FSSAI licence: registration, state and central licence limits
Food businesses need FSSAI registration or a licence. From 1 April 2026, basic registration covers turnover up to ₹1.5 crore; central, above ₹50 crore.
Short answer
An FSSAI licence or registration is the permission a food business operator needs under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 to manufacture, store, distribute, sell or import food in India. There are three tiers, basic registration, state licence and central licence, decided mainly by turnover and activity. Revised turnover limits took effect from 1 April 2026.
- Law
- Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
- Basic registration
- Turnover up to ₹1.5 crore (from 1 April 2026)
- State licence
- ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore
- Central licence
- Above ₹50 crore, and certain activities
Which FSSAI tier applies
The Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026, gazetted on 10 March 2026, raised the turnover limits, and FSSAI directed authorities to apply them from 1 April 2026. Previously, basic registration covered turnover up to ₹12 lakh and the state licence up to ₹20 crore.
- Basic registration: small food businesses with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore
- State licence: turnover between ₹1.5 crore and ₹50 crore
- Central licence: turnover above ₹50 crore, and categories such as importers and certain operations, regardless of turnover
Applying and compliance
Applications are filed on FSSAI's Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) with details of the premises, food categories and documents. The 14-digit licence or registration number must be displayed at the premises and printed on food labels. Licensees must follow hygiene and labelling standards, and some must file annual or half-yearly returns. Renewal is needed before expiry, and changes in products or premises need modification.
Why it matters for startups
Cloud kitchens, packaged food brands, cafés and food marketplaces all need the right FSSAI tier. Marketplaces and quick-commerce platforms check the licence before onboarding sellers. Choose the tier based on projected turnover and activities, not just current sales, and upgrade promptly as you grow so labels and listings stay compliant.
Related services
Sources
- S.S. Rana: FSSAI raises turnover limits for registration and licensing (2026)
- FSSAI Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS)
Written by the Refogo Editorial Team from the official sources above and checked on 2026-10-31. Laws, rates and due dates change, and authorities often extend deadlines, so confirm your own case with a qualified professional. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Read our editorial policy or report an error to support@refogo.com.
Common questions
What is the FSSAI basic registration limit in 2026?
From 1 April 2026, basic registration applies to food businesses with annual turnover up to ₹1.5 crore.
Do cloud kitchens need an FSSAI licence?
Yes. They need registration or a licence depending on turnover, and aggregators require it for listing.
Is FSSAI required for an online food business?
Yes. E-commerce food businesses need FSSAI registration or a licence, and some categories need a central licence.