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 ₹2,699. 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 up to ₹1.5 Cr (from 1 April 2026) | Form A | ₹100/year |
| State | Turnover above ₹1.5 Cr and up to ₹50 Cr | Form B | ₹2,000-₹5,000/year |
| Central | Turnover > ₹50 Cr OR multi-state OR specific categories (importers, e-commerce, etc.) | 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 and hawkers (registration category)
- 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), where the authority asks for it
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. Under the FSSAI amendment regulations notified in March 2026, registrations and licences have perpetual validity: they stay valid unless suspended, cancelled or surrendered, with no renewal, but the fee is still payable (annually or for several years at once) and annual returns still apply.
Cost
| License | Government Fee | Our Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (1 year) | ₹100 | From ₹2,699 |
| State (1 year) | ₹2,000-₹5,000 | From ₹4,499 |
| State (5 years) | ₹10,000-₹25,000 | From ₹4,499 |
| Central (1 year) | ₹7,500 | From ₹13,499 |
| Central (5 years) | ₹37,500 | From ₹13,499 |
| Renewal (State / Central) | Not needed under the 2026 perpetual-validity framework; legacy transition cases only | From ₹2,199 |
Penalty for Non-Compliance
- Operating without a licence where one is required: imprisonment up to 6 months and fine up to ₹5 lakh (Section 63)
- Misbranded food: up to ₹3 lakh (Section 52)
- Substandard food: up to ₹5 lakh (Section 51)
- Misleading advertisement: up to ₹10 lakh (Section 53)
- Unsafe food: up to 6 months and ₹1 lakh where no injury results, rising to 7 years to life and at least ₹10 lakh where it causes death (Section 59)
- Obstructing or impersonating a Food Safety Officer: up to 3 months and ₹1 lakh (Section 62)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which FSSAI license do I need?
A: From 1 April 2026: Basic registration for turnover up to ₹1.5 crore (home bakers, tiffin services, small retailers and many small restaurants). State licence for ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore (larger restaurants, mid-size manufacturers, distributors). Central licence above ₹50 crore, and for importers, e-commerce operators and other notified categories regardless of turnover.
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. Apply for the State or Central licence before you cross the threshold, and surrender the Basic registration once it is granted.
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).
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