Planning your food business budget and wondering "Food license banane mein kitna kharcha aayega?" Let me break it down for you – not just the government fees everyone talks about, but the REAL total cost including hidden charges that nobody mentions. Last week, Mrs. Sharma from Delhi called me frustrated: "The website said ₹2,000 for State License, but I ended up spending ₹15,000!" She's not alone. Most people don't realize that government fees are just one part of the total cost.
Here's the complete breakdown of what you'll actually pay in 2026.
💰 Save on Food License Fees! PowerNosh offers affordable packages starting ₹799 GET BEST PRICE →
Official FSSAI Government Fees (2026 Rates)
Let's start with what FSSAI actually charges:
| License Type | 1 Year | 2 Years | 3 Years | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration (Turnover up to ₹12 lakh) | ₹100 | ₹200 | ₹300 | ₹500 |
| State License (₹12 lakh - ₹20 crore) | ₹2,000 | ₹4,000 | ₹6,000 | ₹10,000 |
| Central License (Above ₹20 crore) | ₹7,500 | ₹15,000 | ₹22,500 | ₹37,500 |
Pro Tip: Always go for 5-year validity. The per-year cost is much lower – Basic costs just ₹100/year, State ₹2,000/year, and Central ₹7,500/year.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About
Government fees are just the beginning. Here's what actually adds up:
Documentation Costs (₹500-3,000)
- Water test report: ₹1,000-2,000 (manufacturers only)
- Building plan/layout: ₹500-1,000
- Photo printing: ₹50-100
- Notarization: ₹200-500
- Document scanning/printing: ₹200-500
Professional Fees (₹2,000-15,000)
- Consultant charges: ₹2,000-10,000
- CA certificate (if needed): ₹1,000-3,000
- Legal documentation: ₹1,000-2,000
Compliance Costs (₹1,000-5,000)
- Inspection preparation: ₹1,000-2,000
- Premises modifications: ₹2,000-5,000
- Required equipment: ₹1,000-3,000
Reality Check: Total actual cost = Government fees + Documentation + Professional help + Compliance. That's why Mrs. Sharma paid ₹15,000 instead of ₹2,000!
State-wise Fee Variations
Some states charge additional fees:
| State | Additional Charges |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra | FDA inspection fee: ₹500-1,000 |
| Delhi | Health trade license: ₹1,000-2,000 |
| Karnataka | NOC charges: ₹500-1,500 |
| Tamil Nadu | Local body fee: ₹500-1,000 |
| Gujarat | Safety compliance: ₹1,000-2,000 |
Renewal and Other Fees
License Renewal: Same as new license fees but process is simpler.
Late Renewal Penalty: ₹100 per day after expiry (maximum ₹5,000)
Modification Charges:
- Address change: ₹500-1,000
- Add food category: ₹500-1,500
- Name change: ₹500
- Expansion of premises: ₹1,000-2,000
Annual Return: No fee but ₹100/day penalty if late
Money-Saving Tips
- Choose 5-year validity - Saves 60% on per-year cost
- Apply online directly - Avoid agent markups
- Prepare documents yourself - Save ₹2,000-3,000
- Group applications - Multiple licenses together
- Avoid modifications - Get it right first time
- Timely renewal - Avoid late penalties
PowerNosh Transparent Pricing
We believe in complete transparency. Here's our fee structure:
| Service | Our Fee | Govt Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | ₹799 | ₹100 | ₹899 |
| State License | ₹1,999 | ₹2,000 | ₹3,999 |
| Central License | ₹3,999 | ₹7,500 | ₹11,499 |
🎯 Get Your Food License at Best Price! No hidden charges • 100% Transparency • Expert Support START APPLICATION → 📞 Call: +91-8003467285
Quick FAQs on Fees
Q: Can I pay FSSAI fees in installments? A: No, full payment required upfront.
Q: Is GST applicable on license fees? A: No GST on government fees, but applicable on consultant charges.
Q: Refund if application rejected? A: Government fees non-refundable. PowerNosh offers money-back guarantee.
conclusion: Budget ₹3,000-20,000 total for food license depending on type and whether you DIY or hire help. Government fees are just 30-40% of total cost. Choose 5-year validity for best value, and consider professional help to avoid costly mistakes. Remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best – one rejection can cost more than hiring experts!
