FSSAI licences and registrations no longer expire. Since the amendment notified on 10 March 2026, they stay valid unless suspended, cancelled or surrendered, though the annual fee is still payable. From 1 April 2026, Registration covers turnover up to ₹1.5 crore (was ₹12 lakh), the State licence up to ₹50 crore (was ₹20 crore), and the Central licence applies above ₹50 crore.
Old rules vs new rules
| Before | From 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 1 to 5 years, then renewal | Valid until suspended, cancelled or surrendered (from 10 March 2026) |
| Annual fee | Paid for the years chosen at application or renewal | Still payable every year; unpaid fee means the licence is deemed suspended |
| Registration limit | Turnover up to ₹12 lakh | Turnover up to ₹1.5 crore (from 1 April 2026) |
| State licence | ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore | Above ₹1.5 crore, up to ₹50 crore |
| Central licence | Above ₹20 crore | Above ₹50 crore |
| Inspections | Routine | Risk-based; third-party audit can be ordered at the business's cost |
The legal basis
- Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026, notification RCD-01002/1/2021-Regulatory-FSSAI-Part(1), dated 10 March 2026: perpetual validity, annual fee, surrender within 30 days of closing, risk-based inspection and third-party audits.
- FSSAI order I/36087/2026 dated 13 March 2026: revised turnover thresholds, effective 1 April 2026.
What stays the same
- Every food business still needs a registration or licence. The thresholds decide the type, not whether it applies.
- Some kinds of business need a State or Central licence at any turnover, for example importers, exporters, e-commerce food businesses and multi-state manufacturers (Central), and dairy units and slaughterhouses (at least State).
- Each premises needs its own registration or licence.
- Licensed manufacturers and importers still file the annual return by 31 May.
- Food Safety Supervisor training (FoSTaC) is still required for licensed businesses.
What food businesses should do now
- Check your licence on FoSCoS and note when the annual fee falls due. Missing it suspends the licence.
- Recheck your category against the new limits and your kind of business before applying for anything new.
- Planning a new outlet, unit or warehouse? Budget a separate registration or licence for it.
- Keep Schedule 4 records ready: risk-based inspections and third-party audits look at evidence, not paperwork alone.
- If you close a premises, surrender its licence in writing within 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need to renew my FSSAI licence?
No. Under the Licensing and Registration Amendment Regulations, 2026, a registration or licence stays valid unless it is suspended, cancelled or surrendered. You must still pay the annual fee; if it is not paid, the licence is deemed suspended and you cannot operate.
Does Basic Registration now cover turnover up to ₹1.5 crore?
Yes. FSSAI's order dated 13 March 2026 set the Registration limit at ₹1.5 crore annual turnover from 1 April 2026, up from ₹12 lakh. Some kinds of business still need a State or Central licence regardless of turnover.
I hold a State licence but my turnover is under ₹1.5 crore. Should I change?
Your existing licence remains valid. Whether to move to Registration depends on your kind of business, because some activities need a licence at any turnover. Check the category on FoSCoS before changing anything.
Which businesses need a Central licence regardless of turnover?
Importers, exporters, e-commerce food businesses and manufacturers operating in more than one state are among those that need a Central licence. Confirm the full list for your kind of business on FoSCoS.
Does one licence now cover all my premises?
No. Perpetual validity does not change the per-premises rule. Each new kitchen, factory, warehouse or outlet needs its own registration or licence.
Official sources
Need the full process, documents and fees? Read the FSSAI licence and registration guide.