Over 60% of food businesses in India face delays, fines, or marketplace rejections due to FSSAI errors. Are you confident your application is 100% compliant? One wrong step in FSSAI Registration in India can stall your entire business. This guide reveals the exact process, hidden risks, and how to get approved without costly mistakes.
Why Most Food Businesses Get FSSAI Registration in India Wrong in the First 30 Days
Errors in FSSAI registration for food business aren’t typically the result of careless errors, but rather a lack of clarity and education caused by rushed, confusing processes.
- Food business founders might pick the wrong license type (basic, state, or central) based on incorrect assumptions. They may select the wrong category to classify their business activity; some may provide incorrect or unverifiable address information on the application, even though it is a requirement.
- Often, entrepreneurs are unable to gain access to an FSSAI License from a licensed source because many agents submit incomplete applications without knowing which foods fall into which category and what the appropriate scale limits are.
- The effect can be devastating when the online marketplace shuts down the business’s product listing, the bank does not open a business account, or the company is subjected to an unplanned inspection that reveals noncompliance with the FSSAI registration regulations.
What is FSSAI Registration & Who Needs It in India?
Regulatory authorities have enacted regulations surrounding food safety and product quality for FBOs based on the Food Safety & Standards Regulation (2006). FBOs must register with FSSAI to ensure compliance with the regulatory standards concerning food safety and product quality.
Who is Required to Register/Obtain a License?
The regulatory requirement to obtain a registration or licensing applies to every FBO involved throughout the supply chain of food production, processing, distribution, and retailing. The type of FBO and its geographic location determine which license they may need to apply for, either basic registration, State license, or Central license from FSSAI.
- Basic Registration with the FSSAI (basic registration). For food business operators (FBOs) with annual earnings of ₹12,00,000.00 (greater than ₹12,000.00 a month), there exists an option of obtaining a basic FSSAI registration.
- The FSSAI licence (State/Central) is suitable for medium and larger food businesses with an annual turnover in excess of ₹12 lakhs. Depending on the specific geographic area of operation and/or the level of their annual revenue, FBOs may apply for basic FSSAI registrations, as well as State and/or Central licenses.
How to Get FSSAI Registration in India – Step-by-Step Process’
Determine what kind of license you need based on annual income, business size, and the type of food sold by your business. The three types of licenses available for the FSSAI are a Basic FSSAI Registration, a State license, and a Central license. Below, we explain the step-by-step process of FSSAI registration:
1. Step:
- In order to obtain a food safety license. You will need to gather evidence that you are who you say you are (proof of identity), evidence of where you do business (proof of business address). And evidence of the category of food you’re selling. Once you have these documents. You can apply for your food safety license via the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) by creating an account on the FoSCoS website.
2. Step:
- When completing the application form for your food license via the FoSCoS portal. Please enter accurate information about your food business, including details about the size and type of food operation you are running.
3. Step:
- Pay the application fee for the food safety license as per your annual turnover and the type of your food business.
4. Step:
- The FSSAI will review your application and may contact you for additional information. They may also arrange to perform an inspection of your business. Once your application has been approved by the FSSAI. You will receive a unique 14-digit food license number from the FSSAI (FSSAI License Number).
FSSAI Registration in India: Benefits Every Food Business Must Know
Consumer confidence is established because they can see that your company follows food safety and quality regulations.
- Builds Consumer Trust: Your FSSAI registration number (14-digit number) is visible to your consumers. By displaying the number, you build consumers’ trust in your company and assure them that you provide quality and safe food products.
- Legal Protection: The legal protection that FSSAI registration gives you means that, as a business owner, you are now compliant with all the laws governing food products in India. As a result, your business avoids any fines, penalties, etc.
- Market Opportunities: FBOs who are registered have access to larger markets, are able to sell their products through multiple e-commerce platforms, and are more likely to reach out to many more potential customers as they grow and develop into new areas or new product lines.
Avoid Penalties: Legal Rules After FSSAI Registration Every Food Business Needs
To continue operating legally as a food business, you need to renew your food licenses and registrations each year at least six months prior to their expiration date.
1. As the owner/operator of a food business, you must comply with all FSSAI labelling regulations by including all of the required labelling information.
2. As a food business owner/operator, you need to implement a proper food safety system that ensures that food products are kept, processed, handled, and manufactured in a safe manner to minimise contamination, while maintaining food safety at the highest level possible.
3. You need to keep accurate records of all food products produced, sourced, sold, and employees’ hygiene (for audits/inspections).
4. As the owner of a food business, you need to make sure that any marketing or advertising claims about your food products are: accurate as per what you were told by FSSAI; and supported with valid documentation.
Conclusion
To operate safely, credibly, and grow your food business in India, you must obtain FSSAI registration. At Legal4Sure, we conduct FSSAI audits; we’ve helped over 4,570 clients successfully complete their audits, and we’ve supported over 6,570 customers to achieve FSSAI compliance. We make the entire registration process easy so that you can focus on growing your food business with confidence, free from fines.
FAQs
Q1. Who is eligible for FSSAI Registration in India 2026?
Ans: Here’s the thing. If your business touches food in any way, making it, storing it, selling it, or transporting it, you need FSSAI.
Q2. What is the compliance requirement under FSSAI Registration in India 2026?
Ans: Follow hygiene rules, label your food correctly, keep proper records, and renew on time.
Q3. How does FSSAI ensure safe food in India 2026 through inspections and monitoring?
Ans: By running regular on-ground inspections, using mobile food testing labs, and taking strict action when violations are found.
Q4. What are the benefits of FSSAI Registration in India 2026?
Ans: It keeps your business legal, builds customer trust, and allows you to sell on bigger platforms and across states.
Q5. What is the turnover limit for FSSAI Registration in India 2026?
Ans: Up to ₹12 lakh needs Basic Registration, ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore needs a State License, and anything above that needs a Central License.
Q6. How much does FSSAI Registration in India 2026 cost?
Ans: The government fee usually falls between ₹100 and ₹7,500, depending on your license type.
Q7. What are the 5 key steps for FSSAI Registration compliance in India 2026?
Ans: Register your business, follow hygiene rules, label products correctly, maintain records, and renew before expiry.
Q8. What is the Legal Compliance framework for FSSAI Registration in India 2026?
Ans: It is the legal system that ensures food businesses follow safety laws and stay accountable.
