Which FSSAI tier do I need?

Basic applies up to Rs.12 lakh turnover, State generally applies from Rs.12 lakh to Rs.20 crore within one state, and Central applies above Rs.20 crore or for importers, exporters, e-commerce operators, and multi-state businesses.

Is FSSAI mandatory for home kitchens?

Yes, if the home kitchen sells food commercially. Small home kitchens usually start with Basic Registration if turnover is up to Rs.12 lakh and no Central trigger applies.

Do Swiggy and Zomato require FSSAI?

Food aggregators generally require an active FSSAI number before onboarding or continuing a listing, because the license identifies the food business operator behind the food.

What is the usual processing time?

Basic registrations may move in days, State licenses often take around 30 days, and Central licenses can take 45 to 60 days depending on documents, queries, and inspection.

FoSCoS is the Food Safety Compliance System portal used for FSSAI registration, licensing, renewal, modification, annual returns, and department communication.

How long is an FSSAI license valid?

The applicant can generally choose a validity of 1 to 5 years. Longer validity reduces renewal frequency, but the license details must still be modified whenever the business changes.

What happens if a food business operates without FSSAI?

Operating without the required registration or license can attract Section 63 exposure, including imprisonment up to 6 months and a fine up to Rs.5 lakh.

Can the license tier be upgraded later?

Yes. If turnover grows, operations become multi-state, or the business enters import, export, or e-commerce operations, the license architecture should be upgraded before the old tier becomes inaccurate.

Does the 14-digit FSSAI number need to be displayed?

Yes. The FSSAI number must be displayed on food packaging, premises, and relevant invoices or business documents so customers and authorities can identify the licensed operator.

Can ComplyLocal handle department queries?

Yes. We review the query, prepare the missing information or correction, file the response on FoSCoS, and guide the applicant if an inspection or officer clarification follows.

Basic, State and Central food licenses

FSSAI Registration - The Food License Every Food Business Legally Needs

Get the right FSSAI tier through FoSCoS with a 14-digit number you can display on packaging, premises, invoices, and marketplace listings.

Tier and route checked before filing
FoSCoS form and document support
Query and inspection guidance
Display, renewal and modification calendar

TRUSTED BY FOOD AND E-COMMERCE BRANDS

FSSAI support for growing operators across India

14 digits

License number

Displayed everywhere

3 tiers

Basic / State / Central

Based on turnover and operations

1-5 yrs

Validity

Chosen at application

Rs.5L

Max fine

Plus Section 63 exposure

FSSAI TIER FINDER

Which FSSAI tier do you need?

Answer three quick questions and route yourself to Basic, State, or Central licensing before you spend time on the wrong form.

Question 1 of 3

What do you do with food?

What is FSSAI registration?

FSSAI registration is the mandatory authorisation under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, by which every food business operator in India obtains a 14-digit license number through the FoSCoS portal. The route is Basic Registration, State License, or Central License depending on turnover, activity, and the number of states involved. Getting the tier right matters because an under-scoped license can fail during inspection, marketplace onboarding, or renewal.

The license applies far beyond packaged-food factories. Restaurants, cloud kitchens, home bakers, traders, distributors, storage operators, transporters, e-commerce sellers, importers, exporters, and petty food retailers all sit somewhere inside the FSSAI framework. Once issued, the number must be displayed on packaging, premises, invoices, and online listings so customers and authorities can identify the licensed food business operator.

ComplyLocal treats FSSAI as a licensing architecture, not a form upload. We first decide the tier, then prepare Form A or Form B, upload documents, track department queries, prepare for inspection where needed, and set up renewal and modification reminders so the license keeps matching the business as it grows.

FSSAI registration and food license service with ComplyLocal

WHO THIS IS FOR

Food operators that need clean licensing

FSSAI applies by activity, turnover, premises, and scale. These are the businesses where the details must be right before filing.

Restaurants and cafes

Dine-in and takeaway brands need a valid food license for premises display, aggregator onboarding, and inspection readiness.

Cloud kitchens and home bakers

Small kitchens still need an FSSAI number before selling through Swiggy, Zomato, ONDC, Instagram, or direct orders.

Packaged-food manufacturers

Manufacturers need category, capacity, FSMS, and premises details aligned before Form B filing and inspection.

Traders and distributors

Trading, storage, wholesale, and transport operations need the correct license scope for B2B and department checks.

E-commerce food sellers

Online food sellers and marketplace operators need FSSAI details that match listings, invoices, and operational states.

Importers and exporters

Food import-export activity generally moves the business into Central licensing with IEC and customs-aligned records.

COMPLIANCE RISK

Why FSSAI is non-negotiable

A food license is inspected, displayed, renewed, and checked by platforms. The filing has to survive beyond the submit button.

Section 63 penalties

Unlicensed food operations can trigger prosecution, fines, and forced business interruption.

Marketplace gating

Aggregators and marketplaces commonly check FSSAI details before onboarding or keeping listings live.

Consumer trust

The 14-digit number is a visible trust marker on packaging, premises, and invoices.

Inspection readiness

Correct categories, premises, and FSMS documents reduce query and inspection friction.

Talk to an FSSAI expert

FSSAI TIERS

Basic vs State vs Central license

The clean tier split: Basic for small operators, State for most growing single-state businesses, and Central for scale, import-export, e-commerce, or multi-state operations.

Factor	Basic	RecommendedState	Central
Turnover	Up to Rs.12 lakh	Rs.12 lakh-20 crore	Above Rs.20 crore or special trigger
Form	Form A	Form B	Form B
Typical time	Around 7 days	Around 30 days	45-60 days
Best for	Home kitchens, petty sellers	Restaurants, manufacturers, distributors	Import/export, e-commerce, multi-state
Inspection	Low likelihood	Possible	Likely for many cases

← Scroll →

Not sure which structure fits your business? Our experts can recommend the right entity based on your goals, funding plans, and compliance preferences.

Talk to an expert

FSSAI SERVICE MAP

Get licensed, then stay licensed

Use the right page for the current stage: new license, renewal, changes, or annual return filing.

Get Licensed

Basic FSSAI RegistrationFor small food operators up to Rs.12 lakh turnover.State FSSAI LicenseFor growing single-state food businesses from Rs.12 lakh to Rs.20 crore.Central FSSAI LicenseFor scale, import-export, e-commerce, and multi-state operations.

Stay Licensed

FSSAI License RenewalRenew before expiry and avoid late fees or lapse.FSSAI License ModificationUpdate address, products, capacity, constitution, or details.FSSAI Annual Return FilingFile Form D1 by 31 May or D2 for milk units.

HOW WE HANDLE IT

A filing process built for FoSCoS realities

Each step is designed to reduce query loops, mismatch risk, and post-issue compliance gaps.

1
Tier determination
Step 1
We map turnover, activity, states, and import-export or e-commerce triggers before choosing Basic, State, or Central.
2
FoSCoS account and form prep
Step 2
Form A or Form B is prepared with the right business name, address, product category, and responsible person details.
3
Document pack upload
Step 3
Identity, premises, constitution, FSMS, equipment, category, and turnover documents are checked and uploaded.
4
Query and inspection support
Step 4
We track the application, respond to department queries, and prepare State or Central applicants for inspection.
5
License issue and display setup
Step 5
Once issued, we guide display, packaging, invoice, marketplace, renewal, and modification compliance.

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

Documents we prepare before filing

Exact requirements vary by tier, activity, entity type, and state practice. This is the working checklist we start from.

PAN and Aadhaar of applicant or authorised signatory
Entity proof such as GST, incorporation, partnership deed, or shop record
Photograph and contact details

Address proof or rent agreement
Food category and business activity details
Layout, equipment and FSMS documents where applicable

Turnover declaration or financial proof
IEC for import-export cases
NOCs or water test reports where required

Packaging and label display plan
Marketplace onboarding details
Renewal and modification calendar

We confirm the final checklist after reviewing your activity, premises, entity type, turnover, and FoSCoS route.

TRANSPARENT PRICING

FSSAI service pricing

Professional fee ranges are shown separately from government fees, penalty, renewal years, and inspection-related costs.

Basic FSSAI

For small food operators and early-stage food businesses that need Form A filing.

Rs.1,500 start from

Our price: Rs.2,000
Government fee: Rs.100
Tier and FoSCoS route checked first
Document checklist and upload support
Department query and inspection guidance
License display and renewal reminders

Start basic filing

Popular

State License

For growing single-state food businesses that need Form B filing and inspection readiness.

Rs.9,999 start from

Our price: Rs.5,500
Government fee: Rs.5,000
Tier and FoSCoS route checked first
Document checklist and upload support
Department query and inspection guidance
License display and renewal reminders

Start state license

Central License

For import-export, e-commerce, multi-state, and large-scale food businesses.

Rs.13,999 start from

Our price: Rs.13,999
Government fee: Rs.8,999
Tier and FoSCoS route checked first
Document checklist and upload support
Department query and inspection guidance
License display and renewal reminders

Start central license

COMPLYLOCAL VS DIY

What goes wrong in DIY FSSAI filings

Most FSSAI trouble starts with a small mismatch that nobody catches until the portal, officer, platform, or buyer notices. Here is how it plays out on your own versus with us.

Other providers & DIY

With ComplyLocal

Other providers & DIY

Wrong tier selected

A Basic filing for a State or Central business can be queried or become invalid as operations grow.

With ComplyLocal

We run the tier test before filing and document why the chosen route fits.

Other providers & DIY

Marketplace listing blocked

Aggregator or marketplace onboarding can fail when FSSAI details are missing or mismatched.

With ComplyLocal

We align name, address, category, and license number with listing requirements.

Other providers & DIY

Inspection documents weak

State and Central applications can stall when FSMS, layout, equipment, or product details are incomplete.

With ComplyLocal

We pre-check inspection-sensitive records before officer review.

Other providers & DIY

License becomes outdated

Address, product, capacity, or constitution changes make an old license risky.

With ComplyLocal

We route renewals and modifications before the mismatch becomes a violation.

CLIENT FEEDBACK

Operators who got compliant without the back-and-forth

Reviews from founders and operators who needed food licensing handled with clarity.

Google

Customer Feedback

4.9· 200+ reviews

A
Aarav Mehta
Delhi
G
“They helped us choose the correct FSSAI tier and handled the query without panic.”
FSSAI Registration
P
Priya Nair
Bengaluru
G
“Our cloud kitchen onboarding moved faster after the FSSAI documents were cleaned up.”
FSSAI Registration
R
Rahul Kapoor
Mumbai
G
“Clear checklist, transparent fees, and reminders for renewal. Very practical support.”
FSSAI Compliance
N
Nisha Jain
Pune
G
“The team explained what was required and what was not, which saved a lot of time.”
FSSAI Registration

FAQ

FSSAI Registration FAQs

Self-contained answers on applicability, FoSCoS, documents, timelines, penalties, display, and renewals.

Fast answersExpert support

Basic applies up to Rs.12 lakh turnover, State generally applies from Rs.12 lakh to Rs.20 crore within one state, and Central applies above Rs.20 crore or for importers, exporters, e-commerce operators, and multi-state businesses.
Yes, if the home kitchen sells food commercially. Small home kitchens usually start with Basic Registration if turnover is up to Rs.12 lakh and no Central trigger applies.
Food aggregators generally require an active FSSAI number before onboarding or continuing a listing, because the license identifies the food business operator behind the food.
Basic registrations may move in days, State licenses often take around 30 days, and Central licenses can take 45 to 60 days depending on documents, queries, and inspection.
FoSCoS is the Food Safety Compliance System portal used for FSSAI registration, licensing, renewal, modification, annual returns, and department communication.
The applicant can generally choose a validity of 1 to 5 years. Longer validity reduces renewal frequency, but the license details must still be modified whenever the business changes.
Operating without the required registration or license can attract Section 63 exposure, including imprisonment up to 6 months and a fine up to Rs.5 lakh.
Yes. If turnover grows, operations become multi-state, or the business enters import, export, or e-commerce operations, the license architecture should be upgraded before the old tier becomes inaccurate.
Yes. The FSSAI number must be displayed on food packaging, premises, and relevant invoices or business documents so customers and authorities can identify the licensed operator.
Yes. We review the query, prepare the missing information or correction, file the response on FoSCoS, and guide the applicant if an inspection or officer clarification follows.

RELATED SERVICES

Complete your license and compliance stack

FSSAI

Tax

Business

From home kitchen to national brand - licensed right, fast.

Get the correct FSSAI tier, clean documents, FoSCoS filing, query handling, and renewal reminders from one CA-led team.

Start FSSAI support Chat on WhatsApp

FoSCoS filing, query handling, inspection readiness, renewal calendar

FSSAI Registration - The Food License Every Food Business Legally Needs

Get FSSAI help

FSSAI support for growing operators across India

License number

Basic / State / Central

Validity

Max fine

Which FSSAI tier do you need?

What do you do with food?

What is FSSAI registration?

Food operators that need clean licensing

Restaurants and cafes

Cloud kitchens and home bakers

Packaged-food manufacturers

Traders and distributors

E-commerce food sellers

Importers and exporters

Why FSSAI is non-negotiable

Section 63 penalties

Marketplace gating

Consumer trust

Inspection readiness

Basic vs State vs Central license

Get licensed, then stay licensed

A filing process built for FoSCoS realities

Tier determination

FoSCoS account and form prep

Document pack upload

Query and inspection support

License issue and display setup

Documents we prepare before filing

FSSAI service pricing

Basic FSSAI

State License

Central License

What goes wrong in DIY FSSAI filings

Operators who got compliant without the back-and-forth

FSSAI Registration FAQs

01Which FSSAI tier do I need?

02Is FSSAI mandatory for home kitchens?

03Do Swiggy and Zomato require FSSAI?

04What is the usual processing time?

05What is FoSCoS?

06How long is an FSSAI license valid?

07What happens if a food business operates without FSSAI?

08Can the license tier be upgraded later?

09Does the 14-digit FSSAI number need to be displayed?

10Can ComplyLocal handle department queries?

Complete your license and compliance stack

FSSAI

Tax

Business

From home kitchen to national brand - licensed right, fast.

Documents we prepare before filing

FSSAI Registration FAQs

01Which FSSAI tier do I need?

02Is FSSAI mandatory for home kitchens?

03Do Swiggy and Zomato require FSSAI?

04What is the usual processing time?

05What is FoSCoS?

06How long is an FSSAI license valid?

07What happens if a food business operates without FSSAI?

08Can the license tier be upgraded later?

09Does the 14-digit FSSAI number need to be displayed?

10Can ComplyLocal handle department queries?