# FSSAI Verification : Check Food Business Licences | FastKYC > FSSAI verification helps businesses understand licence types, check food business details and verify suppliers and partners using the FastKYC API. Source: https://www.fastkyc.com/blog/fssai-verification/ --- [Blog](/blog/)[Food Safety & Compliance](/blog/topics/food-safety-and-compliance/) # FSSAI Verification: A Guide to Verifying Food Business Partners FSSAI verification helps businesses understand licence types, check food business details and verify suppliers and partners using the FastKYC API. [Harsine K U](https://www.linkedin.com/in/harsine)Software Engineer - 9 November 2026 - 4 min read On this page 1. [What Is FSSAI?](#what-is-fssai) 2. [What Is an FSSAI Licence?](#what-is-an-fssai-licence) 3. [Types of FSSAI Registration and Licences](#types-of-fssai-registration-and-licences) 4. [What Does the 14-Digit FSSAI Number Represent?](#what-does-the-14-digit-fssai-number-represent) 5. [How to Check FSSAI Licence Details Online?](#how-to-check-fssai-licence-details-online) 6. [FSSAI Verification API by FastKYC](#fssai-verification-api-by-fastkyc) 7. [Business Use Cases of FSSAI Verification](#business-use-cases-of-fssai-verification) On this page 7 sections 1. [What Is FSSAI?](#what-is-fssai) 2. [What Is an FSSAI Licence?](#what-is-an-fssai-licence) 3. [Types of FSSAI Registration and Licences](#types-of-fssai-registration-and-licences) 4. [What Does the 14-Digit FSSAI Number Represent?](#what-does-the-14-digit-fssai-number-represent) 5. [How to Check FSSAI Licence Details Online?](#how-to-check-fssai-licence-details-online) 6. [FSSAI Verification API by FastKYC](#fssai-verification-api-by-fastkyc) 7. [Business Use Cases of FSSAI Verification](#business-use-cases-of-fssai-verification) Food businesses operate through a wide network of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers. When entering into a business partnership, verifying the other party's regulatory credentials is an important part of the onboarding process. In India, food businesses are regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Businesses involved in food manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution and sale must obtain the applicable FSSAI registration or licence, depending on their activities and eligibility. ## [What Is FSSAI?](#what-is-fssai) The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory authority established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. FSSAI is responsible for regulating and supervising food safety across India. Its key responsibilities include: - Establishing food safety standards and guidelines. - Regulating food manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution and sale. - Granting licences and registrations to eligible food business operators. - Monitoring food safety and compliance with applicable regulations. - Creating awareness about food safety among consumers and businesses. ## [What Is an FSSAI Licence?](#what-is-an-fssai-licence) An FSSAI licence or registration is an authorisation required by eligible food business operators to carry out their food-related activities under the applicable regulations. Businesses involved in activities such as manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of food may need an FSSAI registration or licence, depending on their business category and eligibility. An FSSAI licence number is a unique 14-digit identifier associated with a registered food business. It can be used to retrieve and verify the available licence information. ## [Types of FSSAI Registration and Licences](#types-of-fssai-registration-and-licences) FSSAI licensing and registration are broadly classified into three categories. **1\. Basic Registration** Basic registration is generally applicable to petty food business operators with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh, subject to applicable eligibility criteria. Examples include: - Small food retailers. - Petty food manufacturers. - Hawkers and temporary food stall operators. - Small-scale food businesses. **2\. State Licence** This category covers eligible food businesses such as manufacturers, processors, distributors, wholesalers and storage operators that require authorisation from the respective State Licensing Authority. Examples include certain: - Food manufacturers. - Distributors and wholesalers. - Storage facilities. - Food retailers and other eligible food businesses. **3\. Central Licence** This category covers food businesses such as importers, exporters, e-commerce operators and businesses operating at specified airports and seaports that require authorisation from the Central Licensing Authority. This includes certain: - Large-scale food businesses. - Food importers. - Businesses operating across multiple states. - Food businesses operating in specified locations such as airports and seaports. The applicable category depends on factors such as the nature of business activity, turnover, production capacity and operational scale. Businesses should refer to the latest FSSAI eligibility criteria to determine the correct category. ## [What Does the 14-Digit FSSAI Number Represent?](#what-does-the-14-digit-fssai-number-represent) An FSSAI licence or registration number consists of 14 digits. Each part represents specific information associated with the food business. An FSSAI number follows a structured format: - **1st digit (Licence or Registration Type):** `1` represents a licence, while `2` represents a registration. - **2nd–3rd digits (State or Authority Code):** Identifies the State, Union Territory or applicable licensing authority under the relevant numbering format. - **4th–5th digits (Year Code):** Represents the year associated with the original numbering format. - **6th–8th digits (Authority Code):** Identifies the Designated Officer or Registering Authority. `999` is used for certain licences initially issued by Central Licensing Authorities. - **9th–14th digits (Serial Number):** Represents the unique number assigned to the food business. **Note:** FSSAI has revised its numbering and licensing policies over time. Existing licence numbers may retain their original codes even after migration between State and Central licensing authorities. Therefore, the number format alone cannot confirm the current licence type or validity. Always verify the complete details through the official FoSCoS portal. ## [How to Check FSSAI Licence Details Online?](#how-to-check-fssai-licence-details-online) Businesses can check FSSAI licence or registration details through the official Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal. Follow these steps: 1. Visit the [FoSCoS official portal](https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/). 2. Locate the **FBO Search** option on the homepage. 3. Select the appropriate search option. 4. Enter the FSSAI licence or registration number and other required details. 5. Complete the CAPTCHA and submit the search. 6. Review the available food business details. The portal provides a public facility to verify the available details of an FSSAI licence or registration. ## [FSSAI Verification API by FastKYC](#fssai-verification-api-by-fastkyc) FastKYC provides an FSSAI Verification API that allows businesses to retrieve food business details using an FSSAI licence number. Businesses can integrate this API into their existing vendor onboarding, supplier verification and partner management systems. **Input Required** The API requires only one input: - `license_number`: The FSSAI licence or registration number to be verified. **Details Returned** The API provides the following information: - `company_name`: Registered food business name. - `address`: Registered business address. - `license_number`: FSSAI licence number. - `license_type`: Licence category. - `validity_status`: Licence validity status. ## [Business Use Cases of FSSAI Verification](#business-use-cases-of-fssai-verification) **1\. Supplier and Distributor Onboarding** Food manufacturers and distributors can verify the licence details of prospective suppliers before adding them to their business network. **2\. Food Marketplace Onboarding** B2B food marketplaces and platforms can integrate FSSAI verification into their merchant registration workflows. **3\. Restaurant and Franchise Partnerships** Restaurant chains and franchise operators can check the licence details of prospective food business partners before establishing partnerships. **4\. Food Manufacturing Partnerships** Businesses working with third-party manufacturers can include FSSAI licence verification in their vendor due diligence process. **5\. Procurement and Vendor Management** Procurement teams can use automated verification to retrieve licence details while registering and reviewing vendors. - FSSAI Verification - Food Safety - Vendor Onboarding Written by [Harsine K U](https://www.linkedin.com/in/harsine), Software Engineer Harsine builds the verification APIs behind FastKYC, covering identity, bank, GST and document checks used by fintechs, banks and enterprises across India. ## APIs related to this article - [FSSAI Validation APIVerify an FSSAI licence number and retrieve the food business's registration details, category and validity before onboarding restaurants or sellers.](/apis/fssai-validation/) ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Can one FSSAI licence cover multiple food business activities? Yes. FSSAI follows a premise-based licensing system. Multiple food business activities conducted at the same premises can be included under a single licence, provided the applicable activities are endorsed How can I check my FSSAI application status? Visit the FoSCoS portal and use the Track Application facility with your application reference number. Is FSSAI registration required for online food sellers? Yes. Online food businesses must comply with applicable FSSAI licensing requirements based on their business model and activities. Is one FSSAI number valid for multiple locations? No. Every distinct physical factory, kitchen, or warehouse requires its own location-specific FSSAI number. What does "999" mean in an FSSAI number? The digits 999 (6th–8th positions) indicate that the licence was initially issued by a Central Licensing Authority. What is the difference between a license and a registration? FSSAI Registration is meant for petty, small-scale food operators. In contrast, an FSSAI Licence is required for larger businesses that qualify under State or Central regulatory thresholds. What details are returned by the FSSAI Verification API? It returns the company name, registered address, licence number, licence type and validity status. What is the official FSSAI licensing portal? FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) is the official licensing portal. What is the purpose of an FSSAI licence? It authorises eligible food businesses to carry out regulated food-related activities. What determines the type of FSSAI licence a business needs? It depends on factors such as annual turnover, production capacity, business activity and scale of operations. ## Previous articles [All articles](/blog/) 1. 6 November 2026[Business Verification](/blog/topics/business-veriification/) ### [How to Verify Company Directors and Their Corporate Associations in India](/blog/din-verification/) Explore how DIN verification helps identify company directors, retrieve their details and review company and LLP associations for corporate due diligence. - Vaitheeshwari J - 3 min read 2. 5 November 2026[Banking](/blog/topics/banking/) ### [SEBI Eases KYC for NRIs: Digital Onboarding from Abroad Starts 3 December](/blog/sebi-eases-kyc-nri-digital-onboarding/) SEBI has eased digital KYC rules for NRIs, OCIs and foreign nationals in FATF-compliant countries, effective 3 December 2026. - Krithick T - 2 min read ## Ready to integrate? Talk to our team and we will map the checks your flow actually needs. 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