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Basic FSSAI License

A Basic FSSAI License is the entry-level food registration for small food businesses in India with an annual turnover of...

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Key takeaways

The Basic FSSAI License is mandatory for small food businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakh, including home-based kitchens, small manufacturers and street food vendors.
It is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under paragraph 2.1 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The license is granted by the respective State Food Safety Department based on where your business is located.
It ensures compliance with basic food safety, hygiene and sanitation standards.
Registration provides a 14-digit FSSAI number that must be displayed at the business premises and on food packaging.
The license is valid for 1 to 5 years and the government fee is Rs. 100 per year.

Overview

What is a Basic FSSAI License?

The Basic FSSAI License is the entry-level food registration for small food business operators in India. It is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the provisions of paragraph 2.1 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

It is compulsory for food business operators whose annual turnover does not exceed Rs. 12 lakh, covering home-based food businesses, hawkers, petty retailers and micro food processing enterprises. The license ensures operators adhere to minimum hygiene, safety and quality standards, safeguarding consumer health and enhancing confidence in the market. On registration, a 14-digit number is allotted that must be displayed at the business and on food packages.

Who requires a Basic FSSAI License

Small food business operators with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakh
Home food businesses and cottage food manufacturers
Street food vendors, hawkers and petty food retailers
Small-scale food processors, packers and distributors
Temporary food stall holders and food service providers
Petty manufacturers and small retailers handling food at a small scale

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria

The Basic License applies to food business operators who operate at a small scale within a single state. The core conditions are set out below.

Criterion	Requirement
Annual turnover limit	The food business should have an annual turnover of not more than Rs. 12 lakh.
Small-scale business	For petty manufacturers, small-scale retailers, hawkers and home-based food businesses.
Limited production capacity	Small food manufacturers with limited production capacity as per FSSAI guidelines.
Single-state business	The business should be carried out in one state and on a small scale.
Basic hygiene standards	The applicant should meet the basic food safety and sanitation standards prescribed by FSSAI.

Why it matters

Benefits of a Basic FSSAI License

Legal authority

Establishes the legal authority to operate your food business and run it smoothly.

Customer trust

Builds trust with customers and enhances your brand reputation.

Food safety

Fosters food safety, hygiene and quality across your operations.

14-digit identity

Provides a 14-digit registration number for legal identification of the business.

Avoid penalties

Helps you avoid legal issues and penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Room to grow

Facilitates business expansion and future upgrade to a State or Central FSSAI License.

Compliance

Penalty for non-compliance

Non-compliance with FSSAI regulations may invite strict penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Food businesses operating without a valid license or registration from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India may face penalties or even imprisonment in extreme cases, so obtaining a valid Basic FSSAI License is essential to run your business smoothly.

What non-compliance can cost you

A fine of up to Rs. 5 lakh for operating without FSSAI registration, with a possibility of imprisonment.
Additional penalties for selling sub-standard, misbranded or unsafe food products.
Suspension or cancellation of the license for non-compliance with safety standards.
Seizure of food products in cases of non-compliance.

How it works

The application process, step by step

The application is filed online through the FoSCoS portal operated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, or with the local authority.

Prepare and file

Determine eligibility
Confirm that your food business turnover is up to Rs. 12 lakh and falls under the Basic Registration category.
Fill Form A
Complete the FSSAI Registration Form A with accurate business and personal details.
Submit documents
Attach identity proof, address proof, photograph and business details along with the application.

Submit and approve

Application submission
Submit the application online through the FoSCoS portal or to the local authority under FSSAI.
Verification and approval
The department may conduct an inspection if required. On successful verification, a 14-digit FSSAI Registration Number is issued.
License issuance
After approval, the Basic FSSAI License certificate is generated and must be displayed at the business premises.

Paperwork

Documents required

Application Form (Form A), duly filled and signed
Identity proof such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID or other valid government ID
Recent passport-size photograph of the food business operator
Address proof of premises: utility bill, rental agreement or ownership proof
Business details about the nature of business and food products handled

Related approvals: see our FSSAI Mark Certification and ISO 22000 Certification services.

Lifecycle

Validity, renewal & modification

The license can be obtained for a validity of 1 to 5 years.
Renewal must be done before the expiry date and can be applied through the FoSCoS portal.
Apply for renewal at least 30 days before expiry; a late penalty of Rs. 100 per day applies until renewal is done.
Modifications to business name, address, food products or contact details must be updated online with the required documents.

Crossing Rs. 12 lakh in turnover? Upgrade to a State FSSAI License.

Budgeting

Fees and scope

The Basic FSSAI License has a simple, fixed government fee. The typical components are:

Cost factor	Details
Government fee	Rs. 100 per year, the standard fee for a Basic FSSAI License.
Validity options	Choose a validity of 1 to 5 years; the total fee is calculated accordingly (for example, Rs. 300 for 3 years).
Extra charges	No additional government fees apply apart from the fee for the validity period you choose.
Processing charges	Optional service-provider fees may apply for filing assistance, but these are not mandatory.
Refund policy	Once the government fee is submitted, it is not refundable in most cases.

Ready to register your food business?

Tell us about your turnover, premises and products, and we will prepare your documents and file Form A on FoSCoS for you.

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Official source

Food business licensing is administered by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is a Basic FSSAI License?

It is a registration for small food business operators with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakh, issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Who needs a Basic FSSAI License?

Small vendors, home-based food operators, hawkers and small manufacturers operating at a small scale within a single state.

Who issues the license?

The license is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India through the respective State Food Safety Department.

How long is the license valid and what does it cost?

The license is valid for 1 to 5 years, and the government fee is Rs. 100 per year.

Do I have to display the registration number?

Yes, it is mandatory to display the 14-digit registration number at the premises and on packaging materials.

Can I renew or upgrade later?

Yes, the license can be renewed online through FoSCoS, and if your turnover crosses Rs. 12 lakh you can upgrade to a State or Central License.

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