FSSAI & FoSCoS
Food is one of the fastest-growing industries in India — from restaurants and food trucks to packaged food manufacturers, cloud kitchens, and online delivery platforms. But with opportunity comes responsibility: every food business operator (FBO) must comply with FSSAI regulations to ensure that food is safe, hygienic, and legally approved.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the regulatory body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare that governs food safety laws. To simplify compliance, FSSAI introduced FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System), a digital platform for registration, licensing, and regulatory filings.
At Sinha & Associates, we provide end-to-end FSSAI & FoSCoS registration, licensing, return filing, and compliance services in Kolkata and across India. With 25+ years of experience in legal registrations, tax, and compliance, we ensure your food business runs smoothly and legally without worrying about regulatory hurdles.
Why FSSAI & FoSCoS Registration Matters
Legal Requirement – Mandatory for all food businesses, from street vendors to large manufacturers.
Consumer Trust – FSSAI license builds confidence among customers.
Market Expansion – Necessary for selling food products through e-commerce platforms, supermarkets, and exports.
Avoiding Penalties – Non-compliance attracts heavy fines, imprisonment, and business closure.
Brand Reputation – Enhances credibility and helps in marketing food products.
Who Needs FSSAI Registration?
Every Food Business Operator (FBO) must register under FSSAI. This includes:
Restaurants, cafes, dhabas, and cloud kitchens.
Packaged food manufacturers.
Food processors and re-packagers.
Importers and exporters of food products.
Retailers, wholesalers, and distributors.
Street vendors, hawkers, and small food stalls.
Online food delivery businesses (Swiggy, Zomato vendors).
Types of FSSAI Licenses
1. Basic Registration
For small businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs.
Examples: Small food stalls, hawkers, local retailers.
2. State License
For businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores.
Examples: Mid-sized manufacturers, restaurants, storage units, distributors.
3. Central License
For large businesses with turnover above ₹20 crores or those engaged in import/export.
Examples: Large manufacturers, 100% export-oriented units, international brands.
Our FSSAI & FoSCoS Services
1. Registration & Licensing
Assistance with Basic, State, and Central FSSAI registrations.
Filing applications through the FoSCoS online portal.
Ensuring correct categorization based on turnover and business activity.
2. Amendments & Renewals
Assistance in license modification (e.g., change in address, business type, ownership).
Renewal of FSSAI license before expiry.
3. Annual Returns & Compliance
Filing FSSAI annual returns (Form D1, D2).
Record-keeping and compliance monitoring.
Guidance on food safety audits and inspections.
4. Labeling & Packaging Compliance
Advisory on FSSAI-compliant food labels.
Checking ingredient declarations, nutritional information, and warnings.
5. Advisory & Legal Support
Guidance on hygiene ratings and food safety standards.
Support during FSSAI inspections or notices.
Legal representation in case of disputes.
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration
For Basic & State Registration:
PAN and Aadhaar of business owner.
Passport size photographs.
Business address proof (electricity bill, rent agreement, NOC).
List of food products.
For Central License:
Import/export code (IEC) certificate.
Form IX – Nomination of persons by company.
Plant layout and manufacturing process details.
Source of raw materials.
NOC from municipality/local body.
Our Process
Consultation – Understanding your food business and eligibility.
Document Preparation – Collecting and verifying necessary documents.
Application Filing – Submitting application on FoSCoS portal.
Approval & License Issuance – Coordinating with authorities for license approval.
Compliance Monitoring – Tracking renewals, returns, and inspections.
Ongoing Advisory – Updates on new rules and FSSAI regulations.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Running a food business without FSSAI license: Fine up to ₹5 lakhs + imprisonment.
Selling unsafe food: Fine up to ₹10 lakhs.
Misbranding or mislabeling: Fine up to ₹3 lakhs.
Failure to comply with directions: Penalty of ₹2 lakhs.
Repeat violations may lead to business closure.
Why Choose Sinha & Associates for FSSAI & FoSCoS Services?
25+ years of experience in registrations, compliance, and audits.
Expertise in Basic, State, and Central FSSAI licensing.
Strong track record of helping restaurants, food manufacturers, and exporters.
Guidance on end-to-end compliance – from registration to labeling and audits.
Hassle-free process with timely license issuance and renewals.
FAQs – FSSAI & FoSCoS
Q1. Is FSSAI registration mandatory for home-based food businesses?
Yes, even home-based food sellers and cloud kitchens need FSSAI registration.
Q2. How long is an FSSAI license valid?
FSSAI license is valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the application.
Q3. What is FoSCoS?
FoSCoS is the Food Safety Compliance System, an online portal launched by FSSAI for license registration, renewal, and compliance.
Q4. Can I sell food online without FSSAI license?
No, e-commerce platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, and Flipkart require FSSAI registration.
Q5. What happens if I don’t renew my FSSAI license?
Operating with an expired license is equivalent to operating without a license and attracts penalties.
Q6. Does FSSAI license apply to imported food?
Yes, importers of food items must obtain a Central FSSAI license.