FoSCoS: The Backbone of Food Safety Compliance in India

Introduction

India’s food industry is vast, diverse, and rapidly growing. With increasing awareness among consumers about food quality and safety, the need for a robust regulatory mechanism has become more critical than ever. To ensure food safety and streamline compliance for food business operators (FBOs), the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) introduced the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) — a next-generation digital platform that replaced the older FLRS (Food Licensing and Registration System).

Launched in 2020, FoSCoS is designed to offer an integrated, user-friendly, and efficient portal for food business operators to comply with various FSSAI regulations and requirements.

What is FoSCoS?

FoSCoS stands for Food Safety Compliance System. It is an online portal developed by FSSAI to:

• Issue FSSAI licenses and registrations

• Provide facilities for renewal and modification

• Facilitate compliance reporting

• Enable real-time tracking and status updates

FoSCoS has been built to offer seamless integration with other government platforms like GST, PAN, and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) databases. It also supports better enforcement, inspection, and monitoring through digital tools.

Why FoSCoS was Introduced

Prior to FoSCoS, FSSAI operated the FLRS (Food Licensing and Registration System). While FLRS served its purpose, it lacked scalability and modern digital features. The food industry in India has grown exponentially, and the need for a smarter, integrated compliance system was evident.

FoSCoS was introduced to address the following:

• Improve the ease of doing business for food operators

• Minimize manual intervention and documentation

• Integrate technology-enabled compliance checks

• Enhance transparency and traceability

• Provide data-driven insights to regulators

Key Features of FoSCoS

1. End-to-End Licensing System

FoSCoS allows FBOs to apply, renew, modify, or transfer licenses/registrations through a single online portal. It supports both central and state licensing.

2. Integrated Inspections & Sampling

Integrated tools allow regulatory authorities to conduct digital inspections and manage sampling through the portal, helping reduce paperwork and delays.

3. Annual Return Filing

Manufacturers and importers can submit Form D1 and Form D2 (Annual Returns) online within the prescribed timeline, reducing the need for physical submissions.

Form D1: This form is designed for Food Business Operators (FBOs) engaged in the manufacturing, processing, relabelling, or repacking of food products, excluding milk and milk products, meat and meat products, and alcoholic beverages. The form necessitates information including the FBO's name, address, license number, the category and volume of food products manufactured or processed, their value, and the origin of raw materials. The deadline for submitting Form D1 is the 31st of May annually.

Form D2: This form is intended for FBOs involved in the import of any food product. It mandates details such as the FBO's name, address, license number, the category and volume of food products imported, their value, the country of origin, and the designated port of entry. The deadline for the submission of Form D2 is the 31st of May each year.

4. Auto-Generation of Certificates

FSSAI licenses/registrations issued via FoSCoS are digitally signed and automatically generated, ensuring authenticity and faster delivery.

5. PAN & GST Integration

Verification of PAN and GST details is automated, reducing the risk of identity fraud and speeding up approval.

6. Online Fee Payment

Secure online payment gateways allow FBOs to pay licensing fees with ease, offering transparency and transaction tracking.

7. Customized Checklists

Industry-specific checklists are auto-populated based on the business type selected, guiding FBOs on the documents and declarations required.

8. Real-Time Application Tracking

Applicants can view the real-time status of their license or registration application using the FoSCoS dashboard.

Types of FSSAI Licenses Through FoSCoS

Depending on the size and nature of a food business, the following categories are supported on FoSCoS:

1. FSSAI Basic Registration – For petty food businesses with turnover < ₹12 lakhs/year

2. State License – For medium-sized businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores/year

3. Central License – For large enterprises and importers with turnover > ₹20 crores/year or businesses operating in multiple states

How to Register on FoSCoS (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to https://foscos.fssai.gov.in

Step 2: Sign Up

Click on “Sign Up” to create a user account. Provide your name, email ID, mobile number, and select a password.

Step 3: Login

Log in to the dashboard using your email/mobile number and password.

Step 4: Apply for License/Registration

Choose the appropriate option: “Apply for License/Registration.”
Select the type of business activity (e.g., Manufacturer, Importer, Distributor).

Step 5: Fill Application Form

Fill in required details:

• Business name and address

• FBO type

• Food category

• Production capacity

• Upload necessary documents (ID proof, photos, utility bills, etc.)

Step 6: Make Payment

Pay the prescribed fee online through debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.

Step 7: Track Application

You can track the application status using the “Track Application Status” feature.

Once approved, the digital certificate is available for download from the dashboard.

Documents Required for FoSCoS Registration

• PAN Card of proprietor/firm/company

• Aadhaar Card/ID proof

• Business address proof (rental agreement, utility bill)

• Food product details

• Layout plan/premises photos (for manufacturers)

• NOC from the municipality/panchayat

• Form B duly signed

• Water test report (if water is used as an ingredient)

Annual Returns on FoSCoS

As per FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, food manufacturers and importers must file:

• Form D1 – For all licensed manufacturers/processors/importers (April 1 – March 31)

• Form D2 – For milk and milk product manufacturers (filed every six months)

These can be filed digitally on FoSCoS under the “Return” section.

Benefits of FoSCoS for Food Businesses

Simplified Process :- All services — licensing, modification, renewal, return filing — available on one portal.

Transparent & Secure: Digital verification of documents and real-time tracking improves transparency.

Time & Cost Efficient:- Faster approvals and elimination of middlemen save both time and money.

Integration with Govt. Systems:- Seamless coordination with GST, MCA, and other government platforms for smoother compliance.

Promotes Food Safety Culture:- Regular updates, notifications, and resources help businesses stay compliant and informed.

Challenges and Future Scope

While FoSCoS has significantly improved the regulatory experience for FBOs, some challenges remain:

• Lack of awareness among small food operators

• Internet and digital literacy barriers in rural areas

• Occasional portal glitches during high-traffic periods

FSSAI plans to continuously enhance FoSCoS with AI-enabled tools, mobile app support, and integration with laboratory and inspection data to create a single-window food safety ecosystem.