The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the regulatory authority under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, responsible for ensuring the safety, quality, and hygiene of food products across the country. It standardizes and regulates food business operations — including manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food articles — to protect consumer health and strengthen confidence in the food ecosystem.
Obtaining a valid FSSAI registration or license is mandatory for all food business operators (FBOs) in India. Whether you run a small food stall, a restaurant, a cloud kitchen or a large food processing unit, FSSAI compliance certifies that your food business adheres to legal requirements and food safety standards. An FSSAI license not only ensures legal compliance but also enhances your brand reputation and market reach.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 as a central regulatory body to oversee and enforce food safety protocols nationwide. Its aim is to ensure that safe, hygienic, and quality food is accessible to consumers, reduce foodborne health risks, and create standards that food businesses must follow.
FSSAI regulates the entire food supply chain — from farm to fork — by prescribing scientific standards for food articles and ensuring that food business operators comply with those standards before they can legally operate in India
Under Section 31 of the Act, every food business operator must be registered or licensed with FSSAI before commencing operations. Failure to do so can lead to legal penalties and business interruption.
FSSAI standards are based on scientific guidelines that help prevent food contamination, adulteration, and unsafe practices. Complying with these standards mitigates health hazards and promotes public well-being.
Displaying an FSSAI license number on your products or premises signals commitment to quality and safety, boosting consumer confidence and brand credibility.
Operating a food business without the appropriate FSSAI registration or license is illegal, and authorities can impose fines or even order closure of the business.
Many distributors, e-commerce platforms (e.g., Amazon, Swiggy, Zomato), and institutional buyers require proof of FSSAI compliance to work with food brands.
FSSAI-registered businesses are eligible for government schemes, subsidies, training programs, and easier access to commercial partnerships.
Basic FSSAI Registration:
State FSSAI License:
Central FSSAI License:
Our company offers comprehensive FSSAI services to assist businesses with all their licensing and registration requirements:
This entry-level registration is for small and micro food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh. Typical examples include petty food manufacturers, home-based food producers, hawkers, itinerant vendors, and temporary stall holders.
Form: Form A
Eligibility: Turnover under ₹12 lakh or small production capacity
Who Needs It: Cottage industries, small retailers, mobile food vendors
Validity: 1–5 years (chosen at application)
This license is required for medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore. This segment includes restaurants, mid-sized manufacturers, caterers, distributors, storage units, and retailers operating within a single state.
Form: Form B
Eligibility: Turnover ₹12 lakh–₹20 crore
Scope: Single-state operations
Validity: 1–5 years
Large food enterprises — including importers/exporters, multi-state operators, large manufacturing units, and supply chains with turnover exceeding ₹20 crore — require a Central FSSAI license. It is also mandatory for businesses operating in multiple states, airport/port services, and specific food categories covered under central legislation.
Form: Form B
Eligibility: Turnover above ₹20 crore or multi-state operations
Validity: 1–5 years
We assess your business type, turnover, and operations to determine whether you need Basic, State, or Central licensing.
Our experts prepare all required documents and ensure accuracy before submission to the FSSAI authority.
We handle the entire application process, including FoSCoS portal submissions, fee payments, and authority follow-ups.
Helios Global assists with timely license renewals and modifications for changes in business structure, address, or product categories.
We conduct training sessions for food handlers and management teams on FSSAI standards, hygiene practices, and ongoing compliance.
We support the filing of annual returns and compliance reports to keep your business in good standing with regulatory authorities.
Our FSSAI services cover the complete regulatory lifecycle of a food business, ensuring smooth approvals, continuous compliance, and long-term adherence to food safety laws. The scope includes the following key areas:
Assistance in identifying the correct type of FSSAI license and handling the complete application process, from documentation to final approval, ensuring compliance with current regulations.
Proactive tracking of license expiry dates and smooth processing of renewals to prevent penalties, business interruptions, or regulatory complications.
Support for updating FSSAI license details in case of changes in address, product categories, business structure, ownership, or operational expansion.
Expert guidance on food safety standards, hygiene practices, labeling norms, and operational compliance tailored to your specific food business model.
Preparation and filing of FSSAI annual returns and mandatory compliance reports within prescribed timelines to maintain regulatory credibility.
Practical training sessions for food handlers and management teams to build awareness of food safety practices and day-to-day compliance responsibilities.
Continuous advisory support to help businesses stay updated with evolving FSSAI regulations and maintain consistent compliance throughout operations.
Assistance in minimizing compliance risks through proper documentation, internal checks, and readiness for inspections or audits by food safety authorities.
FSSAI registration and licensing are processed through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) — an online portal launched by FSSAI for seamless application submission and monitoring.
Assess your business size, turnover, and nature of operations to identify whether you need Basic, State, or Central FSSAI registration/licensing.
As outlined in the previous section, collect all identification, business, and safety documentation.
File your application through the FoSCoS portal, upload supporting documents, and pay the prescribed fees for your chosen license type
The authority reviews your submission, may request clarifications, and verifies compliance with regulatory standards.
Upon satisfactory review, FSSAI issues a 14-digit registration/licence number which must be prominently displayed on product packaging and business premises.
FSSAI licenses are valid for up to 1–5 years and must be renewed before expiry. Modifications (such as change of address or scope) are handled through FoSCoS.