What is FSSAI Registration?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the statutory authority established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The Act provides a unified framework for science-based food standards and regulation of the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food to ensure safe and wholesome food.
Section 31 of the Act requires a person carrying on a food business to hold a licence, while petty manufacturers, petty retailers, hawkers, itinerant vendors, temporary stall holders, small-scale/cottage food industries and other specified tiny food businesses are required to obtain Registration instead of a licence.
After approval, the FBO receives an FSSAI Registration or Licence number. The number must be displayed or declared in the manner prescribed by applicable labelling, display and licensing requirements.
Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 - FSSAI Food Safety and Standards Act - India Code
Who Needs FSSAI Registration or Licence?
Food Business Operators involved in manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, transport, sale, import, food service or other regulated food activities must obtain the category of Registration or Licence applicable to their business before commencing operations, subject to the Act and regulations.
Common examples include manufacturers and processors, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, restaurants, hotels, caterers, cloud kitchens, canteens, dairy units, meat and slaughter businesses, storage facilities, transporters, importers, exporters, e-commerce food businesses, hawkers and temporary food stalls.
FSSAI Turnover Limits from 1 April 2026
Major 2026 update
FSSAI replaced the older ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore general turnover thresholds with revised thresholds effective from 1 April 2026.
| Category | General turnover threshold | Authority / position |
|---|---|---|
| FSSAI Registration | Up to ₹1.5 crore | For eligible small/petty food businesses, subject to activity-specific criteria |
| State Licence | Above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore | Issued by the competent State/UT Licensing Authority, subject to activity-specific criteria |
| Central Licence | Above ₹50 crore | Also mandatory for specified activities irrespective of turnover where the eligibility rules so provide |
FSSAI Order - Revised Turnover Thresholds FoSCoS 2026 Kind of Business Eligibility
Registration, State Licence and Central Licence
1. FSSAI Registration
Registration is intended for eligible petty and small food businesses falling within the applicable turnover, capacity or activity criteria. Under the revised 2026 framework, the general turnover ceiling is ₹1.5 crore.
2. State Licence
State Licence generally applies where annual turnover exceeds ₹1.5 crore but does not exceed ₹50 crore, subject to activity-specific conditions. For manufacturing and certain specialised activities, production capacity or other regulatory criteria may determine the category and fee.
3. Central Licence
Central Licence generally applies where turnover exceeds ₹50 crore and also to categories specifically assigned to the Central Licensing Authority. The current FoSCoS eligibility document lists activities such as import and e-commerce under Central Licence irrespective of turnover, along with other activity-specific categories.
Perpetual Validity from 2026
The Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026 introduced perpetual validity for FSSAI licences and registrations.
The Registration or Licence remains valid unless suspended, cancelled or surrendered. Routine periodic renewal is therefore no longer required under the new framework, although the FBO must continue to comply with all applicable food-safety, hygiene, fee, return, inspection, modification and other statutory requirements.
How to Apply for FSSAI Registration or Licence Online
Applications are made through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS).
- Open FoSCoS and select Apply for New Licence/Registration or the relevant service.
- Select the State/UT and identify the correct Kind of Business (KoB).
- Use the FoSCoS eligibility criteria to determine whether Registration, State Licence or Central Licence applies.
- Complete the online application and enter the business, premises, activity and responsible-person details.
- Upload the documents required for the selected Kind of Business.
- Pay the prescribed statutory fee online.
- Save the application/reference number and track the application through FoSCoS.
- Where inspection is required, cooperate with the designated food-safety authority and rectify any deficiencies communicated.
- After approval, download the Registration Certificate or Licence from FoSCoS and comply with display and operational requirements.
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration / Licence
The exact document list is generated according to the Kind of Business, constitution and licence category. Common documents may include:
- identity and address proof of proprietor, partners, directors or authorised signatory;
- PAN and constitution details of the entity;
- proof of possession of business premises, such as ownership document, lease/rent agreement or utility record, where applicable;
- partnership deed, incorporation documents, MOA/AOA or other constitution documents, as relevant;
- Form IX nomination/authorisation where applicable;
- layout plan for manufacturing/processing premises where required;
- list of food products/categories and installed equipment for applicable manufacturing businesses;
- water-analysis report where required;
- local-body or other statutory NOC/licence where specifically applicable;
- IEC and supporting import/export documents for businesses undertaking regulated import/export activities;
- other activity-specific documents shown by FoSCoS.
FSSAI Registration and Licence Fees
Fees depend on the category and Kind of Business. The statutory fee structure and current FoSCoS eligibility tables should be checked before payment.
| Category | Common current fee indication | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | ₹100 | FoSCoS 2026 eligibility tables show ₹100 for many Registration categories; specified exemptions can apply, including the current hawker fee waiver. |
| State Licence | Generally ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 depending on activity/category | Manufacturers, hotels and other categories may have different prescribed State fees. |
| Central Licence | ₹7,500 | Applicable to Central Licence categories under the current fee structure. |
Special Categories and 2026 Changes
- Street food vendors: the 2026 reform provides deemed registration for street food vendors already registered under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, subject to the notified framework.
- Importers: current FoSCoS eligibility criteria place importers under Central Licence irrespective of turnover.
- E-commerce food businesses: current FoSCoS eligibility criteria place e-commerce food businesses under Central Licence irrespective of turnover.
- Manufacturing and processing: capacity-based eligibility can override the general turnover classification.
- Existing FBOs: businesses should verify migration requirements and category alignment in FoSCoS under the revised thresholds.
Benefits of FSSAI Registration or Licence
- enables lawful operation of the food business within the licensed/registered scope;
- provides an identifiable FSSAI registration/licence number for regulatory and consumer-facing purposes;
- supports food traceability, inspections and regulatory accountability;
- facilitates dealings with online marketplaces, institutional customers, distributors and other entities requiring a valid FSSAI number;
- helps demonstrate that the business is operating within the statutory food-safety licensing framework.
Registration or licensing is not a blanket guarantee that every food product is "approved" by FSSAI. The FBO remains responsible for compliance with applicable product standards, labelling, hygiene, safety, advertising, storage, transport and other requirements.
Penalties for FSSAI Non-Compliance
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 contains separate penalties for different contraventions. Important examples include:
| Contravention | Statutory consequence |
|---|---|
| Carrying on food business without required licence - Section 63 | Penalty may extend to ₹10 lakh, subject to the statutory exception for persons covered by Section 31(2). |
| Food not of nature, substance or quality demanded - Section 50 | Penalty may extend to ₹5 lakh; lower statutory ceiling applies to specified petty food businesses. |
| Sub-standard food - Section 51 | Penalty may extend to ₹5 lakh. |
| Misbranded food - Section 52 | Penalty may extend to ₹3 lakh, with corrective directions possible. |
| Misleading advertisement - Section 53 | Penalty may extend to ₹10 lakh. |
| Food containing extraneous matter - Section 54 | Penalty may extend to ₹1 lakh. |
| Failure to comply with Food Safety Officer's directions - Section 55 | Penalty may extend to ₹2 lakh. |
| Unhygienic or unsanitary processing/manufacturing - Section 56 | Penalty may extend to ₹1 lakh. |
| Unsafe food - Section 59 | Penalty and/or imprisonment varies according to the resulting harm, including injury, grievous injury or death. |
FSSAI - Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 India Code - Current Act PDF
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FSSAI Registration turnover limit in 2026?
The general turnover ceiling is ₹1.5 crore from 1 April 2026, subject to activity-specific criteria.
When is State Licence required?
The general turnover band is above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore, but activity-specific capacity or eligibility criteria can alter the category.
When is Central Licence required?
The general threshold is turnover above ₹50 crore. Certain activities, including import and e-commerce under the current FoSCoS eligibility criteria, require Central Licence irrespective of turnover.
Does FSSAI Registration need renewal?
The 2026 amendment introduced perpetual validity. Registrations and licences remain valid unless suspended, cancelled or surrendered, subject to continued statutory compliance.
Where should I apply?
Use the official Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) for new Registration, Licence, modification and related food-business compliance services.
Official FSSAI Resources
FSSAI Official Website FoSCoS Portal 2026 Kind of Business Eligibility FSSAI Regulations FSSAI Notifications
Turnover, capacity, fees and Kind of Business criteria can change. Verify the applicable category on FoSCoS before filing an application or making payment.