FSSAI registration (Form A) and licence (Form B): 2026 turnover limits, fees and process

What changed in 2026

The Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026, gazetted on 10 March 2026, raised the turnover thresholds with effect from 1 April 2026. Basic registration now covers businesses with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore, compared with ₹12 lakh earlier.

The amendment also moved licences and registrations to perpetual validity. There is no periodic renewal; the licence continues until suspended, cancelled or surrendered, provided the annual fee is paid and annual returns are filed on time. Inspections are now risk-based.

Fees

The annual fee for basic registration is ₹100. State licence fees generally range from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 a year depending on the kind of business and capacity under Schedule 3, and the Central licence fee is ₹7,500 a year. Some commentaries report that FoSCoS now charges a flat amount for State licences, so confirm the exact figure on the portal while applying. Under the 2026 regime, failure to pay the annual fee leads to automatic suspension and the business must stop operations until the fee is paid.

Documents needed

Form A is a simple application with self-declaration. Form B needs more documents and may involve inspection before grant. Keep scanned copies ready in the formats FoSCoS accepts before starting the form.

• Photo ID and address proof of the proprietor, partners or directors
• Proof of possession of premises (rent agreement or ownership proof)
• List of food categories to be handled
• Form IX nomination of a person responsible, for licences
• Layout plan, list of equipment and water test report, for manufacturers
• NOC from the municipality or panchayat where required
• Import Export Code, for importers (Central licence)

Moving between categories

A business whose turnover now exceeds its category limit must apply for modification on FoSCoS. One that falls into a lower category under the new limits can apply for fresh registration and surrender the existing licence at the same time. After the new certificate is issued, the number printed on labels, packaging and invoices must be updated. FSSAI had not fully clarified timelines for existing licensees changing category at the time of the amendment, so check the latest FoSCoS advisories.

Annual returns

Licensed manufacturers and importers file an annual return, commonly Form D-1, by 31 May for the previous financial year, and some categories file half-yearly returns. Under the 2026 regime, missing the annual return can also trigger automatic suspension, the same as non-payment of the annual fee. Basic registration holders have lighter obligations, but they must still pay the annual fee and follow hygiene and labelling rules.

Common mistakes and consequences

Common errors include choosing wrong food categories, applying for registration where a Central licence is mandatory (for example, importers or e-commerce food businesses), not displaying the certificate at the premises, and missing the annual return. Operating without registration or licence attracts monetary penalty under section 63 of the FSS Act, and the 2026 regime adds automatic suspension for missed fees or returns.

Step by step

1. 1Identify the category

   Check turnover and business type to choose registration, State or Central licence.

2. 2Sign up on FoSCoS

   Create a login and start Form A or Form B.

3. 3Select food categories

   Pick the correct kinds of business and products.

4. 4Upload documents

   Attach ID, premises proof and category-specific documents.

5. 5Pay fee

   Pay the annual fee for the chosen period.

6. 6Track and respond

   Respond to queries or inspection and download the certificate.