FSSAI licence vs FoSCoS registration: which one does your food business need?
Basic, State or Central — the choice depends on turnover, activity and whether you manufacture. Here is the decision map, plus documents and timelines.
By Legal Munshi Expert Desk
Every food business in India — manufacturing, storage, transport, packaging, wholesale or retail — must be registered or licensed under the FSS Act.
The three tiers
| Tier | Who it is for | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Tiny operators, turnover below INR 12 lakh a year | Form A |
| State Licence | Turnover above INR 12 lakh but below INR 20 crore, or medium-scale manufacturing | Form B |
| Central Licence | Turnover above INR 20 crore, or importers, exporters and multi-state operators | Form B |
How to choose
Start from what you actually do. A single-outlet retailer with low turnover needs Basic Registration. A manufacturer supplying several states needs a Central Licence even if its turnover is modest. An importer always needs a Central Licence.
Documents you will need
- Identity and address proof of the proprietor or authorised signatory.
- Address proof of the premises.
- A product list with the categories you intend to manufacture or sell.
- A layout of the premises.
- Details of the person responsible for food safety.
- Additional process documents for a Central Licence.
Assessment and inspection
For the smaller categories the licence is usually issued on the basis of the documents and a self-declaration. For larger categories a food safety officer may inspect the premises. Keep the layout, storage and hygiene arrangements consistent with what you declared — mismatches are the most common cause of queries.
Display and renewal
The licence number must be displayed at the premises and, where required, on packaging. Licences are issued for a fixed period and must be renewed before expiry. Operating on an expired licence attracts penalties.
Staying compliant afterwards
A licence is not the end of compliance. You must keep records of raw materials and production, follow the labelling requirements for your products, and renew on time. For packaged food, the label must carry the licence number, ingredients, nutritional information and the vegetarian or non-vegetarian mark as applicable.