FSSAI Applicability 2026: Registration & Rules
Check which FSSAI approval your food business needs under the updated 2026 regulatory framework. Know revised turnover thresholds and category-based licensing rules. Get your applicability assessed with Setindiabiz!
Who Needs FSSAI Registration or Licence in 2026?
FSSAI notified the Licensing and Registration Amendment Regulations on 10 March 2026, introducing perpetual validity, deemed registration for street vendors, and a risk-based inspection framework. A separate FSSAI Order dated 13 March 2026 revised the turnover thresholds, effective 1 April 2026.
Under the revised framework, basic registration now covers food businesses with a turnover of up to ₹1.5 Crore, replacing the earlier ₹12 Lakh limit. Setindiabiz assist you in assessing your exact FSSAI category.
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Registration, State Licence and Central Licence Thresholds
The FSSAI Order dated 13 March 2026 (F. No. RCD-01002/1/2021, Comp. No. 4550), issued pursuant to the 2026 Amendment Regulations, revised the turnover-based classification for food businesses effective 1 April 2026. This order supersedes all earlier threshold-related provisions.
| Feature | Basic Registration | State Licence | Central Licence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turnover Limit | Up to ₹1.5 Crore | ₹1.5 Crore to ₹50 Crore | Above ₹50 Crore |
| Target Category |
|
|
|
| Validity | Perpetual (subject to annual fee and return filing) | Perpetual (subject to annual fee and return filing) | Perpetual (subject to annual fee and return filing) |
| Annual Fee | ₹100 | ₹5,000 | ₹7,500 |
| Compliance |
|
|
|
| Read More | FSSAI Registration | FSSAI State License | FSSAI Central License |
Important:
- Turnover alone does not determine your FSSAI category. Certain business types (importers, e-commerce, nutraceuticals, proprietary food, 100% EOUs, etc.) must obtain a higher licence irrespective of turnover. Always verify against the FoSCoS Kind of Business eligibility matrix before applying.
- Migration for Existing FBOs: Per the official FSSAI FAQ dated 27 March 2026 (Q7, Q10, Q11): migration to the revised threshold categories is automatic at the backend based on self-declaration. No modification fee applies for migration, and the licence number remains unchanged. The fee paid under the prior category will be adjusted.
When Turnover Is Not the Only Test
While the revised turnover thresholds govern most food businesses, certain categories must obtain a minimum State or Central Licence regardless of turnover. Additionally, the area of operation and premises count affect whether state-level or central-level filing applies. Always verify against the FoSCoS Kind of Business eligibility matrix (updated 1 April 2026).
Businesses Where State Licence Is the Minimum Requirement: Even if annual turnover is below ₹1.5 Crore, the following Kinds of Business (KoBs) cannot opt for basic registration and must obtain at least a State Licence.
| No | Business Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caterers | All caterers, including petty caterers with a turnover below ₹1.5 Crore, must obtain at least a State Licence. Basic FSSAI registration is not available for this Kind of Business category. |
| 2 | Mid-Day Meal Caterers | Caterers preparing and transporting food under the Mid-Day Meal scheme must obtain a minimum State Licence. Central Licence applies if turnover exceeds ₹50 Crore. |
| 3 | Grain & Cereal Milling Units | All grain, cereal, and pulses milling units must obtain a minimum State Licence, regardless of turnover or production volume, under the current FoSCoS KoB eligibility framework. |
Businesses Where a Central Licence Is Always Mandatory: The following KoBs must obtain a Central FSSAI Licence irrespective of turnover, as per the FoSCoS eligibility matrix:
| No | Business Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Five-Star Hotels & Above | Hotels rated five-star and above must obtain a Central Licence regardless of turnover. Hotels rated up to four stars follow standard turnover-based thresholds for all three tiers. |
| 2 | Importers & Exporters | Importers and merchant-exporters must obtain a Central FSSAI Licence irrespective of turnover, as per the FoSCoS Kind of Business eligibility matrix updated on 1 April 2026. |
| 3 | Nutraceuticals & Supplements | Manufacturers of health supplements, nutraceuticals, and foods for special dietary use must obtain a Central Licence regardless of turnover under the current FoSCoS eligibility framework. |
| 4 | Proprietary Food | Food articles that have not been standardised under FSSAI Regulations, excluding novel foods, nutraceuticals, health supplements, and FSDU, are classified as proprietary food. Their manufacturers must obtain a Central Licence regardless of turnover. |
| 5 | E-Commerce Platforms | E-commerce food business operators (platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, BigBasket, etc.) fall under the Central Licence, regardless of turnover. Individual sellers listing on these platforms are not covered by this KoB — they must file separately under their applicable category (e.g., Retailer, Manufacturer) based on their turnover and business activity. |
| 6 | 100% Export Units | Export Oriented Units (EOUs) manufacturing food exclusively for export must obtain a Central Licence, irrespective of their turnover, under the current KoB eligibility framework. |
| 7 | Other Central-Only KoBs | Non-specified food and food ingredient manufacturers, Ayurveda Aahara producers, radiation food processors, Central Govt food business agencies, airports/seaports, and multi-state head offices all require a Central Licence. |
Clarification on Dairy, Meat and Fish: Per the KoB matrix updated on 1 April 2026, dairy, slaughtering, meat processing, and fish businesses follow standard turnover thresholds. They CAN obtain basic registration if turnover is up to ₹1.5 Crore. However, as confirmed in FSSAI FAQ Q15 (27 March 2026), all such businesses must continue to comply fully with the hygiene, safety, and testing requirements applicable to their category.
Source: FoSCoS KoB Eligibility Matrix (updated 1 April 2026) | FSSAI FAQ dated 27 March 2026
Area of Operation Rules
The FSSAI approval is premises-specific – it is tied to the physical location from which the food business operates, not to the territory where the food is sold or delivered. A common misconception is that selling food across state borders requires a Central Licence. This is incorrect. The Central Licence is triggered only when the FBO has food business premises or units located in more than one state.
One Premise, One Licence
Each food business premises requires its own FSSAI registration or licence. If an FBO operates ten outlets within one state, each outlet needs a separate registration or licence based on that unit's turnover and KoB.
Inter-State Sale ≠ Central Licence
An FBO operating from a single premises in Delhi but selling or delivering food to customers in Noida, Gurugram, or any other state does not need a Central Licence for that reason alone. The licence category is determined by the premises location, turnover, and KoB — not by where the food reaches.
Multi-State Premises → Central Licence
A Central Licence at the head office is triggered only when the FBO has food business units (manufacturing, storage, retail, etc.) physically located in two or more states. Each unit in each state then separately requires its own Central or State Licence or Registration based on that unit's eligibility.
Single-State, Multiple Outlets
FBOs with all premises within one state need a State Licence or Registration for each location. The applicable tier depends on the turnover and KoB eligibility of each individual premises — not the combined turnover of all outlets.
Example: ABC Foods Pvt. Ltd. has a manufacturing unit in Delhi and a cold storage warehouse in Noida (UP). Since it has food business premises in two states, it must obtain a Central Licence for its head office. The Delhi unit and the Noida unit each require their own separate licence or registration based on their individual turnover and KoB. However, if ABC Foods operated only from Delhi and merely delivered finished products to buyers in UP, no Central Licence would be needed on that basis alone.
FDI in the Food Business in India
India permits foreign direct investment in the food sector. FBOs with foreign investment must also comply with all applicable FSSAI registration or licensing requirements.
🏭 Manufacturing Route
100% FDI is permitted in India’s food manufacturing and food processing sectors under the automatic approval route. No prior government permission is required to set up such units.
🛒 Retail & E-Commerce
FDI in food retail and e-commerce is also permitted up to 100%, but under the government approval route. The concerned ministry grants approval on a case-by-case basis as applicable.
FSSAI Annual Government Fee Structure
The FSSAI government fee varies by Kind of Business (KoB) category. Not all categories have all three tiers — some must obtain a minimum State or Central Licence regardless of turnover. Fee details are as per the FoSCoS KoB Eligibility Matrix (updated 1 April 2026).
| Fee Tier | Registration | State Licence | Central Licence | Applicable KoBs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (all three tiers) | ₹100 / year | ₹5,000 / year | ₹7,500 / year |
|
| Registration only | ₹100 / year | Not available | Not available | Petty Retailers (snacks/tea shops) |
| Registration only (fee waived) | ₹0 | Not available | Not available |
|
| State + Central only | Not available | ₹5,000 / year | ₹7,500 / year |
|
| State + Registration only | ₹100 / year | ₹5,000 / year | Not available |
|
| Central only (mandatory) | Not available | Not available | ₹7,500 / year |
|
| Central only (concessional) | ₹100 / year (Central Registration) | Not available | ₹2,000 / year |
|
- “Not available” means that the tier does not exist for the KoB – it is not a choice. For example, a petty caterer with a turnover of ₹5 lakh must still obtain a State Licence.
- Hawkers: The ₹0 registration fee applies to all FBOs filing under the “Hawker (Itinerant / Mobile food vendor)” KoB on FoSCoS (w.e.f. 28 September 2024). This fee waiver is separate from the deemed registration provision under the Street Vendors Act, 2014, which exempts eligible vendors from filing a separate FSSAI application altogether. Hawkers not registered under the Street Vendors Act still need to apply to FoSCoS but pay a fee of ₹0.
- Anganwadi/ICDS Centres: Centres operating under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme — the government programme providing supplementary nutrition, health services, and pre-school education to children under 6 years and pregnant or lactating women — are exempt from FSSAI registration fees (w.e.f. 12 March 2025). FSSAI registration itself is still required; only the fee is waived
Deemed Registration for Street Vendors & Hawkers
Street vendors, hawkers, food trucks, and carts registered under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, are now deemed registered under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This provision, inserted as Clause (7) of Regulation 2.1.1 vide the 2026 Amendment, eliminates the dual-registration burden. No separate FSSAI application is required. However, deemed registration is not unconditional — the following conditions must be fulfilled:
| No | Condition | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prior Registration Under Street Vendors Act 🏪 | The FBO must hold a valid registration or vending certificate issued under the Street Vendors Act, 2014, by the relevant municipal or town vending committee. Without this, deemed registration does not apply, and a regular FSSAI application must be filed on FoSCoS. |
| 2 | Schedule 4 Hygiene Compliance | Despite the exemption from separate FSSAI registration, deemed registered vendors must strictly comply with the sanitary and hygiene requirements specified in Schedule 4 of the FSSAI Licensing and Registration Regulations, 2011. Non-compliance can attract penalties under the FSS Act, 2006. |
| 3 | Inspections Remain Applicable 🔍 | Jurisdictional food safety officers retain full statutory authority to conduct risk-based periodic inspections under the newly inserted Regulation 2.1.17. Deemed status does not shield the FBO from enforcement action if hygiene or safety violations are found during inspection. |
| 4 | No FSSAI Registration Fee 💰 | Hawkers filing under the “Hawker (Itinerant / Mobile food vendor)” KoB on FoSCoS pay ₹0 registration fee (waived w.e.f. 28 September 2024). This fee waiver is a separate provision from deemed registration — hawkers not covered under the Street Vendors Act still need to apply on FoSCoS but pay no government fee. |
| 5 | Food Authority May Specify Conditions | As per the second proviso to Clause (7), the Food Authority retains the power to specify any additional condition or procedure for deemed registration. FBOs should check the FoSCoS portal for any operational guidelines issued in this regard. |
FSSAI Tatkal (Instant) Scheme
The FSSAI Tatkal scheme, launched vide Order No. RCD-05007/1/2021 dated 1 July 2024, allows instant issuance of FSSAI licences and registrations for specified low-risk food business categories. The licence or registration is issued on a self-declaration basis through digital verification on the FoSCoS portal — no physical inspection is required before grant. However, the Tatkal route is not available to all FBOs and is subject to category-specific and state-specific restrictions. Key conditions:
Specified KoBs Only
Instant issuance is limited to specific KoBs: wholesalers, distributors, retailers, transporters, non-atmospheric storage operators, food vending agencies, direct sellers, importers, merchant-exporters, petty snack/tea retailers, and hawkers. Not all KoBs qualify.
High-Risk Exclusions
Tatkal issuance generally excludes FBOs dealing in meat and fish, except importers and merchant-exporters. Petty retailers and hawkers are limited to loose/prepared food under the scheme; other KoBs require pre-packed food.
High-Risk Exclusions
Tatkal FSSAI issuance excludes most meat/fish FBOs, except importers and merchant-exporters. Petty retailers and hawkers are limited to loose/prepared food; others must use pre-packed food.
Digital KYC Verification
Instant digital verification is required for approval. Verification methods are: Proprietorships (GST/Aadhaar), Partnership/Registered firms (CIN/GST/Aadhaar), and petty registrations (PAN/Aadhaar). Hawkers can use Aadhaar alone for petty registration.
Self-Declaration & Disclaimers
Applicants must declare that they have no existing licence or registration for the same premises, and no suspension or cancellation within the last three months. The licence is issued based on self-declaration, and false statements incur penalties up to ₹10 Lakh under Section 61 of the FSS Act, 2006.
Premises Photograph Mandatory
Applicants must upload photos of the food business unit's entrance/front face with the application. This assists food safety officers in identifying the premises for post-grant inspections.
Tatkal is optional, not mandatory. FBOs may always choose the regular application route on FoSCoS if they prefer. The Tatkal scheme is an additional fast-track option; the standard application procedure remains available in parallel.
Frequently Asked Questions About FSSAI Applicability 2026?
The FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026, were notified on 10 March 2026 and published in the Gazette of India on 11 March 2026. A separate FSSAI Order dated 13 March 2026 revised the turnover thresholds effective 1 April 2026: Registration applies for turnover up to ₹1.5 Crore, State Licence for ₹1.5 Crore to ₹50 Crore, and Central Licence for turnover above ₹50 Crore.
Basic registration applies to food businesses with an annual turnover up to ₹1.5 Crore, as per the FSSAI Order dated 13 March 2026. The previous limit was ₹12 Lakh. This revised threshold applies to all new applications submitted on or after 1 April 2026.
A State Licence applies where annual turnover exceeds ₹1.5 Crore and is up to ₹50 Crore. Additionally, certain business categories must obtain a State Licence even if turnover is below ₹1.5 Crore — for example, caterers, hotels below 5-star, mid-day meal caterers, and event-based food service operators. Always verify your category against the FoSCoS Kind of Business (KoB) Eligibility matrix before applying.
A Central Licence applies where annual turnover exceeds ₹50 Crore. Additionally, several business categories require a Central Licence regardless of turnover, including importers, e-commerce food platforms, nutraceutical and health supplement manufacturers, proprietary food makers, 100% EOUs, exporter-manufacturers, trader/merchant exporters, radiation processors, Ayurveda Aahara manufacturers, non-specified food and food ingredients manufacturers, 5-star and above hotels, airport and seaport food businesses, Central Government Agency premises, and multi-state head offices. Refer to the FoSCoS KoB Eligibility matrix for the complete and current list.
No. Turnover is a major filter, but certain business categories must obtain a higher licence regardless of turnover. Always verify against the FoSCoS Kind of Business Eligibility matrix (updated 1 April 2026) before applying to ensure correct classification and avoid penalties under Section 61 of the FSS Act, 2006.
Not if they are already registered under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014. Street food vendors, hawkers, food carts, food trucks, and similar food businesses registered under the Street Vendors Act are deemed registered under the FSS Act, 2006, as per the official FSSAI FAQ dated 27 March 2026. However, all such vendors must comply with the hygiene and sanitary requirements specified in Schedule 4 of the FSSAI Regulations.
Yes. The official FSSAI FAQ dated 27 March 2026 explicitly includes food trucks among businesses eligible for deemed registration under the FSS Act, 2006, provided that the food truck is registered with the relevant municipal authority under the Street Vendors Act, 2014. Food trucks not registered under the Street Vendors Act must apply separately for FSSAI registration or a licence, depending on turnover and business category.
No separate FSSAI registration fee is required for deemed-registration cases. Additionally, hawkers (Itinerant/Mobile Food Vendors) who choose to register separately on FoSCoS are also exempt from the registration fee, with effect from 28 September 2024, as per the FoSCoS KoB Eligibility matrix. Any local municipal or street vending charges remain applicable and should be verified with the relevant local authority.
Yes. Despite the registration exemption, all deemed registered vendors must strictly comply with the sanitary and hygiene requirements specified in Schedule 4 of the FSSAI Regulations. This includes maintaining clean premises, using safe water, proper waste disposal, and personal hygiene of food handlers. Non-compliance may attract penalties under the FSS Act, 2006.
Yes. Importers must obtain a Central Licence irrespective of turnover, as confirmed by the FoSCoS KoB Eligibility matrix (updated 1 April 2026). The annual licence fee for importers is ₹7,500. This applies to all businesses importing food products into India.
Yes. Manufacturers of health supplements, nutraceuticals, and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (FSDU) must obtain a Central Licence with no turnover restriction, as per the FoSCoS KoB Eligibility matrix. The annual licence fee for this category is ₹7,500.
It depends on the specific business type. Per the KoB Eligibility matrix (updated 1 April 2026), only petty milkmen and milk vendors are eligible for basic registration if turnover is up to ₹1.5 Crore. Other dairy operations — including processing plants, chilling units, and manufacturing facilities — require a State or Central Licence regardless of turnover. Meat processing, slaughtering, and fish businesses follow standard turnover thresholds. All such businesses must comply with enhanced hygiene, safety, and testing requirements, as specifically noted in the official FSSAI FAQ dated 27 March 2026.
The FoSCoS KoB Eligibility matrix mandates a Central Licence regardless of turnover for: importers, e-commerce food platforms, nutraceutical and health supplement manufacturers, proprietary food makers, non-specified food and food ingredients manufacturers, Ayurveda Aahara manufacturers, 100% EOUs, exporter-manufacturers, trader/merchant exporters, radiation processing facilities, 5-star and above hotels, airport and seaport food businesses, Central Government Agency premises, and multi-state head offices or registered offices. This list is periodically updated — verify the current matrix on the FoSCoS portal before applying.
Yes. Under amended Regulation 2.1.7 of the FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026, all licences and registrations issued on or after 1 April 2026 carry perpetual validity. This means they remain valid unless suspended, cancelled, or surrendered. However, payment of the annual fee and submission of applicable returns remain mandatory.
Under Regulation 2.1.7(2) of the 2026 amendment, the licence or registration is automatically deemed suspended if the annual fee is not paid or if the Food Safety Compliance Return (FSCR) is not submitted by the due date. No food business activity is permitted during the deemed suspension. Operations may resume only after payment of all outstanding fees, submission of pending returns, and settlement of any applicable penalties.
Yes. Under amended Regulation 2.1.7(3), you must inform the Licensing or Registering Authority in writing within 30 days of closing your food business and surrender the certificate or licence. No refund of any fee already paid is admissible upon surrender.
Under newly inserted Regulation 2.1.17, FSSAI has adopted a computer-assisted, risk-based inspection framework. Inspection frequency is dynamically determined based on the type of food handled, the FBO’s compliance history during past enforcement and surveillance activities, self-compliance testing results, and third-party audit outcomes. Compliant businesses benefit from reduced inspection frequency, while high-risk or non-compliant businesses face more frequent oversight.
Yes. Per the official FSSAI FAQ dated 27 March 2026, migration will be done automatically by the FoSCoS system at the backend, based on self-declarations submitted by existing FBOs. No modification fee applies for this migration, and the licence or registration number remains unchanged. FSSAI has confirmed that sufficient time will be provided for existing FBOs to complete the migration process via FoSCoS.
The Tatkal scheme allows instant issuance of FSSAI licences and registrations for specified low-risk food business categories through automated digital verification on the FoSCoS portal, without any prior physical inspection. Verification is completed in real time using Aadhaar OTP and PAN authentication.
Eligible categories include wholesalers, distributors, retailers, transporters, storage operators (without atmospheric control), food vending agencies, direct sellers, petty snack and tea retailers, and hawkers. Businesses directly handling fresh meat and fish are excluded for select KoB types — specifically retailers, wholesalers, distributors, warehousing, direct sellers, and food vending agencies. Dairy transport restrictions also apply selectively. Check the FoSCoS Tatkal eligibility matrix for your specific business type before applying.
Not all states and union territories are enabled for all Tatkal categories. As of the latest FSSAI advisory, the Tatkal scheme is not enabled in Chandigarh and Meghalaya. Himachal Pradesh is partially enabled for select food categories only. In Jammu & Kashmir, all business types are permitted except Hawker (Itinerant/Mobile Food Vendor). FSSAI periodically updates availability — always verify the current status on the FoSCoS portal before filing your application.
Yes. As confirmed in the official FSSAI FAQ dated 27 March 2026, perpetual validity and revised turnover thresholds apply equally to Tatkal licences and registrations issued on or after 1 April 2026. The annual fee payment and return filing obligations remain the same as for regular licences.
Yes. FSSAI registration and licensing are location-specific, not food-specific. Each business premises requires its own registration or licence. If you operate multiple outlets, each one needs a separate FSSAI approval based on its individual turnover and business category as per the FoSCoS KoB Eligibility matrix.
Food business operators with operations in more than one state must apply for a Central Licence at the head office or registered office level. Each unit in each state then requires its own Central Licence, State Licence, or Registration, depending on that unit’s turnover and KoB eligibility. The head office KoB entry in the FoSCoS matrix mandates a Central Licence with no turnover restriction.
Yes. Form C modifications apply when licence particulars change — such as the name of the FBO, business address, product category, or installed capacity. Non-Form C modifications cover changes in nominee, contact details, or supporting documents. As confirmed in the official FSSAI FAQ dated 27 March 2026, modification procedures remain unchanged under the 2026 amendments and continue as per existing processes on FoSCoS.
Under the FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, the licence remains valid for a period of 90 days from the date of death for the benefit of the legal heir. The legal heir must file a transfer application within this period to continue operations. The designated officer may condone delays with recorded reasons. [Note for editorial team: Verify the exact regulation number — likely Regulation 2.1.6 of the 2011 Regulations — and confirm whether the 2026 amendment has altered this provision.]
Yes. Under Section 31 of the FSS Act, 2006, any individual or entity manufacturing, processing, storing, distributing, or selling food must obtain an FSSAI registration or licence, regardless of whether the operations are home-based or commercial. The FoSCoS KoB matrix explicitly includes “Home Based Canteens/Dabba Wallas” as a recognised category. Home bakers, tiffin services, and small cloud kitchens with turnover up to ₹1.5 Crore qualify for basic registration.
Registration (Form A) applies to petty food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹1.5 Crore. A State Licence (Form B) covers businesses with a turnover between ₹1.5 Crore and ₹50 Crore, or specific KoBs that require State-level licensing. A Central Licence (Form B) applies to businesses with a turnover above ₹50 Crore or to specified categories (importers, e-commerce, nutraceuticals, etc.) regardless of turnover. These thresholds are effective from 1 April 2026.
Yes, subject to route and activity type. Under the DPIIT Consolidated FDI Policy, 100% FDI is permitted under the automatic route for food manufacturing and processing. For food retail trading (including e-commerce of food products), FDI norms vary depending on whether the retail is single-brand or multi-brand, and on the origin of the manufactured goods. Verify the latest DPIIT Consolidated FDI Policy and relevant Press Notes before making investment decisions. This FAQ is for general awareness only and does not constitute investment advice.
Yes. Setindiabiz connects you with an experienced panel of regulatory professionals who assess your FSSAI category against the FoSCoS KoB Eligibility matrix, prepare the required documentation, file applications on the FoSCoS portal, and ensure full compliance with the 2026 amendment framework — from registration through to post-compliance obligations.
