Food License compliances

•    The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established by the Central Government to lay down science-based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import, to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption and for matters connected with or incidental thereto.
•    No one shall manufacture, distribute, sell, expose for sale, dispatch or provide to any agent or broker for the purpose of selling any packaged food goods that are not marked and labelled in the way authorised by rules.
•    Every food business operator must ensure that the labelling and presentation of food, including their shape, appearance, or packaging, the packaging materials used, the manner in which they are arranged and displayed, and the information made available about them via any medium, do not mislead consumers.
 

• Trust through FSSAI logo: Displaying the FSSAI logo and 14 digit number signals that products meet prescribed safety and quality standards, increasing customer confidence and repeat business.
• Better brand reputation: Continuous compliance (lab testing, hygiene, labelling norms) positions the business as reliable, improving word of mouth and online ratings for restaurants, cloud kitchens, and food brands.

• Standardized processes: Compliance requires proper sourcing, handling, processing, storage, and transport, reducing contamination, adulteration, and foodborne illnesses.
• Regular monitoring: Periodic inspections and audits encourage a culture of cleanliness, staff training, and routine checks (temperature, pest control, sanitation), improving overall product quality.

• Create account on FSSAI’s Food Safety Compliance System (FOSCOS) portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in) and sign up with email/mobile.
• Select “Apply & Generate License/Registration”, choose State and Kind of Business (KOB), then select Registration or Licence as applicable.
• For Registration, fill Form A; for State/Central Licence, fill Form B with business, product and capacity details.

• If incomplete - clarification or additional documents may be requested 
• If rejected - reasons are provided

• Follow food safety and hygiene standards 
• Display FSSAI license at premises 
• Mention license number on food packaging 

• Registration/licence is issued for 1–5 years as opted; FBO must apply for renewal before expiry through FOSCOS to avoid late fee or suspension.
• Any change in business name, address, product range, capacity, or KOB generally requires modification of licence/registration on portal and fee payment.
• Operating without valid registration/licence or violating conditions can lead to penalties, suspension or cancellation under FSS Act.

• Passport-size photograph of applicant 
• Identity proof (Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / Driving License) 
• Business address proof (Electricity bill / Rent agreement) 
• Details of food business activity 
• Declaration form (self-declaration of food safety compliance)

• All Documents from Basic Registration (plus Form B).
• Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Plan: A detailed plan or certificate outlining your hygiene and safety protocols.

• Storage/warehouse: proof of storage facility, capacity details, cold storage details if any.
• Transporters: list of vehicles, registration numbers, ownership/lease proof.
• Importers: IEC copy, DGFT registration and details of import products.
• Dairy, meat, slaughterhouses, water bottling: specific NOCs, veterinary/health certificates, source of raw milk/water, etc., as per product category guidelines.

• FSSAI Annual Compliance Submission Report