FSSAI Registration in India 2026: Basic, State & Central Licences Explained

Running a food business in India without an FSSAI registration is not just a compliance gap; it is a legal offence. Yet thousands of food entrepreneurs, from small home bakers to growing restaurant chains, either delay registration or apply for the wrong license type entirely. This guide breaks down the three types of FSSAI license registration, who qualifies for each, what it costs, and exactly how to apply online in 2025–26.

What Is FSSAI and Why Does Registration Matter?

FSSAI is the apex food regulatory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It sets the standards for food safety, hygiene, and quality across the country.

An FSSAI registration or license does several things for a food business:

• It establishes the business as a legal food operator
• It builds consumer trust through the FSSAI logo on packaging
• It is mandatory for importing, exporting, and selling on major e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Swiggy
• It shields the business from penalties, product seizures, and shutdowns

The 14-digit FSSAI license number that appears on every packaged food product is not just a formality. It is a legal requirement backed by penalty provisions that go up to Rs. 10 lakh or more for serious violations.

Three Types of FSSAI Registration: An Overview

FSSAI classifies food businesses into three categories based on their size, turnover, and operational scope. These are:

1. FSSAI Basic Registration — for very small or petty food businesses
2. FSSAI State License — for medium-scale food businesses operating within a single state
3. FSSAI Central License — for large or multi-state food businesses

FSSAI Basic Registration: Who Is It For?

Eligibility for Basic Registration

FSSAI Basic Registration applies to petty food business operators whose annual turnover does not exceed Rs. 12 lakh. This category is specifically designed for small, local food businesses that operate at a limited scale.

Businesses that qualify for FSSAI Basic Registration include:

• Small dhabas and tea stalls
• Petty retailers and small grocery shops
• Home-based food businesses selling locally
• Temporary stall holders at fairs or festivals
• Cottage industry food producers

A hawker selling chaat on a street corner, a home baker selling cakes through WhatsApp, or a tiffin service run out of a residential kitchen all fall under this category, provided their annual revenue stays under Rs. 12 lakh.

FSSAI Basic Registration: Key Points

• It is issued by the designated officer at the district level
• The registration is valid for 1 to 5 years, as chosen by the applicant
• It requires minimal documentation
• The certificate is issued through the FoSCoS portal

Basic registration is the entry point into the FSSAI ecosystem. Many small food entrepreneurs skip this step thinking it does not apply to them. That is a costly mistake, especially with FSSAI’s ongoing push in 2025–26 to register all unorganised food sellers across India.

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FSSAI State License: Who Qualifies?

Eligibility for State License

The FSSAI State License applies to food businesses with an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore. It covers businesses that operate within a single state and do not fall into the “petty” or “large scale” categories.

Businesses that typically require a State License include:

• Mid-sized restaurants and hotel kitchens
• Food manufacturers with production capacity below the central threshold
• Retailers and distributors operating within one state
• Caterers and food processing units of moderate scale
• Dairy units processing up to 50,000 litres of milk per day
• Vegetable oil processing units with a daily capacity of up to 2 metric tonnes

The State License is issued by the State Food Safety Commissioner of the respective state. Each state has its own designated authority that processes and grants these licenses.

State License: Validity and Renewal

A State License is valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on what the applicant selects at the time of application. Renewal must be initiated at least 30 days before the expiration date. Failing to renew on time results in a penalty and the license being treated as invalid.

FSSAI Central License: Who Needs It?

Eligibility for Central License

The FSSAI Central License is mandatory for food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crore, or those that operate across multiple states. It is also required for specific categories of businesses regardless of turnover.

Businesses that mandatorily require a Central License include:

• Food importers and exporters
• Manufacturers whose products are sold across different states
• Food businesses operating in central government premises (airports, railway stations, seaports)
• E-commerce food platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, BigBasket
• Dairy units processing more than 50,000 litres of milk per day
• Food businesses with a turnover above Rs. 20 crore

The Central License is issued by the Central Licensing Authority at the FSSAI headquarters in New Delhi.

FSSAI Registration Fees: What Does It Cost?

FSSAI registration fees vary depending on the type of license and the validity period chosen. Here is a clear breakdown as per the current fee schedule:

For businesses choosing a 5-year validity period, the total fee is multiplied accordingly. For example, a Central License for 5 years would cost Rs. 37,500.

These fees are paid online at the time of application through the FoSCoS portal. There are also additional charges for specific categories like milk processing, slaughterhouses, and food laboratories.

It is important to note that these are government fees only. If a business is using a consultant or legal service to handle the application, professional service charges will be separate.

How to Do FSSAI Registration Online: Step-by-Step

FSSAI registration online is processed entirely through the FoSCoS (Food Safety and Compliance System) portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in. The portal was introduced to simplify and digitise the entire licensing and registration process.

Step 1: Visit the FoSCoS Portal

Go to foscos.fssai.gov.in and click on “Apply for License/Registration” under the food business section.

Step 2: Identify the Correct License Type

Based on the annual turnover and nature of business, select whether Basic Registration, State License, or Central License applies.

Step 3: Fill in the Application Form

Complete Form A for Basic Registration or Form B for State and Central Licenses. The form asks for:

• Business name and address
• Type of food business activity
• Details of food products handled
• Ownership or partnership details
• Proof of premises

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Attach all necessary documents in digital format. Accepted formats are generally PDF or JPEG within the size limit specified on the portal.

Step 5: Pay the Applicable Fee

After form submission, the portal will redirect to the payment gateway. FSSAI registration fees can be paid through net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI.

Step 6: Await Inspection (If Applicable)

For State and Central Licenses, a designated officer may conduct an inspection of the business premises before granting the license. For Basic Registration, no mandatory inspection is required before issuance.

Step 7: Download the Certificate

Once approved, the FSSAI certificate can be downloaded directly from the FoSCoS portal. The entire process for Basic Registration typically takes 7 working days. State and Central Licenses may take 30 to 60 days depending on the complexity and workload at the authority level.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

The documents required vary slightly depending on the type of license, but here is a general checklist:

For FSSAI Basic Registration:

• Photo identity proof of the proprietor (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID)
• Address proof of the business premises
• Passport-size photograph
• Proof of business activity

For State and Central License (Form B):

• Blueprint or layout plan of the food processing unit
• List of food products to be manufactured
• Food safety management plan
• Certificate of incorporation or partnership deed
• NOC from the local municipality or Gram Panchayat
• NOC from the Fire Department (for large premises)
• Water analysis report (for manufacturers)
• List of equipment and machinery
• Import Export Code (for importers and exporters)
• Bank account details

All documents must be self-attested. Scanned copies must be clear and legible for acceptance on the portal.

Closing Notes

FSSAI registration is one of the most fundamental legal steps any food business in India must complete. Whether it is a home cook selling mithai during festivals or a large dairy processing plant supplying across the country, the law applies without exceptions.

Understanding whether Basic Registration, a State License, or a Central License applies can save significant time, money, and legal trouble. The criteria are straightforward: turnover and scale of operations determine the category. Getting that decision right from the start is what matters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is FSSAI registration, and is it mandatory for all food businesses in India?

Yes, it is mandatory for every food business operator in India, regardless of size or turnover, under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

What are the FSSAI registration fees in 2025–26?

FSSAI registration fees are Rs. 100 per year for Basic Registration, Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 per year for a State License depending on the business category, and Rs. 7,500 per year for a Central License. These fees are paid directly on the FoSCoS portal at the time of application.

Is FSSAI registration required for selling food on platforms like Amazon or Swiggy?

Yes. Selling food products online on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, or Zomato requires a valid FSSAI registration. Most platforms ask for the FSSAI number during seller onboarding and reject food product listings without it.

What is the validity period of an FSSAI license?

An FSSAI registration or license can be obtained for a period of 1 to 5 years, as selected by the applicant during the application process. Renewal must be initiated at least 30 days before the expiry date.

About the author

Mehul Jagwani

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Mehul is a seasoned content writer with a passion for simplifying complex accounting and GST topics. With a keen interest in entrepreneurship and business management, he specializes in creating informative and engaging content for themunim.com. His goal is to help businesses understand and implement accounting and GST software solutions effectively. When he's not crafting content, Mehul enjoys exploring new places and spending time with his Golden Retriever.