FSSAI License: Basic vs State vs Central — Which One Do You Need? (2026)
FSSAI Basic / State / Central license — turnover thresholds, process, documents, fees, renewal. From ₹1,499. CA-led.
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license / registration is mandatory for all food businesses in India. The type of license depends on turnover + scale of operations. In this guide, we help you choose the right one and walk through the registration process.
What is FSSAI?
FSSAI is the apex body regulating food safety in India. It issues 3 types of licenses: Basic Registration, State License, and Central License. Every food business must have at least one of these. Governed by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Types of FSSAI License
| Type | Turnover / Scale | Application Form | Government Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Turnover < ₹12L | Form A | ₹100/year |
| State | Turnover ₹12L – ₹20 Cr (intra-state) | Form B | ₹2,000-₹5,000/year |
| Central | Turnover > ₹20 Cr OR multi-state OR specific categories | Form B | ₹7,500/year |
Who Needs FSSAI?
- All food manufacturers
- All food processors
- All food packers
- All food re-packers
- All food retailers (online + offline)
- All food distributors / wholesalers
- All food transporters (cold chain)
- All food storage (warehouses)
- Hotels + restaurants + cafes + cloud kitchens
- Caterers
- Bakers + confectioners
- Dairy + meat + poultry processors
- Street food vendors (in some states)
- Importers of food products
- E-commerce food sellers (Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato, etc.)
Documents Required
- PAN + Aadhaar of the proprietor / partners / directors
- Certificate of Incorporation (for companies)
- Partnership Deed / LLP Agreement (for firms / LLPs)
- Address proof of the business premises (rent agreement + NOC + utility bill)
- Photos of the business premises (front, interior, equipment)
- List of food products to be manufactured / sold
- Water test report (for manufacturers)
- Equipment list (for manufacturers)
- Food Safety Management Plan (FSMP) — for State + Central
- NOC from the manufacturer (if re-packer / re-labeler)
- Recall plan (for Central)
- Memorandum of Association (for companies) — main object must mention food
Basic Registration Process
Step 1: Apply on FoSCoS Portal
Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in → Register. Fill Form A with business + food category details.
Step 2: Upload Documents
Upload PAN, Aadhaar, address proof, photo.
Step 3: Pay Fee
Pay ₹100/year government fee. Receive 14-digit FSSAI number.
State + Central License Process
Step 1: Apply on FoSCoS Portal
Fill Form B with detailed business + equipment + product + FSMP details.
Step 2: Premises Inspection
FSSAI officer inspects the premises (for State + Central). Verifies food safety, equipment, hygiene.
Step 3: Queries + Clarification
FSSAI may ask follow-up questions. We respond on your behalf.
Step 4: License Issued
FSSAI license issued. Validity: 1-5 years (you choose).
Cost
| License | Government Fee | Our Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (1 year) | ₹100 | From ₹1,499 |
| State (1 year) | ₹2,000-₹5,000 | From ₹3,999 |
| State (5 years) | ₹10,000-₹25,000 | From ₹6,999 |
| Central (1 year) | ₹7,500 | From ₹7,999 |
| Central (5 years) | ₹37,500 | From ₹14,999 |
| Renewal (State / Central) | Same as fresh | From ₹3,999 |
Penalty for Non-Compliance
- Operating without FSSAI: ₹5 lakh + imprisonment (extreme cases)
- Misbranded food: ₹3 lakh
- Substandard food: ₹5 lakh
- Misleading advertisement: ₹10 lakh
- Unsafe food causing injury: ₹1 lakh + imprisonment
- Food safety officer obstruction: ₹3 lakh + imprisonment
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which FSSAI license do I need?
A: Basic: home bakers, tiffin services, small retailers (< ₹12L turnover). State: restaurants, mid-size manufacturers, distributors (₹12L – ₹20 Cr). Central: large manufacturers, multi-state, importers (> ₹20 Cr).
Q: Can I start with Basic and upgrade later?
A: Yes. You can start with Basic and apply for State or Central license when your turnover crosses the threshold. The Basic license is valid till expiry; you can apply for State/Central before then.
Q: Is FSSAI needed for cloud kitchens?
A: Yes. All food businesses — including cloud kitchens, tiffin services, home bakers, Zomato / Swiggy restaurants — need FSSAI.
Q: How long does FSSAI registration take?
A: Basic: 7-30 days (no inspection). State: 30-60 days (inspection). Central: 60-90 days (inspection + central FSSAI review).