FSSAI Registration Online
Your Digital Gateway to Compliance: Navigating FSSAI Registration Online
The food industry in India is massive, diverse, and heavily regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). For any individual or enterprise—from a small home kitchen to a multi-state manufacturing giant—that manufactures, stores, distributes, or sells food, obtaining the mandatory FSSAI authorization is not an option; it's the law. The modern process is executed entirely through the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal, making FSSAI Registration Online the standard route to legal operation.
The unique 14-digit FSSAI number granted upon successful application is a fundamental marker of safety and quality. It ensures the business is monitored for adherence to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Crucially, without this number, businesses are blocked from using popular channels like Zomato, Swiggy, and major e-commerce sites, effectively cutting them off from the modern consumer market.
The first and most critical step in the online process is accurately determining the right category of authorization. FSSAI operates a three-tiered structure based primarily on the business's scale and annual turnover.
The Three Pillars of FSSAI Authorization
The complexity of the application, the required documentation, and the application form itself (Form A or Form B) depend entirely on which of these three tiers the Food Business Operator (FBO) falls into.
1. FSSAI Basic Registration (Small Scale)
This is the lowest tier, specifically designed for small-scale or petty FBOs.
Eligibility: Annual turnover up to ₹12 Lakhs.
Target Businesses: Small retailers, petty food vendors, tea stalls, hawkers, small home-based food providers, and cottage industries.
Application Form: Form A.
Fee: Fixed at ₹100 per year.
Issuing Authority: State Registering Authority.
2. FSSAI State License (Medium Scale)
This license is mandatory for medium-sized businesses operating within the boundaries of a single state.
Eligibility: Annual turnover between ₹12 Lakhs and ₹20 Crores.
Target Businesses: Mid-sized restaurants, medium manufacturers (capacity up to 2 MT/day), medium transporters, wholesalers, and distributors.
Application Form: Form B.
Fee: Varies (typically ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per year), depending on the Kind of Business (KoB) and capacity.
Issuing Authority: State Licensing Authority.
3. FSSAI Central License (Large/Multi-State Scale)
This is the highest authorization level, necessary for large, complex, or nationally significant operations.
Eligibility: Annual turnover above ₹20 Crores, or any business engaged in import/export, or operating in two or more states (inter-state operations).
Target Businesses: Large processing units, large-scale storage facilities, importers, exporters, and FBOs operating on Central Government premises (like railways or airports).
Application Form: Form B.
Fee: Fixed at ₹7,500 per year.
Issuing Authority: Central Licensing Authority.
The transition from a basic FSSAI Registration Online to a State License is mandatory as soon as the turnover exceeds the ₹12 Lakh limit.
The Step-by-Step Guide to FSSAI Registration Online on FoSCoS
The entire application for FSSAI Registration Online is handled via the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal. The process is standardized, designed to be swift and transparent.
Step 1: Portal Access and Eligibility Check
Visit the official FoSCoS website (foscos.fssai.gov.in).
Click on the "Apply for New License/Registration" option.
Select your State and carefully read the notes and Kind of Business (KoB) definitions.
Use the on-screen prompts to confirm your annual turnover. This is the moment you determine if you need the Basic Registration (Form A) or a License (Form B).
Step 2: Application Form Submission (Form A or Form B)
Fill the Form: You will be redirected to either Form A (Registration) or Form B (License). Fill in all mandatory fields, including the Kind of Business (e.g., Retailer, Manufacturer, Food Service) and detailed information about the premise, operational hours, and number of employees.
Product Selection: Accurately select the specific Food Product Categories (FPC) you intend to handle. Incorrect FPC selection is a common cause for application rejection.
Communication Details: Provide accurate contact details (mobile number and email) as all official communication, including queries and the final certificate, will be sent here.
Step 3: Document Upload
Documentation requirements vary significantly by tier. For Basic FSSAI Registration Online, the requirements are minimal, focusing on identity and address proof. For State and Central Licenses, the list is extensive.
| Document Category | Basic Registration (Form A) | State/Central License (Form B) |
| Identity Proof | Photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN) of the Applicant. | Photo IDs of Directors/Partners/Proprietor. |
| Premise Proof | Proof of Business Premises (Rent Agreement/Utility Bill). | Proof of Premises Possession (Sale Deed/Rent Agreement). |
| Business Structure | Self-Declaration of Proprietorship. | Partnership Deed/MoA & AoA/Certificate of Incorporation. |
| Technical (License Only) | Not Applicable. | Blueprint/Layout Plan, List of Machinery/Equipment, Water Test Report, FSMS Plan. |
Step 4: Fee Payment and Acknowledgement
Fee Payment: Select the desired validity period (1 to 5 years) and pay the requisite government fee online via Net Banking, Card, or UPI.
Reference Number: Upon successful payment, an acknowledgement receipt containing a 17-digit reference number is generated. This number is essential for tracking the application status.
Step 5: Scrutiny and Issuance
Scrutiny: The application is reviewed by the Designated Officer. For Basic FSSAI Registration Online, the decision is typically made within 7 days. For Licenses, the process takes longer (up to 30-60 days).
Query: If the documents are incomplete or incorrect, the application is queried back to the applicant, who must respond within 30 days.
Inspection: For State and Central Licenses, a Food Safety Officer may conduct an on-site inspection to verify compliance with hygiene and structural standards (Schedule 4).
Issuance: Once approved, the FSSAI certificate is issued digitally. FBOs must log back into the FoSCoS portal to download and display the certificate.
The Importance of Renewal and Compliance
The validity of your FSSAI certificate, whether Basic Registration or License, is between 1 and 5 years. Maintaining continuous legal operation requires timely renewal.
Renewal: Renewal applications must be submitted on the FoSCoS portal at least 30 days before the expiry date.
Penalties: Applying for renewal late incurs a late fee of ₹100 per day in addition to the renewal fee.
Lapse: If the renewal is not completed before the expiry date, the certificate lapses, forcing the FBO to cease operations and apply for a fresh certificate entirely.
By utilizing the streamlined digital process for FSSAI Registration Online, businesses ensure a robust legal foundation, build vital consumer trust, and gain access to all major sales and distribution platforms.