A food license in India means registration or a licence from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Every business that makes, stores, sells or serves food must have one, from a home tiffin service to a large factory. The type you need depends on your annual turnover and the kind of business you run.
This guide explains the three types, the turnover limits revised from 1 April 2026, the fees, the documents and the application steps on the FoSCoS portal. Additionally, it lists the mistakes that cause rejections.
Quick answer: You need a food license from FSSAI before you start any food business. Since 1 April 2026, businesses with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore need Basic Registration, those between ₹1.5 crore and ₹50 crore need a State license, and those above ₹50 crore need a Central license. You apply online on the FoSCoS portal with ID, address proof and a list of food products, and you get a 14-digit license number.
Key Takeaways
- Basic Registration now covers businesses with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore (earlier ₹12 lakh).
- State license applies from ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore, and Central license above ₹50 crore.
- Importers, exporters and some other categories need a Central license whatever their turnover.
- Licenses and registrations stay valid without renewal, but you must pay the annual fee on time.
- Apply only on the official FoSCoS portal; there is no agent requirement.
What Is a Food License (FSSAI)?
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 requires every food business operator to hold a licence or registration. FSSAI regulates standards, hygiene and labelling. Moreover, the licence number appears on your packaging, invoices and premises.
In everyday speech, people say food license, FSSAI registration or FSSAI licence for the same requirement. In contrast, registration is for small businesses and a licence is for larger ones. Therefore, the first step is to find out which tier applies to you.
Who needs a food license?
- Home kitchens, tiffin services and cloud kitchens
- Restaurants, cafes, dhabas and sweet shops
- Bakeries, caterers and food trucks
- Food manufacturers, packers and processors
- Grocery stores, supermarkets and wholesalers that sell food
- Warehouses, cold storages and transporters of food
- Sellers of packaged food on e-commerce platforms
- Importers and exporters of food products
Types of Food License: Which One Do You Need?
The 2026 amendment raised the turnover limits, so more small businesses can now use the simpler and cheaper Basic Registration. The table shows the current tiers.
| Type | Annual turnover | Application form | Annual fee (indicative) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Up to ₹1.5 crore | Form A | ₹100 |
| State license | ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore | Form B | ₹2,000 to ₹5,000, by type of business |
| Central license | Above ₹50 crore | Form B | ₹7,500 |
Check the latest limitsFSSAI revised the thresholds through amendment regulations notified on 10 March 2026, effective from 1 April 2026. Rules and fees can change again, so confirm your tier and fee on the official FoSCoS portal before you apply.
Central license regardless of turnover
Some businesses need a Central license even below the turnover limit. For example, these include importers, e-commerce food platforms, exporters, manufacturers of certain proprietary or novel foods, and operations at airports, seaports and central government premises. Additionally, large hotels and businesses with premises in several states also come under the Central licence.
What changed in 2026?
- Turnover limits for Basic Registration, State and Central licences were raised.
- Licences and registrations are valid without periodic renewal, as long as you pay the annual fee and file returns where required.
- Non-payment of the annual fee or non-filing of a required return can lead to automatic suspension until you clear the dues.
- Street vendors with a valid vending certificate are treated as registered.
Food License Fees
The annual fee depends on the tier. Basic Registration is the cheapest, while State and Central licences cost more but cover larger operations. Furthermore, you pay the fee on the portal when you apply and every year after that.
| Cost item | Basic Registration | State license | Central license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government fee per year | ₹100 | ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 | ₹7,500 |
| Typical timeline | About a week | A few weeks | A few weeks to a few months |
| Inspection | Usually none before grant | Possible, risk-based | Possible, risk-based |
| Food safety supervisor | Not required in most cases | Trained supervisor needed | Trained supervisor needed |
Agents and consultants charge extra service fees. Because the portal is easy to use, many small owners apply directly. However, a good consultant can help with complex manufacturing licences.
Documents Needed for a Food License
| Document | Basic Registration | State or Central license |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID and passport photo of the owner or directors | Yes | Yes |
| Address proof of the premises (rent agreement, ownership or utility bill) | Yes | Yes |
| List of food products or business category | Yes | Yes |
| Partnership deed or incorporation certificate | If applicable | If applicable |
| Turnover self-declaration | Yes | Yes |
| Layout plan of the unit and machinery list | Not needed | For manufacturers |
| Water test report | Not needed | For manufacturers |
| Import Export Code (IEC) | Not needed | For importers |
| Nominee details (Form IX) | Not needed | For Central license |
A free Udyam certificate is not compulsory for a food license, but it helps with loans. Our guide to MSME registration online explains how to get it.
How to Apply for a Food License on FoSCoS
FoSCoS is FSSAI’s Food Safety Compliance System. All applications run through its website. Follow these steps.
Step 1: Pick the right kind of business
Choose the Kind of Business (KoB) that matches your activity, for example manufacturer, restaurant, retailer or caterer. Note that a wrong choice is among the most common causes of rejection.
Step 2: Create an account
Register on FoSCoS with your mobile number and email. Then select your state and premises so the system shows the right tier.
Step 3: Fill the application
Use Form A for registration or Form B for a licence. Enter business details, premises, product list and turnover. Upload the documents.
Step 4: Pay the fee
Next, pay the annual fee online. Keep the payment receipt and the application number.
Step 5: Verification and grant
An officer reviews the application. As a result, Basic Registration is often granted within about a week if the documents are in order. State and Central licences take longer, and an inspection may be required.
Step 6: Display your license
Finally, after grant, download the certificate and display the 14-digit number at your premises. Also print it on your invoices and packaging.
After You Get a Food License: Ongoing Duties
- Pay the annual fee: miss it, and the licence is suspended until you pay.
- File returns: some manufacturers and importers must file annual returns.
- Display the number: on the shop, the bill and the label.
- Keep hygiene records: cleaning, pest control and health checks of staff.
- Train a food safety supervisor: larger units need a FoSTaC-certified supervisor.
- Update changes: inform FSSAI when your address, product range or turnover tier changes.
Closing the business needs formal intimation to FSSAI. Therefore, do not simply stop paying the fee.
Food License vs Other Registrations
New food entrepreneurs often mix up the registrations. In reality, each one has a different purpose, and many food businesses need several.
| Registration | Purpose | Needed by |
|---|---|---|
| FSSAI food license | Food safety and legal permission to sell food | Every food business |
| Udyam (MSME) | MSME status, schemes and loans | Any business wanting MSME benefits |
| GST | Tax collection and input credit | Businesses above the turnover limit or in specific categories |
| Shop and establishment licence | Local labour and working-hour rules | Shops, restaurants and offices under state law |
| Trade licence | Municipal permission for the trade | Businesses in many municipal areas |
| Trademark | Brand name and logo protection | Owners who want to protect a brand |
If you sell under your own brand, consider trademark registration for the name and logo once the business is running. For the full launch sequence, read how to start a business in India.
Common Reasons a Food License Application Is Rejected
- Wrong kind of business: the category does not match the activity.
- Wrong tier: applying for registration when a licence is required.
- Address proof mismatch: the premises document does not match the application.
- Missing manufacturing documents: no layout plan or water test report.
- Expired or unpaid fee: application dropped after a payment failure.
- Incomplete product list: items you sell are not in the declared category.
Food License and Business Planning
Licence costs are small compared with rent, raw material and staff. Nevertheless, founders still forget to budget for them. Include the fee, a supervisor’s training, a water test and hygiene supplies in your start-up cost.
Test whether your menu prices cover costs with the break-even point calculator. Home-based owners can look at our business ideas for women and the list of best business ideas in India for food ideas at every budget.
If you need funding for equipment, a Mudra loan suits small food units, and the project report maker builds the bank-ready numbers. Larger food processors can explore the PMEGP loan and the startup loan for new business options.
FAQs on Food License
Is a food license compulsory for a home kitchen?
Yes. Home kitchens and tiffin services that sell food need at least FSSAI Basic Registration, even when turnover is small.
What is the turnover limit for FSSAI registration in 2026?
From 1 April 2026, Basic Registration applies up to ₹1.5 crore of annual turnover. State licences cover ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore, and Central licences apply above ₹50 crore.
How much does a food license cost?
Basic Registration costs ₹100 a year. State licences cost roughly ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 a year, and Central licences cost ₹7,500 a year. Agents charge extra service fees.
Does an FSSAI food license need renewal?
From April 2026, licences and registrations are valid without periodic renewal. However, you must pay the annual fee and file any required returns, or the licence is suspended.
How long does it take to get a food license?
Basic Registration can be granted in about a week when documents are correct. State and Central licences take longer and may involve an inspection.
Can I apply for a food license without an agent?
Yes. You can apply directly on the FoSCoS portal with your ID, address proof and product list.
What happens if I run a food business without a license?
Operating without the required registration or licence can attract heavy penalties, including fines running into lakhs of rupees. Always register before you start.
Do I need both a food license and GST?
They are separate. The food license covers food safety, and GST covers tax. You may need both, depending on turnover and the kind of products you sell.
Get Your Food License Before You Launch
A food license protects your customers and your business. Identify your tier, collect the documents, apply on FoSCoS, pay the annual fee on time and display your licence number clearly.
Plan the money side with our free business tools, read more start a business guides and visit the Business Reports homepage.
Business Reports is an independent information website. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or acting for any government department, bank, NBFC, KVIC, NABARD, SIDBI or MUDRA, and we do not provide loans or process applications. Figures are indicative; confirm details on official portals or with your bank. Read our disclaimer and advertising disclosure.