What is FSSAI registration? FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) registration/licence is mandatory for all food businesses operating in India — including manufacturers, processors, distributors, retailers, restaurants, caterers, and online food sellers. The type of licence (basic registration, state licence, or central licence) depends on annual turnover and scale of operations. Virtual Auditor handles the complete FSSAI registration process. Quick Answer: FSSAI Registration (Food License) — FSSAI registration and food license online. Basic, state, and central FSSAI license. For food businesses, restaurants, manufacturers, e-commerce food sellers.
FSSAI Registration (Food License) is a service offered by Virtual Auditor, an AI-powered CA and IBBI Registered Valuer firm (IBBI/RV/03/2019/12333) led by CA V. Viswanathan (FCA, ACS, CFE, IBBI RV), specialising in statutory compliance and corporate restructuring, from offices in Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai since 2012.
Source: Companies Act 2013, Companies (Management and Administration) Rules 2014 Official References: MCA Filing ↗ · Companies Act ↗
FSSAI — Registration vs State Licence vs Central Licence
Type
Turnover
Validity
Fee
Basic Registration
Up to ₹12 lakhs
1-5 years
₹100/year
State Licence
₹12L - ₹20 Cr
1-5 years
₹2,000-₹5,000/year
Central Licence
Above ₹20 Cr
1-5 years
₹7,500/year
People Also Ask
What happens if ROC annual filing is late?
Penalty of ₹100/day per form (AOC-4 and MGT-7 separately) with no maximum cap. Persistent non-filing can lead to company strike-off and director disqualification under Section 164(2).
Is statutory audit mandatory for all companies?
Yes for all companies registered under the Companies Act, 2013. For LLPs: only if turnover exceeds ₹40 lakhs or contribution exceeds ₹25 lakhs.
How Virtual Auditor Delivers This Differently
Our compliance management platform tracks every statutory deadline across all your entities — board meetings, AGM, ROC filings, tax returns, GST returns, TDS deposits. Automated reminders sent 30, 15, and 7 days before each deadline. No penalty surprises.
Need Help With This?
Free 30-minute consultation with CA V. Viswanathan, FCA, ACS, CFE, IBBI RV. No obligation.
Recent Engagement — How We Helped
Context: a group of 4 co-founders launching an AI-powered fintech startup in Bangalore.
Challenge: The founders needed to incorporate quickly to sign a term sheet with an angel investor, but had complex requirements — one NRI director, customised Articles of Association with vesting clauses, and simultaneous DPIIT startup recognition for tax benefits.
Our approach: We handled end-to-end incorporation using SPICe+ (INC-32), securing DSC for all 4 directors including the NRI (using foreign address attestation), drafted customised MOA/AOA with founder vesting and anti-dilution provisions, and filed DPIIT recognition immediately post-incorporation.
Outcome: Certificate of Incorporation received in 6 working days. PAN/TAN/GST registration allotted simultaneously through SPICe+. DPIIT recognition approved within 48 hours of incorporation. The angel round closed within 3 weeks of engagement.
This engagement illustrates Virtual Auditor's approach to fssai registration (food license) — combining regulatory expertise with practical execution to deliver results within the client's timeline.
When Is FSSAI Registration (Food License) Not Required?
FSSAI registration may not be required when: (a) you are a farmer selling raw, unprocessed agricultural produce directly, (b) the food business is a petty manufacturer or street vendor whose annual turnover does not exceed Rs 12 lakhs (basic registration still required at no cost), (c) the business does not involve manufacturing, processing, packaging, or selling food products, or (d) the food activity is exempt under the FSSA 2006 (e.g., certain religious institutions distributing prasad). All other food businesses — restaurants, cloud kitchens, packaged food, catering — require FSSAI registration or licence.
If you are unsure whether your situation requires fssai registration (food license), contact us for a free preliminary assessment. We will advise you honestly — including telling you if you do not need our services.
Documents Required
The following documents are needed to initiate the fssai registration (food license) process:
PAN card and Aadhaar of all proposed directors/partners/members, passport-size photographs, proof of registered office address (rent agreement + NOC + utility bill, or ownership proof), Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for all directors/designated partners, Director Identification Number (DIN) or application for allotment, draft constitutional document (MOA/AOA/LLP Agreement/Trust Deed), declaration and consent from directors/partners (Form INC-9/DIR-2), and professional certificate from a practicing CA/CS/Advocate.
We provide a personalised document checklist after the initial consultation, tailored to your specific entity type and situation. Documents can be shared securely via email or our client portal.
What You Receive
Upon completion of the fssai registration (food license) engagement, you will receive: Certificate of Registration/Incorporation from the relevant authority, PAN and TAN allotment (where applicable), certified copies of constitutional documents (MOA/AOA/LLP Agreement/Trust Deed), digital copies of all filed forms with acknowledgment receipts, and a post-registration compliance checklist with due dates for the first year.
All deliverables are reviewed by CA V. Viswanathan (FCA, ACS, CFE, IBBI RV) before release to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Updated for FY 2025-26
This service page reflects the latest regulatory requirements as of March 2026, incorporating changes from the Union Budget 2025, recent MCA notifications, CBDT/CBIC circulars, and RBI master directions applicable to fssai registration (food license). Virtual Auditor continuously monitors regulatory updates to ensure all advice and filings are current.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which FSSAI licence do I need?
Basic registration: turnover up to ₹12 lakhs. State licence: ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crore. Central licence: above ₹20 crore, or if operating in 2+ states, or importers/exporters.
How long does FSSAI registration take?
Basic: 7 days. State: 30-60 days. Central: 60-90 days. Timelines depend on completeness of documentation and state food authority processing.
When is FSSAI registration mandatory?
Mandatory for any food business operator — manufacturers, processors, distributors, transporters, retailers, importers, storage, and e-commerce food sellers. Turnover-based: Basic Registration (<₹12 lakhs), State Licence (₹12-20 crore), Central Licence (>₹20 crore).
What documents are needed for FSSAI registration?
Photo ID, address proof, food safety management plan, list of food products, layout plan of premises, NOC from municipality, source of raw material, and water test report. Additional documents for manufacturers: production capacity details.
What is the penalty for operating without FSSAI licence?
Fine up to ₹5 lakhs under Section 63 of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Imprisonment possible for serious violations. Product recall and business closure orders possible.
Is FSSAI needed for cloud kitchen or home-based food business?
Yes. All food businesses need at minimum FSSAI Basic Registration, including home-based businesses, cloud kitchens, and food delivery through Zomato/Swiggy. Basic Registration costs ₹100 for 1 year.