Home / Services / Regulatory Services / FSSAI Certification

FSSAI Certification

Central and State licensing, product approval guidance, contaminant and residue testing, and labeling verification, so your food business stays compliant end to end.

3License Categories
1–5Year Validity
21+Years Experience
Get FSSAI Certification Assistance

What is FSSAI certification?

FSSAI certification is mandatory for all Food Business Operators (FBOs) involved in manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, and export/import of food products in India. It ensures that food products comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and applicable regulations related to safety, hygiene, labeling and quality.

Quick answer: FSSAI certification is a mandatory registration or license issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, required by every Food Business Operator in India. Depending on your business size and turnover, you'll need a Basic Registration, State License or Central License, each valid for 1 to 5 years. Operating without a valid license can attract penalties and business shutdown under the Act.

Our services include complete support for FSSAI Central and State licensing, product approval guidance, compliance with Food Product Standards, contaminant and residue testing, labeling verification, and regulatory documentation to ensure uninterrupted business operations and statutory compliance. It pairs well with our label validation and food safety testing services.

At A Glance
License typesBasic, State, Central
Validity1–5 years, by tenure selected
Also coversLabeling, Product Approvals
EngagementOne-time or ongoing retainer
ReachPan-India, 500+ cities
Why It Matters

Why FSSAI certification is important

It's legally mandatory for every food business operating in India.

Food Safety & Hygiene Compliance

Ensures food safety, hygiene and quality compliance under the Food Safety & Standards Act.

Prevents Penalties & Shutdowns

Prevents penalties, license suspension and business shutdowns.

Builds Consumer Trust

Builds consumer trust and brand credibility.

Essential for Approvals & Expansion

Essential for product approvals, exports and market expansion.

Supports Smooth Audits

Supports smooth audits, inspections and regulatory clearances.

What We Cover

What does FSSAI certification support include?

Complete, end-to-end FSSAI support for your business.

FSSAI Central & State Licensing

Complete support for FSSAI Central and State licensing.

Product Approval Guidance

Guidance on product approvals before you take a new product to market.

Food Product Standards Compliance

Compliance review against applicable Food Product Standards.

Contaminant & Residue Testing

Laboratory testing for contaminants and residues across your product range.

Labeling Verification

Verification that your labels meet every mandatory declaration.

Regulatory Documentation

Documentation that keeps operations uninterrupted and statutory compliance on file.

Types Of FSSAI Licenses

Which license does your business need?

Licenses are valid for 1–5 years, depending on the tenure selected during application.

Basic FSSAI Registration

For small-scale or home-based food businesses with limited turnover.

State FSSAI License

For medium-sized food businesses operating within one state.

Central FSSAI License

For large manufacturers, importers, exporters and businesses operating in multiple states.

Benefits

What do you get with FSSAI certification?

The measurable upside of holding a valid FSSAI license.

Legal Authorization

Enables lawful operation of food businesses across India.

Safer Food Practices

Promotes hygienic production, handling and storage standards.

Reduced Compliance Risks

Minimizes recalls, penalties and regulatory non-compliance.

Faster Approvals

Speeds up approvals during inspections and audits.

Customer Confidence

Builds long-term customer confidence and loyalty.

Business Scaling

Creates a strong foundation for expansion and market growth.

Who It's For

Who needs FSSAI certification?

From home-based startups to large-scale manufacturers, FSSAI certification is essential for operating legally and safely.

Food Manufacturers & Processors

Manufacturers and processors bringing packaged food products to market.

Restaurants, Cafés & QSRs

Dine-in, takeaway and quick-service outlets serving food to the public.

Hotels & Institutional Kitchens

Hospitality and institutional kitchens serving guests and residents at scale.

Food Retailers & Wholesalers

Retailers and wholesalers stocking and distributing packaged food.

Cloud Kitchens & Caterers

Delivery-only kitchens and caterers operating without a dine-in space.

Importers & Exporters

Businesses moving food products across India's borders in either direction.

The Process

How does FSSAI certification work, step by step?

The same process across every FSSAI certification engagement.

01

Assessment

We identify the correct license category for your business type and turnover.

02

Documentation

Our team prepares your application, labels and supporting documentation.

03

Filing

We file your application and follow up with FSSAI on your behalf.

04

Ongoing Tracking

We track renewal dates and regulation changes so nothing lapses.

Why Equinox Labs

FSSAI certification with Equinox Labs

We simplify FSSAI compliance through expert-led regulatory and testing support.

End-to-End Licensing Support

Registration, renewal, modification and compliance assistance.

NABL-Accredited Testing

Food safety testing aligned with FSSAI standards and product categories.

Labeling & Product Approval Support

Verification of claims, labels and regulatory declarations.

Trusted Compliance Partner

Supporting 5,000+ brands across manufacturing, retail, hospitality and export sectors.

About Equinox

Why choose Equinox Labs?

Equinox Labs is India's leading FSSAI-notified and NABL-accredited testing and compliance partner, trusted by over 5,000 brands. We deliver end-to-end solutions covering food, water, environment and indoor air quality testing.

Our science-backed approach, advanced laboratories and regulatory expertise help businesses stay compliant, audit-ready and trusted, today and as they scale.

Speak to a Compliance Expert
Equinox Labs, In Numbers
Brands trusted5,000+
Cities covered500+
AccreditationNABL & FSSAI-notified
Experience21+ years
Free Expert Guide

4 Mandatory FSSAI Testing Parameters

Food safety in India depends on rigorous checks that prevent adulteration, control contamination, and ensure transparent nutrition labelling. Learn the four mandatory FSSAI testing parameters every food business must verify.

  • Adulterant detection. Why adulterant detection protects consumers from hidden health risks.
  • Microbiological testing. How microbiological testing prevents outbreaks linked to pathogens.
  • Nutritional assessment. Why nutritional assessment ensures accurate, trustworthy product labels.
  • Contaminant testing. How contaminant testing reduces toxic exposure across food categories.
4 Mandatory FSSAI Testing Parameters guide cover Free Guide
Food & Beverages

4 Mandatory FSSAI Testing Parameters

A quick guide to the core safety parameters every food business must test under FSSAI regulations. Download the free guide.

Download Your Free Guide
Watch

How hygiene and FSSAI compliance connect

Hygiene Rating Services: A Comprehensive Guide
Video

Hygiene Rating Services: A Comprehensive Guide

In This Video
  • What an FSSAI hygiene rating audit actually assesses
  • How a strong rating supports licensing, renewals and customer trust
  • Where testing and documentation evidence fit into the process
Common Questions

FSSAI certification FAQs

Yes. FSSAI certification is mandatory for all Food Business Operators (FBOs) involved in manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, sale, import or export of food in India.

There are three types: Basic Registration, State License and Central License, depending on business scale, turnover and operational scope.

FSSAI licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years, based on the tenure selected at the time of application.

Yes. Food testing is often required to verify compliance with microbiological, chemical, additive and heavy metal standards, especially for manufacturers and new product launches.

Equinox Labs offers end-to-end FSSAI support, including licensing assistance, NABL-accredited food testing, labeling verification and ongoing compliance guidance.

Government fees vary by license type and tenure. Basic Registration and State License fees are generally lower than a Central License, and the exact amount depends on the tenure, from 1 to 5 years, selected at the time of application.

Yes. FSSAI licenses and registrations are applied for through the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal, though the supporting documentation and application review still need careful preparation to avoid rejection or delay.

Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI license or registration is an offense under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and can lead to penalties, license cancellation and suspension of business operations.

Get your FSSAI Certification enquiry answered

Tell us a little about your requirement and our team will get back to you within one working day.

  • Response within one working day
  • PAN-India service network
  • Dedicated account manager
1 2 Step 1 of 2: Your details
Prefer to talk? Call our team →
Please enter your name.
Please enter a valid email address.
Please enter a valid 10-digit mobile number.
By submitting, you agree to be contacted by Equinox Labs regarding your enquiry. We don't share your details with third parties.
Please enter your designation.
Please enter a valid 6-digit pincode.
Please select a vertical.
Please select a sector.
By submitting, you agree to be contacted by Equinox Labs regarding your enquiry. We don't share your details with third parties.

Thanks, we've got your enquiry

Our team will reach out within one working day to discuss your requirement.

Our clients always come first for us! Get in touch with our experts
Call Now
WhatsApp+91 89769 74310
AddressEquinox HQ, R-854, T.T.C. Rabale, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400701
Email Uscontact@equinoxlab.com
Explore By Location
View all locations
WhatsApp Call Now