Starting a cafe or selling pickles from home? You need an FSSAI license. We break down the 3 types (Basic, State, Central), the exact fees, and the documents you need to start legally.
No License, No Kitchen.
In India, serving food without an FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license is like driving without a license—it is illegal and dangerous. Whether you are a home baker, a cloud kitchen owner, or a 5-star hotel, this 14-digit number is your badge of trust.
Consumers today look for the FSSAI logo on packaging. It tells them: "This food is safe."
1. Which License Do You Need? (The 3 Tiers)
FSSAI isn't one-size-fits-all. It depends on your size and turnover.
| Type | Who is it for? | Turnover Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Home bakers, small stalls, hawkers. | Up to ₹12 Lakhs / year |
| State License | Restaurants, mid-sized manufacturers. | ₹12 Lakhs to ₹20 Crores |
| Central License | Importers, Exporters, Large Chains (McDonalds, etc). | Above ₹20 Crores |
2. The Cost (Government Fees)
These are the official government fees (excluding professional service charges):
- Basic Registration: ₹100 per year.
- State License: ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per year (varies by state).
- Central License: ₹7,500 per year.
3. Documents Checklist
Keep these ready as PDFs before you apply.
For Basic Registration:
- Photo of the Food Business Operator.
- ID Proof (Aadhaar/PAN).
- Proof of Address (Rent Agreement/Electricity Bill).
For State/Central License (Add these):
- Blueprint/Layout of the Kitchen.
- List of Equipment and Machinery.
- Food Category List (what are you cooking?).
- Water Test Report (from a certified lab).
4. How to Obtain (The Process)
The process is 100% online via the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal.
- Sign Up: Create an account on the FoSCoS website.
- Form B: Fill out the application form with your business details.
- Upload: Attach your documents clearly. Blurry scans get rejected.
- Payment: Pay the fee online.
- Inspection: For State/Central licenses, a Food Inspector will visit your premises to check hygiene.
Don't Let Paperwork Burn Your Kitchen.
A single mistake in your Food Category selection or Water Report can lead to rejection and months of delay.
At VoroHQ, our legal team (Law Tak) handles the entire FSSAI process—from filling the form to handling the Food Inspector's queries—so you can focus on the menu.
Content Disclaimer
While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information, VoroHQ makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information contained in this article.
The content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered as professional, legal, financial, or technical advice. We recommend independently verifying all information before making business decisions or taking action based on this content.
Pricing, features, statistics, and other details mentioned are accurate as of the publication date (December 15, 2025) and may have changed since. Always refer to official sources for the most current information.
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