How to Apply for an FSSAI License for a Restaurant in India

Introduction

Starting a restaurant in India requires compliance with various legal regulations, and one of the most important is obtaining an FSSAI license. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is responsible for ensuring food safety and hygiene across all food businesses, including restaurants. Having an FSSAI license not only ensures compliance with food safety laws but also builds customer trust and allows your business to operate without legal hassles.

This detailed guide will cover everything you need to know about applying for an FSSAI license for a restaurant, including the types of licenses, application procedure, required documents, fees, and common reasons for rejection.

What is an FSSAI License?

The FSSAI license is a mandatory certification for all food businesses in India. It provides a 14-digit registration number that must be displayed at your restaurant premises and on food packaging (if applicable). This license ensures that your restaurant adheres to food safety regulations and maintains hygiene standards as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Types of FSSAI Licenses for Restaurants

There are three types of FSSAI licenses, depending on the size and revenue of your restaurant:

1. Basic FSSAI Registration

• Required for small restaurants with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh.
• Suitable for small food businesses, local eateries, and home-based food businesses.
• Issued by the state food department.
• Fees: ₹100 – ₹500 per year.

2. State FSSAI License

• Required for restaurants with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
• Suitable for mid-sized restaurants, food chains within a single state, and catering businesses.
• Issued by the state authority.
• Fees: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per year.

3. Central FSSAI License

• Required for large restaurants and food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore.
• Mandatory for food chains operating in multiple states, exporters, and importers of food products.
• Issued by the central FSSAI authority.
• Fees: ₹7,500 per year.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an FSSAI License

Step 1: Check Eligibility and Determine the License Type

Before applying, you need to identify which license your restaurant qualifies for based on its turnover, size, and business operations.

Step 2: Register on the FoSCoS Portal

1. Visit the FSSAI FoSCoS portal: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in
2. Click on “Apply for License/Registration”.
3. Enter details about your state, business type, and annual turnover.
4. The system will determine the license type you need to apply for.

Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

• For Basic Registration, fill Form A.
• For State and Central License, fill Form B.
• Provide details such as business name, address, contact details, type of food business, and number of employees.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Depending on the type of license, the following documents must be submitted:

Documents for Basic FSSAI Registration

• Passport-size photo of the applicant.
• Aadhaar card/Voter ID/Passport for identity proof.
• Business address proof (Rent agreement/Utility bill).
• Food safety management plan.

Documents for State and Central FSSAI License

• All documents required for Basic Registration.
• Business PAN card.
• Restaurant layout plan.
• List of kitchen equipment and raw material suppliers.
• Water quality test report.
• Fire & safety NOC.
• Import Export Code (if applicable).
• Affidavit of food safety compliance.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

The fee varies based on the license type:

• Basic License: ₹100 – ₹500 per year.
• State License: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per year.
• Central License: ₹7,500 per year.

Once the payment is made, you will receive a reference number to track your application status.

Step 6: Inspection & Approval

1. The FSSAI department may conduct an inspection of your restaurant to verify compliance.
2. If everything is satisfactory, your FSSAI license will be issued within 30 days.
3. If there are any issues, FSSAI may request additional documents or modifications to the premises.

Tracking Your FSSAI License Application

Once you submit your application, you can track the status by:

1. Visiting: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in
2. Clicking on “Track Application”.
3. Entering your application reference number.

Renewal & Validity of FSSAI License

• The FSSAI license is valid for 1-5 years, depending on the option selected during application.
• It is mandatory to apply for renewal at least 30 days before expiry to avoid penalties.
• Delayed renewals attract fines and may lead to cancellation of the license.

Common Reasons for FSSAI License Rejection

• Incomplete application or missing documents.
• Incorrect business category selection.
• Non-compliance with food safety regulations.
• Delay in submitting requested clarifications.

Importance of FSSAI License for Restaurants

• Ensures Legal Compliance: Prevents legal actions and penalties.
• Builds Customer Trust: Increases credibility and confidence among diners.
• Allows Food Delivery Partnerships: Mandatory for partnering with Swiggy, Zomato, and other aggregators.
• Essential for Business Expansion: Required for opening additional outlets or franchising.

Conclusion

Applying for an FSSAI license for your restaurant is a crucial step to ensure food safety compliance and smooth business operations. By following the correct process, submitting complete documents, and maintaining hygiene standards, you can obtain the license hassle-free.

If you have any questions regarding the FSSAI registration process, feel free to ask in the comments below!