If you're running a food-related business in India—even something as small as a cloud kitchen or a mid-sized restaurant—you've probably heard about FSSAI License. But many business owners are still confused about which type they need, and why it even matters.
So let’s clear that up today.
In this article, I’ll walk you through what exactly a State FSSAI License is, who needs it, how it’s different from other licenses, and how you can apply for it. And yes, I’ll also talk about how someone like PSR Compliance can actually make this whole process easier for you.
So, What Exactly Is the State FSSAI License?
Alright, let's keep it simple.
The State FSSAI License is basically a food safety license issued by your state government. It’s meant for businesses that are not too small, but not huge either—somewhere in the middle.
If your food business has an annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores, and you operate within a single state, then this is the license you need.
Let me give you a few examples:
- You run a cloud kitchen in Mumbai making ₹18 lakhs a year.
- You have a medium-sized bakery in Jaipur with two branches.
- You operate a food truck business in Delhi NCR.
All of these would typically need a State FSSAI License.
Why Is It Even Required?
This is a fair question. Why go through this hassle at all?
Well, for starters, it’s mandatory. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, you can’t legally run a food business without registering with FSSAI.
But more than that, getting licensed:
- Builds trust with your customers (they know your food is safe).
- Helps in listing your brand on food delivery apps like Zomato or Swiggy.
- Makes it easier to expand your business later.
- Keeps you legally safe—nobody wants surprise penalties or shutdowns.
It’s kind of like driving a car. Just because you're a good driver doesn't mean you can skip getting a license, right?
.
What’s the Difference Between Basic, State & Central FSSAI Licenses?
People often get confused between the three. So here’s a quick comparison:
- Basic Registration: For very small businesses. Turnover under ₹12 lakhs. Think: small home tiffin services.
- State License: For medium-scale businesses. Turnover between ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores. Think: cafes, medium bakeries, caterers.
- Central License: For large businesses or ones operating in multiple states. Turnover above ₹20 crores. Think: big manufacturers, exporters, franchise chains.
So yeah, it totally depends on your business size and where you operate.
Documents You’ll Need
Here comes the not-so-fun part—but it's necessary.
Here’s a list of the documents usually required for a State FSSAI License:
- PAN Card & Aadhaar Card
- Address proof of your business premises
- Proof of business (like COI, partnership deed, etc.)
- Food safety management plan (don’t worry, this is just a basic hygiene checklist)
- List of food items you’ll be handling
- Passport-size photos
- NOC from local body or municipality (in some cases)
Pro Tip: Make sure your documents are clear and valid. Most application delays happen due to incomplete or incorrect paperwork.
How to Apply for the State FSSAI License?
The process is mostly online now, which is good news. But it can still be a bit technical.
Step-by-step:
- Register on the FSSAI portal – https://foscos.fssai.gov.in
- Fill Form B with your business details
- Upload the required documents
- Pay the government fee (varies by business type)
- Wait for inspection (yes, they’ll usually check your premises)
- Once approved, you get your license via email and post
This whole thing usually takes 30 to 60 days, depending on how clean your application is.
What Happens If You Don’t Get a License?
Let me put it bluntly—you can get into legal trouble.
Authorities can:
- Impose fines
- Shut down your business
- Take legal action
Plus, without an FSSAI license, you can't sell on apps like Zomato, Swiggy, Amazon Pantry, or even supply to supermarkets. So if you're serious about your business, you need to get serious about compliance too.
How PSR Compliance Can Make This Easy for You
Let’s be real. The government process, even when online, isn’t exactly user-friendly. One small mistake, and your application goes into “pending” hell.
That’s where PSR Compliance comes in.
Here’s how they help:
- They check your eligibility and tell you exactly which license you need.
- Help you prepare and review documents (no more second-guessing).
- Handle the entire application process for you.
- Coordinate with the authorities if any inspection or query comes up.
- Send you reminders for renewals so you don’t miss deadlines.
Basically, they let you focus on your food business while they handle the paperwork chaos. Think of them as your compliance partner—quietly working in the background, keeping you legal and safe.
Final Thoughts
Running a food business is already a tough job—managing kitchen operations, sourcing ingredients, dealing with customers. The last thing you want is to get stuck in compliance issues.
So if your turnover is above ₹12 lakhs and you’re operating within one state, go ahead and get your State FSSAI License. It’s one of the smartest decisions you’ll make for your brand’s growth, safety, and credibility.
And if you want to avoid the headache, just let someone like PSR Compliance handle it. You focus on making amazing food—they’ll make sure you're doing it legally.
For more information Visit : https://www.psrcompliance.com/blog/what-is-state-fssai-license
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