FSSAI License is a mandatory certification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 . Every Food Business Operator (FBO) involved in manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, transportation, or sale of food products must obtain FSSAI registration or license before commencing operations . Operating without a valid FSSAI license can attract a penalty of up to ₹5 lakh and imprisonment for up to six months under Section 63 of the Act [citation:1].
The FSSAI license serves as a 14-digit unique identification number that must be displayed prominently on food packaging, business premises, and restaurant menus . It ensures that food businesses comply with safety and hygiene standards, builds consumer trust, and enables market expansion across e-commerce platforms, modern retail, and government tenders [citation:6][citation:9]. With the 2026 amendments, FSSAI licenses now have perpetual validity (lifetime), eliminating the need for periodic renewals [citation:3][citation:10].
Effective from April 1, 2026 – Revised turnover thresholds
Turnover: Up to ₹1.5 Crore
Form: Form A
Valid For: Lifetime (Perpetual)
₹100 / year
Petty manufacturers, small retailers, hawkers, home-based bakers, dabbawalas, small dairy units [citation:1]
Turnover: ₹1.5 Crore – ₹50 Crore
Form: Form B
Valid For: Lifetime (Perpetual)
₹2,000 – ₹5,000 / year
Medium-scale manufacturers, restaurant chains, mid-tier distributors, marketplace sellers [citation:1]
Turnover: Above ₹50 Crore
Form: Form B
Valid For: Lifetime (Perpetual)
₹7,500 / year
Large manufacturers, importers, exporters, e-commerce food operators, multi-state transporters [citation:1]
Activity-Based Central License: Importers, exporters, and e-commerce food operators must obtain a Central License regardless of turnover [citation:1].
2026 Amendment: Licenses now have perpetual validity (lifetime) – no more renewals [citation:3][citation:10].
FSSAI license ensures your food business operates legally in India, avoiding penalties up to ₹5 lakh and imprisonment under the Food Safety Act [citation:1][citation:6].
Displaying the FSSAI license number on packaging, menus, and premises builds consumer confidence and loyalty [citation:6][citation:9].
FSSAI license is mandatory for onboarding on e-commerce platforms (Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon) and entering modern retail chains [citation:1][citation:9].
Registered businesses gain trust from investors, partners, and financial institutions, making it easier to access funding [citation:6][citation:9].
Compliance with FSSAI regulations enforces high hygiene standards, reducing contamination risk and foodborne diseases [citation:6].
FSSAI-registered businesses become eligible for government schemes, subsidies, and support initiatives for MSMEs [citation:6].
Check your annual turnover and business activity to select Basic, State, or Central License correctly [citation:1][citation:7].
Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in, create an account with your email and mobile number for OTP verification [citation:1][citation:5].
Complete Form A for Basic Registration or Form B for State/Central License with accurate business details [citation:1][citation:5].
Submit required documents including identity proof, address proof, business constitution, and Food Safety Management Plan (FSMS) [citation:1][citation:4].
Complete online payment – ₹100/year (Basic), ₹2,000-5,000/year (State), ₹7,500/year (Central) [citation:1][citation:5].
Track application status on FoSCoS dashboard. Basic registration is issued within 7 days; State/Central may take up to 60 days with inspection [citation:1][citation:5].
Important 2026 Update:
FSSAI licenses now have perpetual validity (lifetime) – no renewal required [citation:3][citation:10]. However, annual fees still apply and must be paid regularly. Street food vendors registered under the Street Vendors Act, 2014 are now automatically deemed registered with FSSAI [citation:3].
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