INTRODUCTION

Running a food business in India isn’t just about making delicious food, serving customers, or selling packaged products. It’s also about compliance with food safety regulations. If you’re already an FSSAI-registered food business operator, then you know how important that 14-digit FSSAI licence number is. But here’s the thing—your FSSAI licence isn’t forever. It comes with a validity period of 1 to 5 years, after which you need to renew your FSSAI licence.

Now, many food businesses forget about this and suddenly realise at the last moment that their licence is about to expire. Some even continue operations with an expired licence, which leads to heavy penalties and legal hassles. That’s why understanding the FSSAI renewal process and completing it well in advance is absolutely essential.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything—why renewal is needed, who issues it, eligibility, documents, step-by-step renewal process on FoSCoS, penalties for missing deadlines, and how Lawfinity can make it seamless for you.

WHY SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED?

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The FSSAI licence is not just a piece of paper—it is proof that your food business is safe, hygienic, and compliant with Indian laws. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 makes it mandatory for every Food Business Operator (FBO) to hold a valid FSSAI licence.

Here’s why FSSAI renewal is equally important:

Consumer trust: Renewing ensures customers continue to trust your products and services.
Legal compliance: Operating with an expired licence is considered the same as operating without one.
Avoiding penalties: Late renewals attract heavy fines.
Business continuity: Without a valid licence, you won’t be able to sell via e-commerce platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, or Flipkart.
Updated compliance: FSSAI issues regular amendments (for example, the 2022 directive mandating FSSAI licence numbers on invoices and bills). Renewal ensures your licence reflects these compliance updates.

So, if your licence is expiring soon, food licence reapplication is not optional—it’s mandatory.

WHO ISSUES SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE?

The issuing authority for FSSAI renewal is the same as the original licence authority.

Central Licensing Authority (CLA): For large-scale businesses (turnover above ₹20 crores, importers, or businesses operating in multiple states).
State Licensing Authority (SLA): For medium-scale businesses operating within a single state with turnover between ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crores.
Designated Officer/Food Safety Officer: For small businesses under basic registration (turnover below ₹12 lakh).

The renewal process is carried out through the official FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal, which replaced the old FLRS system in 2020.

ELIGIBILITY AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE

Who Needs to Renew FSSAI Licence?

Every food business operator (FBO) that deals with manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, transportation, or retail of food products must renew their licence before expiry.

Validity is between 1 to 5 years, depending on the licence chosen. Renewal must be applied at least 30 days before expiry.

Documents Required for Renewal

The documents vary depending on whether you hold a Basic, State, or Central licence. Generally, you need:

Passport-size photograph of the applicant
Identity and address proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, Passport)
Copy of existing FSSAI licence
Proof of business premises (rent agreement, utility bill, property tax receipt)
Updated Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan
List of food products handled/manufactured
Partnership deed, MoA, or AoA for companies/partnerships
NOC from local body or municipality (if applicable)
Import Export Code (for importers)
Annual turnover details (to determine licence category)

STEP-BY-STEP SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE PROCESS

Now, let’s break down the FSSAI licence renewal process step by step:

What to do if your FSSAI licence is about to expire?

Apply for renewal at least 30 days before expiry.
If you delay, you’ll need to pay late fees of ₹100 per day.
If the licence expires, you cannot renew—it requires a fresh application (food licence reapplication).

How to renew your FSSAI licence online in India step-by-step

Basic registration: ₹100 per year
State licence: ₹2,000–₹5,000 per year
Central licence: ₹7,500 per year

Inspection (if applicable): State and Central licences may require physical inspection before renewal approval.
Track Status: Use FoSCoS “Track Application Status” feature to follow progress.
Receive Renewed Licence: Once approved, download the renewed FSSAI licence. Display it at your business premises and on packaging as required.

Pro Tip: Always apply early—don’t wait for last-day rush.

PENALTY FOR OPERATING WITHOUT SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE

If you don’t renew on time and continue operating, it’s considered a violation under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Late Renewal Fee: ₹100 per day until expiry.
Operating without valid licence: Penalty up to ₹5 lakh + imprisonment up to 6 months.
Selling unsafe food: Fine up to ₹10 lakh.
Misbranding/false labelling: Fine up to ₹3 lakh.

In 2022, FSSAI also made it compulsory for food aggregators like Swiggy, Zomato, Flipkart, and Amazon to delist businesses without valid FSSAI licences. So, if your licence expires, your business could even be removed from these platforms.

HOW LAWFINITY SIMPLIFIES SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE PROCEDURE?

Renewing your licence may look simple, but in reality, businesses often face rejections due to incomplete documents, wrong category selection, or delays. That’s where Lawfinity comes in.

Here’s how we help you with FSSAI renewal:

Free consultation: Assess whether you need renewal, modification, or fresh reapplication.
Document support: Organize and verify your documents for accuracy.
Application filing: We handle the entire FSSAI licence renewal process on the FoSCoS portal.
Inspection guidance: Assist during inspections if required.
Timely reminders: We remind you before expiry so you never miss deadlines.
24/7 support: Answer all queries regarding FSSAI online services.

So while you focus on growing your food business, Lawfinity ensures your licence never lapses.

MUSINGS FROM THE AUTHOR’S INK

Running a food business isn’t just about good recipes and happy customers—it’s also about staying compliant. I’ve seen many entrepreneurs who put their heart into their business but forget these small yet important formalities. And then, one day, their licence expires, orders stop, platforms delist them, and everything comes crashing down.

So, don’t take FSSAI renewal lightly. Think of it as your food business passport—it needs to be valid for you to travel in the world of food. Apply on time, avoid penalties, and most importantly, keep your customer’s trust intact.

At the end of the day, compliance is not just paperwork—it’s a promise of safety.