Guide
Complete Guide to FSSAI Registration 2026
Complianceer Team · Sep 17, 2026 · 8 min read
FSSAI registration and licensing in India for 2026: new turnover limits, Kind of Business rules, documents, FoSCoS process, fees, perpetual validity and FAQs.
Quick answer: Almost every commercial food business in India needs an FSSAI registration or licence before it starts trading. From 1 April 2026, Basic Registration covers turnover up to ₹1.5 crore, a State Licence covers ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore, and a Central Licence applies above ₹50 crore. Some activities, such as import or ecommerce platforms, need a Central Licence regardless of turnover, so always confirm your Kind of Business (KoB) on FoSCoS.
FSSAI (the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) regulates food safety under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Section 31 of the Act says no one may start or carry on a food business without a licence, while petty food businesses register instead. In practice, that means a registration certificate or a licence with a 14-digit number is your legal permission to make, store, sell, distribute or import food.
This guide covers the full picture for 2026: who needs FSSAI, how the category is decided, documents, fees, timelines, the new perpetual validity rule, and what you must keep doing after approval.
Who needs FSSAI registration or a licence
If you handle food for sale at any stage, you are a Food Business Operator (FBO). That includes:
- Restaurants, cafes, dhabas, caterers and cloud kitchens
- Home bakers, tiffin services and home chefs selling to the public
- Manufacturers, processors, repackers and relabellers
- Wholesalers, distributors, retailers and grocery stores
- Cold storage, warehousing and food transporters
- Importers, exporters and ecommerce food businesses
- Hawkers, street vendors and temporary stalls
Street vendors already registered under the Street Vendors Act, 2014 now get deemed FSSAI registration under the 2026 amendment, so they no longer need a second registration. Everyone else should apply before trading. Read our guides for restaurants and cloud kitchens, home-based businesses and manufacturers.
Registration vs State Licence vs Central Licence
FSSAI revised its turnover thresholds by order dated 13 March 2026, effective 1 April 2026. The old ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore limits no longer apply to new applications.
| Category | Turnover (from 1 April 2026) | Form | Typical annual government fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Up to ₹1.5 crore | Form A | ₹100 |
| State Licence | Above ₹1.5 crore up to ₹50 crore | Form B | ₹5,000 for most KoBs |
| Central Licence | Above ₹50 crore, or Central-only activities | Form B | ₹7,500 |
Turnover is only one input. FoSCoS also looks at the Kind of Business, premises and activity. Activities that generally need a Central Licence regardless of turnover include food import, ecommerce platforms that facilitate orders, proprietary foods, health supplements and nutraceuticals, radiation processing, 100% export-oriented units, five-star and above hotels, and food businesses on central government premises such as railways, airports and seaports. Compare the tiers in detail in Basic vs State vs Central.
How FoSCoS decides your category
- Identify every food activity you run, such as manufacturing, catering, retail or storage.
- Pick the matching Kind of Business on the FoSCoS eligibility tool.
- Enter turnover and any capacity details the KoB asks for.
- Check for Central triggers like import, multi-state head office or notified food categories.
- Note the result and the fee shown before you start the application.
If you run more than one activity, the strictest result usually decides the category. Our free FSSAI Licence Finder walks through the same questions.
Step-by-step application process
- Create a FoSCoS account with a working mobile number and email.
- Choose the form: Form A for Basic Registration, Form B for State or Central.
- Enter business details exactly as they appear on your ID, PAN and premises papers.
- Select food categories and products using the FoSCoS category list.
- Upload documents as clear PDFs within the size limits.
- Pay the government fee for the number of years you choose.
- Respond to queries from the authority within the time given.
- Inspection may happen before a licence is granted, especially for manufacturers.
- Download the certificate and display it at your premises.
Our FoSCoS portal guide covers each screen and the errors that trigger queries.
Documents you will need
Every applicant needs photo ID, address proof, premises proof (rent agreement, ownership deed or utility bill) and a product list. Companies and firms add constitution papers such as a partnership deed, LLP agreement or certificate of incorporation. Licence applicants usually add a Form IX nomination, a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan, and for manufacturers a layout plan, equipment list and water test report. See the full documents checklist.
Fees and timelines
| Item | Basic Registration | State Licence | Central Licence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government fee per year | ₹100 | ₹5,000 for most KoBs | ₹7,500 |
| Duplicate certificate | 10% of fee | 10% of fee | 10% of fee |
| Typical approval time | About 7 to 30 days | Up to 60 days | Up to 60 days |
Under the Licensing Regulations, a registration should be granted or inspected within 7 days and decided within 30 days. Under Section 31(4), if a licence is neither issued nor rejected within two months, the applicant may start business. Professional fees are separate from government fees; see our fees and cost guide.
Validity after the 2026 reforms
The Licensing and Registration Amendment Regulations, 2026 introduced perpetual validity. A licence or registration now stays valid unless it is suspended, cancelled or surrendered, so routine renewal applications are no longer needed for licences covered by the change. You must still pay the annual fee, which you can prepay for any number of years, and file applicable returns. Existing FBOs are being migrated to the new thresholds on FoSCoS automatically, with no modification fee and the same licence number. If your certificate still shows an expiry date, read our validity and renewal timeline.
What you must do after approval
- Display the certificate or a copy at a prominent place in the premises
- Print the FSSAI logo and licence number on packaged food labels
- File the annual return (Form D-1) by 31 May if you manufacture, repack, relabel or import
- Keep at least one trained Food Safety Supervisor (FoSTaC) where your licence category requires it
- Update FoSCoS through modification when products, partners or capacity change
- Follow Schedule 4 hygiene and sanitation requirements
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a category from turnover alone and ignoring Central-only activities
- Selecting the wrong Kind of Business or food category codes
- Business name or address that does not match PAN, GST and rent papers
- Uploading blurry or expired documents
- Starting trade before the certificate is issued
- Forgetting annual fee payments or Form D-1 after approval
Frequently asked questions
Is FSSAI registration mandatory for every food business?
Yes, for nearly every commercial food business. Section 31 of the FSS Act requires a licence, and petty food businesses must register instead. Only a few cases, such as street vendors already registered under the Street Vendors Act, get deemed registration.
What is the FSSAI turnover limit for Basic Registration in 2026?
From 1 April 2026, Basic Registration covers annual turnover up to ₹1.5 crore. A State Licence applies from ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore and a Central Licence above ₹50 crore, subject to Kind of Business rules.
Is FSSAI eligibility based only on turnover?
No. Turnover sets the default band, but your Kind of Business, premises and activity also matter. Importers, ecommerce platforms and several notified categories need a Central Licence whatever their turnover.
Can I apply for FSSAI registration online?
Yes. All registration and licence applications are filed online on FoSCoS, the Food Safety Compliance System at foscos.fssai.gov.in. You upload documents and pay the government fee on the same portal.
How much does FSSAI registration cost?
The government fee is ₹100 a year for Basic Registration, ₹5,000 a year for most State Licences and ₹7,500 a year for a Central Licence. Professional fees, if you use a consultant, are separate.
How long does FSSAI registration take?
A complete Basic Registration is often approved within 7 to 30 days. State and Central licences can take up to 60 days, longer if the authority raises queries or orders an inspection.
Do I need to renew my FSSAI licence in 2026?
Under the 2026 amendment, licences and registrations have perpetual validity and do not need routine renewal, but the annual fee and returns stay mandatory. If your certificate still shows an expiry date, check FoSCoS before that date.
Can a home baker get FSSAI registration?
Yes. Home bakers and tiffin services with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore usually need Basic Registration using their home address as the premises. The kitchen must meet basic hygiene requirements.
Can I change FSSAI details after registration?
Yes. Changes to products, partners, capacity or business name are filed as a modification on FoSCoS. Moving to a new premises usually needs a fresh application because a licence is tied to its premises.
Where can I verify FSSAI eligibility and licences?
Use the official FoSCoS eligibility tool to find your category and the FoSCoS licence verification page to check any 14-digit number. Avoid unofficial lookup sites that may show outdated data.