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 category (Basic Registration, State licence or Central licence) depends on your turnover, your activity and where you operate. The turnover limits changed on 1 April 2026, and since March 2026 registrations and licences no longer need renewal. This guide reflects that position as of October 2026.
Quick Comparison (from 1 April 2026)
| Parameter | Basic Registration | State Licence | Central Licence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual turnover | Up to ₹1.5 crore | Above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore | Above ₹50 crore, or a category listed for Central licensing |
| Application Form | Form A | Form B | Form B |
| Annual government fee | ₹100 | About ₹2,000-₹5,000, by category | ₹7,500 |
| Inspection | Not routine | May be required before grant | May be required before grant |
| Authority | Registering Authority of the State food safety department, via FoSCoS | State Licensing Authority | Central Licensing Authority (FSSAI regional offices) |
| Validity | Valid unless suspended, cancelled or surrendered | Valid unless suspended, cancelled or surrendered | Valid unless suspended, cancelled or surrendered |
Earlier limits (until 31 March 2026) were ₹12 lakh for Basic Registration and ₹20 crore for a State licence. FSSAI has said no fee applies to a migration caused by the revised limits. Sources: FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026; FSSAI order of 13 March 2026 and FAQs of 27 March 2026.
When Basic Registration Fits
- Annual turnover up to ₹1.5 crore, for a premises that is not in a Central category
- Small food businesses: home bakers, tiffin services, petty retailers, hawkers and small eateries
- Small sellers on online platforms, within the turnover limit
- Small cloud kitchens and cottage food units
When a State Licence Fits
- Annual turnover above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore
- Restaurants, hotels, caterers, distributors and manufacturers in that range
- Manufacturing units below the capacity limits that trigger a Central licence
- Each outlet or unit of a multi-state business, according to its own turnover and activity
When a Central Licence Is Needed
- Annual turnover above ₹50 crore
- Importers of food
- 100% export-oriented units
- Food businesses on Central Government premises, such as airports, seaports and railways
- E-commerce food business operators
- The registered or head office of a business operating in more than one state
- Manufacturing or processing units above the capacity limits in Schedule 1 of the Licensing Regulations (for example dairy, meat, slaughterhouses, edible oils and other food processing)
- Certain other categories specified in Schedule 1
Schedule 1 capacity limits and categories are detailed and are amended from time to time. We check your exact Kind of Business on FoSCoS against the current Schedule before choosing the category.
Multi-State vs Single-State
| Type | Example | FSSAI required |
|---|---|---|
| Single state | Restaurant chain within Maharashtra | Each outlet takes Basic Registration or a State licence by its own turnover |
| Multi-state | Restaurant chain in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Delhi | Central licence for the registered or head office, plus a registration or State licence for each outlet |
| Single state, large | Manufacturer in Maharashtra with turnover above ₹50 crore | Central licence |
| Multi-state, small | Manufacturer with units in two states | Each unit by its own turnover and capacity, plus a Central licence for the head office |
Penalty for Operating Without the Right Licence
- Carrying on a food business that needs a licence without one: imprisonment up to 6 months and fine up to ₹5 lakh (Section 63, Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006)
- Operating in the wrong category can lead to an improvement notice, suspension or cancellation
- Recommendation: confirm the right category before you start, and again when turnover or activity changes
Moving to a Higher Category
If your turnover or activity moves you into a higher category, apply for the new licence on FoSCoS and surrender the old one once it is granted. Points to note:
- Basic → State: apply for a State licence in Form B, then surrender the registration
- State → Central: apply for a Central licence, then surrender the State licence
- No renewal: since March 2026 the licence stays valid unless suspended, cancelled or surrendered
- Annual fee: still payable each year, and it can be paid several years in advance
Cost
| Category | Annual Government Fee | Our Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | ₹100 a year | From ₹2,699 |
| State Licence | About ₹2,000-₹5,000 a year, by category | From ₹4,499 |
| Central Licence | ₹7,500 a year | From ₹13,499 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have a home bakery with turnover under ₹10 lakh. Which FSSAI?
A: Basic Registration. Apply in Form A on FoSCoS. The 14-digit registration number is issued once the Registering Authority approves the application, or it can start operating if the application is not decided within the prescribed period.
Q: I have a restaurant chain in 5 states with turnover ₹15 crore. Which FSSAI?
A: The registered or head office needs a Central licence because the business operates in more than one state. Each restaurant then takes its own Basic Registration or State licence according to its own turnover.
Q: Can I have both State and Central licences?
A: Yes, for different premises. Licences and registrations are issued per premises, so one business can hold a Central licence for its head office or a large unit and State licences or registrations for its other outlets.
Q: How long is an FSSAI licence valid?
A: Under the amendment regulations in force from 10 March 2026, a licence or registration stays valid unless it is suspended, cancelled or surrendered, so there is no renewal. The annual fee still has to be paid every year.
Related reading
FSSAI License: Basic vs State vs Central — Which One Do You Need? (2026)
7 min read
GST Registration in India — Process, Documents, Cost, Timeline (2026)
8 min read
FSSAI vs MSME (Udyam) vs ISO — Which One Do You Need? (2026)
5 min read
IEC (Import Export Code) Registration — Complete Guide for Indian Businesses (2026)
9 min read