FSSAI Licence in 2026: New Turnover Limits & Perpetual Validity Explained

FSSAI changed the rules in March 2026 — the registration threshold jumped to Rs 1.5 crore, licences no longer expire, and the renewal system is gone. This guide explains what every food business must do now.

ComplianceCheck Team · Published 3 July 2026

If you run a restaurant, cloud kitchen, food stall, packaged-food brand or any business that makes, stores, sells or transports food, you need an FSSAI registration or licence. In March 2026 the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) overhauled the system — new turnover thresholds took effect from 1 April 2026, and licences became perpetual. This guide covers who needs what, the new limits, the fees, and how to stay compliant.

Key facts at a glance

• Every food business needs an FSSAI registration or licence — there is no exemption.
• Basic Registration now covers annual turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore (raised from Rs 12 lakh).
• State Licence applies from Rs 1.5 crore up to Rs 50 crore.
• Central Licence is required above Rs 50 crore, and for importers, exporters and large operators.
• Licences are now perpetual — no expiry, no renewal — but the annual fee must still be paid, or the licence is deemed suspended.
• The 14-digit FSSAI number must be displayed on your premises, menu, and every food package.

The three FSSAI categories after the 2026 reform

FSSAI licensing is tiered by annual turnover. The Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026 (notified 10 March 2026) revised the thresholds with effect from 1 April 2026.

A Central Licence is mandatory regardless of turnover for importers, exporters, e-commerce food operators, businesses at ports/airports, and operators in central government establishments.

What changed in 2026 — and why it matters

1. Higher registration threshold

The Basic Registration ceiling rose from Rs 12 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore. Many small businesses that previously needed a State Licence can now operate on a simpler, cheaper Basic Registration. If you are between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 1.5 crore in turnover, review whether you can downgrade at your next filing.

2. Perpetual validity — renewal abolished

The amendment replaced the old 1-to-5-year validity with indefinite validity. Once granted, a licence stays valid until it is surrendered, suspended for non-compliance, or cancelled. You no longer file renewal applications.

3. Annual fee is still compulsory

Perpetual does not mean free. Food business operators must continue to pay the annual fee. Missing the annual fee triggers automatic deemed suspension — so the compliance task shifts from "renew every few years" to "never miss the yearly payment."

Who needs an FSSAI licence?

Every "food business operator" (FBO). That includes:

• Restaurants, cafes, bakeries, sweet shops, dhabas and food trucks
• Cloud kitchens and home-based food businesses
• Packaged-food manufacturers and processors
• Wholesalers, distributors, retailers and grocery stores
• Importers and exporters of food products
• Caterers, canteens, and food e-commerce sellers
• Transporters and storage/warehouse operators handling food

There is no minimum size exemption — even a single food cart needs at least a Basic Registration.

Documents you'll typically need

• Photo ID and address proof of the proprietor / partners / directors
• Passport-size photograph
• Proof of business premises (rent agreement or ownership document)
• Food safety management plan (for State and Central licences)
• List of food products / categories
• Layout plan of the premises (for manufacturing units)
• Incorporation documents (for companies / LLPs)

Applications are filed online through the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in).

Penalties for operating without a licence

Running a food business without valid FSSAI registration is an offence under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006:

• Operating without a licence: imprisonment up to 6 months and fine up to Rs 5 lakh.
• Sub-standard food: fine up to Rs 5 lakh.
• Misbranded food: fine up to Rs 3 lakh.
• Unsafe food causing injury: fines from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh and imprisonment, depending on severity.

Beyond fines, delivery platforms (Zomato, Swiggy) and marketplaces require a valid FSSAI number to list you at all.

Your FSSAI compliance checklist

1. Confirm your category using the new 2026 turnover thresholds (Rs 1.5 crore / Rs 50 crore).
2. Apply on FoSCoS for the correct registration or licence, or migrate if your category changed.
3. Display your 14-digit FSSAI number on premises, menu cards, bills and packaging.
4. Pay the annual fee on time — set a reminder, because a missed fee now suspends your licence automatically.
5. Keep a food safety management plan and hygiene records current (State/Central).
6. Match your licence to your actual activities — add categories if you expand into manufacturing, import or e-commerce.
7. Register every location separately if you operate across multiple premises.

Frequently asked questions

Is FSSAI registration mandatory for small businesses? Yes. Every food business operator in India needs at least a Basic Registration, regardless of size. There is no exemption for small vendors or home kitchens.

What is the FSSAI turnover limit in 2026? Basic Registration covers turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore, State Licence from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 50 crore, and Central Licence above Rs 50 crore, effective 1 April 2026.

Do I still need to renew my FSSAI licence? No. Since the March 2026 amendment, licences and registrations are perpetual. However, you must pay the annual fee, or the licence is deemed suspended.

How much does an FSSAI licence cost? Government fees are Rs 100 per year for Basic Registration, Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 per year for a State Licence, and Rs 7,500 per year for a Central Licence, excluding any professional charges.

What happens if I don't pay the FSSAI annual fee? The licence is automatically deemed suspended. Operating on a suspended licence is treated as operating without a licence, which carries fines up to Rs 5 lakh and possible imprisonment.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Your exact requirements depend on turnover, activities, and state. Verify on the official FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in).

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Sources: FSSAI FoSCoS portal, TaxGuru — FSSAI perpetual licence, SansaLegal — FSSAI 2026 amendment