Every business that makes, packs, stores, transports, sells or imports food in India needs an FSSAI registration or licence under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. That has not changed. What changed in 2026 is which category you fall into, and how long your licence lasts.
If you got your FSSAI licence a few years ago, or you are about to start a food unit, this guide explains what is different now.
What changed in 2026
1. New turnover limits (effective 1 April 2026)
| Category | Earlier turnover limit | New turnover limit |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Up to ₹12 lakh | Up to ₹1.5 crore |
| State Licence | ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore | ₹1.5 crore – ₹50 crore |
| Central Licence | Above ₹20 crore | Above ₹50 crore |
Many small units that were earlier forced to take a State Licence can now work with Basic Registration, and many mid-sized manufacturers no longer need a Central Licence.
2. No more renewals – perpetual validity with an annual fee
Licences and registrations no longer expire after 1–5 years. Instead, they remain valid as long as the annual fee is paid on time. If the fee is not paid, the licence can be suspended automatically. In other words, the "renewal date" has become a "fee due date" – and missing it is just as risky.
Turnover is not the only test
Some activities need a particular licence regardless of turnover. For example:
- Importers need a Central Licence.
- Units supplying to central government bodies, or operating in more than one state, may need a Central Licence for their head office.
- Certain categories (dairy processing, packaged drinking water, meat processing and others) have their own capacity and eligibility rules on the FoSCoS portal.
So before applying, check your Kind of Business (KoB) on FoSCoS, not just your turnover.
Government fees (per year)
- Basic Registration: ₹100
- State Licence: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 (depends on activity and capacity)
- Central Licence: ₹7,500
Documents you will usually need
- Identity and address proof of the proprietor / partners / directors
- Proof of possession of the premises (sale deed, rent agreement or NOC from owner)
- Company or firm registration documents (MOA/AOA, partnership deed, Udyam, GST)
- List of food categories you will handle
- For manufacturers: layout plan of the processing area, list of machinery, water test report from a NABL lab, and a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan
- Blueprint of the production unit and recall plan (for State/Central licence)
Special note for packaged drinking water and mineral water units
An FSSAI licence alone is not enough for packaged drinking water. You also need a BIS certification (IS 14543), plus a CGWA NOC or exemption for groundwater, Pollution Control Board consent and a factory registration. We cover each of these in separate articles on this blog.
Common mistakes we see
- Choosing the wrong KoB – leads to rejection or a licence that does not cover your actual activity.
- Not updating the licence when you add a product, increase capacity or shift premises.
- Missing the annual fee now that there is no renewal reminder.
- Labelling errors – the FSSAI logo and licence number must appear on every pack.
How ClearPath Compliance India can help
We check which category applies to you, prepare the full document set, file on FoSCoS, reply to any query raised by the Food Safety Officer, and track your annual fee and modification deadlines so your licence never lapses.
This article is for general information. Rules and fees are updated from time to time; please confirm the current position on the FoSCoS portal or speak to us before applying.