Introduction
Every food business in India—whether it’s a small street vendor, a restaurant, or a large manufacturer—must have an FSSAI license. This not only ensures compliance with the law but also builds trust with customers.
But what if you need the license urgently? That’s where the Tatkal Food License option comes in. It’s a fast-track facility under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), designed for food business operators who cannot wait weeks for approval.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
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What FSSAI license is and why it matters
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Types of FSSAI licenses (Basic, State, Central)
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How the Tatkal Food License works
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Documents, fees, and eligibility for Tatkal registration
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How to decide which license you need
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Tips to speed up the approval process
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to get your license quickly and legally.
What is FSSAI and Why a License is Compulsory?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates the food industry under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Its job is to ensure that food consumed by the public is safe, hygienic, and standardized.
Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI license is an offence. A license is mandatory if you are involved in:
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Food manufacturing or processing
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Storage and distribution
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Import or export of food
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Restaurant, catering, or cloud kitchen services
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Online food delivery and e-commerce
Without an FSSAI license, you risk penalties, closure of business, and loss of consumer trust.
Understanding Tatkal Food License
The Tatkal Food License is a priority or expedited processing option that allows food businesses to obtain their FSSAI registration or license much faster than the regular timeline.
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Normally, the approval process may take 20–30 working days.
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Under the Tatkal scheme, you can get the license in 3–7 working days (depending on your state and documentation).
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It is available for all categories: Basic Registration, State License, and Central License.
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A special Tatkal fee is charged in addition to the regular application fee.
This is ideal for:
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New food businesses that want to launch quickly
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Seasonal vendors who need licenses urgently
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Exporters/importers with last-minute requirements
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Businesses facing penalties or closure notices for operating without a license
Types of FSSAI Licenses
Before applying under Tatkal, you must know which license category you need. The types remain the same, but you can apply via Tatkal for faster approval.
| Type of License | Eligibility | Who Should Apply | Tatkal Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Annual turnover ≤ ₹12 lakhs | Small food vendors, home kitchens, petty retailers |  Available |
| State License | Turnover between ₹12 lakhs – ₹20 crores | Restaurants, small manufacturers, mid-scale distributors, within one state | Available |
| Central License | Turnover > ₹20 crores OR interstate/import/export business | Large manufacturers, exporters/importers, food businesses in multiple states | Available |
In short: Tatkal is not a separate license, it’s just a fast-track processing option available for all three.
Documents Required for Tatkal Food License
The documents depend on which category you apply for, but since Tatkal processing is time-sensitive, you must prepare them in advance.
Common Documents (all categories):
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Passport size photo of applicant
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Government ID proof (Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID, Passport)
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Proof of business address (rental agreement / utility bill / ownership proof)
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Business name & nature of activity
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List of food products to be handled
Additional for State License:
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Layout plan of premises
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NOC from local municipality
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Equipment/machinery details
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Water testing report
Additional for Central License:
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Import Export Code (IEC), if applicable
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Turnover proof (CA certificate)
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Food safety management system plan
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Copy of license from previous state (if upgrading)
Pro Tip: Submit clear scanned copies. Missing or blurred documents can delay even Tatkal applications.
Fees & Validity
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Regular Fee: Depends on license type (₹100–₹7,500 annually).
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Tatkal Fee: An additional ₹1000–₹5000 is charged for expedited processing (varies by license type and state).
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Validity: 1–5 years (same as normal license). You can renew under Tatkal if you need quick renewal.
How to Apply for Tatkal Food License
Here’s the step-by-step process:
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Visit the FoSCoS portal
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Select license category – Basic, State, or Central.
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Choose Tatkal processing option during application.
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Fill Form A (Basic) or Form B (State/Central) with correct details.
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Upload documents in proper format.
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Pay the regular fee + Tatkal fee online.
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Inspection (if applicable) – Some businesses may still require site verification.
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Approval – The license is issued within one working days.
Benefits of Tatkal Food License
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Speed: Get approval in days instead of weeks.
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Business continuity: Avoid penalties or shutdown due to license delay.
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Market readiness: Start operations, tie up with aggregators, or export without waiting.
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Trust: Shows your commitment to legal compliance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying for the wrong license category (Basic vs State vs Central)
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Submitting incomplete documents
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Not checking state-specific Tatkal rules
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Forgetting to display the license number on food packaging or outlet
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Waiting till expiry – renew before time, especially if you need Tatkal renewal
Example Scenarios
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Home Chef in Delhi: Turnover ₹5 lakh, wants to register quickly before joining Zomato/Swiggy → Tatkal Basic Registration.
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Restaurant in Bangalore: Turnover ₹50 lakh, needs license fast for expansion → Tatkal State License.
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Exporter in Mumbai: Snacks manufacturer with ₹30 crore turnover → Tatkal Central License.
How to Choose the Right License Under Tatkal
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Turnover: < ₹12 lakhs (Basic), ₹12L–20Cr (State), > ₹20Cr or multi-state/export (Central).
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Operations: Within one state or multiple states.
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Nature of food business: Retailer, manufacturer, importer, cloud kitchen, warehouse, etc.
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Urgency: If you need it urgently, choose Tatkal for faster approval.
Penalties for Not Having FSSAI License
Even if you intend to apply later, operating without a license can attract:
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Fine up to ₹5 lakhs for petty operators
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Closure orders for restaurants/manufacturers
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Legal liability in case of food safety incidents
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Blacklisting from food delivery apps or export markets
Tatkal license is a lifesaver if you suddenly realize you’re non-compliant.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a home baker, restaurant owner, or food exporter, FSSAI license is non-negotiable. The type of license—Basic, State, or Central—depends on your turnover and business scale.
If you need your license urgently, the Tatkal Food License option ensures you get approval within a few days. It costs extra but saves you from penalties, delays, and lost opportunities.
So, before starting or expanding your food business, ask yourself:
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Which category do I fall under?
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Do I need the license urgently?
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Am I prepared with all documents?
If yes, go for the Tatkal Food License and launch your food business without worries.
FAQs
1. Is Tatkal Food License different from a regular license?
No, it’s the same license, but processed on priority with extra fee.
2. How fast can I get a Tatkal Food License?
Usually within one working days, depending on state and document readiness.
3. Can I renew my license under Tatkal?
Yes, if your license is about to expire, you can use Tatkal renewal.
4. Is Tatkal available for all FSSAI license categories?
Yes, it is available for Basic, State, and Central licenses.
5. What if I operate without license while waiting?
It is illegal. Apply under Tatkal if you need to start operations urgently.
SONASIS ECOM INDIA PVT. LTD. specializes in a comprehensive range of company registration services and compliance solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses. Our expert team is dedicated to guiding clients through the registration process, ensuring adherence to all regulatory requirements. For personalized assistance and to explore our offerings, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
