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FSSAI State License for Food Businesses in India

Operate Legally. Build Trust. Grow with Confidence.


If your food business in India has an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore, obtaining an FSSAI State License is a legal mandate. Whether you run a mid-sized restaurant, manufacturing unit, cloud kitchen, trading firm, or food packaging business, this license is essential for lawful operations and consumer trust.


The FSSAI State License is issued by the State Government and ensures that your business complies with national food safety regulations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.


At Mequintrax Digital Services, we make it fast and hassle-free to get your FSSAI State License. From eligibility checks and document preparation to filing and follow-up, our team of experts ensures your application is processed accurately and promptly.


✔️ Personalized Support for Your Food Category
✔️ 100% Online & Transparent Process
✔️ Quick Turnaround & Affordable Pricing


What is FSSAI State License?

The FSSAI State License is required for food businesses that exceed the Basic Registration limit but do not yet qualify for Central Licensing. It is regulated by the State Food Safety Department and applies to entities involved in food manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, catering, or retail with operations limited to a single state.


Who Needs an FSSAI State License?


You must apply for a State License if your business falls under any of the following criteria:


  • Annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore

  • Medium-sized restaurants, hotels, or food caterers

  • Small to medium food manufacturers and processors

  • Food packaging or labeling units operating within one state

  • Dairy units handling 501 to 50,000 liters/day

  • Storage facilities with a capacity between 500 MT and 50,000 MT

  • Distributors, wholesalers, retailers dealing in food products


Why is the FSSAI State License Important?

1. Ensures Compliance with Food Safety Norms

A State License enforces FSSAI’s guidelines on food hygiene, safety, and quality—ensuring your products are safe and legally compliant.

2. Legally Mandatory for Mid-Sized Food Businesses

All FBOs that fall under the State License category must obtain this approval to operate legally and avoid penalties or shutdowns.


3. Builds Brand Reputation & Customer Trust


Consumers and delivery platforms prefer FSSAI-licensed businesses. Displaying your license builds trust and encourages repeat customers.


4. Enables Business Expansion within the State


With a valid license, your business can legally distribute or sell across the entire state without regulatory hurdles.


5. Prepares You for National & International Trade


Having a proper license adds credibility to your operations and helps prepare for export certification or future central licensing.

Types of FSSAI Licenses and Registration Explained

  • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates that every food business operator (FBO) obtain a valid license or registration to operate legally and ensure food safety compliance. The type of FSSAI license you require depends on the size, scale, and nature of your food business.FSSAI offers three main categories of licenses and registrations:

FSSAI Basic Registration

  • Who Needs It?

    • Small-scale food businesses with turnover less than ₹12 lakh/year

    • Petty food retailers, hawkers, tea/juice stalls

    • Home kitchens, tiffin services, small bakers

    • Cottage food producers and local food units


    Purpose

    • Legal recognition under FSSAI

    • Ensures basic compliance with food safety laws

    • Builds trust with customers and delivery platforms


    Validity

    • Valid for 1 to 5 years

    • Renewable before expiry


FSSAI State License

  • Who Needs It?

    • Medium-scale food businesses with annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore
    • Food manufacturers, processors, and packaging units
    • Distributors, wholesalers, and transporters
    • Medium-sized restaurants, caterers, and food chains operating within one state
    • Storage and warehousing units

      Purpose

      • Mandatory license for medium-sized food businesses
      • Ensures compliance with state-level FSSAI and food safety regulations
      • Helps in expanding operations while maintaining trust and transparency

      Validity

      • Issued for 1 to 5 years
      • Must be renewed before expiration to avoid penalties and business disruption.

    FSSAI Central License

    • Who Needs It?

      • Large-scale food businesses with annual turnover above ₹20 crore

      • Exporters, importers, and businesses involved in inter-state operations

      • Large manufacturers and processing units

      • Operators supplying to government departments or agencies

      • E-commerce food operators and multi-location businesses


      Purpose

      • Mandatory for large food enterprises and those engaged in national or international trade

      • Grants authority to operate across multiple states

      • Ensures compliance with central-level FSSAI norms under the Food Safety and Standards Act


      Validity

      • Issued for 1 to 5 years

      • Must be renewed before expiry to maintain uninterrupted licensing


    Top Benefits of FSSAI License for Food Businesses in India

    • Obtaining an FSSAI license is essential for every food business operator in India. Whether you run a small food stall, a restaurant, or a large food manufacturing unit, having a valid FSSAI food license brings multiple benefits that ensure your business thrives legally and competitively.

      1. Legal Compliance with Food Safety Standards2. Builds Consumer Trust and Brand Credibility3. Enables Business Expansion and Market Access4. Enhances Food Safety and Quality Control5. Competitive Advantage Over Non-Licensed Businesses6. Access to Online Food Delivery and Retail Platforms7. Smooth Business Operations Without Legal Disruptions8. Promotes Consumer Health and Satisfaction

    FSSAI License Validity

      • Duration ; The FSSAI license or registration is generally valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the business owner’s preference at the time of application and the issuing authority’s guidelines.

      • Renewal : It is mandatory to renew the FSSAI license before its expiry to continue lawful operations. Renewal applications should ideally be submitted at least 30 days prior to the expiration date to avoid any lapse in registration.

      • Consequences of Non-Renewal : Failure to renew the license on time can lead to penalties and may force your business to halt operations until the registration is reinstated.


    Penalties for Non-Compliance with FSSAI Regulations

    • FSSAI has stringent rules to ensure food safety and penalize violations to protect consumer health. The penalties vary based on the severity of the offense:

      1. Operating Without FSSAI License
      • Any food business operating without obtaining the mandatory FSSAI license or registration can face fines up to ₹5 lakh.

      • Repeat offenders may face higher fines or imprisonment.

      2. Non-Display or False Display of License
      • Failure to display the valid FSSAI license at the premises or displaying a fake license can attract penalties up to ₹1 lakh.

      3. Food Adulteration or Safety Violations
      • Selling adulterated, substandard, or unsafe food products can lead to fines up to ₹5 lakh and/or imprisonment up to 6 months.

      • Serious offenses might attract higher penalties and longer jail terms.

      4. Non-Compliance with FSSAI Orders
      • Failure to comply with FSSAI’s directives regarding food safety, labeling, hygiene, or recall can result in fines and cancellation of the license.


    Top 6 Reasons to File Your FSSAI State License with a Trusted Tax Filing Expert

    Expert-Led FSSAI Licensing

    Our team of food license specialists ensures your FSSAI State License application is accurate, complete, and fully compliant with FSSAI norms — reducing rejections and delays to get you approved faster.

    End-to-End Support

    We handle everything from document preparation and submission to follow-ups with FSSAI authorities, ensuring a seamless and stress-free licensing process for your food business from start to finish.

    100% Online & Hassle-Free Process

    No physical visits or paperwork hassles. Our completely digital process allows you to apply, track, and receive your FSSAI State License from the comfort of your home or office.

    Affordable & Transparent Pricing

    We offer one of India’s most competitive pricing structures with no hidden charges. You get value-for-money service with complete transparency in government fees and professional charges.

    Fast Processing & Updates

    With proactive follow-ups and timely updates, we help you get your FSSAI State License in the shortest time possible — keeping your food business operations uninterrupted and compliant.

    Trusted by Businesses Nationwide

    From food startups to large-scale processors, companies across India trust Mequintrax for reliable, professional, and timely FSSAI registration and license services. Our track record speaks for itself.

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