FSSAI State License in India
FSSAI State License is the mid-tier food safety authorization issued by the state Food Safety Department, mandatory for food businesses with annual turnover between ₹1.5 crore and ₹50 crore — mid-size restaurants, regional manufacturers, distributors, and hotels. It requires more detailed documentation than Basic Registration, including a food safety management plan and, in many cases, a premises inspection. Filed via Form B on the FoSCoS portal.
What Is FSSAI State License?
Once a food business's turnover crosses ₹1.5 crore, it can no longer operate on Basic Registration alone and must obtain an FSSAI State License, issued by the state Food Safety Department. This tier applies up to ₹50 crore turnover — above which the business must instead apply for a Central License.
State License applications are significantly more rigorous than Basic Registration: applicants must submit a food safety management plan, detailed premises layout, and — depending on the business category — undergo a physical inspection before approval. This reflects the larger scale and higher food-safety stakes of a mid-size manufacturing unit, restaurant chain, or distribution business compared to a small home-based seller.
Who Needs an FSSAI State License
Documents & Eligibility Required
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Confirm turnover falls within ₹1.5 crore–₹50 crore.
- 2Fill Form B with business, premises, and product details.
- 3Prepare a food safety management plan and premises layout.
- 4Upload supporting documents — PAN, address proof, NOC where applicable.
- 5Pay license fees based on category and validity period selected.
- 6Undergo inspection, if required for the business category.
- 7Receive FSSAI State License Certificate, valid for 1–5 years.
FSSAI State License vs Basic vs Central
Frequently Asked Questions
Turnover determines this — ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore requires a State License; below ₹1.5 crore, Basic Registration applies; above ₹50 crore, or if you're involved in import/export, a Central License is required instead.
Processing typically takes 30–60 working days, though this can extend if the application requires clarification, additional documents, or a physical inspection.
Inspection requirements vary by business category and risk classification — higher-risk food manufacturing units are more likely to require inspection than lower-risk trading or retail businesses.
Yes, and you're required to — once turnover crosses the threshold, continuing to operate on Basic Registration alone is a compliance violation, so the upgrade to State License should be initiated as soon as the crossover happens.
Operating without a valid State License when your turnover requires one can result in penalties, product seizure, and legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. ---
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Reviewed by our compliance team
CA/CS Panel, Seedan Group
This guide is reviewed by practicing Chartered Accountants and Company Secretaries at Seedan Group with hands-on experience in Indian business registration and compliance. Content is for general guidance and updated as regulations change.
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