Introduction

Every food business in India—whether it is a small home kitchen, cloud kitchen, restaurant, online seller, manufacturing unit, or importer—must obtain an FSSAI registration or licence to legally operate. With the updated 2025 FSSAI norms, compliance requirements have become more structured, ensuring higher standards of food safety, hygiene, and traceability.

Whether the company is shifting its office within the same city, to another city within the same state, or to a different state entirely, the Companies Act, 2013 lays down specific procedural and documentary requirements.

What Is FSSAI Registration?

FSSAI registration is a mandatory food safety licence issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

It certifies that a food business follows:

• Food safety standards

• Proper hygiene practices

• Labelling and packaging rules

• Manufacturing/processing regulations

No food business can legally operate without it.

Types of FSSAI Registration (2025 Norms)

1. Basic FSSAI Registration

For small FBOs with turnover up to ₹12 lakh per annum.

Suitable for:

• Small retailers

• Homemade food sellers

• Small food stalls

• Cottage food businesses

2. State FSSAI Licence

For businesses with turnover ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore or specific medium-scale operations.

Examples:

• Restaurants

• Medium manufacturers

• Cloud kitchens

• Storage and transport units

3. Central FSSAI Licence

Mandatory for:

• Large manufacturers

• Importers/exporters

• Businesses operating in multiple states

• Turnover above ₹20 crore

• E-commerce food operators

Who Needs an FSSAI Registration?

All food-related businesses must register, including:

• Restaurants, cafés, bakeries

• Cloud kitchens, dark kitchens, and online food sellers

• Home-based food businesses

• Packaged food manufacturers

• Food processing units

• Dairy units, cold storage, wholesalers

• Transporters, distributors, retailers

• E-commerce food delivery platforms

• Importers and exporters of food products

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

For Basic Registration

• Passport-size photograph

• Aadhaar/PAN of proprietor

• Business address proof

• Food safety declaration

• Nature of business details

For State Licence

Includes Basic documents +

• Blueprint/layout of premises

• Equipment list

• Water testing report

• NOC from local authorities

• Food safety management plan

For Central Licence

Includes State documents +

• Import–export code (IEC)

• Production capacity proof

• Source of raw materials

• E-commerce operator details (if applicable)

Step-by-Step FSSAI Registration Process (2025)

Step 1: Determine Licence Type

Evaluate business turnover, scale, and operations.

Step 2: Create Account on FoSCoS Portal

Visit https://foscos.fssai.gov.in and register.

Step 3: Fill Application Form

Select:

• Basic Registration

• State Licence

• Central Licence

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload all required proofs in the correct format.

Step 5: Pay Government Fees

Fees vary based on category and duration.

Step 6: Verification by Authorities

FSSAI may conduct:

• Inspection

• Document verification

• Clarification requests

Step 7: Licence Issuance

After approval, downloadable licence is available on FoSCoS.

FSSAI Renewal and Validity (2025 Rules)

• FSSAI licences are valid for 1 to 5 years.

• Renewal must be done before expiry, preferably 30 days in advance.

• Late renewal attracts penalty or cancellation of licence.

• Businesses must update profile whenever changes occur (address, ownership, category).

Key Compliance Requirements for Food Businesses

• Display FSSAI licence number at premises and on food packaging

• Maintain hygiene and safety standards as per Schedule 4

• File annual returns (Form D1 and D2, where applicable)

• Maintain worker hygiene, pest control, and temperature logs

• Ensure proper labelling and allergen declarations

• Use food-grade packaging

• Cooperate with FSSAI inspections

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to register or violating FSSAI rules may lead to:

• Penalty up to ₹5 lakh

• Closure of business

• Product seizure

• Cancellation of licence

• Legal prosecution in severe cases

Who Benefits from Proper FSSAI Licensing?

• Startups establishing credibility

• Restaurants listed on Swiggy/Zomato

• Manufacturers selling to supermarkets

• Online food sellers needing brand trust

• Exporters ensuring global compliance

An FSSAI licence builds customer confidence and opens doors for business growth.

Conclusion

FSSAI registration is essential for any food business in India. With the updated 2025 norms, food safety compliance has become more transparent and structured. Whether you’re a small home kitchen or a large food manufacturer, obtaining and renewing the correct FSSAI licence ensures legal protection, trust, and long-term business stability.
Bisways Consulting Group assists businesses with FSSAI registration, licence renewal, FoSCoS filings, food safety audits, and complete compliance support for food businesses.