FSSAI Registration vs License — Which One Does Your Food Business Need?
📅 March 9, 2026✍️ ClearlyComply Editorial Team⏱️ 7 min read📂 Food Compliance
⚡ Quick Answer
If your annual turnover is below ₹12 lakh → Basic Registration. Between ₹12 lakh–₹20 crore → State License. Above ₹20 crore or multi-state operations → Central License. All food businesses in India must have one.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the government body that regulates food safety in India under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Every person or business involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, or sale of food products must obtain FSSAI certification before starting operations.
Operating without an FSSAI license is a punishable offence. Penalties include fines up to ₹5 lakh and imprisonment up to 6 months for serious violations. Beyond legal compliance, FSSAI certification builds consumer trust and is required to list products on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Swiggy.
The 3 Types: Basic Registration, State License, Central License
FSSAI compliance is not one-size-fits-all. Depending on your business size, turnover, and operational scope, you will need one of three types of FSSAI certification.
🟢 Basic Registration
₹100/yr
For petty food businesses, home kitchens, and small retailers with annual turnover below ₹12 lakh.
🔵 State License
₹2,000–₹5,000/yr
For medium food businesses with annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore, operating in one state.
🟡 Central License
₹7,500/yr
For large manufacturers, importers, and businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore or multi-state presence.
⚠️ Important: If you have one unit in Delhi and another in Mumbai, you need a Central License for the head office and State Licenses for each operational unit. The Central License covers your principal place of business only.
Fees and Validity
FSSAI licenses can be obtained for 1 to 5 years at the time of application. Opting for a 5-year license reduces administrative burden and often comes with a lower per-year cost. Government fees are fixed; professional service charges are separate.
Type
1 Year
2 Years
5 Years
Basic Registration
₹100
₹200
₹500
State License
₹2,000–₹5,000
₹4,000–₹10,000
₹10,000–₹25,000
Central License
₹7,500
₹15,000
₹37,500
Documents Required
For Basic Registration:
Photo ID proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport)
Passport-size photograph of the proprietor
Address proof of business premise
Form B (filled and signed)
For State / Central License (additional documents):
Business registration proof (GST certificate, Shops & Establishment Act)
Blueprint / layout plan of food processing unit
List of food products to be manufactured / stored / sold
Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan
NOC from municipality / local body
Water test report (for manufacturing units)
Partnership deed / MOA / AOA (for companies)
How to Apply
FSSAI applications are filed online through the FoSCoS portal (Food Safety Compliance System) at foscos.fssai.gov.in. The process involves:
Create an account on FoSCoS portal
Select the correct license type based on your business
Fill Form A (Basic Registration) or Form B (State/Central License)
Upload all required documents
Pay the government fee online
Await inspection (for State and Central licenses)
Receive FSSAI certificate on approval
💡 Pro Tip: Professional help significantly speeds up the process. Incorrect document submission is the #1 reason for FSSAI application rejection. ClearlyComply handles everything — document preparation, filing, and follow-ups — with guaranteed timelines.
Not Sure Which FSSAI License You Need?
Our experts will assess your business and apply for the right FSSAI certification — starting at ₹2,499. Includes document preparation, filing, and follow-up.
FSSAI Basic Registration is for small businesses with annual turnover below ₹12 lakh. FSSAI License (State or Central) is for larger businesses. The main differences are the issuing authority, fees, documents required, and the scale of compliance obligations.
Petty food manufacturers, small retailers, hawkers, home-based tiffin services, and small food businesses with annual turnover below ₹12 lakh need Basic Registration. It is the simplest form of FSSAI compliance with minimal documentation.
No. A State License is valid only within one state. If you have operations across multiple states, your head office must obtain a Central License. Each operational state unit should additionally hold a State License for that respective state.
Basic Registration: 7–10 working days. State License: 30–60 working days (includes physical inspection). Central License: 60–90 working days. Timeline can vary based on document completeness and state food authority workload.
Operating without FSSAI registration is an offence under the FSS Act 2006. Penalties include fines up to ₹5 lakh for manufacturing without license, and up to ₹2 lakh for selling without registration. Repeat violations can lead to imprisonment.