Quick Answer
Cafes that serve food, beverages, and light meals are classified as food service businesses under FSSAI. Whether you run a book cafe, pet cafe, or art cafe, all food-serving cafes require a valid State License to legally operate in India.
Who Needs FSSAI License for Cafe?
- Urban cafes and bistros
- Theme cafes (book, pet, art, etc.)
- College and campus cafes
- Cafe-cum-bakery or cafe-cum-restaurant hybrids
💡 The 14-digit FSSAI License number must be displayed at your premises and printed on all packaging, bills, and menus.
Which License Type Do You Need?
| Annual Turnover | License Type | Issued By |
|---|
| Below ₹12 Lakh | Basic FSSAI Registration | State Food Authority |
| ₹12 Lakh – ₹20 Crore | State FSSAI License | State Food Authority |
| Above ₹20 Crore | Central FSSAI License | FSSAI Central Office |
⚠️ If your business operates across multiple states, a Central FSSAI License is required regardless of turnover.
Documents Required
- PAN & Aadhaar
- Shop/premises rent agreement
- Full menu including all food and beverage items
- Layout plan of cafe
- FSMS plan
- NOC from local authority
- Kitchen equipment list
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Determine License Type — Based on annual turnover decide Basic, State, or Central.
- Register on FoSCoS Portal — Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in and create an applicant account.
- Fill Application Form — Complete Form A (Basic) or Form B (State/Central).
- Upload Documents — Attach all required documents in prescribed formats.
- Pay Government Fee — Pay online via UPI, net banking, or debit/credit card.
- Await Inspection — An FSSAI officer may inspect your premises within 30 days.
- Receive License — Download your FSSAI License certificate from the FoSCoS portal.
Fees & Timeline
| License Type | Government Fee | Processing Time |
|---|
| Basic Registration | ₹100/year | 7–10 working days |
| State License | ₹2,000–₹5,000/year | 15–30 working days |
| Central License | ₹7,500/year | 30–60 working days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a cafe that only sells packaged foods need FSSAI?
Yes. Selling packaged food items commercially requires FSSAI Registration or License. Basic Registration suffices for very small turnover cafes selling only pre-packaged items.
My cafe serves alcohol. Do I need FSSAI plus an excise license?
Yes. Food service requires FSSAI License. The sale of alcohol requires a separate state excise license. Both licenses must be maintained simultaneously.
How does FSSAI inspect a cafe?
FSSAI inspectors check kitchen hygiene, food storage temperatures, staff hygiene, pest control records, water quality, expired ingredients, and FSMS compliance.
Can a cafe host pop-up events by outside food vendors?
Yes, but visiting vendors should have their own FSSAI Registration. You have responsibility to ensure food sold on your premises complies with FSSAI standards.