Don’t Risk It: Renew Your FSSAI License Before the 90-Day Deadline 2025
Introduction
Just think: your little café or home-bakery is doing great. Customers are loving your food, and you are gradually growing your business. Then one day, you catch your eye on your FSSAI Food License. Its expiry date... It's getting closer!
Hey! What happened? Suddenly there is a strange panic – 'What if it expires?'
We know that FSSAI Food License Renewal Online is an essential but often overlooked responsibility for every person running a food business in India. Getting a license was the first step, but getting it renewed on time is just as important as the salt in your dishes!
If your FSSAI license (be it a basic registration, state license, or central license) is set to expire in or around 2025, this article is for you.
This is not a dry government guide; This is a step-by-step guide given by a friend that will save you from getting lost in the jungle of the FoSCoS portal. We'll walk you through how the entire process of FSSAI Renewal takes place online, what mistakes to avoid, and what might be new in 2025.
Let' s make this process easier once and for all!
What is FSSAI Food License Renewal?
There are three types of licenses, one for each job!
Firstly, for those who are still confused, it's important to understand that your FSSAI License depends on the size of your business:
Basic Registration: For small businesses (annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh).
State License: For medium-sized businesses (annual turnover from ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore).
Central License: For large businesses (turnover more than ₹20 crore), exporters, and businesses with multi-state operations.
The process of obtaining these three licenses is different, but the renewal process is now in one place for everyone—the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal.
FSSAI Renewal Online means that you are extending the validity of your license from 1 year to a maximum of 5 years. This is not a new license application; It is only your commitment that you will consistently adhere to the food safety standards set by FSSAI.
Why is it important? and FSSAI Updates 2025
Legal compulsion and large fines
Not renewing the FSSAI license on time simply means: violation of the law. In India, it is completely illegal to run a food business without a valid license.
Understand why this is important with these three points:
1. Late Fee Structure: The FSSAI has set a time-frame for renewal. You can apply for renewal 180 days before your license expires.
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Deadline
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condition
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result
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91-180 days ago
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Safe time
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No extra charges.
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31-90 days ago
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Little delay
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No extra charges.
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0-30 days ago
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Last Month
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No extra fees, but apply right away.
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After Expiry (1-90 days)
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Grace period
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Penalty at the rate of ₹100 per day (FSSAI Late Fee).
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After 90 days
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License expires
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The license is automatically revoked. You will need to apply for a new license.
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Think about it: if you apply after 90 days, you'll need to apply for a new license, and all compliance history associated with your old license will be lost.
2. Potential Updates for 2025: Rigorous Compliance FSSAI is constantly tightening its systems. In 2025, we can expect to:
QR code mandatory: Dynamic QR codes may become mandatory on all licenses, which can be scanned to instantly check the validity of the license.
MSME Integration: Integration of FSSAI renewal with Udyam (MSME) registration for small food business can take place, keeping the two processes interconnected.
Strictness of Annual Return: The process of filing an annual return before license renewal can be more stringent. If you haven't filed Form D-1/D-2, the renewal may be a major issue.
Step-by-Step Process of Online Fssai Renewal
This is where people often get stuck. The entire process takes place on the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal. Here is the process of renewal explained in easy steps:
Step 1: Login to the FoSCoS portal
First, visit the FoSCoS Portal at https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/.
Login with your existing username and password.
If you've forgotten the password, use 'Forgot Password'.
Step 2: Check the Dashboard and Expiry
As soon as you log in, you will see the dashboard.
Go to the 'License/Registration' tab.
You will see a list of all your existing licenses/registrations. Identify your license that needs to be renewed.
Check the license validity and expiry date carefully.
Step 3: Select the 'Renewal' option
The license that needs to be renewed will get the option of 'Action' or 'Renewal' in front of it.
Click on it. The FoSCoS system will automatically take you to the renewal application page.
Step 4: Choose Tenure and Documents
This is the most important stage.
Select the tenor: You will get the option to choose a tenor from 1 year to 5 years. Applying for more years saves you a little in annual fees.
Documents: FSSAI renewal usually does not require much documentation, as you have already submitted all the documents.
For State/Central License: A copy of the old license/registration, and a self-declaration is sufficient.
It is always good to carry the receipt of the annual return (of previous years), although it is not always mandatory to upload it on the portal.
Step 5: Check Form B
Especially for State and Central Licenses, the system will auto-generate Form B (Renewal Form).
Make sure the details of the business (address, nominee, production capacity) are still correct.
If there is a change, first apply for 'Modification', then for renewal.
Step 6: Fee Payment and ARN Number
Pay the fee based on your chosen period. The fee is paid online (net banking/card).
If the payment is successful, you will receive an Application Reference Number (ARN). Make a note of it right away. This ARN is the proof of your renewal application.
Step 7: Obtain a License
After getting an ARN, you will have to wait for a few days.
The renewal application is checked by the Food Safety Officer.
If everything is found to be correct, the new license will be available on your FoSCoS dashboard. You can download and print it.
Documents and Fees: Save the Pocket Wisely
FSSAI Renewal is often considered complicated by people, but if you keep some documents ready, it is easy.
Most Important Documents:
Old FSSAI License/Registration Certificate: Keep a copy of it scanned.
Aadhaar card or ID proof: The owner or authorized signatory of the business.
Recent Passport Size Photograph: Of the owner or authorized signatory.
Self-Declaration Form: A declaration that you are following all the rules.
Connection of FSSAI Annual Return
This point is the most confusing. State and Central License holders are required to file Annual Returns (Form D-1 or D-2) every year.
If you have not filed the previous year's annual return, it will have to be filed on the FoSCoS portal before starting the renewal process. Late filing can result in a penalty of ₹100 per day!
Common mistakes that can spoil the work
Minor mistakes are common in running a business, but these mistakes can be costly in FSSAI Food License Renewal:
Mistake 1: Forgetting Annual Returns: Many State/Central License holders assume that renewal will happen automatically. If you have not filed your Annual Return (Form D-1/D-2) by May 31, you will face problems with renewal and will have to pay additional fees.
Mistake 2: Renewing too late: The 'let's do it later' thinking doesn't work here. If you exceed 90 days after the expiry date, your old license will be revoked permanently.
Mistake 3: Forgetting the Modification: If you've changed your business address, phone number, or production capacity, apply for FSSAI Modification first. Only then start the renewal process. Renewing on wrong information is making a mockery of the law.
Mistake 4: Choosing the wrong term: State/Central license holders often renew for one year. If you have a 5-year plan, opt for the 5-year option—this will save both time and money.
Pro Tips (Get Ready for 2025)
I give you three pro tips that will keep you ahead of the rest in 2025:
Rule of Advance Renewal: Always start the renewal process at least 60 days before the expiry date. This will save you from any technical glitches, lack of documentation, or delays caused by government holidays.
Set up email automation: Set reminders on your calendar of FSSAI expiry dates 180 days, 90 days, and 30 days in advance. You'd better link it to your business email.
Check the Category of License: Have you moved from Basic License to State License? If your turnover has crossed ₹12 lakh, you will have to apply for the upgrade at the time of renewal. FSSAI keeps a close eye on this.
Conclusion and Call-to-Action
We noticed that the entire process of FSSAI Food License Renewal Online, with the help of the FoSCoS portal, is not complicated—it just demands attention and time. Renewing a license on time is not just a legal formality; It is the trust given to your customers that you are serving safe and high-quality food.
In 2025, when the FSSAI regulations are about to tighten further, it becomes even more important that you take the deadline seriously.
So, check your calendar, log in to the FoSCoS portal, and complete your FSSAI Renewal without any FSSAI Late Fees. No more tension!
If you're still unsure whether your business needs a State or Central FSSAI License, or confused about filing your Annual Return (Form D-1/D-2), don’t worry — you’re not alone.
You can get expert assistance from trusted platforms like LegalDev.in or OnlineGSTRegistration.co.
Their compliance experts can help you choose the correct license type, file your FSSAI renewal, and stay fully compliant with the latest FSSAI 2025 guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the FSSAI Food License Renewal deadline?
A: You can apply for renewal 180 days before the expiry date of your license. You should apply at least 30 days before expiry, so you don't have to pay any penalty.
Q2. What happens if I apply late for FSSAI Renewal?
A: If you apply within 1 to 90 days after expiry, you will have to pay the FSSAI Late Fee at the rate of ₹100 per day. After 90 days, the license is automatically revoked and you will need to apply for a new license.
Q3. What is the maximum period of years one can choose for renewal?
A: A maximum period of 5 years can be chosen for FSSAI Renewal. Applying for more years can save you a little on annual fees and get rid of the repetitive paperwork.
Q4. Do I need to submit Annual Return (Form D-1/D-2) at the time of renewal?
A: Yes, State and Central License holders are required to ensure that you have filed your Annual Return for the previous financial year before license renewal. This is a mandatory compliance.
Q5. How long does the FSSAI Renewal process take?
A: If your application is complete and all documents are fine, renewal can usually take 7 to 60 days. Renewal of Basic Registration is faster (7-15 days), while State/Central licenses may take a little longer.
Q6. Which portal is used for FSSAI Renewal?
A: All the work related to FSSAI (New Application, Renewal, Modification, Annual Return) is done online only on the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal.
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