How To Download Your FSSAI Certificate: A Complete Guide

Key Takeaways

• FSSAI certificates are issued digitally and downloaded from the FoSCoS portal
• The download option appears only after your application is approved
• You'll need your login credentials or license number to access it
• Certificates are issued in PDF format with a QR code for verification
• Displaying the certificate at your business premises is mandatory by law
• It's required for regulatory audits, product packaging, and business partnerships

What Is an FSSAI Certificate?

An FSSAI certificate is an official document issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It confirms that your food business, whether you're a small home baker, a restaurant chain, or a food manufacturer,  meets the safety and hygiene standards required to operate legally in India.

In Simple Terms

Think of it as your food business's licence to trade. It tells customers, regulators, and business partners that your operation has been vetted and cleared by India's food safety authority. Without it, you're not just non-compliant, you're potentially liable for penalties and forced closure.

What the Certificate Contains?

• A unique 14-digit FSSAI license number
• Your registered business name and address
• The type of food activity your business is authorised for
• Issue date and expiry date
• A QR code for instant verification by inspectors or partners

Prerequisites Before Downloading the FSSAI Certificate

Before you head to the portal, make sure you have the following in place. The process is straightforward, but missing any of these will hold you up.

What You Need?

• An approved FSSAI registration or license (pending applications cannot be downloaded)
• Your login credentials- username and password- for the FoSCoS portal
• Access to your registered mobile number or email address for OTP verification
• An internet-enabled device with an updated web browser

Important Note

The download option only becomes available once your application is formally approved. If your application is still under review or requires additional documents, you'll need to wait for the approval notification before proceeding.

Did You Know?

Your FSSAI certificate is not just a document- it carries real legal obligations:

•It must be physically displayed at your shop, kitchen, or office

• Your FSSAI license number must appear on all product packaging

• Inspectors can request it during routine audits and surprise checks

• Having it visible builds immediate trust with customers and retail partners

Step-by-Step Process to Download Your FSSAI Certificate

There are two ways to get your certificate - through the FoSCoS portal (the primary method) or directly from your approval email. Here's how both work.

Method 1: Download via the FoSCoS Portal

1. Go to the official FoSCoS portal: foscos.fssai.gov.in
2. On the homepage, click "Login – Food Businesses"
3. Enter your username, password, and the captcha code, then click Login
4. Once logged in, you'll land on your application dashboard
5. Click on the "Issued" tab to filter approved applications
6. Select either "Issued License" or "Registration Certificate" based on what you applied for
7. Click on your specific registration or license number from the list
8. A download button will appear- click it to save the PDF certificate to your device

Method 2: Download from Your Approval Email

When FSSAI approves your application, they send a confirmation email to your registered email address. This email typically includes a link or attachment to your certificate. Check your inbox (and spam folder) for an email from FSSAI, open the confirmation message, and download the PDF directly from there. Save it in a secure location for future reference.

The portal method is recommended as your primary source since it gives you access to the most current, official version of your certificate at any time.

How to Verify Your FSSAI Certificate?

Once you've downloaded your certificate, it's worth verifying that the details are correct and the certificate is authentic. This is especially important if you're sharing it with partners or displaying it publicly.

Steps to Verify

• Visit the official FSSAI website or FoSCoS portal
• Navigate to the license verification or public search section
• Enter your 14-digit FSSAI license number
• Cross-check the business name, address, and validity dates displayed
• Scan the QR code on your certificate using a smartphone- it should link to your license details

What to Do After Downloading the Certificate?

Downloading the certificate is just step one. Here's what you're legally and practically required to do next.

Mandatory Actions

• Print and display the certificate prominently at your business premises
• Ensure your 14-digit FSSAI license number appears on all product packaging and labels
• Keep both a digital backup (on cloud or email) and a physical printed copy
• Note the expiry date in your calendar and begin the renewal process well in advance

Did You Know?

FSSAI licenses are issued for a limited period- renewal is your responsibility:

• Validity typically ranges from 1 to 5 years, depending on your license type

• You must apply for renewal before your current certificate expires

• Operating with an expired license can result in fines and legal action

• In some cases, an expired license requires a completely fresh application

Common Errors While Downloading the FSSAI Certificate

If the download isn't working, one of these is usually the culprit:

• Incorrect login credentials- double-check your username and password
• Application not yet approved- the download option simply won't appear for pending applications
• Browser compatibility issues- older or unsupported browsers can cause portal errors
• OTP not received-  check your spam folder or ensure your registered number is active
• Portal downtime-  the FoSCoS portal occasionally undergoes maintenance

Troubleshooting Tips

• Use the "Forgot Password" option on the FoSCoS portal if your login fails
• Switch to an updated version of Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for the best portal experience
• Check your spam or promotions folder if you're not receiving OTPs or confirmation emails
• Wait 15–30 minutes and retry if the portal appears unresponsive
• Contact the FSSAI helpdesk at 1800-112-100 (toll-free) if the issue persists

FSSAI Certificate vs. License Number: What's the Difference?

These two terms are related but serve different purposes. Knowing the distinction saves confusion during audits or when filling out business forms.

Key Differences

• The certificate is the full official document — a PDF with your complete business details, validity, and QR code
• The license number is the unique 14-digit identifier assigned to your food business
• The certificate is what you display at your premises and submit during audits
• The license number is what you print on packaging and use for online verification

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What is included in our package?

1. Company Name Registration
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4. Certificate of Incorporation
5. MoA & AoA (Applicable for Private Limited Companies and OPCs)
6. LLP Agreement (Applicable for LLPs)
7. Company PAN & TAN

*May include additional documents depending on the type.

Best Practices for Managing Your FSSAI Certificate

• Always maintain at least two digital backup copies in different locations (email and cloud)
• Set a calendar reminder 3 months before your certificate's expiry date
• Verify that all details on the certificate match your current business information
• Only use the official FoSCoS portal - never download from third-party websites
• Renew on time; late renewals can attract penalties even if your license was previously valid

Frequently Asked Questions