FSSAI State vs Central License — Which One and When? (2026)
FSSAI State vs Central License — turnover threshold, interstate, multi-state, manufacturer. Choose the right FSSAI for your business.
Choosing the right FSSAI license (Basic vs State vs Central) is crucial for compliance. In this guide, we help you choose based on your business type, turnover, and scale.
Quick Comparison
| Parameter | Basic | State | Central |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turnover | < ₹12L | ₹12L-₹20Cr | > ₹20Cr OR multi-state OR specific categories |
| Application Form | Form A | Form B | Form B |
| Government Fee | ₹100/year | ₹2,000-₹5,000/year | ₹7,500/year |
| Premises Inspection | No | Yes | Yes |
| Approval Time | 7-30 days | 30-60 days | 60-90 days |
| Issuing Authority | FSSAI (online) | State FSSAI | Central FSSAI (Delhi) |
When to Choose Basic FSSAI
- Aggregate turnover < ₹12L per year
- Intra-state operations only (no inter-state)
- Small food businesses: home bakers, tiffin services, petty retailers, street food vendors
- Selling on online platforms (Amazon, Swiggy, Zomato)
- Cloud kitchens (small scale)
- Cottage industry food products
When to Choose State FSSAI
- Aggregate turnover ₹12L – ₹20Cr per year
- Intra-state operations only
- Mid-size food businesses: restaurants, mid-size manufacturers, distributors
- Hotels, resorts (mid-size)
- Mid-size dairy, bakery, confectionery
- Catering (mid-size)
- Importers (small scale, intra-state distribution)
When to Choose Central FSSAI
- Aggregate turnover > ₹20Cr per year
- Multi-state operations
- Specific categories (dairy, meat, poultry, fish, alcoholic beverages)
- Large manufacturers (> ₹20Cr turnover)
- Hotels (large, 5-star)
- Importers (large)
- Exporters of food products
- 100% EOU / SEZ / EHTP units
Specific Categories Requiring Central License
- Dairy (milk, cheese, butter, ghee)
- Meat + poultry + fish + marine products
- Alcoholic beverages
- Packaged drinking water (large scale)
- Specialised products (infant food, health supplements)
- Food ingredients (additives, preservatives, colours)
- Edible oils + fats (large scale)
- 100% EOU / SEZ food units
Multi-State vs Single-State
| Type | Examples | FSSAI Required |
|---|---|---|
| Single state | Restaurant chain within Maharashtra | State License (Maharashtra FSSAI) |
| Multi-state | Restaurant chain in Maharashtra + Karnataka + Delhi | Central License (Delhi FSSAI) |
| Single state, large | Manufacturer in Maharashtra with turnover > ₹20Cr | Central License |
| Multi-state, small | Manufacturer in Maharashtra + Karnataka with turnover < ₹12L | State License for each state (rare case) |
Penalty for Wrong License
- Operating with Basic when State is required: FSSAI can cancel the basic license + impose penalty
- Operating with State when Central is required: similar
- Penalty: ₹5L + imprisonment in extreme cases
- Recommendation: get the right FSSAI license from day 1
Can I Upgrade Later?
Yes. If your business grows beyond the current license threshold, apply for a higher license. Process:
- Basic → State: Apply for State license on FoSCoS portal, surrender Basic
- State → Central: Apply for Central license, surrender State
- Validity: Up to 5 years (you choose)
- Renewal: 30 days before expiry
- Cost: same as fresh application (new government fee)
Cost
| License | Government Fee | Our Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (1 year) | ₹100 | From ₹1,499 |
| Basic (5 years) | ₹500 | From ₹2,499 |
| 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have a home bakery with turnover < ₹10L. Which FSSAI?
A: Basic FSSAI. Apply via Form A on FoSCoS portal. Get the 14-digit FSSAI number in 7-30 days.
Q: I have a restaurant chain in 5 states with turnover ₹15Cr. Which FSSAI?
A: Central License. Even though turnover < ₹20Cr, the multi-state operations require Central.
Q: Can I have both State and Central licenses?
A: No. You have only one FSSAI license — State (for intra-state) or Central (for multi-state / large). The 14-digit FSSAI number is unique.
Q: How long is FSSAI license valid?
A: 1-5 years (you choose at application). We recommend 5 years for cost efficiency. Renewal: 30 days before expiry.