Guide
FSSAI Registration vs Licence: What’s the Difference?
Complianceer Team · Sep 17, 2026 · 5 min read
FSSAI registration vs licence explained: Form A vs Form B, the 2026 ₹1.5 crore limit, documents, fees, inspections and which one your food business needs.
Quick answer: FSSAI registration (Form A) is for petty food businesses with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore and costs ₹100 a year. An FSSAI licence (Form B) is for larger or specialised businesses: a State Licence for ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore, and a Central Licence above ₹50 crore or for activities such as import. Both give you a 14-digit number, but a licence involves more documents and closer scrutiny.
People say "FSSAI licence" for everything, but the law draws a clear line. Section 31(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 requires a licence to run a food business, and Section 31(2) lets petty food businesses register instead. Knowing which side of that line you sit on decides your form, fee, documents and ongoing obligations.
Registration and licence side by side
| Point | FSSAI Registration | FSSAI Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | Section 31(2), FSS Act | Section 31(1), FSS Act |
| Who it is for | Petty food businesses | All other food businesses |
| Turnover (from 1 April 2026) | Up to ₹1.5 crore | Above ₹1.5 crore, or Central-only activities |
| Form | Form A | Form B |
| Types | One type | State Licence or Central Licence |
| Annual government fee | ₹100 | ₹5,000 (State, most KoBs) or ₹7,500 (Central) |
| Typical documents | ID, premises proof, product list | Plus FSMS plan, Form IX, layout, NOCs as applicable |
| Inspection | Possible | Common, especially for manufacturers |
| Typical processing | 7 to 30 days | Up to 60 days |
| Annual return (Form D-1) | Not usually required | Required for manufacturers, repackers, relabellers, importers |
Who qualifies for registration
Registration is meant for petty food businesses, which the regulations describe as small manufacturers who make and sell food themselves, petty retailers, hawkers, itinerant vendors, temporary stall holders and small cottage or tiny food businesses. With the 2026 thresholds, the practical test for most activities is annual turnover up to ₹1.5 crore. Typical examples are:
- A home baker or tiffin service
- A tea stall, juice stall or small snack counter
- A neighbourhood grocery or kirana store
- A small restaurant or cloud kitchen under ₹1.5 crore
- A small-batch pickle or papad maker selling locally
Some activities are excluded from registration whatever the turnover. Food importers and ecommerce platforms that facilitate orders, for example, go straight to a Central Licence.
When you need a licence
You need a licence if your turnover is above ₹1.5 crore or your activity is Central-only. A State Licence covers most mid-size restaurants, caterers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors operating in one state. A Central Licence covers turnover above ₹50 crore plus import, proprietary foods, nutraceuticals, five-star hotels, 100% export-oriented units and head offices of multi-state operations. Our guide to Basic vs State vs Central lists every trigger.
What changes in practice
Documents. Registration needs photo ID, premises proof and a product list. A licence adds a Form IX nomination for companies, an FSMS plan, and for manufacturers a layout plan, equipment list and water test report from a recognised lab. See the documents checklist.
Scrutiny. A registering authority can grant registration directly or inspect within 30 days. A licensing authority reviews documents and often inspects manufacturing and storage premises before granting the licence.
Ongoing duties. Licence holders who manufacture, repack, relabel or import must file the annual return by 31 May. Many licensed food service businesses must also have a trained Food Safety Supervisor under FSSAI's FoSTaC programme.
Validity. Under the 2026 amendment, both registrations and licences have perpetual validity as long as the annual fee is paid and applicable returns are filed.
Upgrading from registration to licence
- Track turnover monthly so you see the ₹1.5 crore mark coming.
- Check whether a new activity, such as importing an ingredient, triggers a Central Licence.
- File a fresh Form B application on FoSCoS for the higher category.
- Keep trading under your registration until the licence is granted, as long as you are still within its limits.
- Update labels and invoices with the new licence number once issued.
Common mistakes
- Calling a registration a licence on packaging and documents
- Assuming registration is optional because the business is small
- Continuing on registration after turnover crosses ₹1.5 crore
- Using a single registration for several outlets
- Relying on pre-2026 limits of ₹12 lakh
Frequently asked questions
Is FSSAI registration the same as an FSSAI licence?
No. Registration under Form A is for petty food businesses up to ₹1.5 crore turnover. A licence under Form B is for larger or specialised businesses and comes as a State or Central Licence.
What is the FSSAI registration limit in 2026?
From 1 April 2026, Basic Registration covers food businesses with annual turnover up to ₹1.5 crore. Earlier, the limit was ₹12 lakh.
Does a registration number look different from a licence number?
Both are 14 digits. The first digit indicates the type: licences issued by the Central authority usually start with 1, and State licences and registrations usually start with 2.
Can I sell online with just a registration?
Yes, if your turnover is within ₹1.5 crore and your activity qualifies. Marketplaces check that a valid registration or licence is displayed on your listings.
Do I need a licence if I only resell packaged food?
It depends on turnover. A small retailer under ₹1.5 crore needs registration. A distributor or wholesaler above that needs a State or Central Licence.
What happens if I operate on registration when I need a licence?
It is treated as operating without the required licence. Under Section 63, as amended in 2023, that can attract a penalty of up to ₹10 lakh.