FSSAI State License

Some examples of businesses that need a State License:

•        Restaurants, hotels, cafes

•        Food processing units (medium scale)

•        Milk/dairy units, sweet shops

•        Storage or distribution units

•        Bakeries and confectioneries

•        Catering services

Basically, if your annual turnover is between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore, and your business is within a single state, you need a State FSSAI License.

The list can vary slightly by state, but generally:

1.     Form B (FSSAI application form)

2.     Business details – name, address, nature of business

3.     Proof of Identity & Address – PAN card, Aadhaar, passport, etc.

4.     Business registration proof – GST certificate, partnership deed, or company incorporation certificate

5.     List of food products you will sell/produce

6.     Food safety management plan

7.     NOC from local authorities (municipality or health department)

8.     Premises details – lease agreement or ownership proof

9.     Water testing report (if applicable)

Here’s a step-by-step process:

Step 1: Visit the FSSAI website → https://foscos.fssai.gov.in

Step 2: Fill out Form B for State License

Step 3: Upload all required documents

Step 4: Pay the license fee:

·         ₹2,000 per year (for most medium businesses)

·         For 1-5 years, depending on the duration of license

Step 5: The FSSAI department reviews your application

Step 6: You may get an inspection of your premises (optional, based on risk assessment)

Step 7: Once approved, you get the FSSAI State License certificate with a unique 14-digit license number

1. Legal Authorization

•        Allows you to legally operate a food business in your state.

•        Avoids penalties and legal trouble. Penalties can be ₹5,000 or more for operating without a license.

2. Consumer Trust

•        Customers are more likely to trust your food products if you have an FSSAI license.

•        Shows that your food is safe, hygienic, and regulated.

3. Business Growth

•        Enables selling in multiple outlets within the state.

•        Helps in partnering with large suppliers, retailers, and e-commerce platforms, as many require FSSAI certification.

4. Quality Assurance

•        FSSAI enforces food safety standards.

•        Helps maintain high-quality products and reduces chances of contamination.

5. Legal Protection

•        Protects your business from penalties and fines related to food safety violations.

6. Competitive Advantage

•        Businesses with FSSAI license are considered more professional and reliable.

•        Can be used in marketing to show that your food products meet regulatory standards.

7. Easy Expansion

•        If you want to expand to other states or online food delivery, having a state license makes the transition easier.

The fee depends on the duration:

Duration               Fee (Approx.)

1 year                  ₹2,000

2 years                ₹3,000

3 years                ₹5,000

5 years                ₹10,000

Note: Fees may vary slightly by state.

Penalties

1.   Operating without FSSAI license: Up to ₹5,000 fine (for small/medium businesses)

2.   Selling unsafe or unhygienic food: Penalties can be much higher depending on severity.

FSSAI also classifies businesses based on risk levels:

·         Low risk: Tea shops, petty food vendors

·         Medium risk: Restaurants, bakeries, dairies

·         High risk: Meat processing, large-scale food processing, catering for large events

Your inspection requirements and approvals depend on this classification.