Introduction

In India, operating a food business is governed by strict safety standards, as mandated by the FSSAI. It's one thing to get your FSSAI Licence Registration in India, but it's another to assure compliance by your timely FSSAI Licence Renewal. Getting an FSSAI Licence Registration in India is only the first step in the process, maintaining compliance through timely renewal is equally crucial.

The FSSAI Licence Renewal process aimed at ensuring food business operators (FBOs) continue to comply with the regulatory requirements. Not renewing your license on time can result in serious penalties and delays to your operations. This blog will explain the complete procedure, late fee rules, and renewal process for the FSSAI Licence Registration in India.

Renewal Timeline

An FSSAI license can be valid for a period ranging from one year to five years, as selected by the FBO when initially applying. It is important to track your expiry date, as the window for renewal opens well in advance.

Renewal Window Opens: An FBO can apply for FSSAI Licence Renewal as early as 180 days before the expiration date.
Dashboard Visibility: The renewal option will show on the FoSCoS portal, 120 days before expiry date.
Ideal Time to Renew: It is strongly recommended to have the Food License Renewal completed at least 30 to 60 days before expiry; this avoids last minute complications and penalties.

If you stay ahead of this timeline, that is the simplest way to keep your FSSAI Licence Registration in India uninterrupted.

Late Fee Rules

This is the most important component of FSSAI Licence Renewal and has recently changed. FBOs now have two different late fees, depending on when they file.

1. Late Fee (Before Expiry)

If you miss the ideal 30-day period, but apply before your license expires, a late fee will apply.

Penalty: A late fee of ₹100 per day is charged for every full day of delay.
Example: A license that expires on December 31st, should not be applied for later than December 1st. If you apply instead on December 15th, you might incur a late penalty (15 x ₹100 = ₹1,500) on top of the standard Food License Renewal fee.

2. Penalties (After Expiry - The New Policy)

An expired license was dead previously and so the FBO had to apply for a new FSSAI Licence Registration in India. Now, FSSAI permits FBOs to renew after expiry date, but in a limited period and with more heavier penalties under a new policy.

Warning: The FBO is not allowed to carry on with any food business operations between expiration and the date of the issue of renewed license.
Condition: This post expiry renewal option is available only if the FBO has submitted all the pending Annual Returns (if applicable, e.g., for manufacturers and importers).

The penalty structure for license expiry is as follows:

Days 1 to 90 After Expiry: The FBO is required to pay three times the standard annual license fee.
Days 91 to 180 After Expiry: The FBO is required to pay five times the standard annual license fee.
After 180 Days of Expiry: Your license will be permanently deactivated. The FBO cannot renew and must file an application for a completely new FSSAI Licence Registration in India to resume business.

This new regulation offers a second chance for Food License Renewal, while underscores the high cost of non-compliance.

Renewal Procedure Online

The FSSAI Licence Renewal is undertaken online via the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal.

1. Log In to FoSCoS: Visit the the official FSSAI website (https://foscos.fssai.gov.in) and log in with your existing FBO details.

2. Navigate to Renewal: On the dashboard, click on the "Renewal" tab in the left-hand menu. Select "Apply for Renewal of license/registration".

3. Select License: The screen will show a list of licenses you can renew. After that, click the "Proceed" button for the license you want to renew.

4. Complete the Form: The website will navigate you to the application form (Form A for Basic Registration, Form B for State/Central License). After that, you will be expected to fill in all the correct details.

5. Upload Documents: Upload the required documents, which will typically just consist of a re-declaration for a simple renewal, though other documents may be updated, like your FSMS plan.

6. Pay Fees: Proceed to the payment gateway. The system will calculate your renewal fee, along with any late fees, if applicable (either ₹100/day or the 3x/5x penalty).

7. Submit and Track: Once you complete the payment, you will receive a new 17-digit reference number; this can be used to track the status of your Food License Renewal Application.

The officials will scrutinize the application and may conduct an inspection. When it is approved, you can download the renewed license from the FoSCoS portal. This makes the FSSAI Licence Registration in India compliance cycle complete.

How Lawfinity Will Help You

Navigating the FoSCoS portal and tracking expiration dates can be quite challenging. All it takes is one mistake which can lead to heavy penalties or the deactivation of your FSSAI Licence Registration in India. That's where Lawfinity helps you. Our compliance professionals will manage the whole FSSAI Licence Renewal process from start to finish.

Proactive Reminders: We monitor your expiration dates and notify you 180 days in advance, so you never miss your renewal deadline.
Document Management: We manage all your documentation, including FSMS plans, declarations to ensure everything is accurate and up to date.
Error-Free Filing: Our team handles the online application for your Food License Renewal so that your filing is smooth and prompt.
Full Compliance: We make sure that your FSSAI Licence Registration in India is active and compliant, which means you can focus on what you do best i.e. operating your business.