FSSAI Licence Procedure: The FSS Act, 2006

Last updated: October 10, 2025 Type: Article

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act) is India's main law for food safety and hygiene. It ensures that every food product—from street food to packaged snacks—is safe, clean, and properly labelled. The law created the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to regulate, inspect, and certify all food businesses.

Key Features

Aspect	Details
Authority	Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
Scope	Applies to everyone handling food — manufacturers, hotels, caterers, street vendors, and online sellers
Main Objective	To protect public health and ensure food safety
Mandatory License/Registration	Every food business must register or get an FSSAI licence
Labelling Rules	Products must mention expiry, ingredients, FSSAI number, and allergens
Testing & Inspections	Regular random inspections and food sampling by Food Safety Officers
Banned Acts	Sale of adulterated, misbranded, or expired food
Penalty	Up to ₹10 lakh fine or imprisonment depending on the offence

How to Apply for an FSSAI Licence

Step	Process
1	Visit https://foscos.fssai.gov.in
2	Select "Apply for New Registration/License"
3	Fill in details about your food business type, location, and turnover
4	Upload required documents
5	Pay the prescribed fee
6	Submit application and track status online
7	After inspection (if needed), licence is issued with a unique FSSAI number

Documents Required

For Registration (small vendors)	For State/National Licence (bigger units)
Passport-size photo	Passport-size photo
Aadhaar card / ID proof	Aadhaar card / ID proof
Proof of business address	Proof of business premises
Type of food handled	Layout plan of unit
Declaration form	List of directors/partners
—	NOC from municipality or local body
—	Water testing report (for water-based food units)
—	Equipment list (for manufacturers)

Licence Type by Scale

Category	Turnover Range	Licence Type	Issued By
Petty Food Business (small vendors, home kitchens, stalls)	Below ₹12 lakh	Registration Certificate	Local Food Officer
Medium Food Business (restaurants, small manufacturers)	₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore	State Licence	State FSSAI Office
Large Businesses (big brands, exporters, importers)	Above ₹20 crore	Central Licence	FSSAI Central Office, Delhi

Common Offences & Penalties

Offence	Penalty
Sale of unsafe or adulterated food	₹1 lakh – ₹10 lakh + jail up to 6 months
Misbranding or false labelling	Up to ₹3 lakh
Operating without FSSAI licence	₹5 lakh + business closure
Sale of expired products	₹5 lakh + product confiscation
Unhygienic premises or food handling	Up to ₹1 lakh
Obstructing Food Safety Officer	₹2 lakh or imprisonment

Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 – FAQs

1. Who needs an FSSAI licence?: Every person involved in making, packaging, storing, selling, or distributing food.
2. Can street food vendors get an FSSAI licence?: Yes. They need to apply for basic registration.
3. What if a restaurant doesn't display the FSSAI number?: It's a violation—consumers can complain via the FSSAI portal or app.
4. How can consumers verify a food licence?: Visit https://foscos.fssai.gov.in and enter the licence number on the homepage.
5. What's the licence validity period?: 1 to 5 years, renewable before expiry.
6. Can a home baker or tiffin service register?: Yes. They can apply for basic registration online.
7. What happens if expired food is sold?: The seller can be fined up to ₹5 lakh and face jail.
8. Is labelling mandatory for all products?: Yes. Every packet must mention ingredients, expiry, FSSAI number, and allergen info.
9. Can consumers get food tested?: Yes. Complaints can trigger lab testing by FSSAI officers.
10. Is an FSSAI licence needed for online food delivery platforms?: Yes. Both the platform (like Swiggy/Zomato) and listed restaurants must have valid licences.