FSSAI Registration Online: A Step-by-Step Guide to Digital Compliance
The FSSAI Registration Online process, managed through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal, has streamlined legal compliance for Food Business Operators (FBOs) across India. Since the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates that every entity involved in the food chain—from manufacturing to sales—must obtain a valid certificate, understanding the digital application is essential.
Securing the correct FSSAI certificate—be it the basic Registration, the State License, or the Central License—is the first and most critical step towards ensuring your business adheres to national food safety and hygiene standards. The entire procedure is paperless, transparent, and quick, provided the applicant accurately determines their eligibility and submits the required documents.
Determining Your FSSAI Category: Registration vs. License
The most critical first step in the FSSAI Registration Online process is accurately determining whether your business qualifies for Basic Registration or one of the higher-tier licenses. This distinction is based primarily on annual turnover and the scale of operations.
The Three Tiers of FSSAI Compliance
| Category | Annual Turnover | Operational Scope | Application Form | Annual Fee |
| Basic Registration (Petty FBOs) | Up to ₹12 Lakhs | Small retailers, hawkers, temporary stalls, home kitchens, small manufacturers (up to 100 kg/litre per day). | Form A | ₹100 |
| State License (Medium FBOs) | Between ₹12 Lakhs and ₹20 Crores | Medium to large restaurants, mid-scale manufacturers, storage facilities, and transporters operating within one state. | Form B | ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 |
| Central License (Large FBOs) | Above ₹20 Crores | Importers/Exporters, e-commerce FBOs, businesses operating in multiple states, or large manufacturers (above 2 MT per day). | Form B | ₹7,500 |
The FSSAI Basic Registration is specifically designed for petty FBOs and is the simplest form of digital compliance. All other categories require a full FSSAI License, which involves stricter documentation and may include an inspection.
Step-by-Step Online Application Process via FoSCoS
The entire application for FSSAI Registration Online is handled exclusively through the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in).
Applying for FSSAI Basic Registration (Form A)
Select Eligibility: Log in to the FoSCoS portal and click on 'Apply for License/Registration.'
Determine Category: Select your State and read the guidelines to determine the correct Kind of Business (KoB) category that matches your turnover (up to ₹12 Lakhs).
Fill Form A: Complete Form A online. This form captures essential details like the name of the FBO, business address, contact information, and the food categories handled.
Upload Documents: Upload the required minimal documents (see below).
Fee Payment: Pay the ₹100 annual registration fee online through the available payment modes.
ARN Generation: An Application Reference Number (ARN) will be generated. Use this number to track the application status.
Issuance: The designated authority reviews the application. If all documents and details are correct, the FSSAI Registration Certificate is issued electronically, usually within 7 days.
Applying for FSSAI State/Central License (Form B)
The process is similar but involves submitting Form B and requires more comprehensive documentation due to the larger scale of operations. An on-site inspection is often mandated by the Food Safety Officer for license applications.
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration Online
While the documents for a full license are extensive, the requirements for the FSSAI Basic Registration are minimal, focusing primarily on identity and address verification.
Mandatory Documents for Basic Registration
Photo: copyright-sized photograph of the Proprietor/Partner/Director.
Photo ID: Government-issued Photo ID such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Voter ID.
Address Proof of Premises: Proof of possession (e.g., Rent Agreement, Latest Electricity Bill, or Sale Deed).
Declaration Form: A duly filled and signed FSSAI Declaration Form.
Key Additional Documents for FSSAI Licenses
For State and Central Licenses (Form B), additional documents must be uploaded, including:
Blueprint/Layout Plan (Mandatory for manufacturing units).
List of Equipment and Machinery with installed capacity.
Water Analysis Report from a recognized lab (Mandatory for manufacturers).
Proof of Business Constitution (e.g., Partnership Deed, Certificate of Incorporation).
Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Plan.
Post-Registration Compliance
Securing the FSSAI Registration Online is only the beginning. FBOs must adhere to strict post-compliance requirements to keep their status active and avoid penalties.
Renewal of Registration
The certificate is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years.
Renewal must be applied for through the FoSCoS portal before 30 days of the expiry date.
Filing the renewal application after this window incurs a late fee of ₹100 per day. If the renewal is not completed before the expiry date, the certificate lapses, and the FBO must cease operations until a fresh application is filed.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI certificate is a severe offense under the FSS Act, 2006. Violations can lead to:
Operating Without Registration/License: Fine up to ₹5 Lakhs and potential imprisonment up to six months.
Unhygienic Processing: Fine up to ₹1 Lakh.
The FSSAI Registration Online platform offers a convenient and accessible route for all food businesses to comply with the nation’s food safety laws. By accurately determining your category and maintaining timely compliance, you ensure a safe, legal, and trustworthy operation.