Introduction

Every food business in India, from small eateries to large manufacturers, must gain an FSSAI Licence Registration before starting operations. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issues three main FSSAI Licence Types — Basic, State, and Central — depending on the business size, development, and nature of operations. Understanding these food license orders is essential for compliance and smooth functioning of your business.

BASIC FSSAI LICENCE

A Basic FSSAI Licence Registration is ideal for small-scale food businesses such as petty retailers, hawkers, or small food units with limited operations.

Eligibility:

Annual turnover should be below Rs.12 lakhs.
Suitable for small manufacturers, transporters, and temporary food stalls.

Key Features:

Simple online registration process on the FoSCoS portal.
Minimal documentation required.
Valid for 1–5 years and renewable.

When to Apply:

If you’re a small food start-up or local vendor, this category ensures compliance without complex paperwork. As your business grows, you can upgrade your FSSAI licence to a State or Central category later.

STATE FSSAI LICENCE

The State FSSAI Licence Registration applies to medium-sized businesses that operate within a single state.

Eligibility:

Annual turnover between Rs.12 lakhs and Rs.20 crores.
Applicable to medium manufacturers, storage units, transporters, distributors, or retailers operating in one state.

Key Features:

Issued by the State Authority under FSSAI.
Requires submission of business documents, layout plans, and food safety management plans.
Valid for 1–5 years depending on the fee structure chosen.

Ideal For:

Growing restaurants, small manufacturing units, and state-level distributors who have outgrown the Basic licence limits.

CENTRAL FSSAI LICENCE

The Central FSSAI Licence Registration is mandatory for large food businesses or those involved in import, export, or inter-state operations.

Eligibility:

Annual turnover above Rs. 20 crores.
Required for importers, large manufacturers, airport canteens, seaports, or food product exporters.

Key Features:

Issued directly by the Central Authority of FSSAI.
Comprehensive compliance with advanced safety protocols.
Mandatory for businesses with operations in more than one state.

Example:
If you are a chain restaurant or an FMCG brand distributing products across multiple states, you must apply for a Central licence to ensure national compliance.

HOW LAWFINITY WILL HELP YOU

At Lawfinity, we simplify the FSSAI Licence Registration process for all FSSAI Licence Types — Basic, State, and Central.

Our Services Include:

Assessing your business size and suggesting the correct food license category.
Document preparation and online filing on the FoSCoS portal.
Liaising with FSSAI authorities for swift approval.
Renewal and upgrade support for existing licences.

Our experts ensure your business meets all compliance requirements and operates without legal hurdles.