Every food business in India needs an FSSAI registration or licence for each premises. From 1 April 2026, turnover up to ₹1.5 crore needs Registration, up to ₹50 crore needs a State licence, and above ₹50 crore needs a Central licence. Since 10 March 2026, licences no longer expire, but the annual fee must still be paid. For the full list of changes, see FSSAI new rules 2026.
Which licence: Registration, State or Central
| Type | Annual turnover (from 1 April 2026) | Typical businesses |
|---|---|---|
| FSSAI Registration (Form A) | Up to ₹1.5 crore | Small manufacturers, home bakers, small restaurants and cloud kitchens, retailers, petty food businesses |
| State licence (Form B) | Above ₹1.5 crore, up to ₹50 crore | Medium manufacturers, restaurant chains, storage and distribution within one state |
| Central licence (Form B) | Above ₹50 crore | Large manufacturers and the kinds of business that always need a Central licence (below) |
Turnover sets the default category, not whether FSSAI applies. Some businesses need a higher licence regardless of turnover: importers, exporters, e-commerce food businesses and multi-state manufacturers need a Central licence, while certain kinds such as dairy units and slaughterhouses need at least a State licence. Check the exact kind of business on FoSCoS before applying.
Government fees
| Type | Government fee |
|---|---|
| Registration | ₹100 per year |
| State licence | ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per year, depending on the kind of business and capacity |
| Central licence | ₹7,500 per year |
FoSCoS calculates the exact fee during the application, so treat the table as a guide. Under the 2026 rules the annual fee is still payable: a licence whose fee is unpaid is deemed suspended.
Documents checklist
The application in FoSCoS lists the documents for your kind of business. Most applications need:
- Photo identity and address proof of the proprietor, partners or directors
- Proof of possession of the premises (ownership, rent or lease agreement)
- Constitution documents: partnership deed, certificate of incorporation or memorandum, as applicable
- List of food categories and products
- For licences: layout plan of the processing unit, list of equipment and machinery with capacity
- For licences: water analysis report where water is used as an ingredient or for processing
- For licences: a food safety management system plan, and nominee and authority letters where required
- Category-specific documents, for example an Import Export Code for importers, or source-of-milk details for dairy units
How to apply on FoSCoS, step by step
- Map each premises: activities, products, production capacity and expected turnover.
- Use the FoSCoS eligibility check to confirm Registration, State or Central for that kind of business.
- Create the business account on FoSCoS and choose the application for the premises.
- Fill in the form and upload the documents requested for that application.
- Pay the fee shown and keep the acknowledgement.
- Answer any query, and prepare for inspection where the authority requires one.
- After approval, check every detail on the certificate and display the licence number as required.
Processing time depends on the authority, the completeness of the file and whether an inspection is needed. Incomplete documents and mismatched names or addresses cause most delays.
Inspection and Schedule 4 readiness
Premises should be able to show hygienic layout, utilities, pest control, cleaning, personal hygiene, storage, temperature control, traceability and records that suit the operation. Schedule 4 of the licensing regulations is the reference. Under the 2026 amendments, inspections are planned by risk (commodity, compliance history and third-party audit results), and the Commissioner of Food Safety can direct a business to undergo a third-party food safety audit at its own cost.
After you get the licence
- Pay the annual fee on time so the licence is not deemed suspended.
- File the annual return where it applies (licensed manufacturers and importers file by 31 May each year).
- Apply for modification when products, capacity, premises details or activities change.
- Get a separate registration or licence for every new premises.
- Appoint trained Food Safety Supervisors: see FoSTaC training.
- If the business closes, surrender the licence by informing the authority in writing within 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
Which FSSAI licence does my food business need in 2026?
From 1 April 2026, businesses with annual turnover up to ₹1.5 crore need FSSAI Registration, those above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore need a State licence, and those above ₹50 crore need a Central licence. Some kinds of business need a State or Central licence regardless of turnover, so confirm the category on FoSCoS.
Do FSSAI licences still need renewal?
No. Since the Licensing and Registration Amendment Regulations, 2026 (notified 10 March 2026), a registration or licence stays valid unless it is suspended, cancelled or surrendered. The annual fee must still be paid, otherwise the licence is deemed suspended.
Does one FSSAI licence cover all my outlets or units?
No. A registration or licence is issued for a premises. Each additional kitchen, factory, warehouse or outlet needs its own registration or licence, or a modification where the rules allow it.
Is a FoSTaC certificate the same as an FSSAI licence?
No. The FSSAI licence or registration belongs to the food business and its premises. A FoSTaC certificate shows that a person has completed Food Safety Supervisor training. Licensed businesses need both.