2026 update: From 1 April 2026, FSSAI revised the turnover thresholds used for food business registration and licensing. Registration now generally applies up to ₹1.5 crore annual turnover, State Licence above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore, and Central Licence above ₹50 crore. Eligibility can also depend on the type of food business, so businesses should verify their exact category on FoSCoS.
Food businesses in India must follow the licensing and registration requirements prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Whether you run a restaurant, bakery, grocery store, cloud kitchen, food manufacturing unit, catering business or another food-related operation, the correct FSSAI registration or licence is an important part of legal compliance.
This guide explains what an FSSAI licence is, the different types available in 2026, current turnover limits, who needs one, documents commonly required, fees and how to apply online through the official FoSCoS portal.
What Is an FSSAI Licence?
FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is the statutory authority responsible for regulating food safety standards in India under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Food Business Operators, commonly called FBOs, that manufacture, process, store, distribute, sell or import food are generally required to obtain the appropriate FSSAI registration or licence.
Although people often use the term “FSSAI licence” for all categories, FSSAI Registration and FSSAI Licence are not exactly the same. Smaller eligible businesses generally obtain FSSAI Registration, while larger or specified businesses require a State or Central Licence.
Official FSSAI website: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
Who Needs an FSSAI Licence or Registration?
The requirement can apply to most businesses involved in food at any stage of the supply chain.
Examples include:
- Restaurants and cafes
- Cloud kitchens
- Bakeries and sweet shops
- Grocery and kirana stores
- Food wholesalers and distributors
- Food manufacturers and processors
- Caterers
- Hotels handling food
- Food transporters
- Storage and warehouse operators handling food
- Home-based food businesses
- Dairy businesses
- Food importers
- E-commerce food businesses
- Food retailers and supermarkets
The exact licence category depends not only on turnover but also on the Kind of Business (KoB) and other eligibility conditions prescribed by FSSAI.
Businesses should therefore use the official FoSCoS eligibility information before applying.
Official portal: FoSCoS
Types of FSSAI Licence in 2026
FSSAI broadly uses three categories:
- FSSAI Registration
- State FSSAI Licence
- Central FSSAI Licence
The turnover thresholds were revised with effect from 1 April 2026.
| Category | General annual turnover threshold |
|---|---|
| FSSAI Registration | Up to ₹1.5 crore |
| State FSSAI Licence | Above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore |
| Central FSSAI Licence | Above ₹50 crore |
These are general turnover thresholds. Some business activities may require a specific licence category irrespective of turnover.
1. FSSAI Registration
FSSAI Registration is generally meant for eligible smaller food businesses with annual turnover of up to ₹1.5 crore.
It may apply to many small retailers, food sellers, smaller processing businesses and other eligible FBOs, depending on their activity.
FSSAI Registration should not be confused with a “Basic FSSAI Licence”. The more accurate term is FSSAI Registration.
2. State FSSAI Licence
A State FSSAI Licence generally applies where annual turnover is above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore, subject to the business activity and eligibility criteria.
This can include eligible restaurants, food retailers, manufacturers, distributors and other food businesses operating within the relevant licensing framework.
3. Central FSSAI Licence
A Central FSSAI Licence generally applies where turnover is above ₹50 crore.
However, turnover is not always the only factor. Certain kinds of businesses can fall under Central licensing based on their activity. For example, specific categories listed under the FSSAI Kind of Business criteria may require a Central Licence regardless of normal turnover thresholds.
The official revised Kind of Business eligibility document provides category-specific criteria and fees.
Official reference: Revised Kind of Business Eligibility Criteria
How to Know Which FSSAI Licence Your Business Needs
A simple starting point is:
Annual turnover up to ₹1.5 crore
Usually FSSAI Registration, subject to the type of business.
Annual turnover above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore
Usually a State FSSAI Licence.
Annual turnover above ₹50 crore
Usually a Central FSSAI Licence.
But businesses should not choose the category only on turnover.
For example, manufacturers, importers, e-commerce food operators and certain specialised food businesses may have separate eligibility conditions.
The safest approach is to:
- Identify your exact Kind of Business.
- Check the applicable turnover or activity criteria.
- Confirm whether Registration, State Licence or Central Licence applies.
- Apply through FoSCoS.
The official FoSCoS portal provides eligibility and application options: FoSCoS
Documents Required for an FSSAI Licence
There is no single document list that applies to every food business. Requirements change depending on whether the application is for Registration, State Licence or Central Licence and on the nature of the business.
Commonly required information or documents can include:
- Applicant identity and contact details
- Business address or premises details
- Proof relating to the business premises
- Business constitution details
- Details of food products or activities
- Photograph of the applicant, where applicable
- Supporting declarations or forms required for the selected category
Food manufacturers or processors may also need additional details such as:
- Layout or plan of the processing unit
- List of machinery or equipment
- Product or food category details
- Production-related information
- Water-related documentation where applicable
- Other documents required for the specific Kind of Business
Importers and certain other specialised operators may need additional activity-specific documents.
Because the required documents can change by business category, applicants should rely on the document checklist displayed for their selected activity on FoSCoS rather than copying a generic checklist from another website.
FSSAI Licence Fees in 2026
FSSAI fees depend on the type of registration or licence and the Kind of Business.
Under the revised eligibility document, common fee levels shown for many categories include:
- FSSAI Registration: ₹100 per year
- State Licence: commonly ₹2,000 or ₹5,000 per year depending on the business category
- Central Licence: commonly ₹7,500 per year
The exact government fee can differ by activity, so businesses should confirm the applicable amount in the official FoSCoS eligibility criteria before applying.
Official reference: FSSAI Kind of Business Eligibility and Fee Criteria
How to Apply for an FSSAI Licence Online
FSSAI applications can be made through the official Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS).
Step 1: Visit the FoSCoS portal
Go to the official portal: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/
Step 2: Select New Licence/Registration
Choose the option for a new FSSAI licence or registration.
Step 3: Select the business location
Enter the state or location details for the food business premises.
Step 4: Choose the correct Kind of Business
Select the activity that accurately describes the business, such as retailer, restaurant, manufacturer, distributor or another applicable category.
Step 5: Check eligibility
FoSCoS will help determine the applicable registration or licence category based on the selected business type and criteria.
Step 6: Fill in the application
Enter the business, applicant, premises and food activity details requested in the form.
Step 7: Upload the required documents
Upload the documents listed for the selected category.
Step 8: Pay the applicable government fee
The fee will depend on the licence category and Kind of Business.
Step 9: Submit the application
Review all information before submitting it.
Step 10: Track the application
Keep the application or reference number and use the FoSCoS tracking option to monitor progress.
Official portal: FoSCoS
Does an FSSAI Licence Need to Be Renewed?
This is an important area where older online information may now be outdated.
FSSAI introduced perpetual validity for registrations and licences under the 2026 reforms. The earlier system under which licences were typically issued for a fixed period and periodically renewed has been changed.
Under the revised framework, registrations and licences can continue to remain valid unless they are suspended, cancelled or surrendered, subject to the applicable compliance framework.
This does not mean a food business can ignore continuing FSSAI obligations. Businesses must still comply with applicable food safety requirements, inspections, returns, fees or other obligations that apply to their specific category.
Official 2026 reform information: FSSAI Regulatory Reform Press Release
What Is the 14-Digit FSSAI Number?
An FSSAI licence or registration number is a 14-digit number issued to a registered or licensed food business.
It helps identify the food business under the FSSAI system and is an important compliance detail for food businesses.
Depending on the applicable rules, the FSSAI number may need to appear on food labels, bills, invoices, receipts or other business documents.
For businesses issuing a large number of invoices, adding the FSSAI number to the invoice template can help keep the required business details consistent across bills.
Businesses should ensure that the number printed on invoices and other documents matches the active FSSAI registration or licence details.
FSSAI Licence for Multiple Branches or Locations
FSSAI licensing is linked to business premises and activity.
A business operating from multiple locations should not assume that one licence automatically covers every branch.
The exact requirement depends on factors such as:
- Number of premises
- States in which the business operates
- Business activity at each location
- Head office structure
- Kind of Business
- Applicable Central, State or Registration criteria
Businesses expanding to new branches should check the FoSCoS eligibility conditions for every relevant premise before starting operations.
Common FSSAI Licence Mistakes to Avoid
Using old turnover limits
Older articles may still mention ₹12 lakh for Registration and ₹20 crore for Central licensing. These turnover limits were revised from 1 April 2026.
Selecting the wrong Kind of Business
A restaurant, retailer, manufacturer and food importer can have different eligibility conditions. Selecting the wrong category may lead to an incorrect application.
Choosing the licence only by turnover
Turnover is important, but certain business types can have activity-specific licensing requirements.
Following a generic document checklist
Documents differ depending on the licence category and business activity. Use the current FoSCoS checklist for your application.
Ignoring invoice and display requirements
Where applicable, ensure the correct FSSAI number is displayed on required documents, labels or business materials.
Assuming perpetual validity means no compliance
Perpetual validity removes the older fixed renewal cycle, but businesses still need to follow applicable FSSAI compliance requirements.
FSSAI Registration vs FSSAI Licence
| Factor | FSSAI Registration | FSSAI Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Usually meant for | Smaller eligible food businesses | Larger or specified food businesses |
| General turnover threshold | Up to ₹1.5 crore | Above ₹1.5 crore |
| Main categories | Registration | State Licence or Central Licence |
| Application portal | FoSCoS | FoSCoS |
| Eligibility basis | Turnover + business activity | Turnover + business activity |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FSSAI licence mandatory for a small food business?
Small food businesses generally need at least FSSAI Registration if they fall within the applicable food business requirements. The exact requirement depends on the nature of the business and FSSAI eligibility criteria.
What is the FSSAI registration turnover limit in 2026?
From 1 April 2026, the general turnover threshold for FSSAI Registration is up to ₹1.5 crore.
What is the difference between FSSAI Registration and State Licence?
Registration generally applies to eligible businesses with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore. A State Licence generally applies above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore, subject to business-specific criteria.
When is a Central FSSAI Licence required?
It generally applies to businesses with turnover above ₹50 crore and to certain specified business categories based on FSSAI’s Kind of Business criteria.
Can I apply for an FSSAI licence online?
Yes. FSSAI registration and licensing applications can be submitted through the official FoSCoS portal.
Does an FSSAI licence expire?
The 2026 reforms introduced perpetual validity. A registration or licence can continue unless suspended, cancelled or surrendered, subject to applicable compliance requirements.
Is FSSAI required for a home-based food business?
A home-based food business can fall within FSSAI registration or licensing requirements depending on its activity and eligibility. The business should verify the applicable category on FoSCoS.
Is FSSAI required for restaurants and cloud kitchens?
Restaurants and cloud kitchens are food businesses and generally fall within FSSAI registration or licensing requirements. The applicable category depends on current eligibility criteria.
Key Takeaway
An FSSAI licence or registration is a core compliance requirement for many food businesses in India. The most important change for businesses in 2026 is the revised turnover framework introduced from 1 April: Registration up to ₹1.5 crore, State Licence above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore, and Central Licence above ₹50 crore, subject to business-specific rules.
Before applying, identify your exact Kind of Business and verify the category, documents and fees directly on FoSCoS. This helps avoid outdated information and ensures that the application matches the current FSSAI framework.
Official Sources
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
- FoSCoS – Food Safety Compliance System
- FSSAI Order on Revised Turnover Thresholds, dated 13 March 2026
- Revised Kind of Business Eligibility Criteria
- FSSAI 2026 Regulatory Reform Press Release
Last reviewed: 1 October 2026
