1. 📘 Introduction
Running a food service business in India? Whether you’re a restaurant owner, cloud kitchen operator, food delivery startup, or caterer, obtaining FSSAI Food Services Registration is mandatory under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) ensures that food businesses meet hygiene and safety standards. Without registration, your business could face penalties or shutdown.
✅ Latest Update 2025: As per FSSAI’s new circular, all food service providers – even small home chefs and tiffin services – must register through the updated FoSCoS Portal.
2. 🗂 Types of Licenses Offered by FSSAI for Food Services
License Type | Applicability |
Basic FSSAI Registration | For food businesses with annual turnover less than ₹12 lakh |
State License | For turnover between ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore (operating within one state) |
Central License | For turnover over ₹20 crore or interstate operations, airports, railways, etc. |
3. 👨🍳 Who Needs FSSAI Food Services Registration?
- Restaurants & food outlets
- Cloud kitchens & food aggregators (Zomato, Swiggy)
- Cafes & canteens
- Catering services
- Food trucks & mobile food vans
- Tiffin centers & mess services
- Hotels serving food
- Mid-day meal providers
- Hospitals/Schools/Colleges with in-house kitchens
🔍 Even a home-based chef selling via Instagram/WhatsApp must register.
4. 🤝 Why Choose a License Registration Service Provider?
While you can register directly, using an experienced service provider helps in:
- Choosing the right license (Basic/State/Central)
- Avoiding rejections due to incomplete documents
- Preparing FSMS declarations correctly
- Getting follow-ups and approvals faster
- Managing renewals and legal queries
🛑 Many self-applied licenses are delayed or rejected due to technical errors or missing annexures.
5. 📝 Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Login/Sign Up
- Select “Food Services” category
- Fill Form A (Basic) or Form B (State/Central)
- Upload supporting documents
- Pay the government fee
- Await document verification or inspection
- Download your registration/license once approved
🧾 Licenses are issued digitally and should be displayed at the food premises.
6. 📄 Required Documents
Document | Required |
Passport-size photo of applicant | ✅ |
Government ID (Aadhaar/PAN) | ✅ |
Business address proof | ✅ |
Food category list | ✅ |
Trade license/shop establishment certificate | ✅ |
NOC from municipality (for restaurants) | ✅ |
FSMS declaration (Food Safety Management System) | ✅ |
Kitchen layout (for large food units) | Optional |
7. 💸 Cost Involved
Type | Government Fee/year | Consultant Fee (approx.) |
Basic Registration | ₹100 | ₹1,500 – ₹2,000 |
State License | ₹2,000–₹5,000 | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 |
Central License | ₹7,500 | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 |
📌 Note: You can apply for a license valid for 1 to 5 years. Renewal is required before expiry.
8. ⏱️ Time Taken
Process | Time |
Application Filing | 1–2 working days |
Government Review | 7–20 days |
Final Approval & Issuance | 10–30 working days |
🕒 Delays may occur if a food inspection is needed or additional clarification is requested.
9. ❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing wrong license type based on business scale
- Skipping the FSMS form or incorrect format
- Submitting blurry or invalid ID/address proof
- Forgetting renewal before expiry
- Not displaying the license at premises (penalty applicable)
10. 📞 Call-to-Action (CTA)
Want to simplify your FSSAI food services registration? Let our experts handle it all!
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Quick. Hassle-free. 100% Compliant.
11. 🙋♂️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do small tiffin services need FSSAI?
Yes. Any business preparing food for sale or distribution needs FSSAI registration, regardless of scale.
Q2: What’s the penalty for not having a license?
Penalty can range from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh, along with seizure of operations.
Q3: Can I apply for multiple outlets?
Yes. Separate registration is needed for each food outlet or location.
Q4: Is inspection always required?
Not for Basic registration. State and Central licenses may require inspection based on food risk.
Q5: Can I register online without a consultant?
Yes, but rejections are common. A consultant helps you get it right the first time.