Food License in Maharashtra: Fees, Documents, Eligibility & How to Apply Online

Starting a food business in Maharashtra? Whether you want to open a restaurant, bakery, cloud kitchen, catering service or food manufacturing unit, you need to understand the FSSAI registration and licensing requirements before starting operations.

A food licence is an important requirement for businesses involved in preparing, manufacturing, storing, distributing, transporting or selling food products. It helps ensure that your business follows the food safety rules applicable in India.

The application process is handled online through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS). However, the type of licence, government fee and documents depend on your business activity and eligibility.

In this guide, we explain how to get a food licence in Maharashtra, the applicable fees, documents required, eligibility conditions and the complete online application process.

What Is a Food License in Maharashtra?

A food licence, commonly called an FSSAI licence, is a registration or licence issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It is required for food business operators (FBOs) carrying out activities such as food preparation, manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution and sale.

FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It sets food safety standards and regulates food businesses across the country.

In Maharashtra, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for implementing food safety regulations at the state level. Applications are submitted through the central FoSCoS portal.

Some common businesses that need to check their FSSAI registration or licensing requirements include:

• Restaurants, hotels and cafes

• Bakeries and sweet shops

• Cloud kitchens and home-based food businesses

• Catering and tiffin services

• Grocery stores and supermarkets

• Food manufacturing and processing units

• Food wholesalers and distributors

• Food packaging and repacking businesses

• Food storage and transportation businesses

• Online food sellers

The requirements apply to businesses operating in Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Nagpur, Nashik, Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and other cities across Maharashtra.

Types of Food Licences in Maharashtra

FSSAI provides three main categories of registration and licensing:

1. Basic FSSAI Registration

2. State FSSAI Licence

3. Central FSSAI Licence

From 1 April 2026, FSSAI revised the turnover limits used for these categories. The applicable category must also be checked against the nature of your food business and its specific eligibility conditions.

1. Basic FSSAI Registration

Basic registration is intended for eligible small food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹1.5 crore under the revised framework.

Examples include:

• Small food shops

• Home-based food businesses

• Small food retailers

• Tea and snack shops

• Small food processing businesses

This category is suitable for eligible small operators who do not fall under a separate licensing requirement.

2. State FSSAI Licence

A State FSSAI Licence generally applies to food businesses with an annual turnover above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore, subject to the applicable business activity requirements.

Examples include:

• Restaurants and food service businesses

• Food manufacturing units

• Catering businesses

• Food distributors and wholesalers

• Hotels and food processing businesses

3. Central FSSAI Licence

A Central FSSAI Licence generally applies to food businesses with an annual turnover above ₹50 crore.

It is also relevant to certain business activities that require Central Licensing Authority approval under the applicable rules, such as specified import and other regulated operations.

If your business operates in multiple states, you should also check whether a head office or additional premises requires separate licensing.

Important: The revised turnover limits apply to new applications from 1 April 2026. Certain food business activities have additional eligibility conditions, so do not choose your category based on turnover alone.

Food License Fees in Maharashtra

The FSSAI government fee depends on the registration or licence category and the type of food business.

Here is a general fee reference:

These are standard fee references from the published FSSAI fee schedule. The exact State Licence fee depends on the applicable business category. Check the live fee displayed on FoSCoS before payment.

How Is the Food Licence Fee Calculated?

The fee depends on the category selected for your food business and the payment period.

For example:

• A basic registration has a standard fee of ₹100 per year.

• A restaurant applying under the State Licence category generally pays ₹2,000 per year.

• An eligible food manufacturing unit may pay ₹3,000 or ₹5,000 per year, depending on its production category.

• A Central Licence has a standard fee of ₹7,500 per year.

FSSAI introduced perpetual validity in 2026. Under the revised system, registrations and licences remain valid unless they are suspended, cancelled or surrendered. Applicants can choose the number of years for which they wish to pay the applicable fee.

Additional point: Eligible street food vendors registered under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 are covered by deemed registration and the registration fee exemption announced by FSSAI.

For the exact amount applicable to your business, visit the official FoSCoS fee structure.

Documents Required for Food License in Maharashtra

The documents required for an FSSAI registration or licence depend on the business activity, premises and licence category.

You should prepare the relevant documents before starting the online application.

Common Documents for Food Licence

The following documents may be required for a food licence application:

1. PAN Card of the proprietor or authorised person.

2. Aadhaar Card or other government-issued identity proof.

3. Passport-size photograph of the applicant.

4. Proof of business premises, such as a rent agreement, sale deed or electricity bill.

5. Business address details.

6. Partnership deed, company incorporation certificate or other business constitution documents, wherever applicable.

7. Details of the food products handled by the business.

8. Applicant’s mobile number and email address.

9. Authorisation letter, wherever applicable.

Additional Documents for Food Manufacturing Businesses

If you operate a food manufacturing or processing unit, additional documents may include:

• Layout plan of the manufacturing premises.

• List of machinery and equipment with installed capacity.

• Details of food categories to be manufactured.

• Water analysis report from a recognised laboratory, where applicable.

• Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan.

• Details of the responsible person managing food safety.

• Source of raw materials.

• NOC from the manufacturer for applicable relabelling activities.

• Recall plan, wherever applicable.

• Relevant local authority and pollution control NOCs, where required.

The Maharashtra FDA also lists manufacturing-unit documents such as machinery details, water analysis reports, premises proof and business constitution documents.

Documents for Restaurants, Cafes and Cloud Kitchens

If you are starting a restaurant, cafe or cloud kitchen, keep these documents ready where applicable:

• PAN and identity proof of the owner.

• Proof of business premises.

• Rent agreement or ownership documents.

• Business constitution documents, if applicable.

• Details of food preparation and business activities.

• Supporting documents requested for the selected licence category.

Note: Not every applicant needs to submit every document listed above. The final checklist depends on the Kind of Business (KoB) and application type selected on the FoSCoS portal.

How to Apply for a Food License Online in Maharashtra?

You can apply for an FSSAI registration or licence online through the official FoSCoS portal. The process involves selecting your business activity, checking eligibility, submitting the application and uploading the required documents.

Follow these steps to apply online.

Step 1: Visit the Official FoSCoS Portal

Visit the official FoSCoS website.

Select the option to apply for a new licence or registration.

Step 2: Select Maharashtra as Your State

Choose Maharashtra as the state where your food business premises are located.

You must select the correct state and premises details before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Select Your Food Business Activity

Choose the Kind of Business (KoB) that matches your actual business operations.

Some available categories include:

• Manufacturer

• Restaurant

• Retailer

• Wholesaler

• Distributor

• Transporter

• Storage

• Caterer

Select the appropriate activity. If your business carries out multiple food-related activities, check whether additional activities need to be included in the application.

Step 4: Check Your Licence Eligibility

Enter the requested business information and check which registration or licence category applies to your business.

Your eligibility depends on the applicable turnover limit, business activity and other licensing conditions.

Step 5: Fill Out the Online Application Form

Complete the application form with accurate business information.

You may need to provide:

• Business name and address

• Applicant’s personal details

• Business constitution

• Nature of food business

• Food product details

• Production capacity, wherever applicable

• Contact information

For basic registration, the applicable form is Form A. For a State or Central Licence, the applicable application form is Form B.

Step 6: Upload the Required Documents

Upload the documents requested by the portal for your selected business category.

Before submitting, check that:

• All documents are readable.

• Business details match the supporting documents.

• The business address is correct.

• Required declarations and authorisations are included.

Step 7: Pay the Applicable Government Fee

Proceed with the online payment displayed on the FoSCoS portal.

The amount depends on the selected registration or licence category and the payment period.

Save the payment receipt for future reference.

Step 8: Submit and Track Your Application

Submit the application and save the reference number.

You can use the application tracking facility on FoSCoS to check its status.

The concerned authority may examine your application, ask for additional documents or conduct an inspection, depending on the nature of your business and applicable requirements.

Once approved, you can access and download your FSSAI registration certificate or licence.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Food Licence in Maharashtra?

The time required to obtain an FSSAI registration or licence depends on the application category, document verification and the nature of your food business.

Some eligible low-risk businesses may qualify for instant registration or Tatkal processing. Other applications may require document scrutiny, clarification or inspection.

To avoid unnecessary delays:

• Select the correct business activity.

• Check your licence eligibility before applying.

• Upload complete and valid documents.

• Provide accurate business information.

• Respond to department queries within the specified time.

Do not assume that submitting an application means your licence has been approved. Wait for the applicable registration or licence to be issued before starting operations.

Who Needs a Food Licence in Maharashtra?

Food businesses involved in manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution or sale of food products must check their applicable FSSAI registration or licensing requirements.

Here are some common examples:

The final category depends on the business activity, turnover and applicable eligibility conditions.

New FSSAI Rules in 2026: What Food Business Owners Should Know

FSSAI introduced important changes to the licensing and registration framework in 2026. These changes are particularly relevant for small food businesses.

Here are some important updates:

1. Revised Turnover Limits

From 1 April 2026, the revised turnover limits are:

• Registration: Up to ₹1.5 crore.

• State Licence: Above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore.

• Central Licence: Above ₹50 crore.

2. Perpetual Validity of Registration and Licences

FSSAI registrations and licences issued under the revised framework have perpetual validity. This means businesses do not need to apply for periodic renewal, unless the registration or licence is suspended, cancelled or surrendered.

3. Deemed Registration for Eligible Street Food Vendors

Street food vendors registered under the Street Vendors Act, 2014, are treated as registered under the FSS Act, subject to the applicable conditions.

4. Risk-Based Inspections

FSSAI has introduced a risk-based inspection framework to focus regulatory attention on food businesses according to their safety and compliance risks.

These changes aim to reduce compliance requirements while maintaining food safety standards.

Why Is an FSSAI Licence Important for Your Food Business?

Obtaining the correct FSSAI registration or licence is not just a legal requirement. It also helps establish your business as a recognised food business operator.

Here are some important reasons:

1. Legal Compliance

It helps your business meet the applicable requirements under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

2. Customer Confidence

Customers want to know that the food they purchase is handled and prepared according to applicable food safety standards.

3. Business Expansion

An appropriate FSSAI licence can help when you plan to expand your food business, work with distributors or supply products to other businesses.

4. Online Food Business Operations

Food businesses selling through online channels must also follow applicable FSSAI registration and licensing requirements.

5. Better Business Credibility

Having the required FSSAI registration or licence can improve your business credibility when dealing with customers, suppliers and business partners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Food Licence

Many applicants face unnecessary delays because of incorrect information or incomplete documents.

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Selecting the wrong food business category.

• Choosing an incorrect registration or licence type.

• Providing an incorrect business address.

• Uploading incomplete or unclear documents.

• Giving incorrect food product information.

• Ignoring additional document requirements.

• Not responding to department queries.

• Starting operations before obtaining the required approval.

Checking your eligibility and documents before submitting the application can help avoid unnecessary problems.

How LegalInfinix Can Help You Get a Food Licence in Maharashtra

Applying for an FSSAI registration or licence involves understanding the applicable rules, selecting the correct business category and preparing the required documents.

If you are starting a new food business or operating an existing one, LegalInfinix can help you understand the licensing requirements and application process.

Our assistance includes:

• Understanding the applicable FSSAI registration or licence category.

• Preparing a business-specific document checklist.

• Assistance with online application filing.

• Reviewing application details before submission.

• Assistance with responses to department queries.

• Guidance on licence modification and other applicable compliance requirements.

Whether you are opening a restaurant in Mumbai, starting a cloud kitchen in Pune or setting up a food manufacturing unit in Nagpur, getting the correct FSSAI registration or licence is an important step.

Need help with a food licence in Maharashtra? Contact LegalInfinix to understand your eligibility, documents and application requirements.

Conclusion

Getting a food licence in Maharashtra is an important step when starting or operating a food business. Whether you run a restaurant, bakery, cloud kitchen, catering service or food manufacturing unit, you should understand the applicable FSSAI category and prepare the required documents before applying.

The 2026 FSSAI reforms have also changed turnover limits and introduced perpetual validity, making it important to check the latest requirements before submitting your application.

If you need help understanding the eligibility conditions, preparing documents or filing an application, LegalInfinix can assist you with the FSSAI registration and licensing process.