FSSAI Registration Online 2026: Complete Guide to FSSAI License, Fees, Documents, Apply & Renewal
Everything about FSSAI license in one place: Basic Registration vs State vs Central license, fee for 1 to 5 years, documents, online application on FoSCoS, sweet shop, restaurant, packaged drinking water, home kitchen and the new perpetual validity rules.
If you want to start or run any food business in India, from a tea stall to a packaged water plant, you need an FSSAI registration or license. This guide is written for beginners and business owners who want the full picture with 2026 rules. If you want help with the application, you can also start here: FSSAI Registration Online.
- Basic Registration (Form A): turnover up to ₹1.5 crore, fee ₹100 per year.
- State License (Form B): turnover above ₹1.5 crore up to ₹50 crore, fee ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per year.
- Central License (Form B): turnover above ₹50 crore, importers and other central categories, fee ₹7,500 per year.
- Licenses and registrations issued on or after 1 April 2026 have perpetual validity, but the annual fee and returns still apply.
- Apply online on the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in).
- What is FSSAI license?
- 2026 changes you must know
- Is FSSAI license mandatory?
- FSSAI food license category list
- FSSAI license fee for 1 to 5 years
- FSSAI license requirements
- Documents required
- Apply online step by step
- FSSAI license for sweet shop
- FSSAI license for restaurant
- FSSAI license for packaged drinking water
- FSSAI license for home kitchen
- FSSAI license renewal
- Common mistakes
- FAQs (People also ask)
- Sources
What is FSSAI License?
FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is the national food regulator working under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and was created under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. An FSSAI license (or FSSAI registration) is the legal permission that allows a person or company, called a Food Business Operator (FBO), to manufacture, store, distribute, sell or serve food.
After approval you get a 14-digit FSSAI license number. By law this number must be printed on your food packaging, invoices and displayed at your premises along with the certificate. Platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato also ask for it before onboarding a restaurant.
2026 Changes You Must Know (Perpetual Validity and New Turnover Limits)
FSSAI notified the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026 on 10 March 2026, and a separate FSSAI order dated 13 March 2026 revised the turnover limits from 1 April 2026. This is the biggest change in food licensing in years.
| Point | Before 1 April 2026 | From 1 April 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration limit | Up to ₹12 lakh | Up to ₹1.5 crore |
| State License | ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore | Above ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore |
| Central License | Above ₹20 crore | Above ₹50 crore (plus specific central categories) |
| Validity | 1 to 5 years, renewal required | Perpetual (no renewal form) |
| Annual fee | Paid for the chosen term | Still payable every year; can be prepaid for any number of years |
| Street vendors | Separate registration | Deemed registered under the new framework |
Sources: FSSAI Gazette notification dated 10 March 2026 and FSSAI order dated 13 March 2026, as summarised by Tally Solutions, Lexcomply and TCB Infotech (see Sources).
Is FSSAI License Mandatory?
Yes. Under Section 31 of the FSS Act, 2006, every food business operator must be registered or licensed. This covers manufacturers, processors, packers, traders, wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, caterers, cloud kitchens, hotels, canteens, storage and cold storage units, transporters, importers and e-commerce food sellers. Even a small tea stall or home-based food seller needs at least the Basic Registration.
Penalty for running without FSSAI license
- Operating without a license can attract imprisonment up to 6 months and a fine up to ₹5 lakh (Section 63, FSS Act).
- Selling unsafe or sub-standard food carries separate, heavier penalties.
- Online platforms can delist your outlet and banks may refuse a current account or loan.
Always confirm the latest penalty provisions with the FSSAI website or your state Food Safety Department, as they depend on the case.
FSSAI Food License Category List
FSSAI has three license tiers. The tier depends mainly on your annual turnover, the kind of business and whether you work in one state or many.
| Category | Turnover (2026) | Form | Issued by | Govt fee per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Up to ₹1.5 crore | Form A | State / UT Food Safety Department | ₹100 |
| State License | Above ₹1.5 crore up to ₹50 crore | Form B | State Licensing Authority | ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 |
| Central License | Above ₹50 crore or specific central categories | Form B | FSSAI Central Licensing Authority | ₹7,500 |
Who needs which license? (Examples)
Besides the three tiers, FSSAI groups businesses by kind of business (KoB) on the application form. Common KoBs are:
- Manufacturer / processor / packer
- Retailer, wholesaler, distributor, supplier
- Food service: restaurant, caterer, canteen, dhaba, hotel, club, cloud kitchen
- Storage and cold storage, warehouse
- Transporter (food vehicles)
- Importer and exporter
- E-commerce food business operator
- Street food vendor / hawker
- Labeller, re-labeller, repacker
A business with outlets in several states usually needs a Central License for the head office and a separate State License or Registration for each outlet, depending on its size. FSSAI FAQs mention that where a state license and a central license overlap, the state license is surrendered and the central license is modified.
FSSAI License Fee for 1 Year to 5 Years
The government fee is charged per year. Before 2026 you picked a 1 to 5 year term and paid the total upfront. Now the license is perpetual, but you can still prepay the annual fee for several years, which many owners do to avoid missing a due date.
| Validity paid | Basic Registration | State License | Central License |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | ₹100 | ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 | ₹7,500 |
| 2 years | ₹200 | ₹4,000 to ₹10,000 | ₹15,000 |
| 3 years | ₹300 | ₹6,000 to ₹15,000 | ₹22,500 |
| 4 years | ₹400 | ₹8,000 to ₹20,000 | ₹30,000 |
| 5 years | ₹500 | ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 | ₹37,500 |
Fees are government fees only, multiplied by the number of years. Consultant or service charges are extra. Sources: Tally Solutions (8 April 2026), Petpooja, Velco Legal (7 April 2026).
Why is the State License fee a range?
The State fee depends on the business activity. Small retailers and food-service businesses are at the lower end (around ₹2,000), manufacturers such as dairy, bakery and cold storage units are commonly listed at ₹3,000 to ₹5,000, and star hotels are at the top of the range. The exact amount is calculated automatically on FoSCoS when you select your kind of business and turnover.
FSSAI License Requirements
Before you apply, make sure you meet these requirements:
- Business details: name, constitution (proprietor, partnership, LLP, company, trust, society), address, contact details and an email ID and mobile number that you can access.
- Kind of business and food category you will deal in, with product list for manufacturers.
- Estimated annual turnover and, for manufacturers, production capacity, to decide the license tier.
- Hygienic premises: clean floors and walls, proper ventilation, drainage, pest control, safe water supply, toilets, waste disposal and storage as per the Good Hygiene and Manufacturing Practices in Schedule 4 of the FSS licensing regulations.
- Proof of possession of premises: ownership document, rent agreement or electricity bill with NOC from the owner.
- Nominee (Form IX): a company or partnership must nominate a responsible person.
- Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan for State and Central licenses.
- Trained staff and medical fitness of food handlers, FSSAI Medical Fitness Certificate for Food Handlers required.
- Local permissions such as a municipality or Gram Panchayat NOC, shop and establishment registration or trade license where your state asks for them.
FSSAI License Documents Required
The list differs by tier and by state. Use this as your master checklist and keep scanned copies in PDF or JPEG format.
| Document | Basic | State | Central |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport-size photo of proprietor / partner / director | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Identity proof: Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, passport or driving license | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Address proof of business premises (ownership / rent agreement / electricity bill) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Self declaration (Form A) / declaration form | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| NOC from owner if premises is rented | If rented | If rented | If rented |
| Form IX (nomination) with board resolution for companies | No | Yes | Yes |
| Proof of business constitution: partnership deed, MOA/AOA, certificate of incorporation, affidavit of proprietorship | Entity based | Yes | Yes |
| List of food products / food category | No | Yes | Yes |
| Layout plan of the premises with dimensions | No | Yes | Yes |
| List of machinery and equipment | No | Manufacturers | Manufacturers |
| Water test report (potability) from a recognised / NABL lab | Sometimes | Yes (where water is used) | Yes |
| Medical fitness certificate / list of workers | Sometimes | Yes | Yes |
| Municipality / Gram Panchayat / health NOC | State based | State based | Yes |
| FSMS plan or certificate | No | Yes | Yes |
| Source of raw material (milk, meat etc.) and recall plan where applicable | No | Where applicable | Where applicable |
| Proof of turnover, IEC (importers), Ministry of Tourism certificate (hotels), DGFT or EOU papers | No | Where applicable | Where applicable |
| Geo-tagged photos of premises (reported on FoSCoS in 2026 by some advisors) | Check portal | Check portal | Check portal |
Document requirements can change by state and by food category. Always confirm the live checklist on FoSCoS before uploading.
FSSAI License Apply Online: Step by Step on FoSCoS
All applications go through FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) at foscos.fssai.gov.in. You can apply yourself or take help from a service partner. For a simple walkthrough and assistance, see our page on FSSAI registration online.
| Type | Typical processing time |
|---|---|
| Basic Registration | About 7 to 15 working days |
| State License | About 30 to 60 working days |
| Central License | About 30 to 60 working days |
Timelines are indicative and depend on your state and on how complete your documents are.
FSSAI License for Sweet Shop (Mithai Shop)
A sweet shop is one of the most common applications in India. Whether you need Basic Registration or a State License depends on your annual turnover and whether you also manufacture sweets in a separate kitchen. A small mithai shop with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore comes under Basic Registration, and a bigger shop or manufacturing unit above that limit needs a State License.
Documents for sweet shop license
- Aadhaar card of the owner (identity and address proof)
- PAN card of the owner or the firm
- Land document or electricity bill as proof of premises (rent agreement plus owner’s NOC if rented)
- Water test report from a recognised laboratory, because sweets use water in preparation
- Medical fitness certificate of the owner and workers who handle food
- Gram Panchayat (GP) NOC certificate or municipality NOC for premises in rural or panchayat areas
- Passport-size photo, self declaration, and for State License: layout plan, product list, equipment list, Form IX if applicable and FSMS plan
- Use clean, covered display counters, hairnets and gloves for staff.
- Print the FSSAI number on boxes, bills and your signboard.
- Mention the best before date for sweets as per FSSAI guidance on loose sweets.
- Keep ghee, khoa, milk and sugar purchase bills; the inspector may ask for raw material source.
FSSAI License for Restaurant, Cafe and Cloud Kitchen
Every restaurant, cafe, dhaba, bakery counter, caterer and cloud kitchen needs FSSAI approval, and a valid number is compulsory to list on food delivery apps.
| Restaurant type | License needed (2026) | Govt fee per year |
|---|---|---|
| Small restaurant, cafe, cloud kitchen up to ₹1.5 crore turnover | Basic Registration (Form A) | ₹100 |
| Medium restaurant, caterer or chain outlet, ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore | State License (Form B) | ₹2,000 (star hotels up to ₹5,000) |
| Large chain above ₹50 crore, or multi-state head office | Central License (Form B) | ₹7,500 |
Documents for restaurant license
- Aadhaar and PAN of owner / partners / directors
- Rent agreement or ownership proof with owner NOC
- Shop and establishment / trade license (as per local rules)
- Water test report if the water source is not municipal supply
- Layout plan, equipment list and FSMS plan for State license
- Medical fitness certificates of kitchen staff
- Ministry of Tourism certificate for hotels, where applicable
- Form IX for company or partnership
Note that FSSAI is only one of the permissions. A restaurant may also need a health or trade license, fire NOC, GST registration and a signage or eating-house license from the local body.
FSSAI License for Packaged Drinking Water
Packaged drinking water and mineral water manufacturing is a regulated, high-risk category. In October 2024 the government removed the mandatory BIS certification for these products, and in an order dated 29 November 2024 FSSAI placed them in the High Risk Food Category to compensate.
What this means for a water plant
- Inspection before license: a physical inspection of the plant is mandatory before the license or registration is granted.
- Annual inspection: risk-based inspection once every year.
- Third-party audit: centrally licensed high-risk manufacturers must be audited every year by an FSSAI-recognised auditing agency.
- License tier: State or Central license based on turnover and capacity (a Basic Registration is not suitable for a manufacturing plant at scale). Fee ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 for State and ₹7,500 for Central per year.
- Testing: FSSAI has also directed compliance with a compulsory testing scheme for packaged drinking water and mineral water. Check the current order on the FSSAI website.
Typical documents for water plant
- Form B, Form IX and proof of premises (ownership or rent plus NOC)
- Plant layout, list of machinery (RO, UV, ozonation, filling and sealing)
- Water analysis report of the source and treated water from an NABL / FSSAI-notified laboratory
- CGWA NOC where ground water is extracted, and pollution control board consent as applicable
- FSMS plan, list of products and bottle sizes, medical fitness of workers
- Identity and address proof of the proprietor / directors
FSSAI License for Home Kitchen (Home Chef, Tiffin, Cloud Kitchen)
Selling food from home through WhatsApp orders, tiffin service, Instagram bakery or delivery apps needs at least an FSSAI Basic Registration. With the 2026 limit of ₹1.5 crore, almost every home-based food business qualifies for Basic Registration.
- Form: Form A on FoSCoS.
- Fee: ₹100 per year.
- Documents: passport photo, Aadhaar or other photo ID, address proof of the kitchen, and a self declaration. Some states also ask for a NOC or a water report.
- Kitchen rules: clean cooking area, covered food storage, safe drinking water, no pets or pests near food and clean utensils.
- Labelling: if you sell packaged food (cakes, pickles, snacks), the label must show the FSSAI number, ingredients, date of manufacture and best before or use by date.
FSSAI License Renewal in 2026
Because of the 2026 amendment, the renewal rules depend on when your license was issued:
| Your situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| License or registration issued on or after 1 April 2026 | No renewal needed. Perpetual validity. Keep paying the annual fee and filing returns. |
| Older license issued before 1 April 2026 | It runs until its original expiry date and then moves to perpetual validity when you complete the renewal on FoSCoS. |
| Application pending on 1 April 2026 | The certificate you receive will carry perpetual validity. |
| Turnover has changed category | Apply for modification, for example from State License to Basic Registration if you are now under ₹1.5 crore, or upgrade if you grow. |
How to renew an older license online
Always check your FoSCoS dashboard because a missed annual fee or return can lead to suspension even under perpetual validity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying under the wrong category (Basic instead of State) and getting the application rejected.
- Uploading old, blurry or mismatched documents (name on Aadhaar, PAN and bill should match).
- Skipping the water test report or using an old one (many advisors suggest a report not older than 6 months).
- Not printing the FSSAI number on bills and packaging.
- Forgetting the annual fee or annual return after the license is issued.
- Paying agents without receipts instead of the official portal.
- Using one license for multiple premises. Fees and licenses attach to each premises.
FSSAI License FAQs (People Also Ask)
What is the FSSAI license fee for 1 year?
Is FSSAI registration the same as FSSAI license?
What is the turnover limit for FSSAI registration in 2026?
Does FSSAI license have expiry now?
Can I run a business without an FSSAI license?
How long does FSSAI registration take?
Can I apply for FSSAI license without a shop?
Is a medical certificate compulsory for FSSAI?
Do I need FSSAI to sell on Swiggy, Zomato or Amazon?
How can I check if an FSSAI license number is valid?
Can I get FSSAI license for multiple outlets?
Is FSSAI license required for packaged drinking water?
Get guidance on choosing the right category, preparing documents and filing your application on FoSCoS.
Apply FSSAI Registration OnlineSources and Last Updated
Last updated: 28 October 2026. Information is compiled from the FSSAI amendment regulations, FSSAI orders and the following sources. Rules and fees can change, so verify on the official portals before you apply.
- FSSAI official website
- FoSCoS portal (official application)
- Tally Solutions: FSSAI License Fees (8 April 2026)
- Tally Solutions: FSSAI Registration Validity
- Lexcomply: FSSAI Registration in 2026
- Sansa Legal: FSSAI Licensing Amendment 2026
- TCB Infotech: New FSSAI Regulations 2026
- ETV Bharat: Packaged drinking water as high-risk food (Dec 2024)
- ThePrint: Packaged water now high-risk food
- TaxGuru: FSSAI order on high-risk categories
