of food operations (manufacturing, trading, catering, import/export), production capacity, and number of states of operation to determine the correct FSSAI category under the revised 2026 thresholds. Choosing the wrong category is the most common and costly FSSAI mistake.
Document Compilation & Verification
We prepare a customised document checklist based on your category and business type, help you gather all required documents, verify their completeness, and arrange any missing certificates — including FOSTAC training coordination, water quality testing, and lab test reports where required.
FoSCoS Application Preparation & Submission
We prepare and submit the application on the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal — the single portal for all FSSAI registrations and licenses. For Basic Registration, the 2026 instant approval provision typically eliminates the need for a pre-inspection visit.
Query Resolution & Authority Liaison
For State and Central License applications, the licensing authority may raise queries or schedule an inspection. We respond to all queries on your behalf, coordinate with the Designated Officer or Central Licensing Authority, and track application status on FoSCoS to prevent delays.
License / Registration Certificate Receipt
Once approved, the 14-digit FSSAI registration or license certificate is available for download from FoSCoS. We confirm that all details are accurate, brief you on mandatory display obligations (premises, packaging, delivery platforms), and hand over a compliance checklist for post-licensing obligations.
Post-License Setup — FSMS, FOSTAC & Records
Obtaining the license is only the beginning. We help you set up your Food Safety Management System, Schedule 4 hygiene records, FIFO/FEFO storage logs (for manufacturers), and ensure all food handlers have valid FOSTAC certificates — so you are inspection-ready from day one.
Turnover Review & Trigger Assessment
We review your annual financials to confirm that your turnover has crossed the applicable threshold (₹1.5 Cr for Registration → State, or ₹50 Cr for State → Central). Production capacity triggers are also assessed — a manufacturer may need to upgrade based on daily output even before the turnover threshold is breached.
FoSCoS Migration Application
Threshold-based category migration is processed on FoSCoS. Under the 2026 amendment, migration is designed to be free, seamless, and retain your existing FSSAI number. We handle the migration application and all supporting documentation.
Additional Compliance Setup for New Category
Upgrading from Registration to State License or State to Central License triggers additional compliance obligations — HACCP (for Central), enhanced FSMS, additional FOSTAC requirements, and (for Central) potential third-party audit obligations under Regulation 2.1.17. We prepare you for these obligations proactively.
Any change to your FSSAI license details — other than a threshold-based category migration — must be applied for as a modification on FoSCoS. Common modification scenarios:
📍 Change of Address
Business relocation within the same state requires a modification application with new premises documents — rent deed, layout plan, and NOC from the new location.
🍱 Addition of Food Categories
Adding new food products or categories to your existing license requires a modification. New product categories may trigger a higher license category requirement.
👤 Change of Authorised Signatory
Change in the responsible person named on the FSSAI license — due to resignation, retirement, or restructuring — must be updated with ID, address proof, and a board resolution.
🏗️ Addition of Premises / Lines
Adding a new manufacturing unit, warehouse, or production line to the existing license scope requires a fresh layout plan, equipment list, and FSMS amendment.
🏢 Change in Business Entity
Conversion from proprietorship to company, or change in partnership — requires fresh documentation and may require a fresh license application in the new entity’s name.
🛒 E-Commerce Platform Addition
If you start selling on a new e-commerce or ONDC platform, ensure your FSSAI number is correctly displayed and your license scope covers the food categories being sold.
Written Intimation of Business Closure
Under the 2026 Amendment Regulations, FBOs must inform the Licensing / Registration Authority in writing within 30 days of ceasing food business operations. Failure to intimate may result in continued fee obligations and potential compliance notices.
Surrender of FSSAI License / Registration
A formal surrender application is filed on FoSCoS along with the original certificate (if physical) and a declaration confirming cessation of food business. We ensure all outstanding annual fees and FSCR filings are cleared before surrender to avoid any pending liabilities.
Clearance of Outstanding Obligations
Before surrender is accepted, all pending annual fees and FSCR returns must be filed and cleared. Any pending notices, inspection findings, or improvement notice responses must also be addressed. We handle all pre-surrender compliance clearance for a clean exit.
Annual Returns & Compliance
FSCR, Annual Fees & Ongoing Compliance
The 2026 reforms abolished renewal requirements — but replaced them with two new perpetual obligations: annual fee payment and the Food Safety Compliance Return (FSCR). Failure on either triggers automatic deemed suspension of your license or registration without any separate notice.
Food Safety Compliance Return (FSCR)
Mandatory — AnnualThe FSCR replaces the old renewal process as the primary annual compliance checkpoint for all FBOs. It is filed on the FoSCoS portal and requires FBOs to report food production volumes, categories handled, hygiene compliance status, food safety incidents, and FOSTAC training details. Late or non-filing leads to deemed suspension — automatic and immediate, without a show-cause notice.
📅 Filing Frequency
Annual. The FSCR must be filed within the prescribed period after the end of each financial year (1 April – 31 March). Exact due dates are notified by FSSAI via FoSCoS advisories.
🌐 Filing Platform
FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in) — the single unified portal for all FSSAI registrations, licenses, and compliance. Login with your FBO credentials.
📊 What to Report
Food categories handled · Quantities processed / traded / imported · Hygiene inspection findings · FOSTAC training status · Food safety incidents or recalls · Lab testing records.
💳 Annual Fee Payment
The applicable annual FSSAI fee must be paid alongside or before FSCR filing. Non-payment triggers deemed suspension independently of the FSCR filing status. Both must be completed.
⚠️ Consequence of Non-Filing
Deemed suspension takes effect automatically on the day after the filing deadline is missed — no notice is required. Operating a food business while suspended is a criminal offence under Section 63 of the FSS Act, 2006.
🔄 Revocation of Suspension
To revoke deemed suspension, the FBO must pay outstanding annual fees, file the pending FSCR, and apply to the Licensing / Registration Authority for reinstatement. We handle the complete revocation process.
Deemed Suspension — Automatic & Immediate (2026 Rule)
Under Regulation 2.1.7 of the FSS(LR) Amendment Regulations, 2026, non-payment of annual fee or non-filing of FSCR on the due date results in the license or registration being deemed suspended automatically from the next day — without any separate show-cause notice or hearing. Operating while suspended is a criminal offence punishable under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with penalties up to ₹5 lakh for first offences and imprisonment for subsequent violations. Our annual compliance calendar tracking ensures you never miss a deadline.
FSSAI Annual Fee Schedule
| Category | Applicable FBOs | Annual Fee (Approx.) | Mode of Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Turnover up to ₹1.5 crore; petty food businesses | ₹100 per year | FoSCoS portal — online |
| State License — Manufacturer / Processor | Turnover ₹1.5 Cr – ₹50 Cr; single-state manufacturing units | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per year (based on capacity) | FoSCoS portal — online |
| State License — Trader / Distributor | Distributors, wholesalers, retailers in State License range | ₹2,000 per year | FoSCoS portal — online |
| Central License — Manufacturer | Turnover above ₹50 crore; large food manufacturers | ₹7,500 per year | FoSCoS portal — online (DD also accepted) |
| Central License — Importer / Exporter | All importers and exporters regardless of turnover | ₹7,500 per year | FoSCoS portal — online |
| Central License — Distributor / Wholesaler | Pan-India distributors and large wholesale operators | ₹7,500 per year | FoSCoS portal — online |
| Central License — Food Service / Catering | Airlines, railways, large institutional catering units | ₹7,500 per year | FoSCoS portal — online |
Ongoing Compliance Obligations for All FBOs
📊 FSCR Filing & Annual Fee
Food Safety Compliance Return on FoSCoS plus annual license fee payment. Non-compliance triggers automatic deemed suspension of your FSSAI credential.
🧼 Schedule 4 — Hygiene Standards
All FBOs must maintain Schedule 4 hygiene and sanitation standards — clean premises, pest control, personal hygiene of food handlers, proper waste disposal, and potable water supply.
📦 FIFO / FEFO Storage (Manufacturers)
From 1 April 2026, manufacturers and processors must implement First-In-First-Out and First-Expire-First-Out storage principles for all raw materials and finished goods. Detailed storage logs must be maintained.
📋 FSMS Records & Documentation
Food Safety Management System records — including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, pest control records, supplier approvals, and product recall procedures — must be maintained and be available during inspections.
🎓 FOSTAC Training Renewal
Food Safety Supervisors must hold valid FOSTAC certificates. Certificate validity periods vary by category. We track expiry and coordinate re-training to ensure your supervisors are always certified.
🔬 Food Testing & Product Sampling
Manufacturers must periodically test finished products at NABL/FSSAI-notified labs for compliance with FSS (Food Products Standards & Food Additives) Regulations. Testing frequency is risk-based under the 2026 framework.
🔍 Third-Party Food Safety Audit
State or Central License holders may be directed to undergo a third-party audit from an FSSAI-recognised auditor under Regulation 2.1.17 (2026). Audit findings must be acted upon and reported to FSSAI.
🏷️ Label Compliance Review
With FSSAI labelling amendments now taking effect on 1 July annually (365-day transition), conduct an annual label audit to ensure your food packaging remains compliant with current nutritional declaration, allergen, and display requirements.
🛒 E-Commerce Display Obligations
Food sellers on ONDC and other e-commerce platforms must continuously display FSSAI registration/license numbers, accurate nutritional information, shelf life, and allergen details on every product listing — from 1 April 2026.
🔄 Category Monitoring
Monitor your annual turnover against the 2026 thresholds (₹1.5 Cr and ₹50 Cr). If your turnover crosses a threshold during the year, apply for migration on FoSCoS proactively — not after receiving a notice.
📤 Surrender on Business Closure
Written intimation to the Licensing / Registration Authority within 30 days of ceasing food business operations is mandatory under the 2026 regulations. Failure to surrender results in continued annual obligations.
⚡ Food Recall Management (FoSCoS)
If a product recall is required, FBOs must initiate it via the FoSCoS food recall functionality. One-step-forward, one-step-back traceability records are required to identify all affected batches in the supply chain.
Penalties for FSSAI Non-Compliance
Operating Without FSSAI Registration / License
Any FBO operating a food business without a valid FSSAI credential faces a penalty of up to ₹5 lakh. This includes operating while in a state of deemed suspension (non-filing of FSCR or non-payment of annual fee).
Failure to Comply with FSSAI Directions
Non-compliance with any direction issued by FSSAI, a Designated Officer, or Food Safety Officer — including directions for third-party audits, improvement notices, or product recalls — attracts a penalty up to ₹2 lakh.
Selling Sub-Standard Food
Sale of food not meeting the prescribed standards (quality, contaminants, additives, residue limits) attracts a penalty of up to ₹5 lakh. This is separate from criminal proceedings under Section 59.
Misbranded or Misleading Labelling
Selling food with labels that are false, misleading, or non-compliant with FSSAI standards (including health claims without scientific basis) attracts a penalty up to ₹3 lakh.
Adulterated / Unsafe Food
Manufacturing or selling food containing adulterants or food unsafe for human consumption is a criminal offence with imprisonment of up to 6 months to life (depending on severity) and fines of up to ₹10 lakh — including in cases causing death.
Carrying on Business Under Suspended License
Operating a food business while the FSSAI license or registration is suspended (including deemed suspension from non-payment / non-filing) attracts a penalty of up to ₹5 lakh with cancellation of license and potential imprisonment.
Documents & FAQ
Documents Required for FSSAI Application
Document requirements vary by the type of FSSAI credential and the nature of your food business. Select your category below for a detailed checklist. Incomplete documentation is the most common reason for application delays on FoSCoS.
Identity & Personal Documents
Proprietor / Authorised Signatory
- Photo identity proof — Aadhaar card / PAN card / Voter ID / Passport
- Recent passport-size photograph of the food business owner
- Address proof matching the FoSCoS registration (Aadhaar preferred)
Business Premises
Where food is prepared / sold
- Proof of possession — rent agreement / ownership deed / NOC from owner
- Address of the food business premises (must match application)
Food Business Declaration
Nature of operations
- Declaration of annual turnover (self-declaration for Basic Registration)
- List of food categories / food products to be manufactured, traded, or served
- Basic Food Safety Management System declaration (Schedule 4 hygiene compliance)
Instant Registration: Under the 2026 reforms, Basic Registration applications are processed without a mandatory pre-inspection. Documents are submitted digitally on FoSCoS. The registration certificate is downloadable immediately upon approval — no physical certificate is issued.
Entity & Business Constitution
Legal identity of the FBO
- PAN card of the entity (company / firm / trust / society)
- Certificate of Incorporation (company) / Registration Certificate (firm or trust)
- MOA & AOA (company) / Partnership Deed (firm) / LLP Agreement
- List of directors / partners / trustees with PAN and ID proof of each
- Board resolution / authority letter authorising the signatory for FSSAI application
- GST registration certificate (where applicable)
Premises & Infrastructure
Manufacturing / processing / storage unit
- Rent deed / lease agreement / ownership title deed for the premises
- Blueprint / site layout plan with dimensions (signed by licensed architect for manufacturing units)
- List of plant and machinery with make, model, and installed capacity
- Electricity / utility connection proof for the premises
- Water analysis / potability report from a recognised laboratory
- NOC from municipality / panchayat (where applicable)
Food Safety Management
FSMS & quality compliance documents
- Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan — covering hazard analysis, critical control points, and hygiene procedures
- FSSAI FOSTAC training certificates for Food Safety Supervisors and food handlers
- Medical fitness certificates for all food handling staff
- Schedule 4 hygiene & sanitation compliance declaration
Regulatory Clearances
Sector-specific approvals
- Pollution Control Board consent / NOC (for manufacturing units with effluents)
- Cold storage licence (if operating a cold chain facility)
- Pesticide residue analysis report (for fruit, vegetable, and cereal processors)
- Milk testing lab report / dairy license (for dairy product manufacturers)
- FSSAI product testing reports (if manufacturing proprietary or novel food)
Entity Documents
All State License documents plus:
- All documents required for State License (see State License tab)
- Audited financial statements for the last two financial years (for turnover verification above ₹50 Cr)
- CA-certified turnover certificate confirming eligibility for Central License
- Company profile and operational overview across all states
Advanced FSMS & HACCP
Mandatory for Central License manufacturers
- Comprehensive HACCP plan — hazard analysis, CCPs, critical limits, monitoring, corrective actions, verification, and record-keeping
- Product testing reports from NABL-accredited / FSSAI-notified laboratories for all food categories
- Recall procedure documentation and traceability system records
- Supplier approval documentation — certificates of analysis, approved vendor list
- FOSTAC certificates for all supervisors and batch-wise food handler training records
Infrastructure & Plant
Full-scale manufacturing unit documentation
- Complete architectural blueprint signed by licensed architect
- List of all machinery with make, model, serial number, and installed capacity
- Effluent treatment plant details and Pollution Control Board approval
- Boiler / pressure vessel certificates (if applicable)
- Cold storage capacity certificate (if applicable)
Label & Product Approvals
For proprietary and novel food products
- Drafted label(s) for all food products — must comply with FSS (Labelling & Display) Regulations 2020 and 2026 amendments
- FSSAI Product Approval letter (for food products not covered by existing standards)
- Nutritional information per 100g / 100ml and per serving (as applicable)
- Health / nutrition claim substantiation dossier (if any claims are made)
Importers and exporters require a Central FSSAI License regardless of annual turnover — the turnover thresholds do not apply to them. The license must be obtained before the first consignment is imported or exported.
Entity Documents
Same as Central License
- All Central License entity documents (incorporation, PAN, MOA/AOA, directors list)
- Import Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT — mandatory for importers and exporters
- Registered office and correspondence address proof
Import-Specific Documents
For FBOs importing food into India
- Port of entry details — ICD, sea port, or airport through which goods will be imported
- Details of foreign supplier(s) — name, address, country, and product range
- Country of origin certificate for each product category
- Overseas manufacturer / supplier’s food safety certification (ISO 22000, HACCP, BRC, etc.)
- Product specifications and ingredient list for all food products to be imported
- Label samples complying with FSSAI import labelling requirements (bilingual, FSSAI number on sticker)
Export-Specific Documents
For FBOs exporting food from India
- IEC (Import Export Code) from DGFT
- APEDA / MPEDA / IOPEPC registration (for agricultural / marine / plantation products — if applicable)
- Details of destination countries and importing country’s food safety requirements
- Product certificates / health certificates required by the importing country
- EOU / SEZ registration (for export-oriented units — if applicable)
Testing & Quality
For all imported food products
- Lab testing reports from NABL / FSSAI-notified labs for all product categories (required for port clearance)
- FSSAI No Objection Certificate (NOC) for novel ingredients / food not covered by Indian standards
- Halal / Kosher / Organic certification (if the product carries such claims)
- Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from the foreign manufacturer for each consignment
Frequently Asked Questions — FSSAI 2026
Why Choose Us
Why Food Businesses Trust Gupta Chandan Associates
Navigating FSSAI compliance — especially after the sweeping 2026 reforms — requires both regulatory knowledge and practical experience. We have been guiding food businesses through FSSAI compliance for over 15 years, and our team is fully updated on every change in the FSS(LR) Amendment Regulations, 2026.
2026 Regulation Ready
Fully updated on the FSS(LR) Amendment Regulations, 2026 — new turnover thresholds, perpetual validity, FSCR obligations, FIFO/FEFO mandates, and ONDC compliance. We apply the current rules, not the old ones.
Correct Category — First Time
Applying in the wrong FSSAI category is costly — over-licensed businesses pay unnecessary fees; under-licensed ones risk penalties. We assess your turnover, capacity, and operations to get the category right from day one.
On-Time, Every Year
We track your annual FSCR filing and fee payment deadlines so you never face deemed suspension. Our compliance calendar covers every obligation — from FOSTAC renewals to label review cycles.
End-to-End Documentation
From FSMS plan preparation to HACCP documentation, FOSTAC coordination, water testing lab liaison, and FoSCoS portal filing — we handle every document so you focus on your food business.
Audit-Ready at All Times
Under the 2026 risk-based inspection framework, inspections can happen anytime. We ensure your FSMS records, Schedule 4 hygiene documentation, FIFO/FEFO logs, and FOSTAC certificates are always current and organised.
Transparent & Confidential
No hidden costs, no surprise fees. We provide a clear service quote upfront and handle all client data — financial records, turnover statements, and business documents — with strict confidentiality.
compliance experience
served across India
handled (Reg · State · Central)
track record
incurred by our clients
Start Your FSSAI Journey
with Expert Guidance
Whether you’re applying for the first time under the new 2026 thresholds, upgrading your category, filing your annual FSCR, or preparing for a third-party audit — we’re ready to help. Get a free consultation today.
