Food License Renewal in Delhi
Food License
A food license is a mandatory approval issued by the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It ensures that food products manufactured, stored, distributed, or sold meet safety and hygiene standards.
Each food business must register or obtain a license based on their size, turnover, and type of activity. This license ensures that the food is safe for human consumption and builds consumer trust.
2. Why is a Food License Mandatory in India?
The Government of India introduced the FSSAI license to ensure:
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Safety of food products
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Hygienic food handling and storage
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Consumer protection from adulterated or substandard food
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Standardized procedures for food processing and packaging
Without an FSSAI license, operating a food business is considered illegal and is subject to heavy penalties and even imprisonment.
3. Types of FSSAI Food Licenses
There are three main types of food licenses:
a. Basic FSSAI Registration
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For small food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs
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Issued by the local municipal authority
b. State FSSAI License
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For medium-sized businesses with an annual turnover of ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores
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Issued by the State Government
c. Central FSSAI License
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For large-scale businesses with turnover above ₹20 crores
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Issued by the Central Government (FSSAI headquarters)
The type of license you apply for depends on the size and nature of your food business.
4. Who Needs a Food License in Delhi?
In Delhi, the following entities must obtain or renew a food license:
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Restaurants, cafes, and food stalls
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Caterers and cloud kitchens
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Food processing and packaging units
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Importers/exporters of food products
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Grocery stores and dairy retailers
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Online food delivery services
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Street food vendors
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Wholesalers and transporters of food
5. Importance of Food License Renewal
Just like getting a food license is mandatory, renewing it before it expires is equally crucial. The license is generally valid for 1 to 5 years, and you must renew it at least 30 days before expiry.
Failure to renew on time can lead to:
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Hefty penalties
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Business shutdown
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Legal action under FSS Act, 2006
Timely renewal ensures uninterrupted operations, brand reputation, and continued customer trust.
6. When to Renew Your Food License?
You must apply for renewal 30 to 60 days before the expiry date of your current license. If you apply late or after the license has expired:
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You may be charged a late fee of ₹100 per day
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You may need to apply for a new license from scratch
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Your business operations can be temporarily halted
7. Step-by-Step Process for Food License Renewal in Delhi
Here is a simplified process to renew your FSSAI food license in Delhi:
Step 1: Visit FSSAI Website
Go to the FSSAI FoSCoS Portal
Step 2: Login to Your Account
Use your existing login credentials. If you’ve forgotten them, use the “forgot password” option or contact the helpline.
Step 3: Select ‘Renew License/Registration’
Click on the “Renewal” tab and select your license number from the dashboard.
Step 4: Fill the Renewal Form
Update your business details if required and upload the necessary documents.
Step 5: Pay the Renewal Fees
Make the payment online based on your license type and validity period.
Step 6: Submit the Application
After submission, you’ll receive an acknowledgment. Track the status online.
8. Documents Required for Renewal
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Form B (signed and filled)
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Identity and address proof of business owner
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Passport-sized photo
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Proof of business premises (rent agreement or property papers)
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List of food products handled
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Partnership deed or company incorporation certificate
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Previous license copy
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Water testing report (if applicable)
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Food safety management system (FSMS) plan
Note: Additional documents may be required depending on your business type.
9. FSSAI License Renewal Fees
License Type | Validity (1-5 years) | Renewal Fees per Year |
---|---|---|
Basic Registration | 1 to 5 years | ₹100/year |
State License | 1 to 5 years | ₹2,000 to ₹5,000/year |
Central License | 1 to 5 years | ₹7,500/year |
Extra charges may apply for late renewals.
10. Penalties for Not Renewing on Time
If you fail to renew your license before the expiry:
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₹100/day late fee
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License becomes invalid
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Operations may be suspended
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Fresh application will be required
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Penalties as per Section 63 of the FSS Act
Tip: Use reminders or hire a consultant to avoid these issues.
11. Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying after license expiry
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Not updating business changes
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Using incorrect documents
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Choosing the wrong license type
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Not checking renewal status regularly
Avoid these errors to ensure a smooth renewal process.
12. How to Check the Status of Renewal?
You can check your renewal status by:
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Logging into FoSCoS Portal
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Clicking on “Track Application”
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Entering your reference number or application ID
You'll be able to see whether your license is pending, approved, or rejected.
13. Benefits of Timely Renewal
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Legal compliance
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No interruptions in business operations
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Builds brand reputation
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Consumer trust and loyalty
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Eligibility for tenders and contracts
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Helps in business expansion and licensing
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