Under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, every Food Business Operator (FBO) in India must obtain a valid registration or license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) before commencing operations. Whether you operate a home-based bakery, a cloud kitchen, a street food stall, a grocery store, a restaurant, or an industrial food manufacturing facility, operating without a valid 14-digit FSSAI number is a punishable offense.
FSSAI Registration Guide: Complete FoSCoS Apply Online, Fees & Process
The Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) is the unified digital platform developed by the FSSAI to replace the legacy Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS). FoSCoS acts as a one-stop cloud platform for all food regulatory compliance across India, including new applications, annual renewals, endorsements, product modifications, and annual return filings.
Key Information
| Information | Details |
| Service Name | FSSAI Food Business Registration & Licensing |
| Operating Authority | Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), MoHFW |
| Official Portal | Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) |
| Jurisdiction | Pan-India (All States & Union Territories) |
| Application Mode | 100% Online |
| Base Government Fee | ₹100 / year (Basic Registration) |
| Official Website | foscos.fssai.gov.in |
Important Services
| Service | Purpose | Official Link |
| FSSAI Basic Registration | Apply for registration (petty/small food businesses) | foscos.fssai.gov.in |
| State / Central License | Apply for medium to large-scale food business licenses | foscos.fssai.gov.in |
| License/Registration Renewal | Renew existing FSSAI certificate before expiry | foscos.fssai.gov.in |
| Modification of License | Update business details or capacity on existing license | foscos.fssai.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria: Registration vs. State vs. Central License
FSSAI categorizes food businesses into three tiers based on annual turnover, installed production capacity, and geographical scope of operations:
| Category | Eligibility Criteria | Typical Business Profiles |
| Basic Registration | Annual turnover up to ₹12 Lakhs | Petty retailers, hawkers, small dairy units (up to 500 L/day), home-based bakers, small temporary food stalls, cottage food industries. |
| State License | Annual turnover between ₹12 Lakhs and ₹20 Crores | Mid-scale restaurants, hotels (up to 4-star), caterers, distributors, wholesalers, food storage facilities, and medium manufacturing units. |
| Central License | Annual turnover exceeding ₹20 Crores, or operations across multiple states | Large food manufacturers, 100% Export-Oriented Units (EOUs), importers, e-commerce platforms (Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon sellers), premises at Central Government agencies (Airports, Seaports, Defense, Indian Railways). |
Note: For specialized food businesses like dairy, meat processing, slaughterhouses, and vegetable oil refining, eligibility is determined by installed daily processing capacity regardless of turnover.
Documents Required Checklist
Ensure all documents are clearly scanned in PDF, JPEG, or PNG format before starting the application:
| Document | Basic Registration | State / Central License | Purpose & Notes |
| Applicant Photograph | Mandatory | Mandatory | Clear passport-sized photo of the proprietor/partner/director. |
| Government Identity Proof | Mandatory | Mandatory | Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport. |
| Proof of Business Address | Mandatory | Mandatory | Rent Agreement, Electricity/Utility Bill, or Municipal Property Tax Receipt. |
| List of Food Categories | Mandatory | Mandatory | Selection of food categories intended for sale or manufacture. |
| Blueprint / Layout Plan | Not Required | Mandatory (Manufacturing only) | Dimensioned plan showing processing areas and machinery layout. |
| Equipment & Machinery List | Not Required | Mandatory (Manufacturing only) | Name, installed capacity, and horsepower of all machinery. |
| Water Analysis Test Report | Not Required | Mandatory (Manufacturing only) | Chemical & bacteriological potable water testing report from a NABL-accredited lab. |
| Form IX / Board Resolution | Not Required | Mandatory (Companies/LLPs) | Nomination of the authorized signatory/in-charge person. |
| Import Export Code (IEC) | Not Required | Mandatory (Central Importer/Exporter) | Issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). |
Government Fees & Processing Timelines
Applicants can choose a validity period ranging from 1 year up to 5 years. Government fees must be paid proportionally based on the chosen duration.
| Application Category | Official Government Fee | Estimated Processing Time |
| Basic Registration (Form A) | ₹100 per year | 7 to 15 working days |
| State License (Form B) | ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per year (varies by Kind of Business) | 30 to 60 working days |
| Central License (Form B) | ₹7,500 per year | 30 to 60 working days |
| Late Renewal Surcharge | ₹100 per day penalty | Applied if renewal is filed inside the late renewal window prior to license expiration. |
| License Modification Fee | ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 | Applicable when updating business address, products, or capacity. |
Apply / Access / Track / Download
| User Need | Official Link |
| Apply / Access (FBO Login) | foscos.fssai.gov.in |
| Track Application | foscos.fssai.gov.in (Use “Track Application” with 17-digit ARN) |
| Download Document | Login via foscos.fssai.gov.in (Available in FBO Dashboard) |
| Verify | foscos.fssai.gov.in (Use “FBO Search” with 14-digit License No.) |
| Correction / Update | Login via foscos.fssai.gov.in |
| Renewal | Login via foscos.fssai.gov.in |
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
Step 1: Access the FoSCoS Portal
Navigate to foscos.fssai.gov.in and click on “Apply for License/Registration” on the main navigation panel.
Step 2: Select State and Kind of Business (KoB)
- Select the State or Union Territory where your business premise is physically located.
- Select your broad industry sector:
- Manufacturing
- Trade/Retail
- Food Services (Restaurants, Caterers, Canteens, etc.)
- Central Government Agencies (Airports, Seaports, Railways)
- Head Office (If applying for multi-state administrative oversight)
Step 3: Establish Turnover / Production Capacity
Select your capacity band (e.g., turnover up to ₹12 Lakhs vs. ₹12 Lakhs–₹20 Crores). The system will automatically lock in whether you are applying for Basic Registration (Form A) or a State/Central License (Form B).
Step 4: Complete Business & Operational Details
Fill in:
- Legal Name of Business / Company and Trade Name.
- Complete physical address of the premises with pincode and nearest landmark.
- Contact person’s phone number and active email address.
- Selection of standard food product categories to be handled.
Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents
Attach scanned, clear copies of your ID proof, address proof, photograph, and technical reports (if applying for a manufacturing license) in accordance with the specified file size guidelines (under 5 MB per document).
Step 6: Fee Payment & Receipt Generation
Submit the application fee online using Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or UPI. Upon successful transaction:
- An electronic acknowledgment receipt is generated immediately.
- Note your 17-digit Application Reference Number (ARN).
How to Track Application Status
- Visit the FoSCoS homepage (
foscos.fssai.gov.in). - Locate the “Track Application” tool on the homepage screen.
- Enter your 17-digit ARN and complete the Captcha verification.
- Click Submit to view real-time stage updates:
- Application Submitted: Successfully queued for desk assessment.
- Scrutiny / Query Raised: An inspector requires documentation clarifications.
- Inspection Scheduled: Field officer assigned for physical premises verification (typically for manufacturing or large kitchens).
- Approved / Certificate Generated: Ready for download.
How to Download Your 14-Digit FSSAI Certificate
Physical paper certificates are no longer dispatched by postal mail. All FSSAI certificates are digitally issued:
- Log in to the FoSCoS portal using your User ID and Password.
- Go to your FBO Dashboard.
- Under the left menu, click on “Issued” and select “Issued License / Registration”.
- Click on your 14-digit Registration/License Number.
- Click “Download Certificate” to save the digitally signed PDF containing your FSSAI emblem, QR code, and validity dates.
- Print and frame the certificate: FSSAI mandates displaying the certificate with its 14-digit number at a prominent place inside the business premises.
Renewals, Modifications & Penalties
- Renewal Timeline: FBOs can initiate renewal up to 180 days prior to the certificate expiry date.
- Late Filing Fine: If an application for renewal is not submitted at least 30 days before expiry, a late penalty of ₹100 per day is automatically levied until the final expiry date.
- Lapse of License: Once the validity expires, a license cannot be renewed. The business must shut down food operations immediately and submit a brand-new application.
- Modifications: If you relocate your store, alter your manufacturing line, or change your brand name, submit an online request via the “Apply for Modification” option on your FoSCoS dashboard.
Common Problems & Troubleshooting
1. Application Shows “Query Raised”
- Cause: The licensing officer found discrepancies in your address proof, product categorization, or documents.
- Solution: Log in to your FoSCoS dashboard, navigate to the “Applications with Query” section, review the officer’s specific remarks, upload the rectified document, and click “Submit Response” within 30 days to avoid application rejection.
2. Payment Debited but ARN Not Generated
- Cause: Banking gateway timeout or network drop during reconciliation.
- Solution: Do not make an immediate duplicate payment. Wait 24 to 48 hours for banking server reconciliation. If the ARN does not appear on your dashboard, submit a transaction complaint citing your bank reference number (UTR/RRN) to the FoSCoS technical support desk.
3. OTP Not Received on Mobile Number
- Cause: Carrier DND filters or high server traffic.
- Solution: Verify that the registered mobile number is free of active spam blocks, or use the email OTP alternate verification method provided during the FoSCoS signup process.
Services for VLEs / CSC Operators
Common Service Centres (CSCs) are officially integrated with FoSCoS to help rural and urban entrepreneurs apply for FSSAI registrations, licenses, and renewals.
- CSC Login: VLEs can access the portal via the “CSC Connect” or “CSC Login” button on the FoSCoS homepage, which redirects to the Digital Seva login interface.
Help & Grievance
- Official Helpdesk: 1800-112-100 (Toll-Free)
- Support Email: helpdesk-foscos@fssai.gov.in
- Query Management: Users can respond to queries raised by licensing officers directly from the FoSCoS login dashboard.
Other Important Links:
Important Note
- Fake Websites Warning: FSSAI strongly warns against using private websites that charge exorbitant fees; always use the official
foscos.fssai.gov.indomain. - Eligibility: Basic Registration is strictly for petty food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 Lakhs. Businesses exceeding this must apply for a State or Central License.
- Tracking Rules: To track an application without logging in, you must use the 17-digit Application Reference Number (ARN) provided on your fee receipt. The 14-digit number is only issued once the license is approved