FSSAI Registration
Get your FSSAI Registration Online and legally establish your food business in India. Understand the latest 2026 eligibility criteria, turnover limits, fees, required documents, application process, validity, and compliance requirements. Whether you run a small food business, restaurant, home-based food operation, or food manufacturing unit, this guide explains everything you need to know to complete your FSSAI registration smoothly and stay compliant.
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FFSSAI Registration Online in India:
Starting a food business is exciting, but selling food legally comes with responsibilities that should be handled before the first order reaches a customer. FSSAI Registration or an FSSAI Licence is the key food-safety authorisation for businesses covered by India's food-safety framework. The right category depends on the nature and scale of the food business, and the application is handled online through FoSCoS.
There is an important 2026 change that every food entrepreneur should know. From 1 April 2026, FSSAI revised the turnover thresholds used to classify food businesses: Registration applies up to ₹1.5 crore turnover, State Licence applies above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore, and Central Licence applies above ₹50 crore. FSSAI has also introduced perpetual validity, meaning a licence or registration issued under the new framework does not need routine renewal unless it is suspended, cancelled or surrendered.
Why is FSSAI Food Registration Required?
FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is the statutory authority established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, to regulate and supervise food safety in India. The main purpose of FSSAI is to ensure that food available to consumers is safe, wholesome and meets the standards prescribed under the country's food-safety laws.
For a food business, FSSAI Registration or an FSSAI Licence is more than just a certificate or registration number. It is an important legal requirement for eligible food business operators (FBOs) and shows that the business is operating within India's food-safety regulatory framework. Whether you run a restaurant, cloud kitchen, bakery, food manufacturing unit, catering business, retail shop, food warehouse, online food business or a small home-based food business, it is important to understand which FSSAI category applies to your activity.
How many types of FSSAI License are there?
In practical terms, food businesses fall into three main FSSAI categories: Registration, State Licence and Central Licence. The category is not chosen simply because a business is called a restaurant, manufacturer or retailer. Eligibility is determined by the applicable Kind of Business (KoB), turnover and, for some activities, capacity or other criteria.
| Category | 2026 turnover threshold | Typical fee per year | Typical examples |
| FSSAI Registration | Up to ₹1.5 crore | ₹100 | Petty food businesses, small vendors and eligible small operators |
| State Licence | Above ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore | Often ₹2,000–₹5,000 depending on KoB | Restaurants, manufacturers, retailers and other state-level operators |
| Central Licence | Above ₹50 crore | ₹7,500 | Large operators and specified central-category businesses |
The government fee is not always determined by turnover alone. FoSCoS eligibility is KoB-specific, and certain businesses such as importers can fall under Central Licence requirements regardless of turnover. Always check the current FoSCoS eligibility criteria for the exact activity before filing.
FSSAI Rules and Regulations- All you need to know
FSSAI compliance continues after the certificate is issued. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the FSSAI Rules and regulations, and the conditions attached to a licence or registration form the wider compliance framework.
- Maintain hygienic and sanitary conditions applicable to the premises and activity, including Schedule 4 requirements where applicable.
- Use food ingredients and raw materials from appropriate and reliable sources and maintain supporting purchase or supplier records where required.
- Follow applicable food-product standards, permitted additives and contaminant limits.
- Ensure labels and packaging meet the applicable labelling and display requirements and do not contain misleading or prohibited claims.
- Display the FSSAI number/credential as required at the premises and on food packaging where applicable.
- Maintain records and returns applicable to the business, including annual returns for categories that require them.
- Arrange testing, sampling or laboratory documentation where required by the type of business or licence condition.
- Apply for modification when relevant business particulars change instead of continuing with inaccurate licence information.
- Follow inspection, audit and corrective-action requirements when applicable.
Aug 25, 2026
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Punishment For Carrying Out a Business Without FSSAI License
Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 deals with carrying out a food business without the required licence. Following the amendment introduced through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, Section 63 now provides for a penalty that may extend to ₹10 lakh for carrying out a business without the required licence, subject to the applicable legal provisions and facts of the case.
The FSSAI Manual for Food Safety Officers also identifies Section 63 as the provision concerning a food business carried out without a licence. This is why businesses should obtain the appropriate FSSAI registration or licence before commencing a regulated food activity, rather than treating licensing as something that can be completed later.
What Is the Cost of FSSAI Registration in India?
The FSSAI Registration cost in India depends on the type of food business, the applicable Kind of Business (KoB) and whether the business requires Basic Registration, a State FSSAI Licence or a Central FSSAI Licence.
It is important to understand that the government fee and professional service fee are different. The government fee is paid for the FSSAI application or licence, while a consultant may charge separately for preparing documents, selecting the correct category, filing the application and assisting with queries.
FSSAI Government Fee Structure
The following table gives a practical overview of the commonly applicable government fees:
| FSSAI Category | Who Generally Comes Under It? | Government Fee | Validity Under 2026 Framework |
| FSSAI Registration | Eligible petty/small food businesses with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore, subject to KoB criteria | ₹100 | Perpetual |
| State FSSAI Licence | Food businesses generally having turnover above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore, subject to KoB criteria | ₹2,000–₹5,000 per year, depending on business category | Perpetual |
| Central FSSAI Licence | ABusinesses generally above ₹50 crore and specified Central Licence categories | ₹7,500 per year | Perpetual |
What Is the Income Limit for FSSAI Registration?
When people search for the “income limit for FSSAI Registration,” they generally mean the annual turnover of the food business, not the owner's personal income or profit.
From 1 April 2026, the general FSSAI turnover limits are:
| Annual Turnover | FSSAI Category |
| Up to ₹1.5 crore | FSSAI Registration |
| Above ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore | FState FSSAI Licence |
| Above ₹50 crore | Central FSSAI Licence |
Important Points
- Turnover means the business's annual sales, not personal income.
- Profit is not the same as turnover.
- The Kind of Business (KoB) also affects the licence category.
- Some businesses have special requirements regardless of turnover.
- Food importers generally require a Central FSSAI Licence irrespective of turnover.
Which Food Businesses Need FSSAI Registration or Licence?
The FSSAI framework covers businesses dealing with food rather than a narrow list of products. That includes food manufacturing and processing, restaurants and food service, retail, wholesale, storage, transport, vending, e-commerce and specified import/export activities.
- Packaged foods and processed foods
- Bakery and confectionery products
- Restaurants, cafés and catering businesses
- Cloud kitchens and home-based food businesses, where applicable
- Dairy and milk products
- Meat, fish and poultry businesses
- Edible oils and other processed food products
- Packaged drinking water and related food categories
- Food warehouses, storage and transportation activities
- Online food sellers and specified e-commerce food businesses
- Food importers and exporters, including businesses that may need to complete FSSAI import clearance before bringing regulated food products into India.
- Street-food vendors and hawkers, subject to the 2026 deemed-registration reform where the statutory conditions are met
The correct licence is determined by the business activity and applicable eligibility criteria, not simply by the product name. For a final classification, use the FoSCoS 'Know Your Eligibility' facility for the relevant Kind of Business.
Timeline & Validity of FSSAI Registration
Application timelines can vary because some applications are processed through document scrutiny while others may involve inspection, queries or additional compliance requirements. The government portal allows applicants to track applications through FoSCoS.
More importantly, the validity rules changed in 2026. Under the amended framework, FSSAI registrations and licences have perpetual validity unless they are suspended, cancelled or surrendered. This means the old advice to routinely renew every one to five years is no longer the correct general rule for credentials covered by the new framework.
The change applies to licences and registrations issued on or after 1 April 2026. FSSAI's March 2026 FAQ also explains that existing businesses are to be migrated to the revised thresholds through FoSCoS and that migration caused by the revised thresholds does not attract a modification fee.
Who Needs FSSAI Registration?
FSSAI Registration or Licence is required for food businesses covered under India's food-safety laws. The exact requirement depends on the type of food activity, annual turnover, business size and applicable Kind of Business (KoB).
Whether you are running a small home-based food business or a large food manufacturing company, it is important to identify the correct FSSAI category before starting operations. The same applies to businesses in different states, including those looking for FSSAI Registration Kerala, where the applicable category still depends on the nature, scale and Kind of Business.
| Food Business | Why FSSAI Compliance May Be Required |
| Home-based food businesses | Homemade snacks, cakes, pickles and other food products sold commercially may require registration or a licence depending on the activity and scale. |
| Restaurants & Cafés | Businesses preparing and serving food to customers need the appropriate FSSAI authorisation. |
| Cloud Kitchens | Food prepared for online orders is still a regulated food activity even when there is no dine-in facility. |
| Bakeries & Confectioneries | Businesses manufacturing or selling bakery and confectionery products may require FSSAI Registration or Licence. |
| Food Manufacturers & Processors | Manufacturing, processing, packaging or handling food commercially generally requires the applicable FSSAI authorisation. |
| Retailers & Wholesalers | Businesses selling or distributing food products commercially may fall under the FSSAI framework. |
| Food Storage & Warehouses | Businesses storing food commercially, including applicable cold-storage operators, may require FSSAI licensing. |
| Food Transporters | Businesses involved in transporting food as a regulated food activity may need the appropriate FSSAI authorisation. |
| Food Importers | Importers generally require a Central FSSAI Licence, subject to the applicable requirements, regardless of turnover. |
| Online & E-commerce Food Businesses | Businesses selling food through online channels may have FSSAI obligations depending on their role and activity. |
| Large Food Businesses | Businesses with higher turnover or activities requiring Central Licence must obtain the appropriate licence rather than basic Registration. |
Validity and Renewal of FSSAI License
The FSSAI licence validity rules changed significantly in 2026. Earlier, FSSAI licences were generally issued for a fixed period and businesses had to apply for renewal before expiry. Under the amended framework effective from 1 April 2026, FSSAI registrations and licences covered by the new system have perpetual validity.
This means a valid FSSAI Registration or Licence does not normally need to be renewed simply because a fixed validity period has ended. However, perpetual validity does not mean that the business can stop following FSSAI rules.
How to Apply for FSSAI Registration Online through FoSCoS
Identify the exact Kind of Business and check the current eligibility criteria.
Choose Registration, State Licence or Central Licence based on the applicable criteria.
Create or access the FBO account on the official FoSCoS portal.
Complete the relevant application form with accurate business, premises and food-product details.
Upload the documents requested for that business activity.
Pay the applicable government fee shown by the portal.
Submit the application and note the application/reference number.
Respond promptly if FSSAI raises a query or asks for clarification or inspection-related action.
Track the application through FoSCoS until the credential is issued.
After approval, display and use the FSSAI number as required and maintain ongoing compliance. Once your application is approved, you can also access the issued credential through the appropriate FoSCoS facility. Businesses looking for an FSSAI Certificate Download should keep a copy of the approved registration or licence for their records and compliance requirements.
FSSAI License for Different Businesses
The category and fee slab under a State License can vary depending on the nature of your business. Here's how it typically applies:
| Business Type | Typical License Category | Key Requirement |
| Restaurants & cloud kitchens | State License | FSMS plan, kitchen layout, water report |
| Food manufacturers/processors | State License | Machinery list, product category list |
| Distributors & wholesalers | State License | Storage facility proof, turnover documents |
| Transporters | State License | Vehicle count, refrigeration proof (if applicable) |
| Hotels & catering businesses | State License | HRACC certificate, staff hygiene records |
| Dairy & meat units | State License | Source of milk/meat certification |
| E-commerce food sellers (single state) | State License | Warehouse and packaging compliance |
Common Mistakes While Applying for an FSSAI License
- Applying for the wrong license category - choosing Basic Registration or Central License instead of the correct State License based on turnover
- Submitting an incomplete Form B or mismatched signatory details across documents
- Uploading low-resolution or unclear scanned documents that get rejected during scrutiny
- Ignoring the water testing report requirement for manufacturing units
- Delaying the annual fee payment or return filing - this now triggers automatic suspension under the 2026 rules
- Not updating the license after a change in premises, ownership, or product category
- Assuming the license is transferable when changing business ownership
- Missing the inspection appointment or being unprepared for a site visit
- Not maintaining the FSSAI logo and license number display at the business premises
- Underestimating processing time and applying too close to a business launch date
FSSAI Government Updates & Initiatives You Should Know in 2026
The 2026 reforms are the most important update for anyone publishing or updating an FSSAI registration page. The official FSSAI material identifies four major changes: perpetual validity, deemed registration for eligible street-food vendors, risk-based inspection/food-safety audit mechanisms, and revised turnover thresholds.
1. Revised turnover thresholds
From 1 April 2026, the threshold for Registration increased to ₹1.5 crore, State Licence covers above ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore, and Central Licence applies above ₹50 crore, subject to the specific KoB rules.
2. Perpetual validity
FSSAI registrations and licences are no longer based on a routine fixed expiry-and-renew cycle under the amended framework. They remain valid unless suspended, cancelled or surrendered, while compliance obligations continue.
3. Deemed registration for eligible street-food vendors
Eligible street-food vendors already registered under the Street Vendors Act can be deemed registered under the FSS Act, removing a dual-registration burden. The vendor must still comply with applicable hygiene and sanitary requirements.
4. Risk-based inspection and audit
The reforms move regulatory attention toward risk-based inspection and food-safety audit mechanisms. Businesses should therefore think beyond obtaining a number and focus on practical food-safety systems.
5. FSSAI initiatives and programmes
Businesses may also encounter FSSAI initiatives such as FoSTaC food-safety training, Hygiene Rating, Eat Right initiatives, Clean Street Food Hubs, Eat Right Stations, BHOG and related food-safety awareness programmes. These initiatives are not substitutes for the underlying licence/registration requirement, but they can support stronger food-safety practices and consumer confidence.
What Makes Kanakkupillai a Preferred Choice?
Choosing the right professional for your FSSAI Registration can make the process much easier, especially when you are unsure about the correct licence category, documents or FoSCoS application process. Kanakkupillai provides end-to-end support to help food businesses complete their FSSAI Registration accurately and with less hassle.
- Expert guidance: Get professional assistance in identifying the appropriate FSSAI Registration or Licence for your food business.
- Complete application support: We assist with documentation, application preparation and online filing through FoSCoS.
- Personalised assistance: Every food business is different, so our guidance is aligned with your business activity and requirements.
- Query and application support: If FSSAI raises a query or requests additional information, our team can help you understand and respond to it.
- Transparent process: We help you understand the applicable government fees and professional service charges before proceeding.
- Post-registration support: Our assistance can continue beyond obtaining the certificate, including guidance on modifications and ongoing FSSAI compliance.
- Convenient online service: Get support without the need for repeated visits to an office, making the registration process simpler for busy entrepreneurs.
Frequently asked questions
FSSAI Registration is the basic food-business registration for eligible small or petty food businesses. The appropriate FSSAI Registration or Licence depends on the business activity, turnover and applicable FoSCoS eligibility criteria.
Food businesses covered under India's FSSAI licensing and registration framework must obtain the appropriate Registration or Licence. The exact category depends on the Kind of Business (KoB), turnover and nature of the food activity.
From 1 April 2026, eligible food businesses with annual turnover of up to ₹1.5 crore generally fall under FSSAI Registration, subject to the specific business activity and FoSCoS eligibility criteria.
A Central FSSAI Licence generally applies to businesses with turnover above ₹50 crore. Certain specified businesses, such as food importers, may require a Central Licence regardless of turnover.
The government fee for eligible FSSAI Registration is ₹100. State and Central Licence fees vary according to the applicable business category, with the Central Licence fee generally listed at ₹7,500.
Yes. You can apply online through the official FoSCoS portal. The portal also allows applicants to check eligibility, submit documents, pay the applicable government fee and track the application status.
Common documents include identity proof, business and premises details, address proof and food-business information. Additional documents may be required depending on the type of food activity and licence category.
Yes, a home-based food business or cloud kitchen can come under the FSSAI framework if it commercially prepares, processes or sells food. The applicable Registration or Licence depends on the business activity and turnover.
For registrations and licences covered by the amended 2026 framework, FSSAI has introduced perpetual validity. Therefore, routine renewal is generally no longer required simply because a fixed validity period has ended. Businesses must still maintain compliance and update their details when necessary.
Yes. Perpetual validity does not mean permanent immunity from enforcement. FSSAI can suspend or cancel a Registration or Licence when the applicable legal or food-safety requirements are not followed.
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