[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/FSSAI Food License IndiaFood Safety # FSSAI Food License: Registration vs State vs Central Every food business operator in India — from a roadside chaiwala to a multinational food importer — needs FSSAI registration or license. Choosing the wrong category or operating without one can result in business closure and criminal prosecution. This guide helps you determine which category applies to your business. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Ffssai-food-license) At a glance License categories 3 Eligibility criteria 7 Documents needed 11 ## FSSAI license categories ### FSSAI Registration Turnover: Up to ₹12 lakhs per annum Fee: ₹100 per year Validity: 1-5 years (as selected) Businesses: Petty food manufacturers, small retailers, hawkers, temporary stalls, home-based food businesses ### State License Turnover: Above ₹12 lakhs up to ₹20 crores per annum Fee: ₹2,000-5,000 per year (varies by business type) Validity: 1-5 years (as selected) Businesses: Medium food manufacturers, processors, transporters, retailers, restaurants, storage units ### Central License Turnover: Above ₹20 crores per annum Fee: ₹7,500 per year Validity: 1-5 years (as selected) Businesses: Large manufacturers, importers, exporters, e-commerce operators, food business operators at airports/seaports/railways ## Eligibility criteria by business type Business TypeLicense Requirements Petty manufacturer ( Registration)Annual turnover ≤ ₹12 lakhs; Production capacity ≤ 100 kg/liters per day Dairy units (State/Central)Milk procurement/processing: 501-50,000 LPD = State; >50,000 LPD = Central Slaughterhouses (State/Central)2-50 large animals/day or 10-150 small animals/day = State; above these = Central Meat processing (State/Central)Production > 500 kg/day = State; higher capacity = Central All other manufacturing (State/Central)Turnover ₹12L-₹20Cr = State; >₹20Cr = Central Importers/ExportersAll food importers require Central License regardless of turnover E-commerce operatorsAll food e-commerce platforms require Central License ## Common documents required 01Form A (Registration) or Form B (License) completed and signed 02Photo ID and passport-size photograph of applicant/proprietor/partners/directors 03Proof of business address (rent agreement, utility bill, NOC from owner) 04List of food categories to be manufactured/handled 05Layout plan of processing area (for manufacturers) 06List of equipment and machinery 07Water testing report from NABL-accredited lab 08Partnership deed/MOA/AOA (for companies/partnerships) 09NOC from municipality/local body (if required) 10Import-Export Code (IEC) for importers/exporters 11Category-specific documents (dairy, meat, etc.) ## Food product labeling requirements Food product name and trade name (if any) List of ingredients in descending order of quantity Net quantity by weight, volume, or number Name and complete address of manufacturer/packer/importer Lot/batch/code number for traceability Date of manufacture/packaging and best before/use by date Instructions for use (if required for safe consumption) Nutritional information per 100g/100ml serving FSSAI logo and license number Country of origin for imported foods Declaration regarding vegetarian (green dot) or non-vegetarian (brown dot) Allergen warning (if contains any of the listed allergens) ## Frequently asked questions ### What if my turnover crosses the threshold during the license period? If your turnover exceeds the threshold for your current license category, you must upgrade to the appropriate higher category within 30 days. For example, if you have a Registration (≤₹12L) and turnover crosses to ₹15L, you must apply for State License. Operating in a higher turnover category without appropriate license is a violation. ### Can I operate multiple food businesses with one license? Generally, one FSSAI license covers one business location. If you operate multiple outlets or manufacturing units, each location typically requires its own license. However, head offices operating multiple locations under the same management may apply for a single Central License covering all branches. Verify with FSSAI for your specific structure. ### What is the penalty for operating without FSSAI license? Operating a food business without FSSAI license is punishable with: imprisonment up to 6 months and/or fine up to ₹5 lakhs for first offense; imprisonment up to 1 year and/or fine up to ₹10 lakhs for subsequent offenses. Additionally, FSSAI can order closure of the business until compliance is achieved. ### How long does FSSAI license approval take? Registration: Typically 7-15 days. State License: 30-45 days after inspection. Central License: 45-60 days after inspection. Timelines depend on application completeness and inspection scheduling. FSSAI is required to process applications within these timeframes under the FSS Act. ### Do I need a separate license for importing food products? Yes, food importers require Central License regardless of turnover value. The import license covers the importer's premises where imported food is stored/handled. Each consignment must also comply with FSSAI's Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations including prior notice, inspection, and sampling. **Disclaimer:** This guide reflects FSS Act 2006 and current FSSAI regulations. License categories and fees are subject to FSSAI notifications. Always verify current requirements on the FSSAI portal before applying. 🇮🇳 India roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take your product through 🇮🇳 India compliance for you? One consultant from Krono's compliance team takes your product from requirements to legal sale, with a fixed quote before any work starts. See compliance services](/services) Learn this properly In-depth course that teaches the full process, not just this one answer. [Start the course — $149](/courses/54-india-market-food-safety-compliance)[Prefer to read? 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