FSSAI Basic Registration: Mandatory for Every Food Business

Food businesses in India with turnover up to ₹12 lakh are legally required to hold a valid FSSAI Basic Registration certificate before starting operations. Get yours done — quickly, correctly, and with expert CA support.

100%

Online Process

2-7 Days

Fast turnaround

24×7

Expert Support

15+

Years of Expertise

⚡Fast Mode is now live. The government has introduced Fast Mode processing under which sole proprietorship food businesses can obtain their FSSAI Basic Registration certificate within 1 to 2 days. Apply under Fast Mode →

FSSAI Registration: Overview

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 to consolidate the laws relating to food and set standards for food articles. Every Food Business Operator (FBO) in India — from a small home baker to a large manufacturing unit — must hold a valid FSSAI registration or license before commencing operations.

Depending on business size and scale, FSSAI registration is categorised into three tiers. Understanding which tier applies to you is critical, as the wrong registration can lead to compliance issues. Refer to our FSSAI Applicability guide to determine the correct category for your business.

What is FSSAI Basic Registration?

FSSAI Basic Registration (also called Food Registration or Food License) is a mandatory government certificate issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for all food businesses in India with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh. It is issued via the FoSCoS portal and is the entry-level food safety compliance requirement. Without it, operating a food business in India is illegal and attracts penalties up to ₹5 lakh.

FSSAI License apply, FSSAI license for cloud kitchen, FSSAI Registration, FSSAI Basic Registration, FSSAI State License, FSSAI Central Licensse, FSSAI Annual Return Filing

Who Needs FSSAI Basic Registration?

FSSAI Basic Registration is mandatory for any Food Business Operator (FBO) in India whose annual turnover is less than ₹12 lakh. If your food business falls under mandatory licensing categories, you may need a State or Central license regardless of turnover — check our FSSAI applicability checker to confirm.

  • Small food manufacturers
  • Home-based food businesses
  • Home bakeries & confectioners
  • Tiffin & cloud kitchen operators
  • Petty food retailers
  • Street food vendors & stalls
  • Temporary food kiosks
  • Cottage food industries
  • Zomato / Swiggy sellers
  • Dairy & sweet stalls (small)

ⓘ Food delivery aggregators like Zomato and Swiggy require a valid FSSAI license number before onboarding. Outlets without registration are immediately delisted.

 

FSSAI Registration Fees

2,499/-
  • Documents Preparation
  • Application Filing
  • Issuance of Certificate

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

  1. Directors/ Partners Or Proprietor Documents – Pan card, Adhaar card, Photograph, Email ID and Mobile Number 
  2. Proof of Address of Food Business – Rent Agreement/ Electricity bill/ Property Tax Receipt
  3. List of Food Products 
  4. Company Documents- Pan card / Certificate of Incorporation/MOA/LLP Agreement, Partnership Deed etc – If any
  5. Supporting Documents (if any):- NOC by Municipality or Panchayat, Health NOC.

How to Apply for FSSAI Basic Registration Online

The application is submitted through the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in). setupfiling.in handles the entire process on your behalf — you only need to share your documents. Here is the step-by-step process:

1. Determine Eligibility & Category

Confirm your annual turnover is below ₹12 lakh and you qualify for Basic Registration (not State or Central License). Use our applicability checker to verify.

2. Share Documents with SetupFiling.in

Submit your documents via WhatsApp or email. Our CA team reviews them for completeness and accuracy before filing — ensuring zero rejection.

3. Form A Preparation & Application Filing

Our experts complete Form A (FSSAI Basic Registration application) and submit it on the FoSCoS portal, along with Payment of the ₹100/year government fee.

4. Authority Verification

The Registering Authority reviews the application. For Basic Registration, this is typically a desk review without physical inspection.

5. Certificate Issued

FSSAI Basic Registration certificate (with 14-digit registration number starting with “2”) is issued and delivered to you digitally within 7–10 working days (or 1–2 days under Fast Mode).

Validity & Renewal of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI Basic Registration is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, chosen by the Food Business Operator at the time of application. The validity period is counted from the date of issue of the registration certificate.

Renewal must be applied for not later than 30 days before the expiry date. Late renewal attracts a penalty of ₹100 per day. Operating with an expired FSSAI registration is treated as operating without registration and can attract penalties up to ₹5 lakh.

📌 Use our FSSAI License Renewal service to renew your registration before it expires. We also assist with your FSSAI Annual Return filing.

FSSAI Registration vs FSSAI License: Key Differences

FSSAI Registration

FSSAI License

It is required by petty food manufacturers or the FBO having a turnover of less than Rs 12 Lakhs unless the FBO is covered under mandatory licensing.

It is typically required for the businesses having a turnover of more than 12 lacs or by the FBO engaged in food processing and manufacturing.

The government fee for registration is Rs 100 for each financial year.

The government fee for a food licence ranges from Rs 2000 to 5000 Per Annum for a State licence and Rs 7,500/-Per Annum for the Central Licence.

FSSAI registration number also carries 14 digits in it, but the first digits starts with 2.

FSSAI licence carries 14 digits in it wherein the first digit starts with 1.

Food Registration It is always granted by the State Licencing Authority

It is granted by state Licencing Authorities in the case of State licence and central Licencing Authority in case of Central Licence.

Why is FSSAI Basic Registration Important?

Legal Compliance

FSSAI Basic Registration is a statutory requirement under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Operating a food business without it is illegal. All food businesses — including home kitchens, tiffin services, and cloud kitchens — must register before starting operations.

Consumer Trust & Brand Credibility

Displaying your 14-digit FSSAI registration number on food packaging, menus, and delivery platforms signals to consumers that your food is prepared under hygienic, regulated conditions. This trust directly impacts repeat business and customer loyalty.

Marketplace Listing (Zomato, Swiggy, Amazon)

A valid FSSAI number is mandatory to list your food business on Zomato, Swiggy, ONDC, and Amazon. Similarly, it is required to sell packaged food products on e-commerce platforms.

Business Expansion & Funding

Banks, investors, and institutional buyers require FSSAI registration proof before entering into commercial relationships. If you plan to register your food business as a Private Limited Company or LLP, FSSAI registration is often requested alongside Company Registration. Additionally, MSME Registration and FSSAI together help food businesses access priority sector lending.

Trademark Protection for Food Brands

After obtaining FSSAI registration, food businesses are strongly advised to protect their brand name and logo through Trademark Registration. This protects your food brand identity from being copied by competitors — an especially important step for packaged food brands and cloud kitchens.

Penalties for Non-Compliance with FSSAI

All Food Business Operators are required to register or license their business before commencing operations. Failure to comply attracts significant penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006:

⚠️ FSSAI Penalty Schedule

  • Operating without FSSAI Registration: Fine up to ₹5 lakh + Imprisonment up to 6 months
  • Sub-standard food products: Fine up to ₹5 lakh
  • Misbranded food products: Fine up to ₹3 lakh
  • Unsafe food (not causing injury): Imprisonment up to 6 months + Fine up to ₹1 lakh
  • Late renewal of FSSAI license: ₹100 per day

Get Your FSSAI License Today!

Start your food business legally. Quick, easy FSSAI registration. Apply now and grow with trust and compliance!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is FSSAI registration mandatory for a home kitchen or home bakery?

Yes. Any home kitchen, home bakery, tiffin service, cloud kitchen, or home-based food business in India must obtain FSSAI Basic Registration before starting operations. The annual turnover threshold of ₹12 lakh applies to the registration category, but the requirement to hold some form of FSSAI registration applies to all food businesses regardless of size.

How long does FSSAI Basic Registration take?

Standard FSSAI Basic Registration is processed within 7 to 10 working days after document submission. Under the Fast Mode introduced by the government, sole proprietorship businesses can obtain the FSSAI certificate within 1 to 2 days only. Fast Mode is currently applicable to sole proprietorship firms only.
 

Can I apply for FSSAI registration without visiting any office?

Yes. The entire FSSAI registration process is 100% online through the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in). No physical visit to any FSSAI office or government department is required. SetupFiling.in handles the complete online process on your behalf.

What is the FSSAI registration fee for small food businesses? 

The government fee for FSSAI Basic Registration is ₹100 per year. SetupFiling.in charges ₹2,499 (inclusive of all professional and government fees) for end-to-end registration including document preparation, FoSCoS application filing, follow-up with authorities, and digital certificate delivery.

Do I need a separate FSSAI registration for each outlet or location? 

Yes. Each food business location requires its own FSSAI registration or license. If you operate multiple food business outlets — whether restaurants, production units, or home kitchens at different addresses — each location needs a separate FSSAI registration based on its individual turnover and business activity.

Is FSSAI registration required to sell food products on Zomato, Swiggy, or Amazon? 

Absolutely. A valid FSSAI license number is mandatory to get listed on Zomato, Swiggy, ONDC, Amazon, Flipkart Grocery, and any other food aggregator or e-commerce platform. Outlets discovered operating without valid FSSAI registration are immediately delisted from these platforms.

What is the validity of FSSAI Basic Registration and what happens if it expires? 

FSSAI Basic Registration is valid for 1 to 5 years as chosen at the time of application. Renewal must be filed at least 30 days before expiry. Late renewal attracts a penalty of ₹100 per day. Operating with an expired registration is treated as operating without registration and can attract fines up to ₹5 lakh.

My turnover has grown beyond ₹12 lakh. Do I need to upgrade my FSSAI registration?

Yes. If your annual turnover exceeds ₹12 lakh, you must upgrade from FSSAI Basic Registration to an FSSAI State License. Similarly, if turnover crosses ₹20 crore, a Central License is required. Continuing to operate on a Basic Registration beyond the applicable turnover threshold is a compliance violation. Contact SetupFiling.in to assist with the upgrade to an FSSAI State License.