FSSAI licence — Basic, State, Central — When you need which

Latest FSSAI Licence Categories (2026)

Category	Annual Turnover
Basic FSSAI Registration	Up to ₹1.5 Crore
State FSSAI Licence	Above ₹1.5 Crore up to ₹50 Crore
Central FSSAI Licence	Above ₹50 Crore*

*Certain businesses—such as importers, exporters, and other specified food business operators—may require a Central Licence irrespective of turnover, as per FSSAI regulations.

Basic FSSAI Registration

This category is designed for small food businesses.

Suitable For

Home kitchens

Street food vendors

Tea & snack shops

Small bakeries

Petty retailers

Home-based food manufacturers

Annual Turnover

Up to ₹1.5 Crore

Benefits

Simple application process

Low government fee

Legal authorization to operate

Suitable for startups and micro businesses

State FSSAI Licence

Businesses that have expanded beyond the Basic Registration threshold generally require a State Licence.

Suitable For

Restaurants

Cafés

Cloud Kitchens

Caterers

Food Manufacturers

Distributors

Wholesalers

Food Storage Units

Annual Turnover

Above ₹1.5 Crore and up to ₹50 Crore

Benefits

Supports business expansion

Higher operational credibility

Required for medium-sized food businesses

Central FSSAI Licence

The Central Licence is generally applicable to:

Businesses with annual turnover exceeding ₹50 Crore

Food Importers

Food Exporters

Large Manufacturers

Large E-commerce Food Operators

Businesses covered under specific FSSAI regulations

Perpetual Licence System – A Major Reform

One of the biggest changes introduced in 2026 is the move to a Perpetual FSSAI Licence/Registration.

For new registrations and licences issued on or after 1 April 2026:

There is no fixed 1–5 year validity period.

Businesses are required to pay the prescribed annual fee.

Applicable annual returns/compliances must be completed through the FoSCoS portal to keep the licence in good standing.

Documents Generally Required

Depending on the category, applicants may need:

Aadhaar/PAN

Identity & Address Proof

Business Address Proof

Shop & Establishment details (where applicable)

Food Category Details

Layout Plan (for certain businesses)

Equipment Details

Water Analysis Report (where applicable)

NOC/Rent Agreement

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many food businesses face delays because they:

Apply under the wrong licence category.

Do not update turnover after business growth.

Upload incomplete documents.

Ignore annual compliance requirements.

Do not display the FSSAI Licence Number at their premises or on food labels where required.

Why FSSAI Compliance Is Important

A valid FSSAI Registration or Licence helps your business:

Build customer trust

Operate legally

Partner with food delivery platforms

Expand across India

Avoid penalties and regulatory action

Improve brand credibility

How TaxaJ Can Help

At TaxaJ, we provide complete assistance for:

FSSAI Registration

State Licence

Central Licence

Licence Modification

Annual Compliance

Our experts help you identify the correct licence category and complete the entire process efficiently.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 FSSAI reforms have made compliance easier for growing food businesses by increasing turnover limits and introducing a perpetual licensing framework. However, choosing the correct category is still essential.

Whether you’re launching a cloud kitchen, opening a restaurant, manufacturing packaged foods, or selling through e-commerce platforms, obtaining the right FSSAI Registration or Licence is the first step toward building a compliant and trusted food business.