FSSAI licence for restaurants: types, renewal and penalties
Every food business in India needs an FSSAI registration or licence tied to annual turnover: Basic (under ₹12 lakh), State (₹12 lakh–₹20 crore) or Central (over ₹20 crore). Licences are valid 1–5 years and must be renewed before expiry — a lapse can mean penalties up to ₹5 lakh and closure.
Which FSSAI licence does my restaurant need?
Your FSSAI category is decided by annual turnover and scale, not by cuisine or seating. A single outlet with turnover under ₹12 lakh needs Basic Registration; ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore needs a State Licence; above ₹20 crore, or operating in multiple states, needs a Central Licence.
Most independent restaurants fall under the State Licence. Chains typically hold a Central Licence for their head office plus State Licences per outlet. Cloud kitchens and caterers follow the same turnover bands.
When do I have to renew an FSSAI licence?
An FSSAI licence must be renewed before its expiry date — you can apply for renewal up to 180 days ahead, and applying late attracts a penalty of ₹100 per day of delay. Operating even a day past expiry counts as running without a valid licence.
Because you choose a validity of 1 to 5 years at issue, renewal dates rarely line up across outlets. Tracking each outlet's expiry centrally is the single most effective way to avoid a lapse.
What happens if I operate without a valid FSSAI licence?
Running a food business without a valid FSSAI licence is an offence under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, punishable with imprisonment up to six months and a fine up to ₹5 lakh. Health authorities can also seal the premises.
Beyond the legal penalty, an expired licence can void food-safety insurance claims and get your listings suspended by delivery aggregators, who verify FSSAI status.
How do I display and use the licence correctly?
The FSSAI licence number must be printed on menus, bills and food packaging, and the certificate displayed prominently at the outlet. Delivery platforms require the number on your storefront.
Keep a digital copy per outlet with the expiry date recorded, so renewals and audits are quick. EatSafe Legal stores each outlet's licence and alerts you at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before expiry.
Frequently asked questions
Can I renew an FSSAI licence after it expires?
You can apply after expiry, but you are treated as unlicensed in the gap and face a ₹100/day late penalty plus exposure to Section 63 penalties for the period you operated without cover.
Is FSSAI registration different from an FSSAI licence?
Yes. 'Registration' is the Basic tier for the smallest businesses (under ₹12 lakh turnover); 'licence' refers to the State and Central tiers for larger operations.
Do delivery apps check FSSAI status?
Yes. Swiggy and Zomato verify a valid FSSAI number to list you, and can suspend a storefront if the licence lapses.
How long does an FSSAI renewal take to process?
Plan for a few weeks. A State or Central renewal can take up to 30–60 days if the department raises queries, which is why the rules let you apply up to 180 days before expiry — start early rather than at the deadline.
Does each restaurant outlet need its own FSSAI licence?
Yes. FSSAI licences are premises-specific, so every outlet needs its own licence tied to that address, each with its own expiry date to track.
What documents do I need to renew an FSSAI licence?
Typically your existing licence, a Form B declaration, an updated Form IX (if the nominated person changed), and any documents the department requests for changes to the premises or menu. Requirements vary by state and licence tier.
This guide is general information for Indian restaurants, not legal advice. Rules change and specifics vary by state and situation — confirm with a qualified professional. EatSafe Legal connects you to verified CAs and lawyers when you need one.
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