FSSAI Registration vs Licence 2026: New Limits, Fees and Steps
The April 2026 FSSAI reforms raised turnover limits and ended renewals. Here is which registration or licence your food business needs and how to apply.
Every food business in India needs either an FSSAI registration or an FSSAI licence, and which one you need depends mainly on annual turnover. From 1 April 2026 the limits rose sharply: businesses with turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore need only a basic registration, those between Rs 1.5 crore and Rs 50 crore need a State licence, and those above Rs 50 crore need a Central licence. New registrations and licences also no longer expire. This guide explains the categories, fees, documents and the step-by-step application on FoSCoS, the official online system.
Key Takeaways
- New thresholds from 1 April 2026: registration up to Rs 1.5 crore turnover, State licence above Rs 1.5 crore up to Rs 50 crore, Central licence above Rs 50 crore.
- Registrations and licences granted from 1 April 2026 have perpetual validity: no more periodic renewal, though fees and compliance duties continue.
- Government fees under the schedule are Rs 100 a year for registration, Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 for a State licence and Rs 7,500 for a Central licence. Confirm the exact fee for your kind of business on FoSCoS.
- Street food vendors registered with a municipal corporation or town vending committee are now treated as deemed registered under FSSAI.
- Apply only on foscos.fssai.gov.in. Operating without a valid registration or licence can attract heavy penalties.
Registration vs licence: the basic difference
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 requires every food business operator (FBO), from a home tiffin service to a large dairy, to be either registered or licensed with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The two are not interchangeable.
- FSSAI registration (basic registration) is for petty and small food businesses. It is simpler, cheaper and, under the 2026 reforms, granted without pre-inspection.
- FSSAI licence is for larger businesses, issued either by the State food safety authority (State licence) or by FSSAI itself (Central licence). Licences involve more documents and scrutiny.
Both give you a 14-digit FSSAI number that must appear on packaged food labels and be displayed at your premises.
| Point of comparison | Basic registration | State or Central licence |
|---|---|---|
| Application form | Form A | Form B |
| Who decides | Registering authority | Licensing authority (State or FSSAI) |
| Inspection before grant | Not required under the 2026 reforms | May be carried out |
| Documents | A few basic documents | Detailed list, varies by kind of business |
| Typical users | Home kitchens, small shops, small caterers, small manufacturers | Larger manufacturers, chains, cloud kitchens with higher sales, importers |
How to work out your turnover
Use your expected annual turnover from food business activity at that premises, not your profit. If you are a new business, estimate it honestly from your projected monthly sales multiplied by twelve. If you already file GST returns, your GST turnover is a sensible reference point. Businesses close to a threshold should plan for the higher category, because upgrading later means modifying the application and paying the difference, and selling beyond your category’s limit can create a compliance problem during inspection.
The new 2026 turnover limits
On 13 March 2026, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced a set of reforms. According to the official FSSAI press release, “with effect from 1st April, 2026, the turnover threshold for registration has been increased from 12 lakhs to 1.5 crore, and for State licensing up to 50 crores, with Central licensing applicable beyond this limit.”
| Category | Before 1 April 2026 | From 1 April 2026 | Issued by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic registration | Turnover up to Rs 12 lakh | Turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore | Registering authority (local) |
| State licence | Rs 12 lakh to Rs 20 crore | Above Rs 1.5 crore up to Rs 50 crore | State food safety authority |
| Central licence | Above Rs 20 crore | Above Rs 50 crore | FSSAI (central) |
Turnover is not the only test. Some kinds of business need a Central licence regardless of size, for example importers of food, e-commerce food business operators, and units in certain central government premises. Businesses operating in more than one state typically need a Central licence for the head office and State licences or registrations for individual units. The FoSCoS eligibility checker asks about your kind of business and gives the correct category, so use it rather than guessing.
Existing businesses whose category changed because of the new limits are being moved through FoSCoS based on their declarations; you do not need to apply afresh just because the threshold moved, but check your dashboard and keep your details accurate.
Perpetual validity and other 2026 changes
Until March 2026, registrations and licences were granted for one to five years and had to be renewed. The 2026 reforms replaced this with perpetual validity, so a registration or licence remains valid unless it is suspended, cancelled or surrendered. FSSAI says this will “substantially reduce compliance costs, paperwork and the need for repeated interaction with licensing authorities”.
Three other changes matter to small businesses:
- Instant registration without pre-inspection for registrations, which should speed up approvals for small units.
- Deemed registration for street food vendors who are already registered with a municipal corporation or town vending committee under the Street Vendors Act, 2014. FSSAI estimates this benefits more than 10 lakh vendors.
- Risk-based inspections that consider the type of food, past compliance and audit performance, so compliant businesses should face fewer repeat inspections.
Perpetual validity does not mean “set and forget”. Reports on the new framework say annual fees and, for applicable licence holders, annual returns continue, and non-payment can lead to suspension. Treat your FoSCoS dashboard as something to review at least once a year.
Fees: what you will pay
The government fee depends on the category and, for State licences, on the kind of business and production capacity.
| Category | Government fee (per year) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic registration | Rs 100 | The lowest-cost route for small businesses |
| State licence | Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 | Depends on kind of business and capacity; many categories are at Rs 5,000 |
| Central licence | Rs 7,500 | Includes importers and large operators |
These are the government fees only. If you use a consultant, their fee is separate. The FoSCoS application shows the exact payable amount before you pay, which is the figure to trust. Rules change, so check the current fee schedule on FoSCoS or the FSSAI website.
Documents you will need
FoSCoS shows a document list tailored to your kind of business. As a general guide:
For basic registration (Form A)
- Photo identity proof of the food business operator (Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, passport or driving licence)
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Proof of possession of premises (rent agreement, ownership document, or utility bill), where asked
- List of food products or kind of business
For a State or Central licence (Form B)
- Completed Form B, signed by the proprietor, partner or authorised signatory
- Blueprint or layout plan of the processing unit (for manufacturers)
- List of directors, partners or proprietor with addresses and identity proof
- List of equipment and machinery with capacity (for manufacturers)
- Water analysis report from a recognised lab (where water is used as an ingredient or for processing)
- Proof of possession of premises
- Partnership deed, MoA/AoA or certificate of incorporation, as applicable
- Food safety management system plan or certificate
- Authority letter nominating a responsible person with powers
- NOC from the local body or other authorities, where required by your state or category
- Additional documents for specific categories, such as source of milk for dairies or import-export code for importers
Step-by-step: applying on FoSCoS
- Open the official portal. Go to foscos.fssai.gov.in. Avoid look-alike websites that charge “processing fees” for what is a direct online application.
- Check eligibility. Use the eligibility option to enter your kind of business, location and turnover. The system tells you whether you need registration, a State licence or a Central licence.
- Create a login. Sign up with a mobile number and email you will keep long-term.
- Fill the application. Enter business details, premises address, food categories, and turnover or capacity. Select the correct kind of business; this decides fee and documents.
- Upload documents in the formats and sizes specified.
- Pay the fee online. Keep the receipt and application reference number.
- Respond to queries. For licences, the authority may raise queries or schedule an inspection. Reply within the time given.
- Download your certificate. Display it prominently at your premises and use the FSSAI number on labels, menus or invoices as required.
Worked example: picking the right category
Consider three illustrative businesses. A home baker in Pune selling cakes on Instagram with turnover of Rs 8 lakh needs a basic registration. A cloud kitchen in Hyderabad running three brands with turnover of Rs 2.2 crore crossed the new Rs 1.5 crore limit and needs a State licence. A spice exporter in Kochi with turnover of Rs 30 crore that also imports some raw material needs a Central licence because importers require one regardless of turnover. Before 1 April 2026, the Pune baker would also have needed only registration, but the cloud kitchen would have needed a State licence at a much lower turnover.
Compliance after you get your number
- Display the certificate at a visible place in the premises.
- Print the FSSAI logo and number on packaged food labels as per labelling rules.
- Train staff in hygiene. Licensed businesses are expected to have a trained food safety supervisor; FSSAI’s FoSTaC training programme covers this.
- Keep records of raw materials, suppliers, pest control, cleaning and water testing where applicable.
- Modify your licence when you change address, add product categories, or expand capacity. Perpetual validity does not cover changes you have not declared.
- Pay annual fees and file returns where applicable through FoSCoS, and keep the login credentials safe.
Operating without a valid registration or licence is an offence under the Act, with penalties that can include a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh and imprisonment. Do not start selling, even from home, before you have at least applied and received your number.
Common mistakes that cause rejection
- Choosing the wrong kind of business (for example “retailer” when you manufacture or repack).
- Underestimating turnover to stay in a lower category. If your sales grow past the limit, upgrade promptly.
- Uploading unclear scans or documents in the wrong name.
- Using a residential address without proof of possession.
- Not mentioning online sales; e-commerce has specific requirements.
When your food brand reaches a milestone, such as a new outlet or a licence upgrade, our guides on writing a press release in India and distribution options explain how to announce it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FSSAI registration limit in 2026?
From 1 April 2026, basic FSSAI registration covers food businesses with annual turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore. Above that, up to Rs 50 crore, you need a State licence, and above Rs 50 crore a Central licence, subject to special categories.
Do I need to renew my FSSAI licence?
Registrations and licences granted from 1 April 2026 have perpetual validity and do not need periodic renewal. You still have to keep details updated, pay applicable annual fees and comply with food safety rules. If you hold an older licence, check its status on FoSCoS.
Does a home baker or tiffin service need FSSAI registration?
Yes. Any business that makes, stores, sells or distributes food needs at least a basic registration, including home-based kitchens. Street vendors registered with a municipal body or town vending committee are now deemed registered.
How long does FSSAI registration take?
Under the 2026 reforms, basic registration is meant to be instant, without pre-inspection. Licences take longer because the authority may raise queries or inspect the premises; timelines vary by state.
Can I use one FSSAI number for multiple outlets?
Usually not. Each premises needs its own registration or licence. Businesses with units in more than one state also need a Central licence for the head office.
Where do I check if an FSSAI number is valid?
FoSCoS has a public search option to verify registration or licence details. It is a good habit to check suppliers’ numbers too.
Get your number before your first sale
Use the FoSCoS eligibility checker, apply in the right category with clean documents, and keep the certificate displayed. With the 2026 changes, most small food businesses will find the process quicker and cheaper than before. Food safety rules are updated regularly, so check foscos.fssai.gov.in or a food regulatory consultant whenever your business changes.
