How to Find FSSAI License Number?

In India's bustling food industry, ensuring safety and quality is paramount. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the guardian of this principle, mandating that all food businesses operate with proper licensing or registration. If you run a food business, whether it's a small home bakery, a bustling restaurant, or a large manufacturing unit, having an FSSAI license number is not just a legal requirement – it's a mark of trust and compliance.

But what exactly is this number, and once you've applied, how to find FSSAI license number? This comprehensive guide will simplify the process, explaining its significance and how to easily locate it online.

What is an FSSAI License Number?

The FSSAI license number is a 14-digit unique registration or license number issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This number is provided to every Food Business Operator (FBO) upon successful FSSAI registration or licensing.

This 14-digit number is structured to convey important information:

• The first digit indicates the state code (e.g., 10 for Delhi, 21 for Maharashtra).

• The second and third digits represent the year of issuance.

• The next two digits indicate the FSSAI Regional Office.

• The remaining digits are unique to the FBO.

This number serves as a crucial identifier for your food business, allowing authorities and consumers to track compliance and verify authenticity.

Why FSSAI License Number is Important?

Your FSSAI license number holds significant importance for several reasons:

1. Legal Mandate: It's a legal requirement for all FBOs above a certain turnover or scale. Displaying it is mandatory on food packages, cash receipts, invoices, and even online platforms.

2. Consumer Trust: Displaying your FSSAI number builds trust with consumers. It assures them that your food products or services meet the safety and hygiene standards set by the government.

3. Regulatory Compliance: It allows FSSAI authorities to easily identify and regulate food businesses, ensuring adherence to food safety laws.

4. Proof of Authenticity: It verifies that your business has undergone the necessary checks and is authorized to operate in the food sector.

5. Business Credibility: Having a valid FSSAI license number enhances your business's credibility and reputation in the market.

How to Find FSSAI License Number Online for Businesses?

If you've already applied for FSSAI registration and want to find your issued license number, or track its status, the official FSSAI website is your primary resource.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the FoSCoS Portal:

   • Go to the official Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/

   • This is the unified portal for all FSSAI licensing and registration activities.

2. Check Application Status:

   • On the FoSCoS homepage, look for a section like "Track Application Status" or "Check Application Status."

   • You will usually see a field where you can enter your Application Reference Number (ARN). This ARN is a unique number generated when you first submit your FSSAI application. You would have received it via email or SMS at the time of application.

3. Enter ARN and Captcha:

   • Type your ARN into the designated field.

   • Solve the security captcha displayed.

4. View Status and License Details:

   • Click on the "Submit" or "Check Status" button.

   • The system will display the current status of your application. If your license has been approved and issued, your FSSAI license number will be clearly displayed along with other details like validity period, business name, and address.

   • You can often download the digital copy of your license certificate from this page.

What if you don't have the ARN?

If you've lost your ARN but remember the email ID or mobile number used during registration, you might be able to retrieve it through "Forgot ARN" or by logging into your applicant dashboard if you created an account on FoSCoS during the application process.

How to Find FSSAI License Number of Other Food Businesses?

Sometimes, you might want to verify the FSSAI license number of a supplier, a restaurant, or a product you're buying. FoSCoS also offers a public search facility for this purpose.

1. Visit the FoSCoS Portal: Go to https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/.

2. Navigate to "FBO Search" or "Registered FBOs": 

   • On the homepage, look for a section like "FBO Search," "Registered FBOs," or a similar option.

   • This link allows you to search for FBOs whose licenses are publicly available.

3. Enter Search Criteria: 

   • You can search using various criteria, such as:

     • FSSAI License Number: If you have it.

     • Company Name/FBO Name: The name of the food business.

     • State / District: To narrow down the search.

     • License Type: (e.g., Central, State, Registration)

4. Submit Search:

   • Enter the details and solve the captcha.

   • Click on the search button.

5. View Results:

   • The system will display a list of FBOs matching your criteria, along with their FSSAI license numbers, validity dates, and other publicly available information.

What if FSSAI License Number is Not Found or Not Issued?

• Application Under Process: If you've just applied, it might take some time for the application to be processed. Regularly check the status using your ARN.

• Queries from FSSAI: The FSSAI officer might have raised queries or asked for additional documents. Check your dashboard on FoSCoS or your registered email/SMS for such communication. Respond promptly.

• Application Rejected: If your application was rejected, the reason for rejection will be provided. You may need to file a new application after rectifying the issues.

• Issue with ARN: Double-check that you are entering the correct Application Reference Number.

• Technical Glitch: Occasionally, there might be a technical issue with the portal. Try again after some time, or clear your browser cache.

• Unregistered Business: If you're searching for a business that should be registered but its details aren't found, it might be operating without proper FSSAI registration, which is illegal.

Conclusion

FSSAI license number is more than just a sequence of digits; it's your food business's digital badge of commitment to safety, quality, and compliance. Knowing how to find FSSAI license number quickly and efficiently is crucial for both food business operators and consumers. By utilizing the FoSCoS portal, you can easily track your application, verify existing licenses, and ensure that every food product reaching the Indian consumer meets the highest standards of safety and trust.