Documents required for FSSAI food licence (2026)

Documents required for FSSAI food licence (2026) — RTI Wiki

Quick Reply: Documents for FSSAI Basic Registration / State Licence / Central Licence. PAN + address + premises proof + product list.

Direct answer. FSSAI licence required for any food business. Three categories: Basic Registration (turnover ≤ Rs. 12 lakh, Rs. 100 fee), State Licence (Rs. 12 lakh - 20 cr, Rs. 2,000-7,500 fee), Central Licence (> Rs. 20 cr OR multi-state, Rs. 7,500). Documents vary by category. Apply at foscos.fssai.gov.in.

Mandatory documents

  • PAN of business / individual — Mandatory for all categories
  • Aadhaar of authorised signatory — Identity proof
  • Proof of business address — Property tax receipt OR rent agreement OR electricity bill
  • Form A (Basic) / Form B (State + Central) signed — Application form; download from foscos.fssai.gov.in
  • Authority letter from authorised signatory — For partnership / company
  • Photograph (passport size) — Recent, white background
  • Layout plan of premises — For State + Central — showing equipment placement, hygiene zones
  • List of products to be manufactured / sold — For State + Central
  • Water test report (BIS lab certified) — For Central licence — manufacturing units
  • Source of raw material — For State + Central
  • NOC from local body / municipal corp — For premises usage
  • Form IX (nomination of person) — For State + Central — nominate Food Safety Supervisor

Optional / situational documents

  • Partnership deed / MoA-AoA — For respective entity types
  • Import/Export Code (IEC) — For exporters/importers
  • Certificate of incorporation — For companies
  • Recall plan — For Central licence (mandatory)
  • NOC from Pollution Control Board — For manufacturing units

Specifications + key rules

  • Basic Registration: turnover ≤ Rs. 12 lakh, Rs. 100 fee, 7 days, no inspection.
  • State Licence: turnover Rs. 12 lakh - 20 cr, Rs. 2,000-7,500 fee, 30-60 days, inspection mandatory.
  • Central Licence: > Rs. 20 cr OR multi-state OR e-commerce, Rs. 7,500 fee, 60-90 days.
  • Validity: 1-5 years (you choose at application; longer = higher fee).
  • Display FSSAI number on packaging mandatorily under FSS Regulations 2011.
  • Annual returns (Form D-1 + D-2) by 31 May — even nil returns. Penalty Rs. 100/day late.
  • FBO (Food Business Operator) Helpline: 1800-112-100.

Where to apply

Online at foscos.fssai.gov.in → Apply for Licence/Registration.

→ Official source: https://www.fssai.gov.in/cms/license-registration.php

If you don't have all documents

If FSSAI application is delayed beyond 60 days, file RTI to FSSAI Designated Officer for inspection status + sample test results + reason for hold.

→ Use our 🪄 AI RTI Drafter to generate a free §6(1) application asking for the rejection reason in 60 seconds.

Frequently asked questions

Do all food businesses need FSSAI?

Yes if dealing with food in any way. Even home-based catering above Rs. 12 lakh turnover.

Basic / State / Central — which?

Based on turnover: Basic ≤ Rs. 12 L, State Rs. 12 L - 20 cr, Central > Rs. 20 cr OR multi-state OR e-commerce.

Renewal — when?

Apply 30-60 days before expiry. Late renewal NOT allowed; fresh application required.

Penalties for non-compliance?

Rs. 5,000-Rs. 5 lakh under FSS Act §57-59 + criminal prosecution.

Can I sell food online without FSSAI?

No — Swiggy/Zomato/Amazon mandatorily require FSSAI. Direct e-commerce too.

Summary + next steps

  1. Gather mandatory documents above before applying — saves a re-visit
  2. Apply via official portal (link above) — no agent needed
  3. Track status: see our status-check guides
  4. If rejected for “documents inadequate”: request specific deficiency under §4(1)(d) RTI Act
  5. For state-specific guidance: see state portals directory

All RTI Wiki tools (free, no login)

Sources

  • Statutory references: as cited in Specifications above
  • Official portal: linked in “Where to apply” above
  • RTI Act 2005 §§4, 6, 7, 19

Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.

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