FSSAI Licence Modification
Any change to what is printed on your FSSAI licence — address, business name, food category, capacity, partners or directors — has to be recorded by way of a modification application before you operate on the new particulars.
What it is
A modification application changes what is printed on a licence that remains in force. It is not a renewal, and it is not a fresh licence.
Your FSSAI licence records specific particulars: the legal name of the business, the address of the premises, the food categories you are licensed for, the installed capacity, and the people responsible. When any of those change, the licence stops describing what you actually do, and the change has to be recorded on FoSCoS by way of a modification.
FSSAI treats modifications in two classes. Some changes are non-form-based and take effect on submission with the fee. Others are form-based, meaning the change is examined and may draw an inspection before it is approved. Knowing which class your change falls into determines whether you can operate on the new particulars immediately or must wait.
Who it applies to
Eligibility to Apply for FSSAI Modification
As per the FSSAI Order dated 28th May 2020, only selected categories of FBOs can now apply for a Modification of the FSSAI License.
- Any Registered Food Business Operator
- Food Manufacturers
- Food Processing units
- Food Repackers
- Food Re-labellers
- Food Distributors
Documents required
What you upload depends on what is changing. These are the documents most commonly asked for.
- A copy of the existing FSSAI licence or registration certificate
- Board resolution, partnership resolution or authority letter approving the change
- For an address change: ownership document or rent agreement with a no-objection letter, and a fresh premises layout
- For a name change: the amended incorporation certificate, partnership deed or GST certificate showing the new name
- For new categories: the revised product list with the manufacturing process and, where applicable, a product analysis report
- For capacity changes: the machinery list with installed capacity
- For personnel changes: identity and address proof for incoming partners, directors or the food safety supervisor
- Revised Form B, signed, where the change is form-based
How it works
Everything runs through your existing FoSCoS login. The judgement is in classifying the change correctly before you file.
We classify the change
Form-based or non-form-based, and whether it can be handled as a modification at all or needs a fresh licence — moving from a state to a central licence, for instance, is not a modification.
We assemble the supporting papers
Only the documents your particular change requires, so the application is not delayed by an irrelevant query.
We file on FoSCoS
The modification is submitted against your licence with the applicable fee, and you get the reference number.
We answer the department’s queries
Form-based changes are examined by the licensing authority. We respond to queries and, where an inspection is ordered, tell you what will be looked at.
Modified licence issued
The updated licence is generated. We hand it over and confirm that the expiry date is unchanged — a modification does not extend your licence.
Timelines
A non-form-based modification is usually reflected within a few working days of submission. A form-based modification typically takes fifteen to thirty days, and longer where the licensing authority orders an inspection of the premises.
Two things are worth remembering. A modification does not change your expiry date, so if renewal is also approaching, both need to be planned together. And where the change is form-based, you should not begin operating on the new particulars until it is approved.
What happens if you do not
A licence that does not match the business is treated as a licence for a business you are not running. Manufacturing a product outside your licensed categories, or operating from an address the licence does not cover, is dealt with as operating without a licence for that activity.
It also surfaces at inconvenient moments: during an FSSAI inspection, when a buyer’s quality audit compares your licence against your invoices, or at renewal, when the mismatch has to be corrected before the renewal will go through.
In detail
Modification of FSSAI License
In May last year, the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) issued an order for modification of the licenses due to the migration of the existing Food Licence and Registration System (FLRS) to the Food Safety and Compliance System (FoSCoS) and the last date for the modification was fixed for June 30th, 2021. FSSAI says that in the case of existing FBOs holding valid licensing for manufacturing food products, they need to modify their existing license upon migrating to the new system FoSCoS. The FSSAI has now announced the extension of the period for modification of license by existing FSSAI licensed manufacturers without modification fee till 31st October 2021.
Following the FSSAI Food Safety Compliance System registration procedure, any registered Food Business Operator (FBO) can change, alter, or modify any given information in the Food License issued by the FSSAI. This particular process is known as the Modification of the FSSAI License. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 oversees the FSSAI Modification process under the supervision of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) authority.
- FSSAI Modification is applicable only for the existing Food License holders. In case of cancellation of the same, an FBO is obliged to apply again after 3 month
- In case of a change in ownership, the FBO is mandated to file a Modification of the FSSAI License. Along with that, the FBO will need to follow the Company Registration procedure as well.
Synopsis of FSSAI Notification
As per the Notification dated 16th June 2021, FSSAI is decided to facilitate the Food Business Operator (FBOs) and ensure ease of doing business by providing the following relaxations.
1. As mentioned above, FSSAI has announced the extension of the period for modification of the FSSAI license without modification fee till October 31, 2021.
2. Further, it has been decided that such FSSAI-licensed manufacturers who do not modify their license by 31st October 2021, shall be permitted to apply for modification of their FSSAI license with a fee up to December 31, 2021.
3. Therefore, no modification of the License would be permitted with effect from 1st January 2022.
4. The FSSAI licensed manufacturers will not be permitted to apply for renewal of license from 1st January 2022
Modification of License by Manufacturer upon launch of FoSCoS
In May this year, the FSSAI issued the order for modification of the licenses due to the migration of the existing Food Licence and Registration System (FLRS) to the Food Safety and Compliance System (FoSCoS), and the last date for the modification was fixed for December 31, 2020. According to the FSSAI, in 2019, the food authority approved the proposal regarding the mapping of standardized food products with the food category system to license and registration of manufacturers and subsequently, comments were invited and examined.
- Under the FLRS, the manufacturer applicant types the name of the food product to be manufactured in the text box provided while in the FoSCoS the manufacturers will have to select a standardized product only out of the list provided on the licensing platform.
- FSSAI informed that standardized products have classifications as per the food category system and if the product does not fall under the standardized category, the FBO needs to apply under the proprietary food, non-specified food, or supplements/nutraceuticals category as the case may be.
- FSSAI says that in the case of existing FBOs holding valid licensing for manufacturing food products, they need to modify their existing license upon migrating to the new system FoSCoS. The window period for modification was given till December 31, which now stands extended till October 31, 2021.
Other Conditions
The concerned FBO can select a single Modification Category at a time in the FSSAI License Modification process
2. Food Manufacturers/Processors who have already obtained a Food License but in the wrong category, are required to get their License Modified
3. For adding a new business, change of business address, change in contact details, or change in the product category – an FBO is requisite to file for FSSAI License Modification
4. The FSSAI Designated Officer (D.O.) is responsible to scrutinize the Modification Application and the D.O. may seek any clarification from the FBO. The query is needed to be responded to within the next 30 days
Update Address in FSSAI Registration
If a food business relocates to a new address, it must update the FSSAI registration or license to reflect the new location. Address modifications require:
New address proof (rent agreement, utility bill, property tax receipt)
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord (if applicable)
Updated GST registration certificate (if address change affects taxation)
Existing FSSAI license copyBusinesses must submit the address modification request on the FoSCoS portal, along with the supporting documents and applicable fees. If required, an FSSAI inspection may be conducted before approval. Once updated, the new address will appear on the modified FSSAI license, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Change Business Name in FSSAI License
If a business undergoes a name change due to rebranding, ownership transfer, or legal restructuring, it must update its FSSAI license accordingly. The process involves submitting a modification request through the FoSCoS portal, along with supporting documents such as:
Board resolution or legal document approving the name change
Updated GST registration certificate (if applicable)
Previous FSSAI license copy
Revised business incorporation certificate (for companies)Once approved, the new business name is reflected in the modified FSSAI license, allowing continued operations under the new identity.
Frequently asked questions
What is FSSAI License Modification?
It allows businesses to update details like name, address, product category, or ownership in their FSSAI license.
When should I apply for an FSSAI modification?
Apply if there are changes in business structure, address, products, or ownership to ensure compliance.
How can I modify my FSSAI license?
Log in to the FoSCoS portal, select Modification, update details, upload documents, and submit for approval.
What are the types of FSSAI modifications?
Modifications include business details, product changes, and ownership/legal entity updates.
What happens if I don’t update my FSSAI license?
Operating with outdated details may lead to penalties, suspension, or cancellation of the license.
Where can I get help with FSSAI license renewal or modification?
You can seek assistance from professional service providers like Taxhint to ensure a smooth process for FSSAI renewal or modification.
Can I operate my food business without an FSSAI license?
No, operating without an FSSAI license is illegal and may result in penalties, fines, or closure of the business
Is there an inspection required for modification?
FSSAI may conduct an inspection for significant changes like a new business address or increased manufacturing capacity.
How do I update my address in my FSSAI license?
Apply for an address modification request on the FoSCoS portal with documents like new address proof, rent agreement, and No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Can I change my business name in the FSSAI license?
Yes, submit a modification request with supporting documents such as a board resolution, GST certificate, and business incorporation certificate.
Can I modify my FSSAI license details?
Yes, modifications can be made online through the FoSCoS portal under the “Modification in License/Registration” section.
What it costs
Starting from ₹35,000, plus the government fee that applies to your case. Ask us and you will get a figure rather than a range.
Related licence and compliance services
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