Guide
FSSAI Basic vs State vs Central: Which Category Applies?
Complianceer Team · Sep 16, 2026
Choosing the wrong FSSAI category wastes fees and delays approval. Use this guide to shortlist the right path, then confirm on the official FoSCoS eligibility tool before filing.
The rule that matters
Your category depends on activity + Kind of Business (KoB) + FoSCoS eligibility criteria. Turnover bands such as ₹1.5 Crore and ₹50 Crore are common reference points within categories, not standalone rules.
Category overview
Basic Registration (Form A), eligible petty/small FBO profiles within Basic limits. Lower fee and simpler paperwork.
State Licence (Form B), FBOs within State criteria, usually operating within one state. Restaurants, traders, and many manufacturers often land here when scale and KoB require a licence.
Central Licence (Form B (Central)), notified categories including food importers, many multi-state operators, and certain large/specialised activities. Importers generally need Central Licence regardless of turnover.
Decision table
| If your profile includes… | Likely category | Confirm on FoSCoS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Eligible small/home FBO within Basic limits | Basic Registration | Yes |
| Mid-scale manufacturing/retail/catering in one state | State Licence | Yes |
| Food import into India | Central Licence | Yes |
| Multi-state operations or notified large categories | Central Licence | Yes |
Decision flow
1. List your exact food activities and KoB on FoSCoS.
2. Run the FoSCoS eligibility tool with accurate turnover and premises details.
3. If import or multi-state triggers appear, treat Central as the working assumption until confirmed.
4. Gather documents for the confirmed tier, see documents checklist.
Related services
- FSSAI Basic Registration
- FSSAI State Licence
- FSSAI Central Licence
- Complete FSSAI registration guide
- Book a free consultation