FSSAI Registration

FSSAI Registration Details

The following are the details about FSSAI Registration:

• All entities involved in the food business must obtain an FSSAI Registration or License including processing, manufacturing, distribution, storage, and sale.
• FBOs need to secure the appropriate registration or license, based on the size and nature of their business, as the FSSAI Registration and License may differ depending on business size.
• FSSAI Registration involves a 14-digit number that must be printed on all food packages.
• The digits of FSSAI registration indicate details about the state of assembly and the producer’s license. The first digit tells about the type of license such as 1 for registration, 2 for state license, and 3 for central license. Then first digit is followed by the state code, the year of registration, and a unique identification number assigned to the business.
• The registration aims to ensure that the food product quality and accountability are maintained by the FBOs. The inspections will now mainly focus on high-risk food products rather than just how big the business is. High-risk items include dairy or meat which are likely to be checked frequently, even if their turnover is small. Meanwhile, low-risk businesses may face fewer inspections which makes system more focused on food safety instead of just business size.
• The Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011 governs the process and requirements for FSSAI licensing and registration. According to 2026 amendment regulations, license won’t expire after a fixed period anymore. As long as the person will pay yearly fees and follow the rules, license will stay valid continuously for years and you won’t need to go through the renewal process again and again.

Types of FSSAI Registration

The following are the various types of FSSAI registration:

• FSSAI Basic Registration: As of 2026 rules, Food Business Operator (FBO) with an annual turnover of up to Rs.1.5 crore must obtain FSSAI basic registration by filling in Form A.
• FSSAI State License: If a food business falls under the turnover range of Rs.1.5 crore and Rs.50 crore, it can apply for an FSSAI State License by filling in a specific form called Form B.
• FSSAI Central License:

This license is needed for FBOs which have an annual turnover of above Rs.50 crore, and it can be obtained by submitting Form B. 

This updated categorisation is effective from 1 April 2026, and is deisgned to ease compliance rquirements for smaller food businesses. 

Food Business Operators (FBOs) who Need FSSAI Registration

Here is the list of FBOs who requires FSSAI Registration:

• Retailers and retail shops such as snack shops, retail shops, confectionery or bakeries, etc.
• Meat and fish processing units
• Cold or refrigerated storage facility
• Cafeteria and canteens including mid-day meal canteens
• Temporary stalls, fixed stalls, or food premise involved in the preparation, distribution, storage and sale of food products such as:
  • Gol Gappa stall
  • Chat stall
  • Fruits or vegetable vendors
  • Tea stall
  • Snacks stall
  • Bread pakoda stall
  • Samosa stall
  • Chinese food stall
  • South Indian food stall
  • Sweet stall
  • Juice shops, etc.
• Hawkers travelling (usually on foot or movable carts) from one location to another, selling packaged or freshly prepared food. Under 2026 reforms, if a street vendor is already officially registered with a Town Vending Committee under the Street Vendors Act, 2014 is treated as “deemed registered” and does not need to go through a separate FSSAI registration process, it is considered done automatically.
• Vegetable oil processing units
• Proprietary food and Novel food
• Hotels, restaurants and bars
• Food vending agencies and caterer
• Dairy units including petty milkman, milk chilling units, and milk vendors. A directive was issued by FSSAI in March 2026, which requires all independent milk producers and sellers to register in order to curb adulteration, except those who supply their entire milk output to a registered cooperative society.
• Slaughtering houses such as mutton shops, meat shops, chicken shops, lamb meat, etc.
• All food manufacturing or processing units that include repacking of food.
• Transporter of food products having a number of specialised vehicles like insulated refrigerated van/wagon, milk tankers, food wagons, food trucks, etc.
• Wholesaler, distributor, supplier, and marketer of food products.
• food stalls in fairs or religious institutions, PG providing food, Dhaba, Banquet halls with food catering arrangements, and home-based canteens.
• Importers and exporters of food items including food ingredients.
• E-commerce food suppliers including cloud kitchens. Home-based startups or cloud kitchens which sells their food through online aggregator platforms like Swiggy or Zomato must now hold a State License regardless of turnover to ensure digital traceability.

Note: Based on the eligibility criteria of the businesses, the type of FSSAI license or registration is provided. It is important to note that from 1 April 2026, the turnover threshold for basic registration has been increased from Rs.12 lakh to Rs.1.5 crore for most categories. 

Procedure for Obtaining FSSAI Registration Online

The following are the process of obtaining online FSSAI Registration:

• By filling in and submitting Form A (for Registration), FBOs can obtain FSSAI registration or Fill in Form B (for State and Central License) online via the FoSCoS portal or offline through the Food and Safety Department.
• Applicants need to upload the required documents online on the FoSCoS portal or submit them physically with the application to the Food and Safety Department.
• The applicant can now opt for “Tatkal” scheme on the portal for instant issuance of registration for specific food categories upon payment of a service fee.
• The FSSAI department can accept or reject the registration form within 7 days of receiving the application, either via online or offline mode and applicants will be notified in writing if rejected.
•  If the department need more details or documents, you have limited time to respond. You must reply within 15 to 30 days, otherwise your application can be cancelled, and you may have to apply from the beginning. It’s important to regularly check for updates and respond quickly to avoid delays.
• Before granting the FSSAI registration certificate, the Department will scrutinize the submitted documents and may also inspect the food premises.
• The 2026 rules introduce a risk-based inspection system which allows small and low-risk businesses, such as small retailers, to receive registration without a prior physical inspection, making the process quicker and easier for smaller players. 
• The Department will issue an FSSAI registration certificate, if the applicant fulfills all the necessary criteria.
• The department sends the FSSAI registration certificate including the registration number and the applicant's photo, via email and the applicant can also download the certificate from through the FoSCoS portal.
• FBOs must display the FSSAI registration certificate prominently at their place of business during operating hours.
• Under the new digital compliance rules, e-commerce food suppliers and cloud kitchens are required to show their 14-digit registration number on their websites and mobile apps. They must clearly display their official FSSAI number online so customers can verify that the business is properly registered and compliant.

Eligibility of FSSAI Registration

Here is the eligibility criteria required for FSSAI Registration:

• The temporary stall holder selling food
• Annual turnover up to Rs.1.5 crore for any FBO as per the revised 2026 threshold.
• Retailer dealing in food products
• Any person manufacturing or selling any food article by himself
• Except a caterer, any individual distributing food in any religious or social gathering. It is mandatory for all caterers to obtain at least a State License regardless of their turnover.
• Food business operated by small-scale or cottage industries

Food Capacity Limit Required for Obtaining FSSAI Registration

FBO must ensure that their actual daily production does not exceed these specific limits to stay compliant with a basic registration. If production capacity exceeds 100 kg per day or 500 litres of milk, the business must upgrade to a State License even if the turnover is low.

Eligibility for Different Types of FSSAI License

Based on the business size, there are two types of FSSAI licenses, such as State FSSAI license and Central FSSAI license. Here are the details of eligibility criteria for FSSAI license:

State FSSAI License Fees & Requirements

Food Business Operator (FBO) need to take State FSSAI registration from the State Government with medium-sized manufacturing units, transporters, marketers, traders, etc. Here are the criteria for FBOs to obtain State FSSAI license:

Under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026, State License holders are now mandatorily required to file annual returns through the FoSCoS portal. The fee for a state license typically ranges from Rs.2,000 to Rs.5,000 per year, which now be paid annually to maintain the perpetual validity of the license.

It is also crucial to note that any cloud kitchen listing on e-commerce platforms must obtain a state license regardless of their turnover falling below the Rs.1.5 crore limit.

Central FSSAI License Fees and Conditions

Central FSSAI registration must be obtained from the Central Government by the FBOs who large manufacturers, importers and exporters with large-scale food businesses. Here are the criteria to obtain centra FSSAI license for FBOs:

Under the 2026 Food Safety and Standards amendment regulations, a central license is now mandatory for any FBO operating in more than one state, even if each individual unit falls below the turnover threshold.

That applicant must pay an annual fee of Rs.7,500 for a central license to keep the status active under the new perpetual licensing regime. This license ensures that large-scale operators follow a unified safety protocol across all national locations.

Documents Required for Obtaining the FSSAI Registration or License

Here is the list of documents required for obtaining FSSAI Registration or License:

• Photo identity proof of the food business operators.
• Business constitution certificate such as:
  • Partnership deed
  • Certificate of incorporation
  • Shop and establishment license, or
  • Other business registration certificate
• Proof of possession of business premises such as:
  • Rental agreement
  • NOC from the owner of the rented premises
  • Utility bills etc.
    • Bank account information
• Plan of food safety management system. Under the 2026 simplified norms, basic registration applicants can now submit a self-declaration of the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) instead of a detailed multi-page plan.
• List of food products manufactured or processed. That list must now specifically categorise products according to the revised 2026 Indian Food Code at categories on the FoSCoS portal to ensure accurate licensing.
• Supporting documents (if required) such as:
  • NOC by Municipality or Panchayat
  • Health NOC
  • Copy of License from the manufacturer, etc. Under the 2026 digital initiative, all documents must be self-attested and uploaded in PDF format not exceeding 2MB per file. An additional requirement for 2026 includes the submission of a “Declaration of Nominee” in Form 9 to clearly identity the person responsible for food safety within the organisation. It is important to note that a Water Analysis Report from a NABL-accredited lab is now mandatory for all manufacturing and processing units, regardless of their scale.

Additional documents required for obtaining FSSAI state license are:

• Duly completed and signed Form B
• Equipment and machinery list that are used with the number and installed capacity
• Plan of the processing unit along with the details of dimensions and operation-wise area allocation
• List of Directors, Partners, and Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID
• Authority letter mentioning the person’s name and address nominated by the manufacturer
• To confirm the portability, analysis report of water to be used in the process also to be submitted. This analysis report must be obtained from a NABL-accredited laboratory and is now a mandatory requirement for all manufacturing units under the 2026 guidelines.
• Under Coop Act 1861/Multi-State Coop Act 2002, the copy of certificate obtained

Additional documents required for obtaining FSSAI central license are:

• Duly completed and signed Form B
  • Equipment and machinery list that are used with the number and installed capacity
  • Plan of the processing unit along with the details of dimensions and operation-wise area allocation
  • List of Directors, Partners, and Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID
  • Authority letter mentioning the person’s name and address nominated by the manufacturer
• Source of raw material for milk, meat etc.
• Recall plan wherever applicable. It is now mandatory for holders of Central License to submit a structured recall plan that outlines how they will track and retrieve unsafe food from the market within 24 to 48 hours.
• Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU
• FSSAI issued NOC or PA document
• DGFT issued IE code
• Form IX. This form is specifically used for the nomination of a person by a company, and under the 2026 rules, this nominee must have a basic qualification in food safety or science.
• Declaration form
• Certificate from Ministry of Tourism
• Proof of turnover and transportation as supporting document. The proof of turnover must reflect the new 2026 threshold of above Rs.50 crore for central licensing eligibility.

Cost of FSSAI License

Here are the details of cost of FSSAI license:

• FSSAI Basic Registration fee: Rs.100
• FSSAI State License fee: Between Rs.2,000 to Rs.5,000 depending on the type of business. This fee is now payable annually to maintain the perpetual validity of the license under the 2026 regulations.
• FSSAI Central License fee: Rs.7,500. Every year, a central license fee needs to be paid to keep the digital registration active without needing a formal renewal application.

How to Check FSSAI Registration Status

Here are the details regarding status of FSSAI registration:

• At various stages of their application process, applicants will receive SMS or email alerts from FSSAI.
• Enter the application reference number on the 'Track Application Status' tab on the FoSCoS website to check the FSSAI registration status.
• Different stages of the application can be viewed through tracking.
• If FSSAI authorities require modifications or clarifications, then the FSSAI registration status shows ‘Application Reverted’.
• To prevent application rejection, the applicant must respond within 30 days from the date of reversion. Under the 2026 updated guidelines, if the applicant fails to respond within this 30-day window, the application will be automatically rejected, and the fee will be forfeited.
• Once the FSSAI authorities approve and issue the certificate, the status will display as ‘Registration Certificate Issued’.
• Applicants can download the issued certificate by logging into the FoSCoS website. It is important to note that the certificate will now have a QR code that will allow consumers and authorities to verify the real-time validity of the license instantly.

FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchen

Here are the details about FSSAI license required for cloud kitchen:

• Cloud kitchens, also known as dark or ghost kitchens, are commercial kitchens that prepare food exclusively for delivery or takeout, without a physical dining area.
• Orders are received through online platforms, and the food is delivered from a base kitchen directly to the customer's location.
• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates the food industry in India and mandates that cloud kitchens must also obtain FSSAI license like all Food Business Operators (FBOs). The 2026 regulations specifically classify cloud kitchens as “E-commerce FBOs,” requiring them to maintain strict digital records of all delivery transactions for safety audits.
• Cloud kitchens must secure either an FSSAI Basic Registration, FSSAI State License, or FSSAI Central License, depending on their annual turnover.
• Under the updated April 2026 guidelines, any cloud kitchen partnering with major delivery aggregators like Swiggy or Zomato is now encouraged to obtain a state license regardless of turnover to ensure higher consumer trust and compliance.
• Cloud kitchens can apply for FSSAI Licenses or Registration via the FoSCoS portal by:
  • Selecting their business type
  • Entering their annual turnover
  • Filling out Form A or Form B
  • Uploading the necessary documents
  • Paying online.
• The respective department will verify the application and scrutinize the submitted documents, once the application is submitted. That department may conduct a virtual or physical inspection of the kitchen premises to ensure hygiene standards meet the “Schedule 4” requirements of the FSS act.
• The FSSAI registration certificate with the registration number will be issued to the applicant's email ID, if the cloud kitchen meets all the required criteria. 

This certificate now features perpetual validity, meaning the kitchen owner only needs to pay the annual fee to keep the license active indefinitely. It is mandatory for cloud kitchens to display their 14-digit FSSAI number on the digital menu of all food delivery applications.

Benefits of Obtaining FSSAI Food License

Here are the details about the benefits of obtaining FSSAI food license:

• Several legal advantages are provided to food businesses, through FSSAI license including enhancing goodwill, ensuring food safety, and increasing consumer trust.
• Aligning the business with legal standards and helping to regulate the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of imported food.
  • Under the 2026 digital ecosystem, a valid FSSAI license grants FBOs access to the “FSSAI marketplace” which connects verified suppliers directly to large-scale buyers and exporters.
• It reflects compliance with government regulations, thereby making it easier for Food Business Operators (FBOs) to secure funding from investors.
• That permanent validity of licenses introduced in 2026 provides long-term regulatory certainty, which is a key metric now evaluated by banks and NBFCs during the loan approval process for food startups.
• Assures customers of the food's quality, boosting consumer confidence, by displaying the FSSAI logo on food products.
• Indicates adherence to hygiene and quality standards by displaying the FSSAI registration number at food premises.
  • A new 2026 mandate requires FBOs to display a “Food Safety Display Board” (FSDB) with a color-coded risk rating, allowing customers to instantly identify the hygiene level of the establishment.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Here is the list of consequences of non-compliance:

• The rules outlined in the FSS Act, 2006 must be followed by the FSSAI registered or licensed individuals.
• A food safety officer inspects the food business operator’s facility and evaluates compliance with regulations using a checklist.
• Compliance levels are marked as:
  • Compliance (C)
  • Non-compliance (NC)
  • Partial compliance (PC)
  • Not applicable/Not observed (NA)
• Under Section 32 of the FSS Act, 2006, the food safety officer may issue an improvement notice if required.
• License may be cancelled if failing to comply with the improvement notice after providing the licensee an opportunity to explain.
  • Under the 2026 enforcement rules, failing to pay the annual fee for the perpetual license will result in the immediate suspension of the license without prior improvement notice. The penalty for operating without a valid registration has been increased to Rs.10 lakh and imprisonment up to six months for repeat offenders.
• If needed, affected operators can appeal to the State Commissioner of Food Safety and challenge the decision in the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal or the High Court.
  • This appeal process has been streamlined in 2026 with the introduction of on online e-Tribunal portal, allowing FBOs to file grievances and track hearing dates digitally. 

Penalty for Non-Compliance

Here is the list of penalties involved in non-compliance of FSSAI registration:

Under the updated enforcement trends of 2026, FSSAI has intensified its focus on repeat offenders, where a second conviction for the same offence can lead to twice the initial fine and immediate cancellation of the license. The penalty for operating a food business without a valid FSSAI registration or license has been strictly maintained at up to Rs.5 lakh along with imprisonment for up to six months.

That FBO who fails to pay the annual fee under the new perpetual licensing regime will face “deemed suspension,” and any business activity conducted during this period will be treated as operating without a license, attracting a daily fine of Rs.100 until the dues are cleared.

This shift to data driven inspections means that even small errors will now be recorded digitally and missing allergen declarations on labels can now trigger automatic violation notices and fines. Furthermore, any person who provides false or misleading information during the application process can be punished with a fine of up to Rs.2 lakh and imprisonment for up to three months.

Renewal of FSSAI License

Under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026, the traditional renewal process has been abolished. The FSSAI license now holds perpetual validity, meaning it remains active indefinitely as long as the Food Business Operator pays the prescribed annual fee before the end of the financial year. That FBO must ensure the annual fee is paid online through the FoSCoS portal to avoid the license being marked as “deemed suspended” or cancelled.