FSSAI Manufacturing License | FSSAI License | Food Manufacturing License
The FSSAI Manufacturing License is a regulatory approval granted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) specifically for food manufacturing businesses, categorising them based on annual turnover into state or central licenses to oversee production processes.
Any business involved in manufacturing or processing food must comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and related regulations.
- Mandatory Licensing
- Infrastructure & Premises Rules
- Machinery & Equipment Standards
- Hygiene & Sanitation Requirements
- Food Safety Management Syste
- Manpower & Staff Hygiene Rules
- Raw Material & Ingredient Control
- Storage & Transportation Rules
- Labeling & Packaging Compliance
- Inspection & Record Maintenance
- License Display & Renewal
The FSSAI Manufacturing License is essential for ensuring that food manufactured in India is safe, hygienic, and fit for human consumption. It protects consumers and creates accountability for food manufacturers
- Ensures Food Safety & Quality
- Legal Requirement in India
- Builds Consumer Trust & Brand Credibility
- Enables Business Expansion
- Improves Hygiene & Manufacturing Practices
- Helps Avoid Legal Penalties
- Ensures Product Standardization
- Supports Export & Import Activities
Types of FSSAI Manufacturing License
FSSAI Manufacturing Licenses are categorised primarily based on a business’s annual turnover and scale of operations, with three main types applicable to manufacturers.
Basic Registration
This applies to small-scale food manufacturers with turnover up to ₹12 lakhs annually.
State License
Medium-sized manufacturers qualify with turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores.
Central License
Large-scale manufacturers with turnover above ₹20 crores.
Who Needs an FSSAI Manufacturing License
An FSSAI Manufacturing License is required for any food business operator (FBO) involved in producing, processing, or manufacturing food products in India, as mandated by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- Food Processing & Manufacturing Units
- Dairy & Milk Processing Units
- Meat, Fish & Poultry Processing Units
- Edible Oil & Food Grain Processing Units
- Beverage & Drinking Water Manufacturers
- Spices, Condiments & Masala Manufacturers
- Sweet, Chocolate & Confectionery Manufacturers
- Cold Storage & Food Preservation Units.
- Export-Oriented Food Manufacturing Units
- Repackers & Relabelers
Difference Between FSSAI Registration and Manufacturing License
Many businesses confuse registration with a manufacturing license. Here’s the clear difference
| Criteria | FSSAI Registration | FSSAI Manufacturing License |
| Scale | Small businesses | Medium & large manufacturers |
| Turnover | Up to ₹12 lakh | Above ₹12 lakh |
| Risk level | Low | Medium to high |
| Legal scope | Limited | Full-scale manufacturing |
Documents Required for FSSAI Manufacturing License
- Pan Card copy of the company
- COI, MOA, AOA copy of the Company
- Gst Certificate Copy
- Pan Card Copy of all directors
- Aadhar card copy of all directors
- Pan & Aadhar Card copy of Authorised Person
- Rent agreement copy of the Premise. (if Rented)
- Electricity bill of the Premise
- List of Food Items Details
- Technical Person Pan, Aadhar & Degree Copy
- List of Machines details
- Water Analysis report ( If Available)
- Lay Out Plan (If Available)
Step-by-Step Procedure for FSSAI Manufacturing License
Eligibility for FSSAI Manufacturing License
FSSAI Manufacturing Licenses eligibility is based on a business’s annual turnover and scale of operations, with three main types applicable to manufacturers.
Basic Registration
This applies to small-scale food manufacturers with turnover up to ₹12 lakhs annually, such as petty hawkers, vendors, or units with daily production not exceeding 100 kg/litre (excluding milk/meat specifics), ensuring basic compliance for micro operations.
State License
Medium-sized manufacturers qualify with turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores, covering mid-level processing units, dairy/meat processors within state limits, vegetable oil units up to 2 MT/day, and intra-state operations like repackaging.
Central License
Large-scale manufacturers with turnover above ₹20 crores, multi-state operations, exporters/importers, or high-capacity units (e.g., meat >500 kg/day, oil >2 MT/day) must obtain this, issued by the central FSSAI authority for nationwide or international compliance.
FSSAI Manufacturing License Fees
FSSAI fees depend on license type and validity period.
- State Manufacturing License: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per year
- Central Manufacturing License: ₹7,500 per year
Businesses can apply for 1 to 5 years of validity to reduce renewal frequency.
Source: FSSAI Fee Schedule – Official Regulations
Validity and Renewal of FSSAI Manufacturing License
An FSSAI Manufacturing License remains valid for 1 to 5 years, as chosen during application.
- Apply for renewal at least 30 days before expiry
- Late renewal attracts penalties
- Expired licenses require fresh application
Running operations with an expired license counts as illegal activity under food safety laws.
Compliance Requirements After Getting the License
Getting the license is not the finish line—it’s the starting point
- Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- Maintain hygiene and sanitation standards
- Display FSSAI license number on food labels
- Allow inspections when required
- Maintain proper records
Ignoring compliance can result in suspension or cancellation.
Penalties for Operating Without an FSSAI Manufacturing License
FSSAI enforces strict penalties to protect consumers.
- Fine up to ₹5 lakh
- Business closure
- Product seizure
- Legal prosecution
Under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, operating without a license is a punishable offence.
Common Mistakes Manufacturers Should Avoid
Even experienced businesses make avoidable errors.
- Applying for the wrong license category
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Ignoring unit layout requirements
- Missing renewal deadlines
- Using incorrect label declarations
Fixing these mistakes early saves time, money, and stress.
Benefits of Having an FSSAI Manufacturing License
Apart from legal compliance, the license delivers real business value.
- Builds trust with consumers and distributors
- Improves brand credibility
- Helps in export approvals
- Reduces legal risks
- Supports long-term business growth
Why Choose License Biz Consultant for the FSSAI Manufacturing License
License Biz is India’s Leading License Provinder Platform for the New Startup and entrepreneurs for manufacturing, Trading and Export and Import Goods and services in India. License Biz Start is 2018, and Today the Leading Trusted Consultant firm for helping the Enterprenur for Getting easy and hassle free License/ registration to start and grow their Business.