How early should a food business apply for renewal?

The FoSCoS portal accepts renewal applications from 30 days before the expiry date. Applying as early as possible gives time to resolve queries or inspections without any gap in the authorisation.

Can a food business operate while the renewal is pending?

A food business may generally continue operating if the renewal application was submitted before the expiry date and the authority has not yet processed it. Operating after expiry without applying, however, is a violation under the FSS Act.

What happens if the licence tier has changed since the last renewal?

If the business's turnover or activity now falls under a different FSSAI tier, the operator should apply for a fresh licence or registration at the appropriate tier rather than a simple renewal. A chartered accountant or food-law consultant can help assess the correct tier before applying.

Compliance

FSSAI Renewal

Renew an FSSAI food licence or registration before expiry to keep food-business operations compliant.

What's covered

Every food business operator in India must hold a valid FSSAI licence or registration issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 and the Licensing and Registration Regulations 2011. This authorisation is not permanent — it carries an expiry date and must be renewed before it lapses.
FSSAI recognises three tiers of authorisation: Basic Registration (annual turnover below ₹12 lakh), State Licence (turnover from ₹12 lakh up to ₹20 crore or prescribed manufacturing capacity), and Central Licence (turnover above ₹20 crore or certain categories such as importers, exporters and large manufacturers). Renewal applies to whichever tier the business holds.
Renewal applications are filed through the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in). The portal accepts applications up to 30 days before the expiry date, and an operator should apply well ahead of that window to avoid any gap in authorisation.
Operating a food business on an expired registration or licence is a violation under the FSS Act and can attract penalties, direction to suspend operations, and reputational consequences for the business.

How we work

01
Prepare documents and review your tier
Verify that the current licence or registration tier remains appropriate for the business's turnover and activity. Gather identity documents, address proof, food safety management plan, and any updated business details before opening the FoSCoS portal.
02
Submit the renewal application on FoSCoS
Log in to foscos.fssai.gov.in, navigate to the renewal section for your existing authorisation, upload the required documents, and pay the renewal fee. Apply at least 30 days before expiry so there is time to respond to any queries raised by the licensing authority.
03
Track scrutiny and receive the renewed certificate
The licensing authority reviews the application, may raise queries or schedule an inspection, and on approval issues the renewed licence or registration. Track the application status through the FoSCoS portal.

Documents required

Existing FSSAI licence or registration certificate
Photo identity and address proof of the proprietor, partner, or authorised signatory
Proof of business premises (ownership deed, rent agreement, or NOC from the owner)
Updated food safety management plan or hygiene and sanitation checklist, as applicable to the tier
Any additional documents the licensing authority may request based on the food category or activity

Applicable laws & forms

Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 — the primary statute governing food business licensing and registration in India
Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations 2011 — prescribes the three-tier authorisation structure, renewal window, and consequences of lapse
Renewal filed via FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in) — the official FSSAI licensing and compliance portal