Any person or business that manufactures, processes, stores, distributes or sells food
in India must obtain an FSSAI registration or license. This guide explains the
three categories — Basic Registration, State License and Central License — who
needs each, the complete procedure in Andhra Pradesh, documents required,
fees payable and renewal rules.
What Is FSSAI?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory authority established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
FSSAI regulates the manufacture, processing, storage, distribution, sale and import of all food products to ensure they meet safety and quality standards. Every food business operator (FBO) — from a roadside tea stall to a multi-state food manufacturer — must obtain a FSSAI registration or license before starting operations.
Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI authorisation is a punishable offence under the FSS Act.
Three Categories of FSSAI Authorisation
There are three types of FSSAI authorisation based on the size and nature of the food business:
| Category | Who It Applies To | Annual Turnover |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Small / petty food businesses | Up to ₹12,00,000 |
| State License | Medium food businesses operating within one state | ₹12,00,000 to ₹20,00,00,000 (₹20 crore) |
| Central License | Large businesses, manufacturers supplying central agencies, importers and exporters | Above ₹20 crore; or specific activities below |
Who Must Get Central License (Regardless of Turnover)?
Importers and exporters of food Manufacturers or processors supplying to a government or military canteen Operators of central government institutions (Central Armed Police Forces canteens etc.) E-commerce food business platforms Food businesses operating across more than one state (multi-state) Hotels with five stars or above
Who Must Get State License in Andhra Pradesh?
Food manufacturers, processors, storage units and distributors with turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore Restaurants, dhabas, hotels and eateries with seating capacity above 100 or turnover above ₹12 lakh Cold storage facilities Wholesale food distributors and traders Dairy units, oil mills, flour mills and processing plants within this turnover range
Who Needs Only Basic Registration?
Petty food manufacturers, retailers and hawkers with annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh Street food vendors (chaat stalls, tea stalls, fruit and vegetable sellers) Small home-based food businesses (pickles, snacks sold locally) Temporary stalls or events (subject to temporary registration rules)
Applicable Law and Regulatory Authority
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing law | Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 |
| Central regulator | Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), New Delhi |
| State authority in AP | Food Safety Commissioner, Andhra Pradesh (under the AP Food Safety Department) |
| Application portal | FoSCoS — Food Safety Compliance System at foscos.fssai.gov.in |
Step-by-Step Registration and Licensing Procedure in Andhra Pradesh
Step 1 — Determine the Category
Based on annual turnover and nature of activities, determine whether you need Basic Registration, State License or Central License.
Step 2 — Prepare Documents (see full list below)
Gather all required documents in digital format (JPG/PDF) before starting the application.
Step 3 — Apply on FoSCoS Portal
Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in :
- Click “Apply for License / Registration”
- Register as a new user with your mobile number and email
- Select the applicable category (Basic / State / Central)
- Fill Form A (Basic Registration) or Form B (State or Central License)
- Upload all required documents
- Pay the prescribed fee online (net banking, credit/debit card, UPI)
Step 4 — Inspection (for State and Central Licenses)
After application submission, the designated Food Safety Officer (FSO) in Andhra Pradesh inspects the premises. Inspection typically happens within 30 days of application. The officer may ask for corrections or additional documents.
Step 5 — Grant of Registration / License
Basic Registration : Issued within 7 working days of application (no inspection typically required)
State License : Issued within 30 days of application (after inspection)
Central License : Issued within 30 days of application (FSSAI head office processes)
If no response is received within the specified time, the application is deemed approved (deemed approval principle).
Documents Required
For Basic Registration (Form A)
- Photo identity proof (Aadhaar card, Voter ID, PAN card or passport)
- Address proof of business premises (electricity bill, rent agreement or property documents)
- Passport-size photograph of the applicant
- List of food products to be sold or manufactured
For State License and Central License (Form B)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Proof of possession of premises | Ownership deed, rent/lease agreement or NOC from owner |
| Business entity documents | Partnership deed (for firms), GST registration, Shops Act registration |
| Photo ID of proprietor/partners/directors | Aadhaar, PAN or passport |
| Blueprint/layout plan of premises | Drawn to scale; showing kitchen, storage, toilets and entrances |
| List of all food products | Category-wise list of products to be manufactured or sold |
| List of equipment and machinery | With make, model and capacity |
| Water testing report | From NABL-accredited laboratory (for manufacturers) |
| Food Safety Management System plan | Documented FSMS plan; mandatory for manufacturers |
| NOC from local body | From Panchayat, Municipality or Corporation confirming business use |
| Affidavit of food safety | Declaration by proprietor/director |
| Authority letter | If application is filed by a representative |
Additional documents for specific categories:
- Dairy units : NOC from Animal Husbandry Department
- Meat processing units : NOC from Veterinary Department
- Packaged water (ISI Mark) : BIS certificate
- Importers/Exporters : IEC (Import Export Code) from DGFT
Fees for FSSAI Registration and License
| Category | Duration | Fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | 1 year | ₹100 |
| Basic Registration | 2 years | ₹200 |
| Basic Registration | 5 years | ₹500 |
| State License — Manufacturer | 1 year | ₹2,000 |
| State License — Manufacturer | 2 years | ₹3,000 |
| State License — Manufacturer | 5 years | ₹5,000 |
| State License — Retailer, Distributor, Storage, Transport | 1 year | ₹2,000 |
| Central License — Importer, Multi-state Manufacturer | 1 year | ₹7,500 |
| Central License — Importer, Multi-state Manufacturer | 2 years | ₹12,500 |
| Central License — Importer, Multi-state Manufacturer | 5 years | ₹30,000 |
Fees are paid online through the FoSCoS portal. No physical demand draft or cash payment is accepted.
Validity and Renewal
| Category | Maximum Validity |
|---|---|
| Basic Registration | 1 to 5 years (chosen at the time of registration) |
| State License | 1 to 5 years (chosen at the time of application) |
| Central License | 1 to 5 years (chosen at the time of application) |
Renewal must be applied for at least 30 days before the expiry date on the FoSCoS portal. Operating with an expired FSSAI registration or license is treated the same as operating without one.
If renewal is not applied within 30 days before expiry, the FBO must apply as a fresh applicant and pay fresh fees.
FSSAI 14-Digit Licence / Registration Number
Every FSSAI authorisation carries a unique 14-digit FSSAI number that must be: Printed on all food labels and packaging Displayed at the business premises Mentioned on all food-related invoices
Penalties for Non-Compliance
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Operating without registration or license | Fine up to ₹5,00,000 |
| Selling unsafe or substandard food | Fine up to ₹10,00,000 and/or imprisonment |
| Misleading labelling or advertisement | Fine up to ₹10,00,000 |
| Obstruction of Food Safety Officer | Fine up to ₹5,00,000 and/or imprisonment up to 3 months |
| Repeated violations | Cancellation of license and criminal prosecution |
Practical Tips for Food Businesses in Srikakulam and AP
- Apply online only at foscos.fssai.gov.in — no physical office application is required or accepted.
- Verify which category applies to your business before applying — applying for the wrong category causes delays.
- Ensure your premises address in the application exactly matches your possession document (rent agreement or property deed).
- Keep your FSSAI number updated on your product labels and business signage from day one.
- Local FSSAI inspections in AP are conducted by Food Safety Officers attached to the District Collectorate (Srikakulam District).
- For restaurants and eateries, a Shops Act registration from Srikakulam Municipal Corporation and a Health/Trade License are also required alongside FSSAI.
The information provided herein is for general guidance and informational purposes only. For advice
tailored to your specific situation, please consult a qualified Chartered Accountant.