Certifications·6 min read
FSSAI License: A Complete Guide for Food Businesses
Pick Basic, State, or Central FSSAI license by turnover—operate legally on Swiggy, Amazon, and retail shelves without delisting risk.
December 22, 2023
What you'll take away
- Every Food Business Operator needs FSSAI—home bakers included above petty limits.
- 14-digit license number must appear on labels and premises.
- Central license for large manufacturers, importers, and e-commerce at scale.
- Pelago classifies license type and files on FoSCoS portal.
FSSAI in one minute
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India regulates all food businesses. Operating without FSSAI risks penalties, platform delisting, and product seizure.
Apply via FoSCoS portal with Form A (registration) or Form B (license).
Which license tier
Importers, 100% export units, airports, and e-commerce aggregators at scale need Central license regardless of turnover.
| Tier | Turnover (typical) | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Up to ₹12 lakh/year | Form A |
| State License | ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore | Form B |
| Central License | Above ₹20 crore or specific activities | Form B central |
Founder tip: D2C brands selling nationwide should plan State or Central before marketplaces ask during onboarding.
Documents and inspections
Blueprint/layout for manufacturing units, water test reports, NOC from municipality, list of products, and responsible person qualification.
Inspections may follow for high-risk categories. Maintain FSMS plan and recall procedure for audits.
Labelling rules
Display FSSAI number on packages and marketing. Allergen declarations, veg/non-veg logos, and nutritional labelling rules apply by category.
Marketplace delisting for label errors is common—cheaper to fix pre-launch.
Renewal
Basic: 1–5 years depending on option; State/Central typically annual renewal with fee. Pelago tracks expiry so cloud kitchens do not miss renewals during busy seasons.