Quick Answer
Cold storage units that store food products at controlled temperatures for commercial purposes are classified as food storage businesses under FSSAI. Whether you provide cold storage services to farmers, processors, or retailers, FSSAI License is mandatory for commercial operations.
Who Needs FSSAI License for Cold Storage Unit?
- Commercial cold storage facilities
- Refrigerated warehouse operators
- Cold chain logistics service providers
- On-farm cold storage cooperatives
Key Benefits of FSSAI Registration for Cold Storage Unit
Registering your Cold Storage Unit under FSSAI is not just about avoiding penalties — it opens real business doors:
✓Legal Operation: The only way to legally manufacture, process, store, or sell food products in India
✓Food Delivery Platforms: Mandatory for Zomato, Swiggy, ONDC listing — without it, you cannot take online orders
✓Brand Credibility: 14-digit FSSAI number on packaging signals quality and builds consumer confidence
✓B2B Supply Opportunities: Hotels, airlines, hospital chains and retail chains mandate FSSAI from all suppliers
✓Financial Benefits: Required for GST, MSME, startup scheme eligibility and business bank account opening
✓Export Capability: International trade documentation requires FSSAI certification for all food products
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 & Company documents
- Cold storage facility premises proof
- Refrigeration capacity and temperature zones details
- Food categories to be stored
- FSMS plan including temperature monitoring records
- Energy and standby power documentation
- NOC from pollution control board
Penalties for Operating Cold Storage Unit Without FSSAI License
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 prescribes strict penalties for non-compliance. Every Cold Storage Unit owner must be aware of the legal consequences:
- Operating without registration/license: Fine up to ₹5 lakh per offence
- Non-compliance with FSSAI standards: Fine up to ₹2 lakh
- Selling sub-standard food: Fine up to ₹5 lakh
- Unsafe food causing injury: Imprisonment up to 6 months + fine up to ₹1 lakh
- Adulterated food causing serious harm: Imprisonment up to 7 years + fine up to ₹10 lakh
- Expired license not renewed in time: Treated as operating without a license
⚠️ Important: FSSAI authorities conduct regular market surveillance. New businesses and Cold Storage Unit units are frequently targeted in surprise inspections. It is illegal to commence food operations before obtaining your license.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Determine License Type — Based on annual turnover decide Basic, State, or Central License.
- 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) with your details.
- 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.
Get Your FSSAI License for Cold Storage Unit Fast
ClearlyComply experts handle the entire process. Most businesses receive their license in 15–20 working days.
Talk to an Expert
🏠Basic Registration
₹499
Turnover < ₹12 lakh · 7–10 days
- Single business location
- Government fee ₹100/year
- Certificate valid 1–5 years
Apply Now → Most Common
🏢State License
₹3,499
₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore · 15–30 days
- State-level operations
- Inspection support included
- Government fee ₹2,000–₹5,000/yr
Apply Now →🏗️Central License
₹9,999
Turnover > ₹20 crore · 30–60 days
- Multi-state operations
- Dedicated account manager
- Government fee ₹7,500/year
Apply Now →
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 |
FSSAI Licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years. Renewal must be done at least 30 days before expiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What food categories can be stored in a single cold storage?+
Different food categories require different temperature zones. Fruits and vegetables (0-8°C), dairy (0-4°C), meat (-1 to 2°C), and frozen items (-18°C or below) ideally have separate chambers to prevent cross-contamination.
Do cold storage operators need FSSAI if they only store food for others?+
Yes. Cold storage operators providing commercial food storage services require FSSAI State License. They are responsible for maintaining food safety standards for all stored products.
What temperature monitoring records must cold storage maintain?+
FSSAI requires continuous temperature logging, daily records of temperatures in each chamber, records of power failures, and corrective actions taken. These records must be available for FSSAI inspection.
What liability does a cold storage operator have for spoiled food?+
If food spoils due to cold storage failure (power failure, equipment malfunction), the cold storage operator may be held liable. FSSAI may investigate if the spoiled food reaches consumers and causes illness.
How do I renew my Cold Storage Unit FSSAI license?+
FSSAI licenses must be renewed before the expiry date. Apply on the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in) at least 30 days before expiry. Late renewal attracts penalties, and an expired license means you must stop operations. ClearlyComply sends renewal reminders and handles the entire renewal process — same government fee applies as the original license.
Can I modify my FSSAI license to add new products for my Cold Storage Unit?+
Yes. If you start selling or manufacturing new food products not listed in your original FSSAI application, you must apply for a license modification (amendment) on the FoSCoS portal. ClearlyComply handles FSSAI amendments — the process typically takes 7–10 working days and involves submitting an updated product list and paying the applicable amendment fee.
What is the difference between FSSAI registration and FSSAI license?+
FSSAI Basic Registration is for small food businesses with annual turnover below ₹12 lakh — it involves a simpler process and lower fee (₹100/year). FSSAI License (State or Central) is for larger businesses with higher turnover — it involves more documentation, potential inspection, and higher fees. The type you need depends solely on your annual food business turnover.
Does my Cold Storage Unit need a separate FSSAI license for each location?+
Generally yes — each business location or manufacturing unit requires its own FSSAI registration or license. However, for Central License holders with multi-state operations, a single Central License can cover multiple units under certain conditions. For Cold Storage Unit businesses with multiple outlets, our experts can advise on the most cost-effective licensing structure based on your turnover and operational geography.
Need help with FSSAI License for Cold Storage Unit?
Our compliance experts will handle everything for you.
📱 WhatsApp Us
✉️ Email Us