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StartupMates
fssai

FSSAI Food License

7-10 working days 100% online process Dedicated expert
  • Free consultation to identify the right category: Basic, State or Central
  • Preparation and online filing on the FoSCoS portal
  • Document checklist tailored to your food business
  • Help with the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan for licences

About this service

Every business that makes, stores, sells, transports or serves food in India needs an FSSAI registration or licence under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. StartupMates identifies the right category for your business, prepares your application and follows up with the food safety department until you receive your 14-digit FSSAI number.

From 1 April 2026, FSSAI raised its turnover limits, so many small and growing businesses now qualify for the simpler Basic registration:

CategoryAnnual turnover (from 1 April 2026)
Basic RegistrationUp to ₹1.5 crore
State Licence₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore
Central LicenceAbove ₹50 crore, and importers, exporters or multi-state operations

Requirements & eligibility

  • Basic Registration: annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh (small manufacturers, traders, home businesses, stalls)
  • State Licence: turnover above ₹12 lakh and up to ₹20 crore
  • Central Licence: turnover above ₹20 crore, importers, exporters and certain categories
  • Photo ID and address proof of the applicant
  • Proof of possession of the premises
  • List of food products to be manufactured or sold

Step-by-step process

What happens after you book, and roughly how long each step takes.

  1. 1

    Licence type checkDay 1

    We confirm whether you need Basic Registration, a State Licence or a Central Licence.

  2. 2

    Application on FoSCoSDay 1–2

    We prepare and file the application with the documents on the FSSAI FoSCoS portal.

  3. 3

    Review and inspection7–30 days

    The food safety officer reviews the application; licences may involve a premises inspection.

  4. 4

    Registration / licence issuedOn approval

    Your 14-digit FSSAI number and certificate are issued for 1 to 5 years, as chosen.

Benefits

  • Legal permission to manufacture, store, sell or deliver food
  • Required by Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon and other platforms
  • Builds customer trust with the FSSAI logo and number on packaging
  • Avoids penalties and closure for operating without a licence
  • Helps when expanding to new locations or exporting

Key features

  • Free consultation to identify the right category: Basic, State or Central
  • Preparation and online filing on the FoSCoS portal
  • Document checklist tailored to your food business
  • Help with the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan for licences
  • Follow-up on queries from the food safety officer
  • Guidance on displaying the FSSAI number on labels, menus and bills
  • Reminders for renewal before expiry
  • Support for restaurants, cloud kitchens, home bakers, manufacturers, traders, distributors and e-commerce sellers

Documents required

  • Photo ID of the proprietor, partners or directors (PAN / Aadhaar)
  • Passport-size photograph
  • Address proof of the business premises (rent agreement or ownership proof, plus utility bill)
  • List of food products or categories you deal in
  • Incorporation certificate, partnership deed or MOA/AOA (for companies, LLPs and firms)
  • For State/Central licence: layout plan of the premises and list of equipment
  • For State/Central licence: water test report from a recognised lab (for manufacturers)
  • For State/Central licence: FSMS plan and NOC from the municipality, where applicable

What's included

  • Category assessment and eligibility check
  • Preparation and filing of the application
  • FSSAI registration certificate or licence with your 14-digit number
  • Query handling until approval
  • Display and labelling guidance

Not included

  • Government fees (depend on category and number of years chosen)
  • Water testing or lab charges
  • Food safety training (FoSTaC) fees
  • Annual return (Form D-1) filing
  • Modification of an existing licence
  • Inspection-related expenses

Why StartupMates

  • Pay in parts

    Clear price with GST shown upfront. On most services you start with an advance and pay the rest after work begins.

  • One dedicated expert

    The same person handles your work from documents to final certificate.

  • 100% online

    Share documents and sign digitally from home. Track progress in your account.

  • Compliance after registration

    GST returns, ROC filings, TDS and renewals handled, with reminders before due dates.

Frequently asked questions

Who needs FSSAI registration?+
Anyone running a food business, including restaurants, cloud kitchens, home bakers, manufacturers, traders, distributors and online food sellers.
Which FSSAI category do I need?+
From 1 April 2026: Basic registration up to ₹1.5 crore turnover, State licence from ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore, and Central licence above ₹50 crore or for importers, exporters and multi-state businesses.
What is the government fee?+
₹100 per year for Basic registration. State licences cost ₹2,000–₹5,000 per year depending on the activity, and Central licences ₹7,500 per year.
How long is an FSSAI registration valid?+
You can choose a validity of 1 to 5 years and pay the fee for those years. Renew before expiry to avoid a late fee.
How long does it take?+
Basic registration usually takes 7–10 working days. State and Central licences can take 30–60 days, as an inspection may be required.
Can I run a food business from home?+
Yes. Home-based food businesses need FSSAI registration too; most qualify for Basic registration.
What is the penalty for running without FSSAI?+
Operating without a valid registration or licence can lead to fines and closure of the business under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Ready to get started?

Book now, or talk to an expert first. The first call is free.

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