To get an FSSAI licence in 2026, register on the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in), select the correct category based on turnover, upload the required documents, pay the government fee and submit. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India then reviews it and issues your licence, which we track to issuance.
Which FSSAI licence do I need before I apply?
Your FSSAI category is decided by your annual turnover and the nature of your food business, so fix this before you touch the FoSCoS portal. Businesses with turnover below ₹1.5 crore a year apply for a Basic Registration; those between ₹1.5 crore and ₹50 crore in a single state apply for a State Licence; and those above ₹50 crore, or importers, exporters, e-commerce food sellers and multi-state operators, need a Central Licence.
Choosing wrongly is the single most common reason applications get rejected or returned, so a quick eligibility check saves weeks. If you are unsure where your business sits, CAREALL can assess your turnover, capacity and operations and confirm the correct category before filing.
| Category | Who it is for | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Turnover below ₹1.5 crore/year (small/petty food businesses) | Lowest |
| State Licence | Turnover ₹1.5 crore–₹50 crore, single state | Higher (varies by capacity) |
| Central Licence | Above ₹50 crore, importers/exporters, e-commerce, multi-state, head office | Highest |
What documents do I need to apply on FoSCoS?
You need identity and address proof, a passport-size photo, and business-specific documents ready as scanned files before you start the FoSCoS application. For a Basic Registration the list is short; State and Central Licences require more, including a Form IX declaration of directors or partners, a food safety management plan and, for many premises, a layout plan.
Keep every file clear and within the portal's size limits, because blurred or mismatched documents are a frequent cause of queries. Importers and exporters must also hold an Import-Export Code (IEC), and packaged drinking water units need BIS/ISI certification alongside the FSSAI licence.
- Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID or passport of the proprietor/partner/director)
- Passport-size photograph
- Proof of business premises (rent agreement, utility bill or ownership document)
- Nature-of-business and product list
- For State/Central: Form IX, food safety plan, and a premises layout plan where required
- For importers/exporters: Import-Export Code (IEC)
What are the steps to get an FSSAI licence on FoSCoS?
Follow these numbered steps on the government FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in), which replaced the older FLRS system, to apply for your FSSAI licence or registration in 2026.
Work through them in order; skipping the category or Kind of Business (KoB) selection is where most first-time applicants go wrong.
- 1. Go to foscos.fssai.gov.in and create a user account, or sign in if you already have one.
- 2. Select 'Apply for New Licence/Registration' and choose your state.
- 3. Pick the correct Kind of Business (KoB) and let the portal map you to Basic, State or Central based on your turnover and activity.
- 4. Fill in Form A (Registration) or Form B (State/Central Licence) with your business, product and premises details.
- 5. Upload the required documents as clear scans within the size limits.
- 6. Pay the government issuance fee online (the licence is then valid indefinitely, kept active by an annual fee).
- 7. Submit the application and note your application reference number.
- 8. Respond promptly to any query or inspection raised by the Food Safety Officer.
- 9. Download your FSSAI certificate once the authority approves and issues it.
How much does an FSSAI licence cost and how long is it valid?
An FSSAI licence is now valid indefinitely — there is no fixed tenure to choose. You pay a one-time issuance fee when it is granted, then a recurring annual fee to keep it active. The government fee depends on your category and capacity — Basic Registration is the lowest, a State Licence higher (it varies with capacity), and a Central Licence the highest; CAREALL shares your exact, all-in cost on WhatsApp before anything is filed.
There is no renewal and no expiry to chase; the annual fee simply recurs each year. If the annual fee is left unpaid, the licence is deemed suspended and cannot be used until it is cleared. The consultant or professional fee for preparing and filing the application is separate from these government fees.
| Stage | Validity | Government fee basis |
|---|---|---|
| At issuance | Indefinite | One-time issuance fee by category/capacity |
| Each year after | Stays active | Recurring annual fee to keep it live |
What do I do after my FSSAI licence is issued?
Once your FSSAI licence is issued, display the certificate with the FSSAI number clearly at your premises and print the 14-digit licence number on all packaging, bills and online listings. A valid FSSAI number is required to list on Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit and ONDC, so add it to those seller profiles.
You must also meet ongoing compliance: keep the licence active by paying the annual fee, and file the annual return in Form D1 by 31 May each year, with Form D2 filed half-yearly for dairy units. CAREALL can manage the annual fee and returns so nothing lapses.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an FSSAI licence myself on FoSCoS?
Yes, you can apply yourself on foscos.fssai.gov.in by creating an account, selecting the correct category and Kind of Business, uploading documents and paying the fee. The difficulty is choosing the right category and preparing documents that pass review. CAREALL files the application correctly the first time and tracks it to issuance, avoiding rejections and delays.
How long does it take to get an FSSAI licence?
A Basic Registration is usually quicker than a State or Central Licence, which may involve document scrutiny and sometimes a premises inspection by a Food Safety Officer. We cannot guarantee exact turnaround days because it depends on the authority's review, but we prepare a clean application and track it to issuance to keep it moving.
Which FSSAI licence do I need for online food selling?
E-commerce and online food sellers generally require a Central Licence, and you must hold a valid FSSAI number to list on Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit or ONDC. If you operate from a single small kitchen below the threshold, a State Licence may apply; CAREALL confirms your correct category before filing.
What happens if I choose the wrong FSSAI category?
Choosing the wrong category is the most common reason FoSCoS applications are returned or rejected, costing you time and re-filing effort. The correct category depends on your turnover, premises capacity and business type. A short eligibility check before you apply prevents this, which is why CAREALL assesses your business first and files under the right category.
Is the FSSAI number the same as the registration certificate?
The FSSAI number is the 14-digit number printed on your registration certificate or licence; the certificate is the document, and the number is your unique identifier. You display the certificate at your premises and print the number on packaging, bills and online listings. Both come together once the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India issues your licence.
This guide is kept current for 2026. It is general information, not legal advice — for your specific case, talk to a CAREALL consultant.