If you sell food commercially — whether from your home kitchen, a cloud kitchen, a tiffin service, or an Instagram page — FSSAI registration is legally mandatory. The good news: Basic Registration costs only ₹100 per year and takes about 7 working days. This guide covers everything you need to know.
What is FSSAI?
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is the government body that ensures food sold in India is safe. Any person or business that manufactures, processes, stores, distributes, or sells food products must have FSSAI registration or license.
Apply through the official FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in).
Three types of FSSAI registration
| Type | Turnover | Annual fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Below ₹12 lakh | ₹100/year | 1–5 years |
| State License | ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore | ₹2,000–₹5,000/year | 1–5 years |
| Central License | Above ₹20 crore or multi-state | ₹7,500/year | 1–5 years |
Most home bakers, small cloud kitchens, and tiffin services qualify for Basic Registration. Start there. You can upgrade as your business grows.
Who needs FSSAI?
- Home bakers selling cakes, cookies, brownies
- Cloud kitchens and dark kitchens
- Tiffin services and home cooks selling commercially
- Restaurants, cafés, dhabas, canteens
- Sweet shops (halwai), snack stalls
- Grocery stores selling packaged food
- Food manufacturers and processors
- Anyone selling food on Instagram, WhatsApp, Swiggy, or Zomato
If you sell food commercially through any channel — even personal social media — FSSAI registration is required.
Documents you need
- Photo ID proof — Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or Passport of the business owner.
- Address proof of food business premises — electricity bill or rent agreement for your kitchen or shop.
- Passport-size photograph — recent photo of the business owner.
- Business name — even "Priya's Home Kitchen" works.
- List of food products — be specific: "chocolate cakes, cookies, brownies" not just "baked goods."
- Bank account details — required for State and Central licenses. Not needed for Basic registration.
Step-by-step registration process
Step 1: Identify which license type you need
Basic (turnover below ₹12 lakh per year). State license (₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore). Central (above ₹20 crore or multi-state operations). When in doubt, start with Basic. You can upgrade later.
Step 2: Go to FoSCoS portal
Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in → Apply for New Registration/License → Select your state → Register or log in.
Step 3: Fill the application form
Provide proprietor details, business address, type of food business (Manufacturing, Processing, Storage, Restaurant, Retail etc.), food categories, and number of employees.
Step 4: Upload documents
Upload clear JPEG or PDF scans. Typical file size limit: 2 MB per document. Unclear or blurry documents are the number one rejection reason.
Step 5: Pay the government fee online
Basic: ₹100/year. State: ₹2,000–₹5,000/year. Central: ₹7,500/year. Pay via net banking, debit card, or UPI directly on the portal.
Step 6: Inspection (State/Central only)
A Food Safety Officer may visit your premises before approving State or Central license. Basic registration is usually approved without inspection. Keep your kitchen clean and well-organized at all times.
Step 7: Receive and display your certificate
Basic: typically issued within 7 working days. State: 30–60 days. You receive a 14-digit FSSAI number. Display this number at your business and print it on all food labels and packaging — this is mandatory.
What to display at your food business
- Your 14-digit FSSAI registration or license number
- The FSSAI logo
- On every food label or package: FSSAI number must be printed or stamped
Food safety inspectors check for this during visits. Not displaying your FSSAI number is a violation even if you have the certificate.
Common mistakes to avoid
Many home bakers and tiffin services operate for months or years without FSSAI, assuming it is optional. It is legally mandatory. Basic registration costs only ₹100/year. The risk of operating without it (penalty up to ₹5 lakh) far outweighs the cost.
Listing products under incorrect FSSAI food categories causes compliance issues. Use FSSAI's product categorization list on foscos.fssai.gov.in to identify the correct category for each product you sell.
FSSAI registration must be renewed annually or per the validity you chose. Selling with an expired certificate is a violation. Set a calendar reminder 2 months before expiry. Apply for renewal at least 30 days before expiry.
Frequently asked questions
I sell homemade food via Instagram. Do I need FSSAI?
Yes. The moment you sell food commercially — even through personal social media or WhatsApp — FSSAI registration is legally required. Basic registration costs ₹100/year and takes 7 working days.
I run a cloud kitchen from home. Which license do I need?
If your turnover is below ₹12 lakh, Basic Registration (₹100/year). State license for higher turnover. A cloud kitchen is treated the same as any food preparation business — your home kitchen address goes on the license.
Can one FSSAI license cover multiple branches?
No — one license covers one location. Each branch or outlet needs its own FSSAI registration or license. Exception: a Central License can cover operations across the country for large businesses.
How long is FSSAI registration valid?
You choose at the time of application: 1 to 5 years. Fee is charged proportionally. Longer validity means more upfront cost but fewer renewal hassles.
What is the FSSAI helpline?
FSSAI Toll-Free Helpline: 1800-11-4000 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5:30 PM). Raise a support ticket on foscos.fssai.gov.in for portal-related issues.
BlissTech7 provides free guidance for FSSAI registration. Visit our Suvidha Saathi guide or contact us for assisted support.