What is FSSAI license number?

FSSAI License Number is a 14-digit unique number issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to food business operators (FBOs). The format is: XX-YY-ZZ-XXXXXXXX where the first digit indicates the category (Registration=1, State License=2, Central License=3), digits 2-3 are the state code, and the remaining digits are unique identifiers.

FSSAI License Verification – Check Food License Status Online (Free)

Q: How to check FSSAI license status 2026?

Visit the official FoSCoS portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in. Click on 'Search License/Registration'. Enter the 14-digit FSSAI license number. The portal shows the FBO name, address, license category, validity, and current status (Active/Expired/Suspended). Our tool above validates the FSSAI number format instantly.

Q: What is the difference between FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License?

FSSAI Registration (14-digit number starting with 1) is for small food businesses with annual turnover below ₹12 lakh. FSSAI State License (starts with 2) is for mid-size FBOs with turnover ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore. FSSAI Central License (starts with 3) is for large FBOs with turnover above ₹20 crore or operating across multiple states.

Enter FSSAI License / Registration Number *

FSSAI Verification – Complete Guide 2026

Everything you need to know about FSSAI license number format, verification, categories, validity, and how to check FSSAI certificate status in 2026

The Basics

What is FSSAI License Verification and Why Does It Matter?

FSSAI verification 2026 is the process of confirming the authenticity and current validity status of a food business operator's FSSAI license or registration number on the official FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal. Whether you are a consumer wanting to verify the food vendor's credentials, a business conducting supplier due diligence, or an FBO checking their own FSSAI license status 2026 before renewal — this verification protects public health and ensures food safety compliance.

The FSSAI number check is particularly important because fake or expired FSSAI numbers are frequently found on food products. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, it is illegal to display an expired or fabricated FSSAI number. Consumers and businesses can verify FSSAI number using our free tool above and the official FoSCoS portal to confirm they are purchasing food from legitimately licensed operators.

Our free fssai license check tool validates the 14-digit format instantly — decoding the license category (Registration/State License/Central License), state code, and year of registration — before directing you to the official portal for live fssai registration status 2026.

              
              Consumer Tip: Before ordering from any restaurant or buying packaged food, do a quick check fssai license 2026 using the 14-digit number on their menu, invoice, or packaging. If the number is invalid or expired, report to your state food safety authority or FSSAI at foodsafety@fssai.gov.in.
            

FSSAI Number Format

FSSAI License Number Format – How to Read Every Digit

The FSSAI license number is a structured 14-digit numeric code — no letters at all. Every digit carries specific information. Understanding the fssai number format makes it easy to instantly identify the type and jurisdiction of any food license:

Digit 1 — License Category: Identifies the type of FSSAI authorization. 1 = Registration (small FBOs, turnover below ₹12L). 2 = State License (turnover ₹12L–₹20Cr). 3 = Central License (turnover above ₹20Cr, importers/exporters, multi-state).
Digits 2–3 — State Code: Two-digit code identifying the state/UT where the food business is registered. Example: 10 = Andhra Pradesh, 14 = Delhi, 16 = Gujarat, 18 = Maharashtra, 26 = Tamil Nadu, 28 = Uttar Pradesh.
Digits 4–5 — Year of Registration: Two digits representing the year when the license was issued. Example: 24 = 2024, 23 = 2023, 22 = 2022.
Digits 6–14 — Unique Sequence: Nine-digit unique identifier assigned to the specific food business operator within their state and category.

              
              Validation Rule: A valid FSSAI number must be exactly 14 digits, purely numeric. The first digit must be 1, 2, or 3. Any number starting with 4–9 or containing letters is immediately invalid. Our check fssai certificate online tool enforces all these rules instantly.
            

Verification Methods

How to Verify FSSAI License Online – 3 Official Methods

There are three reliable ways to check fssai license 2026 and get complete fssai license details:

LegalDev FSSAI Format Validator (This Page – Instant)

Use the tool above for immediate fssai number check — validates 14-digit format, decodes the license category (Registration/State/Central), identifies state code, and provides direct FoSCoS portal links. Best for quick fssai food license verification before accepting supplier invoices or food product shipments.

FoSCoS Portal – Official Live Status

Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in → Search License/Registration. Enter the 14-digit FSSAI number. The portal shows the FBO name, address, license category, validity dates, and current fssai license status 2026 (Active/Suspended/Cancelled/Expired). This is the official fssai registration verification method for complete details. No login required.

FSSAI Licensing Portal – Legacy Database

For older FSSAI licenses issued before FoSCoS migration, visit foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in. Enter the license number for complete fssai license details including original application date, renewal history, and licence category. This is also the platform for downloading the fssai certificate and tracking renewal applications.

FoSCoS Portal – Step by Step

Step 1Go to foscos.fssai.gov.in

Step 2Click "Search Lic/Reg"

Step 3Enter 14-digit FSSAI No.

Step 4Enter Captcha

Step 5Click Search

Result ShowsFBO name + status

Also ShowsValidity + category

QR Code Verification

FSSAI certificates issued from 2022 onwards have a QR code. Scanning it takes you directly to the fssai certificate status on the FoSCoS portal — fastest method for instant check fssai certificate online.

Who Needs FSSAI

Food License Verification India 2026 – Who Needs FSSAI and When

Every Food Business Operator (FBO) in India — whether selling food on the street or running a large manufacturing plant — requires a valid FSSAI license 2026 or registration. The applicable category depends on annual turnover and nature of the business. Here is a comprehensive breakdown:

Business Type	FSSAI Category	Number Starts With
Small food stall / home baker	Registration	1
Restaurant / dhaba / cloud kitchen	State License	2
Food manufacturer (mid-size)	State License	2
Hotel / caterer above ₹12L	State License	2
Large manufacturer / processor	Central License	3
Importer / exporter of food	Central License	3
Airport / railway food vendor	Central License	3
E-commerce food seller (Swiggy/Zomato)	State / Central	2 or 3
Dairy / meat processing unit	State / Central	2 or 3
Food storage / warehouse	State License	2

              
              FSSAI License Validity Check: FSSAI licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years. Renewal must be filed at least 30 days before expiry. Late renewal attracts a penalty of ₹100/day. Operating with an expired license can lead to prosecution. Always perform a timely fssai license validity check on the FoSCoS portal.
            

FSSAI Renewal Guide

Validity	1–5 years (chosen at application)
Renewal Deadline	30 days before expiry
Late Penalty	₹100/day
Form	Form C (FSSAI Renewal)
Portal	foscos.fssai.gov.in

FSSAI Penalties 2026

No license: Up to ₹5 lakh + imprisonment
Adulterated food: Up to ₹10 lakh
Sub-standard food: Up to ₹5 lakh
Unhygienic premises: ₹1 lakh
Late renewal: ₹100/day

How to Use

How to Use Our Free FSSAI Verification Tool – Step by Step

Our free fssai license search 2026 tool is designed for consumers verifying restaurant credentials, businesses checking supplier food licenses, FBOs monitoring their own certificate status, and compliance officers doing audits. Here is how to use it:

Enter the 14-Digit FSSAI Number

Type or paste the FSSAI number in the input field above. The tool accepts only digits — any letter is automatically removed. As you type, the 14-digit visual display lights up color-coded by segment (orange = category, blue = state, green = year, purple = sequence). The FSSAI number is found on the license certificate, restaurant menu, food product label, or delivery invoice.

Optionally Enter FBO/Business Name

Enter the food business name in the optional field for a fssai license number search by name link. This generates a direct FoSCoS portal search URL — useful when you have the business name but not the exact FSSAI number. Essential for supplier due diligence and fssai registration check 2026 by business name.

Click "Verify FSSAI License"

Get instant format validation with specific error descriptions for any invalid input. For valid numbers, get a complete decode showing: License Category (Registration/State/Central), State identified from state code, Year of issue from year digits, and the full FSSAI breakdown with colored segment cards.

Use FoSCoS Portal Buttons for Live Status

Click the official FoSCoS portal button to check the live fssai license status 2026 including exact validity date, FBO address, whether the license is Active, Suspended, Cancelled, or Expired. This is the definitive check fssai certificate online step for complete fssai license details.

          
          Pro Tip for Businesses: When onboarding any food supplier or restaurant partner, always do a fssai registration verification check. Verify that the license number matches the business name, the category matches their scale of operations, and the validity date has not expired. Our free tool + FoSCoS portal makes this food license verification india 2026 process quick and thorough.
        

Quick Reference

FSSAI License 2026 – Complete Reference Table

Parameter	Registration (Type 1)	State License (Type 2)	Central License (Type 3)
First Digit	1	2	3
Turnover	Below ₹12 lakh/year	₹12 lakh–₹20 crore/year	Above ₹20 crore/year
Who Applies	Small vendors, home kitchens	Restaurants, mid manufacturers	Large manufacturers, importers
Issued By	Registering Authority (Local)	State Licensing Authority	Central Licensing Authority
Processing Time	7 working days	30 working days	30–60 working days
Govt Fee (1 yr)	₹100	₹2,000–₹5,000	₹7,500
Validity	1–5 years	1–5 years	1–5 years
Number Format	1-XX-YY-NNNNNNNNN	2-XX-YY-NNNNNNNNN	3-XX-YY-NNNNNNNNN

          
          For official fssai license details including FBO address, inspection history, license conditions, and current compliance status — always use the FoSCoS portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in for live fssai registration status 2026. Our tool handles the fssai number check format validation step.
        

FSSAI License Categories 2026

FSSAI Registration

Turnover: Below ₹12 lakh/year
Who: Small FBOs — home kitchens, small food stalls, petty retailers, small manufacturers
Number starts with: 1XXXXXXXXXX
Issued by: Registering Authority (local)

State FSSAI License

Turnover: ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore/year
Who: Mid-size manufacturers, restaurants, hotels, storage units, distributors
Number starts with: 2XXXXXXXXXX
Issued by: State Licensing Authority

Central FSSAI License

Turnover: Above ₹20 crore/year
Who: Large manufacturers, importers/exporters, food products for central govt. canteens, airports, railways
Number starts with: 3XXXXXXXXXX
Issued by: Central Licensing Authority

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about FSSAI license verification and food safety compliance

The FSSAI number is a 14-digit purely numeric code. Structure: Digit 1 = Category (1=Registration, 2=State License, 3=Central License), Digits 2–3 = State code (e.g. 14=Delhi, 18=Maharashtra), Digits 4–5 = Year of registration (e.g. 24=2024), Digits 6–14 = 9-digit unique sequence. Example: 21423456789012 = State License (2), Delhi (14), Year 2023 (23), Sequence 456789012. Our fssai license check tool above validates this format and decodes all parts instantly.

For fssai license status 2026: (1) Use our tool above for instant format validation. (2) For live status, visit foscos.fssai.gov.in → Search License/Registration → Enter the 14-digit FSSAI number → Captcha → Search. The portal shows FBO name, address, license category, validity date, and current status (Active/Suspended/Cancelled/Expired). No login required. Also scan the QR code on the FSSAI certificate for instant check fssai certificate online.

FSSAI Registration (14-digit number starting with 1) is for small food businesses with annual turnover below ₹12 lakh — petty food vendors, home bakers, small retailers. FSSAI State License (starts with 2) is for mid-size FBOs with turnover ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore — restaurants, hotels, mid-size manufacturers, distributors. FSSAI Central License (starts with 3) is for large FBOs with turnover above ₹20 crore, or importers/exporters, or businesses operating across multiple states. The category is automatically decoded when you use our fssai certificate verify tool above.

For fssai license validity check: Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in → Search License/Registration → Enter FSSAI number → The result shows the exact license start date and expiry date. FSSAI licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years as chosen at application. If the current date is past the expiry date, the fssai license status 2026 shows "Expired." Renewal must be filed at least 30 days before expiry to avoid late fees of ₹100/day. Our experts send renewal reminders — contact us via the Free Consultation button above.

Yes — under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations 2011, every food business must display the FSSAI certificate prominently at their premises. Additionally, the 14-digit FSSAI number must be printed on all food labels and packaging. Restaurants must display it on menus or at the billing counter. Failure to display attracts penalties up to ₹2 lakh. Consumers can always demand to see the FSSAI certificate and do a fssai verification 2026 check to confirm its authenticity.

To get a new fssai license 2026: Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in → Sign Up (new FBO) → Fill Form A (Registration) or Form B (Licensing) → Upload documents (PAN, Aadhaar, address proof, business proof, food category details) → Pay government fee → Submit. Registration takes 7 days. State and Central Licenses take 30–60 days. Our FSSAI experts handle the complete application process — ensuring correct category selection, document preparation, and fast-tracked processing. Contact us via the button above for food license verification india 2026 and registration assistance.

For fssai food license verification of a supplier or restaurant: (1) Ask for the 14-digit FSSAI number from their invoice, certificate, or packaging. (2) Use our free fssai number check tool above to validate the format. (3) Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in → Search → Enter the number → Confirm the FBO name matches the supplier and the license is Active. If the license is Expired or Suspended, do not purchase food from that business — it is a compliance and public health risk. For bulk fssai registration check 2026 of multiple suppliers, our compliance team provides verification audits.