Process of FSSAI License/Registration Renewal

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Before starting any food-related business in India, obtaining an FSSAI registration or license is mandatory under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006. Issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), this license ensures that food businesses whether manufacturers, traders, restaurants, importers, exporters, or transport and storage providers comply with national food safety norms. The license comes with a validity period of 1 to 5 years and must be renewed before expiry to avoid disruption in operations. Earlier, once an FSSAI license or registration expired, there was no scope for renewal, and businesses had to apply afresh. However, with the introduction of a revised policy, FSSAI now allows for renewal even after the expiry date under certain conditions. This article explains the updated process for renewing your FSSAI license or registration after it has lapsed.

Validity of FSSAI Registration/License

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issues registration or licenses to Food Business Operators (FBOs) with a validity period ranging from 1 to 5 years, based on the duration selected by the applicant. To continue lawful operations, FBOs must strictly follow FSSAI regulations and ensure that their license or registration is renewed before its expiry date. Failure to renew on time can lead to penalties and interruption of business activities.

Types of FSSAI Registration/license Renewal

The renewal of FSSAI registration or FSSAI License Renewal is classified into three main categories, depending on the scale and annual turnover of the food business. Each type has its own criteria and application form requirement:

FSSAI Basic Registration Renewal

Food Business Operators (FBOs) with an annual turnover of up to Rs.12 lakh are required to apply for the Basic FSSAI Registration Renewal. This category typically includes small food vendors, petty manufacturers, home-based food sellers, small retailers, and transporters operating on a minimal business scale. To initiate the renewal process, these FBOs must submit Form A through the FoSCoS portal. As the most fundamental form of FSSAI compliance, this registration ensures that even small-scale food businesses adhere to basic safety and hygiene standards. Timely renewal is mandatory to legally continue operations and avoid penalties.

FSSAI State License Renewal

Food Business Operators (FBOs) with an annual turnover exceeding Rs.12 lakh but less than Rs.20 crore must apply for the FSSAI State License Renewal. This category is applicable to medium-sized food businesses such as manufacturers, storage units, transporters, distributors, restaurants, and retailers that operate within a specific state. The renewal process requires submission of Form B through the FoSCoS portal. Since the license is state-specific, it must be obtained and renewed from the concerned State Licensing Authority. Timely renewal is essential to maintain legal compliance and avoid business disruptions.

FSSAI Central License Renewal

Food Business Operators (FBOs) with an annual turnover of more than Rs.20 crore are required to apply for the FSSAI Central License Renewal. This license is intended for large-scale food manufacturers, exporters, importers, businesses operating under Central Government agencies, or those conducting operations across multiple states. The renewal application must be submitted using Form B through the FoSCoS portal. Issued by the Central Licensing Authority, this license is mandatory for high-turnover or inter-state food businesses to ensure nationwide regulatory compliance. Timely renewal is important to avoid penalties and maintain uninterrupted operations.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration/License  Renewal

Renewing an FSSAI license or registration requires the submission of specific documents based on the type of license held by the Food Business Operator (FBO). The list of documents varies for Basic Registration, State License, and Central License, along with some general documents applicable to all categories.

Basic Registration Renewal (Form A)

Applicable for FBOs with an annual turnover of up to Rs.12 lakh.

Required Documents:

  • Duly completed and signed Form A.

  • Business address proof (Electricity bill, phone bill, or gas bill).

  • Identity proof of the applicant (PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driving License, or Passport).

  • Two recent passport-size photographs of the applicant.

  • NOC from the Panchayat, Municipality, or Health Department (if applicable).

  • Rent agreement and NOC from the landlord, if the premises are rented.

State License Renewal (Form B)

Applicable for FBOs with an annual turnover above Rs.12 lakh but below Rs.20 crore.

Required Documents:

  • Duly filled and signed Form B.

  • Recent passport-size photographs of the Proprietor/Partners/Directors/Authorized Signatory.

  • Identity and address proof of all Proprietors/Partners/Directors.

  • Layout plan of the premises or food processing unit.

  • List of Directors or Partners with complete contact details.

  • List of food categories to be handled.

  • Partnership Deed or MOA & AOA, depending on the business structure.

  • NOC from the local authority (Municipality or other relevant body).

  • List of machinery and equipment with details like horsepower and installed capacity.

  • Letter of Authority/Form IX for the nominated responsible person.

  • Cancelled cheque of the business account.

Central License Renewal (Form B)

Applicable for FBOs with annual turnover above Rs.20 crore, businesses operating in multiple states, or in case of import/export.

Required Documents (in addition to State License requirements):

  • Certificate from the Ministry of Commerce for 100% EOU units (if applicable).

  • Import Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT for importers/exporters.

  • Proof of turnover for category validation.

  • Water testing report from a recognized public health laboratory.

  • Ownership/possession proof such as sale deed or latest electricity bill.

FSSAI Registration/License Renewal Process

Renewing your FSSAI license or registration is crucial for ensuring continued legal compliance and uninterrupted operations in the food business. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), through its official portal FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System), has streamlined the renewal process, allowing Food Business Operators (FBOs) to renew their licenses online with ease.:

Modes of Renewal:

FSSAI registration or license can be renewed in two ways:

  • Via FoSCoS Login

  • Via FoSCoS Homepage (without login)

Renewal Through FoSCoS Login

Step 1: Access the Portal

To begin the renewal process, visit the official FoSCoS website at https://foscos.fssai.gov.in and log in using your registered username and password. Once logged in, navigate to the dashboard and locate the “Renewal” section from the side menu. This section allows Food Business Operators (FBOs) to apply for the renewal of their existing FSSAI license or registration well before its expiry date.

Step 2: Proceed to the Renewal Section

After successfully logging into your FoSCoS account, proceed to the dashboard and click on the "Renewal" tab. From the available options, select "Apply for Renewal of License/Registration." This will display a list of your active licenses or registrations that are eligible for renewal. You can only initiate the renewal process for licenses that are within the 120-day window before their expiry.

Step 3: Select the License/Registration to Renew

 Once you select the renewal option, a list of eligible licenses or registrations will be displayed on the screen. These are the licenses that are within the permissible 120-day window before their expiry. To initiate the renewal process, simply click on the “Proceed” button corresponding to the license or registration you wish to renew. It’s important to note that if a license has already expired, it will no longer be visible in the renewal list. In such cases, the Food Business Operator (FBO) must submit a fresh application for a new license or registration.

Step 4: Fill in the Application (Form B or A)

After clicking on the “Proceed” button, you will be redirected to the Application Details Page, which will be either Form A or Form B, depending on the type of license you hold. On this page, certain fields will be non-editable, while others can be modified. Specifically, the Premises Details and Product Selection sections are non-editable and will appear as they were in the original application. However, the Communication Details can be edited except for the registered address, which remains locked. In the Required Documents section, you are allowed to upload only the mandatory documents necessary for the renewal process.

Step 5: Fee Payment

In the next step, you need to choose the validity period for which you wish to renew your FSSAI license this can range from 1 to 5 years. The renewal fee will depend on the license type and the number of years selected. It is advisable to apply for renewal within 90 days before the license expiry, as doing so will incur only the standard renewal fee. However, if the renewal is filed after the initial 90-day window but before the license expires, a late fee of Rs.100 per day will be charged in addition to the regular renewal fee. Please note, if the license has already expired, the system will not allow a renewal, and the applicant will be required to submit a fresh application for a new license.

Step 6: Receipt Generation & Reference Number

Once the payment is successfully completed, a receipt is automatically generated along with a new 17-digit reference number. This reference number acts as proof of submission and is crucial for maintaining records. It can also be used to track the status of your renewal application on the FoSCoS portal, ensuring transparency and ease of follow-up throughout the process.

Renewal Through FoSCoS Homepage

If an applicant does not have access to their login credentials, the Food Safety and Compliance System (FoSCoS) provides a simplified method to renew an FSSAI License or Registration directly from the homepage.

Step-by-Step Process:

Access the FoSCoS Homepage

To begin the FSSAI license renewal process, visit the official FoSCoS portal at https://foscos.fssai.gov.in. This is the designated platform by FSSAI for all food safety compliance-related services, including registration, licensing, and renewal.

Click on “Renewal of License and Registration

This option is particularly useful for users who prefer not to log in or may not have immediate access to their credentials. Available directly on the homepage menu of the FoSCoS portal, it allows users to initiate the license or registration renewal process quickly by entering basic details without requiring a full login.

Enter Required Details

To proceed with the renewal process through the FoSCoS homepage without logging in, users are required to fill in specific details. These include the License or Registration Number, the Validity End Date of the existing license, and the Captcha Code as shown on the screen for verification purposes. Accurate entry of this information is crucial, as it ensures that the correct license or registration is retrieved for renewal.

Submit and Proceed

After entering the required details License/Registration Number, Validity End Date, and Captcha Code users must click on the “Submit” button to validate the information. Once the system verifies the details, click on the “Proceed” option to continue with the renewal process. This action will lead to the application form where users can upload documents, choose the validity period, and complete the payment for renewal.

Upload Documents

Once you proceed to the application form, you will be prompted to upload all mandatory documents as required for your specific license or registration type. These documents are essential for verifying the authenticity and compliance of your food business. Make sure that the documents are accurate, up-to-date, and clearly scanned to avoid any delays or rejections in the renewal process.

Select Validity Duration

In the next step, you need to select the desired validity period for renewing your FSSAI license or registration. The options range from 1 to 5 years, depending on your business needs. Keep in mind that the renewal fee will vary based on the number of years selected, with longer durations generally incurring higher fees. Choosing a longer validity can reduce the frequency of renewals and help maintain uninterrupted operations.

Make Payment

Once the validity period is selected, the system will automatically calculate the applicable renewal fee. This fee is determined based on two key factors: the type of license you holdwhether it's Basic, State, or Central and the number of years for which the renewal is being sought. Higher-tier licenses and longer durations typically attract higher fees. The system ensures transparency by displaying the exact amount before you proceed to payment.

Generate Receipt and Reference Number

After the successful completion of the payment process, the system generates an official receipt confirming the transaction. Along with this, a unique 17-digit reference number is issued. This number serves as a proof of submission and can be used to track the status of your renewal application through the FoSCoS portal. It is recommended to save or print the receipt for future reference.

Track Application

You can use the 17-digit reference number generated after payment to track the status of your renewal application on the FoSCoS portal. Simply visit the official FoSCoS website, navigate to the application status section, and enter the reference number to get real-time updates on the progress of your FSSAI license or registration renewal.

Conclusion

Renewing your FSSAI license or registration is not just a legal obligation but a vital step to ensure the uninterrupted operation of your food business. Whether you're a small home-based vendor or a large-scale food manufacturer, compliance with FSSAI regulations reflects your commitment to food safety and consumer trust. With the introduction of the streamlined FoSCoS portal, the renewal process has become more efficient and accessible allowing applications both through login and directly from the homepage.

Acknowledge your business category (Basic, State, or Central), keeping the necessary documents ready, selecting an appropriate validity period, and completing timely payments will help you avoid penalties and operational delays. The issuance of a 17-digit reference number after payment ensures transparency and enables you to track your application status with ease. By staying proactive with renewals and maintaining regulatory compliance, your food business can continue to grow and operate smoothly under the legal framework set by the FSSAI.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. When should I apply for FSSAI license renewal?

Ans. You should apply for renewal at least 30 days before the expiry date. Licenses become eligible for renewal 120 days prior to expiry.

Q2. What happens if I forget to renew my FSSAI license before expiry?

Ans. If the renewal application is not submitted before the expiry date, the license will expire, and you will need to apply for a new license. A late fee of Rs.100 per day is charged if renewal is done after 90 days but before the expiry.

Q3. Can I renew my license without logging into the FoSCoS portal?

Ans. Yes, FoSCoS offers a non-login renewal option where you can simply enter your license number, validity end date, and captcha code to proceed with renewal.

Q4. Which form should I use for renewal?

Ans. Form A – For Basic Registration (turnover up to Rs.12 lakh)

  • Form B – For State License (turnover between Rs.12 lakh – Rs.20 crore) and Central License (turnover above Rs.20 crore)

Q5. What documents are required for FSSAI license renewal?

Ans. Documents vary based on license type but generally include:

  • Duly filled Form A or B

  • Identity proof of applicant

  • Business address proof

  • Photographs

  • Rent agreement and NOC (if applicable)

  • Product details and processing unit details (for manufacturers)

Q6. What is the validity period I can choose during renewal?

Ans. You can choose to renew your license for 1 to 5 years. The fee increases with the number of years selected.

Q7. How do I track the status of my renewal application?

Ans. After submission and payment, a 17-digit reference number is generated. Use this number on the FoSCoS portal to track your application status.

Q8. Is FSSAI renewal mandatory even for home-based food sellers or small vendors?

Ans. Yes, every food business operator, regardless of scale or type, must renew their registration/license to operate legally.

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