Running a food business means constant change. Maybe your Restaurant has added new dishes, your Bakery has shifted to a larger space, or a Cloud kitchen has added new partners. Whatever the reason, these changes need to be reflected in the FSSAI license. Ignoring updates isn’t an option because operating with outdated license information attracts penalties.
Many food business operators don’t realize their FSSAI license isn’t a static document. Any significant change in business operations, ownership, location, or food categories requires official modification. The good news? Updating an FSSAI license is straightforward when someone knows the correct process.
When Does a License Need Modification
Understanding when to update the license prevents compliance issues. Some changes are obvious, others less so.
Change of business address tops the list. Moving to a new location, even within the same city, requires license modification. The FSSAI needs to know where food production or serving happens. Operating from an address different from what’s listed on the license violates regulations.
Adding new food categories also demands updates. A restaurant that initially served only vegetarian food but now includes non-vegetarian items must modify its license. Similarly, a bakery expanding into catering services needs to reflect this change.
Ownership changes require immediate license modification. If a business gets sold, partners change, or the Business structure shifts from proprietorship to partnership or private limited, the license must show current ownership details.
Increasing production capacity matters too. A small manufacturer that obtained basic registration but now exceeds the turnover threshold needs to upgrade to a state or central license.
Changes in brand names, adding new manufacturing units, or modifying business type all trigger the need for license updates. Even something as simple as changing the authorized signatory requires official modification.
Types of License Modifications
FSSAI recognizes different modification categories, each with its own process and requirements.
Minor modifications include changes that don’t affect the core business operations. This covers updating contact numbers, email addresses, or making spelling corrections in previously submitted information. These modifications typically process faster and cost less.
Major modifications involve substantial changes to business operations. This includes address changes, adding food categories, ownership transfers, or upgrading license types. These require more documentation and longer processing times.
Some changes need entirely new licenses rather than modifications. For example, splitting one business into multiple entities or completely changing the nature of food operations might require fresh applications instead of simple updates.
Step-by-Step Modification Process
The modification process starts on the FSSAI’s Food Licensing and Registration System portal. Business owners need login credentials from their original license application. Lost passwords can be recovered through the forgot password option using the registered email or mobile number.
After logging in, the dashboard shows the existing license details. Clicking on the “Apply for Modification” option opens the modification form. The system asks applicants to specify what type of change they’re requesting.
Filling out the modification form requires attention to detail. Every field relating to the change must be completed accurately. For address changes, the new complete address with pin code, landmark, and contact details goes in. For food category additions, selecting the correct categories from the dropdown menu is crucial.
Supporting documents make or break the application. Different modifications need different paperwork. Address changes require new property documents like rent agreements or sale deeds, plus a no-objection certificate from the property owner if it’s rented. Recent utility bills showing the new address help establish legitimacy.
Ownership changes need the most documentation. Transfer deeds, partnership agreements, company incorporation certificates, and identity proofs of new owners must be submitted. If the business structure changes, relevant government registration documents are mandatory.
Food category additions might require updated premises layout plans showing new equipment or expanded kitchen space. Manufacturing capacity increases need production reports and turnover documents.
All documents must be clear, legible scans. Blurry or incomplete documents lead to application rejections. File sizes should stay within portal limits, usually around 5MB per document. PDF format works best for most submissions.
After uploading documents, the system generates a challan for the modification fee. Fee amounts vary based on license type and modification nature. Minor changes cost between Rs. 100 to Rs. 500. Major modifications can go up to Rs. 5,000 or more for central licenses.
Payment happens online through the portal using credit cards, debit cards, net banking, or UPI. After successful payment, the system generates an acknowledgment receipt with a unique application number. This number tracks the application status.
Processing Timeline and What Happens Next
Once submitted, the application goes to the designated food safety officer for the area. They review submitted documents and verify information accuracy. If everything looks good, they might approve the modification without further steps.
However, most major modifications trigger site inspections. Food safety officers visit the premises to verify that physical conditions match application claims. For address changes, they confirm the business actually operates at the new location. For food category additions, they check whether the kitchen has appropriate equipment and follow safety standards for those categories.
Inspection scheduling happens through phone calls or emails to the contact number provided. Business owners should be present during inspections with all necessary documents. Having the premises clean, organized, and compliant speeds up approval.
Processing times vary widely. Minor modifications might get approved within seven to ten days. Major changes take anywhere from 15 days to two months, depending on workload and inspection scheduling.
Applicants can track the status through the FSSAI portal using their application number. Status updates show whether the application is pending, under review, inspection scheduled, or approved.
After Approval
Once approved, the modified license gets generated on the portal. The updated license shows all new information with the same license number but a revised issue date. Business owners should download and print this updated license immediately.
The new license must be displayed prominently at the business premises, replacing the old one. All packaging, marketing materials, and official documents should reflect updated license details.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Delaying modification applications causes problems. Operating with outdated license information, even temporarily, violates regulations. Submit modification requests immediately when changes happen.
Incomplete documentation is another frequent issue. Double-checking document requirements before submission saves time and prevents rejections.
Not responding to inspection calls or queries from food safety officers stalls applications indefinitely. Staying accessible and responsive keeps the process moving.
Updating an FSSAI license isn’t complicated, but it demands accuracy and promptness. Treating it seriously protects businesses from penalties while maintaining legal compliance.
