INTRODUCTION

Starting a food business in India today means more than just great recipes and a strong customer base—it also means strict compliance with food safety laws. If you want to sell packaged foods, run a restaurant, open a cloud kitchen, or even start an online food delivery venture, getting an FSSAI Licence is not optional, it’s mandatory.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the regulatory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has moved its licensing system to the modern Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) platform. With this shift, applying for a food licence has become simpler, digital-first, and more transparent.

This blog will guide you in detail about how to apply FSSAI online, step by step, using the FoSCoS portal. We’ll also explain why such a licence is required, eligibility, documents needed, penalties for non-compliance, and how Lawfinity can simplify the whole procedure for you.

WHY SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED?

The food licence issued through FSSAI FoSCoS is more than just a piece of paper. It is a government-backed assurance of food safety and hygiene. Here are the main reasons it’s required:

Consumer Trust – Customers today check for the 14-digit FSSAI number on packaging or menus before trusting a food business.
Legal Mandate – Operating without an FSSAI licence is a punishable offense under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Market Expansion – Large retailers, e-commerce platforms, and export authorities ask for valid FSSAI certification.
Quality Assurance – Licensing ensures that the food business complies with safety, hygiene, and labeling standards.
Business Reputation – A business displaying a valid FSSAI licence automatically gets credibility in the eyes of investors, partners, and consumers.

Simply put, having an FSSAI licence via FoSCoS portal is not just compliance—it’s business survival.

WHO ISSUES SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE?

The licence is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which is the top regulatory body in India for food safety. Depending on your business scale:

Basic Registration – Issued by local food safety authorities for businesses with turnover below ₹12 lakh.
State Licence – Issued by the State Licensing Authority for medium-sized businesses (turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore).
Central Licence – Issued by the Central Licensing Authority for large-scale businesses (turnover above ₹20 crore, importers, or businesses operating in multiple states).

All applications—whether Basic, State, or Central—are processed via the FoSCoS portal now.

ELIGIBILITY AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE

Eligibility

Any food business operator (FBO) involved in the following must register or get a licence:

Packaged food manufacturers
Importers and exporters
Transporters, warehouses, distributors
Retailers, wholesalers, and caterers
Cloud kitchens, restaurants, dhabas
Online food delivery operators

Documents Needed to Apply FSSAI on FoSCoS Portal

The documents vary based on type of licence but generally include:

Identity and address proof of applicant
Proof of business premises (rental agreement/ownership proof)
Passport-size photograph
Partnership deed / Certificate of Incorporation / MOA-AOA
List of food categories/products handled
Food safety management plan or certificate
NOC from local municipality (if applicable)
Import-export code (for importers/exporters)
For manufacturers: layout plan of processing unit, list of machinery

All these must be uploaded in the digital format while applying on the FSSAI portal apply section.

STEP-BY-STEP SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE PROCESS

How to Apply for FSSAI Licence Online Using FoSCoS Portal

1. Visit the FoSCoS Portal

Go to https://foscos.fssai.gov.in.
This is the official platform for apply FSSAI online applications.

2. Sign Up or Log In

First-time users must sign up with email ID and mobile number. Existing users can log in directly.

3. Select “Apply for Licence/Registration”

The portal will ask you to choose between Basic, State, or Central licence depending on your business size and turnover.

4. Fill Business Details

Provide name of business, nature of activity (manufacturing/retail/transport), address, and contact details.

5. Upload Documents

Upload mandatory documents (ID proofs, food safety plan, product list, layout plan if required).

6. Fee Payment

Pay applicable licence fee online through debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.
Fees vary based on type of licence (Basic ₹100/year, State ₹2000–₹5000/year, Central ₹7500/year).

7. Inspection (If Required)

For manufacturing units, an FSSAI officer may inspect premises before granting approval.

8. Track Application

Use the portal’s tracking system to monitor the status of your application.

9. Download Licence

Once approved, download your FSSAI certificate directly from the FoSCoS portal.
Remember to display the 14-digit FSSAI number prominently at your premises and on food labels.

PENALTY FOR OPERATING WITHOUT SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, provides strict penalties:

Operating Without FSSAI Licence – Fine up to ₹5 lakh and imprisonment in some cases.
Food Business Licence Violations – Misrepresentation or false information can lead to cancellation and fines.
Misbranding & Mislabeling – Fine up to ₹3 lakh.
Unhygienic Practices – Penalty up to ₹1 lakh.
Online Food Licence Non-Compliance – If an online seller doesn’t display a valid licence, FSSAI can take down listings and impose fines.

Operating without a licence is a risk no serious food business can afford.

HOW LAWFINITY SIMPLIFIES SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE PROCEDURE?

At Lawfinity, we know that navigating the FSSAI FoSCoS portal can be confusing, especially for first-time entrepreneurs. That’s where our expertise makes a difference.

Personalized Consultation – We evaluate whether you need Basic, State, or Central licence.
Document Preparation – Our team ensures all documents are in order before you submit on the FSSAI portal.
Filing & Tracking – We handle the entire process of filing, fee payment, and application tracking.
Inspection Assistance – For businesses where inspections are mandatory, we guide you in advance.
Ongoing Compliance – We also take care of renewals, modifications, and amendments.

This way, you can focus on growing your food business while Lawfinity takes care of compliance.

MUSINGS FROM THE AUTHOR’S INK

The shift to the FSSAI FoSCoS portal is one of the best reforms for the Indian food industry. Earlier, licensing was scattered and confusing, but now everything from registration to renewal is in one place. Still, I see many entrepreneurs underestimate the importance of this licence.

Skipping FSSAI approval is like opening a shop without electricity—it may run for a few days, but soon the problems will hit. Customers demand transparency, regulators are becoming stricter, and the food industry is under constant watch.

So my advice—don’t think of FSSAI as “just another government formality.” Instead, look at it as your ticket to trust and growth. And if the paperwork feels heavy, Lawfinity is always here to handle the load while you focus on your passion—making and selling great food.