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FSSAI License Renewal: A Step-by-Step Process

Complianceer Team · Sep 10, 2026 · 5 min read

FSSAI licence renewal in 2026: what perpetual validity changes, how to renew on FoSCoS if your certificate has an expiry date, fees, penalties and documents.

Quick answer: Under the 2026 Licensing Amendment Regulations, FSSAI licences and registrations have perpetual validity, so routine renewal is no longer required once your licence is on the new framework; you only pay the annual fee and file applicable returns. If FoSCoS still shows an expiry date for your licence, renew on FoSCoS at least 30 days before that date. Renewal after expiry costs 3 times the annual fee within 90 days and 5 times between 91 and 180 days, and is not allowed after 180 days.

Renewal used to be the single biggest compliance deadline for Indian food businesses. The 2026 reforms remove it for most licence holders, but the transition is gradual, and many certificates in circulation still carry an expiry date. This guide explains how to check where you stand and how to renew correctly if you still need to.

Step 1: Check whether you still need to renew

1. Log in to FoSCoS and open your licence or registration.
2. Look at the validity or fee-paid-up date shown on the dashboard.
3. If FoSCoS shows perpetual validity with fees paid, you only need to keep paying the annual fee.
4. If an expiry date is still shown, follow the renewal steps below before that date.
5. If you are unsure, treat the expiry date as live until FoSCoS confirms migration.

FSSAI's FAQs dated 27 March 2026 say FBOs are not required to renew under perpetual validity, and that existing FBOs will be migrated automatically with no fee and the same licence number.

Renewal deadlines and penalties

FSSAI moved to instant renewal in 2022 and indicated that the ₹100 per day late fee would not be levied for applications filed in the last 30 days, but post-expiry penalties continue. File early so you never depend on a waiver.

Step 2: Prepare before you open the renewal form

• Licence number and FoSCoS login
• Updated list of food products and categories
• Current premises proof if the rent agreement has changed
• Updated partner or director list and ID proofs if there were changes
• FSMS plan declaration for licences
• Filed annual returns for each financial year if you are a manufacturer, repacker, relabeller or importer

Since November 2022, FoSCoS does not allow manufacturers and importers to renew until due annual returns are filed. Check the annual return guide first.

Step 3: File the renewal on FoSCoS

1. Log in and select Renewal under your licence, or use the renewal box on the FoSCoS home page.
2. Confirm business details, premises, products and the authorised person.
3. Choose the number of years if FoSCoS still offers a validity period.
4. Upload any updated documents.
5. Pay the renewal fee, plus any late fee or penalty shown.
6. Submit and note the application reference number.
7. Download the renewed certificate once it is issued.

Most renewals are granted instantly when no details change. If you also changed products or partners, FoSCoS may route the application to the authority, which can take longer.

Step 4: After renewal

• Replace the displayed certificate at your premises
• Share the updated certificate with delivery apps, marketplaces and B2B buyers
• Update the validity on your internal compliance calendar
• If you moved to perpetual validity, set reminders for annual fee payments instead

Renewal vs modification

Renewal keeps a licence alive. Modification updates the details on it, such as products, partners or capacity. If both are needed, file the modification first or together with renewal so the renewed certificate shows correct details.

Common reasons renewals get stuck

• Pending annual returns for manufacturers or importers
• Address or partner details that no longer match documents
• Expired or unreadable uploads
• Filing after expiry and missing the penalty payment
• Using an old FoSCoS login linked to a former employee's mobile number

Frequently asked questions

Is FSSAI licence renewal still required in 2026?

Under the 2026 amendment, licences and registrations have perpetual validity and FSSAI says renewal is not required. If FoSCoS still shows an expiry date for your licence, renew before it until migration is confirmed.

When should I apply for FSSAI renewal?

Apply at least 30 days before the expiry date shown on your certificate. FoSCoS lists licences for renewal up to 120 days before expiry.

What is the penalty for late FSSAI renewal?

Renewal within 90 days after expiry costs 3 times the annual fee. Between day 91 and day 180 it costs 5 times. After 180 days you must apply for a fresh licence.

Can I renew an expired FSSAI licence?

Yes, within 180 days of expiry, with the penalty above and after filing any due annual returns. After 180 days the licence cannot be renewed.

Can I keep operating while renewal is pending?

If you applied before expiry, the licence generally stays in force until the renewal is decided. If it has already expired, stop food operations until it is renewed.

What documents are needed for FSSAI renewal?

Usually only your licence details and any documents that changed, such as a new rent agreement, partner list or product list. Manufacturers and importers must have filed annual returns.

Does renewal change my FSSAI number?

No. Renewal and migration to perpetual validity keep the same 14-digit number. A fresh application after a lapse of more than 180 days gives you a new number.

Official sources

• FSSAI FAQs on the 2026 Licensing Amendment Regulations
• Regulation 2.1.7: validity and renewal
• FSSAI order on renewal after expiry, October 2021
• FoSCoS guide: how to apply for renewal
• FoSCoS fee structure