Mandatory for food businesses with annual turnover between ₹12 Lakhs and ₹20 Crores. Expert-assisted, 100% online — we handle everything from documents to issuance.
Standard processing timeline
Fast mode (sole proprietorship)
License validity, your choice
+ Govt Fee ₹2,000–₹5,000/yr
⚠️ Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI license can result in a fine of up to ₹10 Lakhs and imprisonment up to 6 years for grievous cases.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) classifies food business licenses into three tiers — Basic Registration, State License, and Central License — based on annual turnover and scale of operations. The State License sits in the middle tier and is the most common license for established restaurants, mid-scale manufacturers, caterers, distributors, and dairy operators in India.
Whether you run a restaurant chain, a food processing unit, a packaged food brand, or a catering company, the FSSAI State License signals to consumers, partners, and regulators that your food handling meets India’s safety standards. It is often required when applying for bank loans, listing on food aggregators like Swiggy and Zomato, or exporting to other states.
The Following food business operators need to apply for a State license with their respective state licensing authorities:
| Parameter | Basic Registration | State License | Central License |
|---|---|---|---|
Annual Turnover | Up to ₹12 Lakhs | ₹12 Lakhs – ₹20 Crores | Above ₹20 Crores |
Applicable FBOs | Petty/home-based operators | Restaurants, manufacturers, caterers, dairy | Large chains, importers, exporters |
Govt. Fee/Year | ₹100 | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 | ₹7,500 |
Import/Export | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
The government fee for FSSAI State License depends on your business type. Our professional fee of ₹4,999 covers document preparation, application filing, and follow-up until your license is issued.
Restaurants, canteens, caterers, clubs, dabbawalas, hotels (below 3-star) and Traders
Manufacturers below 1 MT/day, dairy 501–10,000 L/day: ₹3,000/year
Hotels 3-star & above, manufacturers above 1 MT/day, dairy above 10,000 L/day: ₹5,000/year
setupfiling.in handles the entire process end-to-end on FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System). Here’s how it works:
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 mandates obtaining a Food License before commencing any food business. Non-compliance attracts severe penalties:
All directors, partners, managers, and secretaries of the FBO can be held personally liable under the Act.
Maximum fine for operating without a valid FSSAI license
Imprisonment for unlicensed food business operation
Imprisonment if unsafe food causes grievous injury
Late fee penalty for delayed fssai license renewal
Your FSSAI State License is valid for 1 to 5 years. Apply for renewal at least 30 days before expiry to avoid a penalty of ₹100 per day. The renewal process mirrors the original application. Get FSSAI License Renewal →
All licensed manufacturers and importers of food products must file an FSSAI Annual Return on FoSCoS by 31st May each year. A separate return is required per license. Late filing attracts ₹100/day penalty. File Annual Return →
Obtain your FSSAI State License legally and quickly. Our experts handle everything — from documents to delivery.
FSSAI State License is a food business permit issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India for operators with annual turnover between ₹12 Lakhs and ₹20 Crores operating within a single state. It is mandatory under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
FSSAI Basic Registration is for petty food businesses with annual turnover up to ₹12 Lakhs. FSSAI State License covers businesses with turnover between ₹12 Lakhs and ₹20 Crores operating within a single state. FSSAI Central License is for businesses with turnover above ₹20 Crores, multi-state operations, or food import/export activities.
Food Business Operators with annual turnover between ₹12 Lakhs and ₹20 Crores need a State License. This includes restaurants, caterers, food manufacturers, dairy units, cereal mills, and slaughterhouses with limited capacity.
It typically takes 30 to 60 days. However, sole proprietorships can opt for Fast Track Mode and receive the license within 1 to 2 working days without a physical inspection.
Key documents include Certificate of Incorporation or Partnership Deed, PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Rent Agreement or Sale Deed, Electricity Bill, NOC from property owner, and Form IX. Manufacturing units additionally need a floor plan, machinery list, and water test report.
The license is valid for 1 to 5 years depending on the validity period selected at the time of application. Renewal must be applied at least 30 days before expiry.
Operating without a valid FSSAI license can attract a fine up to ₹10 Lakhs and/or imprisonment up to 6 months. If unsafe food causes grievous injury, imprisonment can extend to 6 years.
Yes. The entire application is filed on the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal, which is the official FSSAI licensing platform.
Yes. A separate license is required for each premises where food is manufactured, stored, or processed at a different address.
No. If you operate across multiple states or have turnover above ₹20 Crores, you need a Central License for your registered office.
Yes. Swiggy, Zomato, and other food delivery platforms require a valid FSSAI license as a mandatory document during onboarding.
Apply for renewal at least 30 days before the expiry date. Late renewal attracts a penalty of ₹100 per day from the date of expiry.
Yes. All licensed manufacturers and importers must file an FSSAI Annual Return in Form D1 on the FoSCoS portal by 31st May every year. Late filing attracts ₹100 per day penalty.
If the turnover of a home-based food business exceeds ₹12 Lakhs, a State License is mandatory. Home bakers, cloud kitchens, and home chefs with qualifying turnover must obtain the appropriate license.
