The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a new facility on the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) to make the registration process easier for seasonal food businesses. Announced on 15 October 2025, this new feature allows short-term food operators to obtain registration certificates online for temporary setups such as religious fairs, community events, and food festivals.
Simplifying Registration for Short-Term Food Businesses
Until now, FoSCoS did not provide a specific option for seasonal food business registration. Many operators running stalls or food outlets for a few weeks had to go through the same process as permanent food businesses. The new system now allows the Registering Authority to issue registration certificates directly through FoSCoS for these short-term operations.
Officials can fill out Form A of the FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 on behalf of food operators, saving time and paperwork. This update helps ensure that even temporary food handlers operate under proper food safety oversight.
Who Can Apply for Seasonal Food Business Registration
The new provision covers two main categories of food businesses:
- Trade or Retail Businesses – Retailers and food vending agencies, including vending machine operators.
- Food Service Businesses – Petty food retailers, small snack or tea stalls, hawkers, mobile food vendors, and food vending establishments.
The registration certificate under this facility remains valid for a maximum of three months. It cannot be renewed after expiry. A nominal fee of ₹100 applies to most applicants. However, hawkers are exempt from this fee under FSSAI’s earlier order dated 30 September 2024.
FSSAI has issued a detailed user manual explaining how to register a seasonal food business on FoSCoS. The process includes:
- Selecting the district of operation
- Choosing the business type
- Filling Form A
- Marking the location on the map
- Uploading documents
- Completing Aadhaar-based e-sign and online payment
Once submitted, FoSCoS instantly generates the registration certificate.
The seasonal registration facility has been active on FoSCoS since 1 August 2025. It aims to bring small vendors and temporary food stalls into the formal regulatory system. By using this online platform, food operators can quickly obtain valid registration certificates and demonstrate compliance with FSSAI’s safety standards. This initiative supports FSSAI’s broader goal of digital transformation and ease of doing business. It strengthens accountability in the food sector and encourages safe food handling practices during large public gatherings.
The new registration process ensures that food safety regulations extend even to short-duration events. It promotes fair business opportunities while building public confidence in food sold during fairs and festivals. As more seasonal food businesses register through FoSCoS, the platform will help improve traceability, compliance, and hygiene standards across India.
If you are planning to start a short-term or seasonal food business, Food Safety Works can assist you in obtaining your FSSAI registration through the FoSCoS portal. Our experts guide you through every step from documentation to application submission ensuring complete compliance and timely approval.
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