FSSAI License in India: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Food Businesses (2026)

India’s food industry is growing faster than ever — from cloud kitchens and home bakers to packaged food brands and restaurant chains. But running a food business is not only about preparing delicious food. It also requires strict legal compliance to ensure consumer safety.

If you want to start or operate a food business legally, obtaining an FSSAI License is mandatory. Whether you run a small home kitchen or a large manufacturing unit, food safety certification is essential for legal operations, customer trust, and long-term growth.

This detailed guide explains everything — eligibility, process, documents, costs, renewal, compliance rules, and expert tips to help you succeed.

What is an FSSAI License?

An FSSAI License is an official authorization that allows businesses to manufacture, store, distribute, transport, or sell food legally in India. It confirms that your food products meet safety standards and hygiene regulations.

Food safety in India is regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, which ensures that all food businesses maintain proper quality control and follow government guidelines.

Without a valid license, operating a food business is illegal and may lead to heavy penalties.

Why is FSSAI Registration Important for Food Businesses?

Obtaining FSSAI Registration is not just about legal compliance — it is also about building credibility and customer confidence.

Key Benefits

✔ Legal permission to operate
✔ Builds customer trust and brand value
✔ Helps expand business across India
✔ Required for online food selling platforms
✔ Ensures food safety compliance
✔ Protects from legal penalties

Customers prefer licensed businesses because certification proves that food is safe and hygienic.

Who Needs a Food License in India?

Any individual or company involved in food-related activities must obtain a Food License India.

This includes:

• Restaurants and cafes
  
  

• Home-based food sellers
  
  

• Cloud kitchens
  
  

• Food manufacturers
  
  

• Food importers and exporters
  
  

• Catering services
  
  

• Food packaging companies
  
  

• Online food delivery businesses
  
  

• Warehouses and storage units
  
  

Even small home kitchens earning commercial income must register legally.

If you are unsure about eligibility, you should check who needs FSSAI license for food business in India before starting operations.

Types of FSSAI Licenses in India

The type of license depends on your business size and annual turnover.

Basic Registration

For small businesses with turnover up to ₹12 lakh.
Ideal for home kitchens and small vendors.

State License

For medium-scale businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
Suitable for restaurants, distributors, and manufacturers.

Central License

For large businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore or involved in import/export.

Before applying, understand the difference between FSSAI basic state and central license to choose the correct category.

Documents Required for FSSAI License for Small Food Business

Preparing documentation correctly is essential for approval.

Common requirements include:

• Identity proof of owner
  
  

• Address proof of business premises
  
  

• Business registration certificate
  
  

• Food safety management plan
  
  

• List of food items
  
  

• Kitchen or manufacturing layout
  
  

If you are applying for a small setup, check the documents required for FSSAI license for small food business carefully to avoid rejection.

Large manufacturing units may also require water testing reports and equipment details.

How to Apply for FSSAI License Online in India Step by Step

Many entrepreneurs want to know how to apply for FSSAI license online in India step by step. The process is simple if followed correctly.

Step 1 — Determine License Type

Choose Basic, State, or Central license.

Step 2 — Prepare Documents

Ensure all documents are complete and accurate.

Step 3 — Online Application

Submit your form through the official FSSAI Online Apply portal.

Step 4 — Inspection

Authorities may inspect premises for hygiene compliance.

Step 5 — License Approval

After verification, your certificate is issued with a registration number.

This number must be displayed on food packaging and premises.

FSSAI Registration Process for Home Kitchen Business India

Home-based food entrepreneurs must also register legally. The FSSAI registration process for home kitchen business India is similar to small business registration.

Requirements include:

• Residential kitchen inspection
  
  

• Food safety declaration
  
  

• Basic documentation
  
  

• Small business turnover proof
  
  

Registration ensures your home food business operates legally and builds customer trust.

Cost of FSSAI License for Restaurant in India

The cost depends on license category.

• Basic License → ₹100 per year
  
  

• State License → ₹2,000 per year
  
  

• Central License → ₹7,500 per year
  
  

Restaurant owners often check the cost of FSSAI license for restaurant in India before applying to plan expenses.

Additional professional or documentation charges may apply depending on business complexity.

Compliance Requirements After Getting License

Obtaining a license is not the final step — maintaining compliance is equally important.

Food businesses must:

✔ Maintain clean and hygienic premises
✔ Use safe raw materials
✔ Ensure employee health standards
✔ Follow proper storage conditions
✔ Label products correctly
✔ Implement food safety management systems

Authorities may conduct inspections periodically.

How to Renew FSSAI License Online Before Expiry

Licenses are issued for 1 to 5 years. Businesses must apply renewal before expiry to avoid penalties.

To continue operations legally, understand how to renew FSSAI license online before expiry and submit renewal at least 30 days in advance.

Late renewal may lead to:

• Daily fines
  
  

• License suspension
  
  

• Business closure
  
  

Penalty for Running Food Business Without FSSAI License India

Operating without certification is a serious violation.

Authorities may impose:

• Fines up to ₹5 lakh
  
  

• Product seizure
  
  

• Business shutdown
  
  

• Legal prosecution
  
  

Understanding the penalty for running food business without FSSAI license India helps businesses avoid legal risks.

How FSSAI Licensing Supports Business Growth

Many entrepreneurs see licensing as a formality, but it actually supports long-term growth.

Licensed businesses gain:

✔ Strong brand reputation
✔ Customer trust and loyalty
✔ Eligibility for e-commerce platforms
✔ Easier expansion into new markets
✔ Better investment opportunities

Certification acts as proof of quality and professionalism.

Expert Tips for Fast Approval

To avoid rejection or delays:

✔ Select correct license category
✔ Submit accurate documents
✔ Maintain hygiene standards
✔ Respond quickly to inspection queries
✔ Track renewal deadlines

Professional assistance can simplify the process significantly.

Conclusion

Food safety compliance is essential for every food business in India. Obtaining the correct license ensures legal operation, customer trust, and long-term success.

Whether you run a home kitchen, restaurant, or manufacturing unit, understanding how to apply for FSSAI license online in India step by step and maintaining compliance will protect your business from legal risks and help it grow confidently.

With rising consumer awareness and strict regulations, certification is not just required — it is a powerful business advantage.

About Us

**PSR Compliance Pvt Ltd is a professional regulatory consultancy firm helping businesses across India obtain licenses, registrations, and government approvals smoothly. We provide complete support for documentation, application filing, and compliance management to ensure fast, accurate, and legally secure operations for food businesses of all sizes.

Mandatory BIS Certification | BIS Certification in India | BIS Certification for Electronic Products | BIS CRS Registration

India has emerged as a major hub for manufacturing and importing electronic products. With increasing usage of electronic devices in daily life, ensuring safety and quality has become a top priority. To regulate standards and protect consumers, the Government of India has made Mandatory BIS Certification compulsory for several electronic products sold in the Indian market.

This regulatory requirement is enforced by the Bureau of Indian Standards, which is the national authority responsible for standardization, testing, and certification of products in India.

Overview of BIS Certification in India

BIS Certification in India is a conformity assessment system that ensures products comply with Indian safety and quality standards. For electronic goods, this certification confirms that the product has been tested and approved according to prescribed technical standards.

The primary goal of certification is to prevent unsafe, low-quality, or substandard electronic products from reaching consumers. It also ensures uniformity in product quality across domestic and imported goods.

Understanding BIS Certification for Electronic Products

BIS Certification for Electronic Products is mainly implemented through the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). Under this scheme, manufacturers must register their products after successful testing in approved laboratories.

Electronic products covered under CRS include, but are not limited to:

✔ Mobile phones and smart devices
✔ LED lamps and lighting systems
✔ Power banks and adapters
✔ Laptops, tablets, and monitors
✔ Electronic appliances and components

Once registered, manufacturers are allowed to sell these products legally in India.

Why Mandatory BIS Certification Is Required

The government has made certification compulsory for several important reasons that benefit both consumers and businesses.

1️⃣ Protection of Consumer Safety

Electronic products can cause serious hazards such as electric shock, overheating, short circuits, or fire if they are not manufactured properly. Certification ensures that products meet safety benchmarks before reaching the market.

2️⃣ Regulatory Compliance

Selling uncertified electronic products is a violation of Indian law. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, seizure of goods, or cancellation of business operations.

3️⃣ Control Over Imports

India imports a large volume of electronic goods. Certification helps authorities regulate imports and ensure that only compliant products enter the country.

4️⃣ Quality Standardization

Certification ensures consistency in product quality and performance across manufacturers and brands.

5️⃣ Consumer Confidence

Certified products inspire trust among consumers and enhance the credibility of brands in the market.

What Is BIS CRS Registration?

BIS CRS Registration is the mandatory approval route for electronic products notified under CRS. It applies to both Indian and foreign manufacturers.

The registration process generally involves:

✔ Identification of applicable Indian Standards
✔ Product testing in BIS-recognized laboratories
✔ Preparation of technical documents
✔ Online application submission
✔ Grant of registration and use of standard marking

Once approved, manufacturers must label products with the required registration number and standard mark.

Who Is Required to Obtain Certification?

Mandatory BIS Certification applies to multiple stakeholders in the electronics supply chain:

✔ Domestic manufacturers
✔ Foreign manufacturers exporting to India
✔ Importers and distributors
✔ Brand owners
✔ Online sellers and e-commerce vendors

Even online marketplaces often require certification proof before allowing product listings.

Risks of Selling Electronics Without Certification

Businesses that ignore certification requirements may face serious consequences, including:

❌ Heavy monetary penalties
❌ Confiscation of goods
❌ Import shipment rejection
❌ Legal notices and prosecution
❌ Loss of business credibility
❌ Blacklisting by authorities

In many cases, uncertified products are stopped at customs, causing delays and financial losses.

Advantages of Obtaining Certification

Although certification is mandatory, it also provides several long-term benefits to businesses.

Legal Authorization

Allows companies to sell regulated electronic products legally across India.

Faster Market Entry

Certified products face fewer regulatory hurdles.

Improved Product Quality

Testing helps identify defects and improve manufacturing standards.

Stronger Brand Image

Certified products are trusted by consumers and distributors.

Business Growth

Compliance improves acceptance in domestic and international markets.

Common Challenges Faced by Businesses

Many businesses face difficulties during the certification process due to:

✔ Complex technical standards
✔ Lengthy documentation requirements
✔ Testing coordination
✔ Application errors
✔ Regulatory follow-ups

Even minor mistakes can lead to delays or rejection, increasing time and cost.

How to Obtain Certification Smoothly

To ensure a smooth approval process, businesses should follow a structured approach:

1️⃣ Check if the product falls under CRS
2️⃣ Identify the correct Indian Standard
3️⃣ Prepare documents accurately
4️⃣ Conduct lab testing
5️⃣ Submit application carefully
6️⃣ Track progress and respond to queries

Professional assistance often helps businesses avoid errors and save time.

Importance of Certification for India’s Electronics Market

India’s electronics industry is expanding rapidly, and maintaining safety standards is crucial for sustainable growth. Certification ensures fair competition, protects consumers, and supports the government’s quality control initiatives.

By enforcing mandatory standards, authorities ensure that only safe and reliable products are available in the market.

Conclusion

BIS Certification in India is a critical requirement for electronic products that ensures safety, quality, and legal compliance. For manufacturers, importers, and brand owners, obtaining certification is essential to operate smoothly and avoid regulatory risks.

Businesses that comply with Mandatory BIS Certification gain consumer trust, avoid penalties, and strengthen their position in the competitive electronics market.

👉 For professional support with BIS Certification for Electronic Products and BIS CRS Registration, consult an experienced BIS Certification Consultant in India.
(https://www.psrcompliance.com)