Quick answer: Every food business in India needs either FSSAI Basic Registration (turnover up to ₹1.5 crore a year, ₹100 a year), a State licence (₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore, ₹2,000–₹5,000 a year) or a Central licence (above ₹50 crore, or importers and certain other businesses, ₹7,500 a year). You apply online on the FoSCoS portal. Basic registration is usually issued within 7 days.
FSSAI (the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) regulates every business that makes, stores, sells or delivers food: from a chai stall to a cloud kitchen. Operating without registration is an offence, and Swiggy and Zomato will not list you without a valid FSSAI number.
Which FSSAI registration do you need?
| Type | Annual turnover | Typical businesses | Fee per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Up to ₹1.5 crore | Street stalls, carts, tiffin services, home bakers, small cloud kitchens | ₹100 |
| State Licence | ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore | Restaurants, larger cloud kitchens, caterers, small manufacturers | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Central Licence | Above ₹50 crore | Large manufacturers, importers, e-commerce food platforms, operators in multiple states | ₹7,500 |
These limits apply from 1 April 2026, when FSSAI raised them (Basic Registration was previously capped at ₹12 lakh). Some activities need a State or Central licence regardless of turnover (for example, certain manufacturing capacities and imports). If you are a small stall or kitchen, the turnover test is what matters.
Documents you need
For Basic Registration: – Passport-size photograph – Photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID) – Proof of business address (rent agreement, electricity bill, or NOC from the owner) – List of food items you will sell
For a State Licence, additionally: – Layout plan of the kitchen or processing unit – List of equipment – Water test report (for some categories) – Partnership deed or incorporation documents, if not a sole proprietor – Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan
How to apply on FoSCoS: step by step
- Open the FoSCoS portal
Go to foscos.fssai.gov.in and click Apply for Licence/Registration.
- Describe your business
Pick your state and business type, e.g. “Petty retailer of snacks/tea”. The portal suggests Registration, State or Central.
- Create your account
Sign up with your mobile number and email.
- Fill the form
Form A for registration, Form B for a licence: business details, food categories, address.
- Upload and pay
Upload your documents and pay the fee online.
- Track your application
Note the reference number and follow its status on the portal.
- Display your certificate
Download it once approved and put it up at your stall or kitchen.
What happens after you get it
- Print your 14-digit FSSAI number on your menu, packaging and bills.
- Keep paying the yearly fee. Registrations and licences issued from 1 April 2026 no longer need renewing, but the annual fee still applies; older ones are renewed before expiry as before.
- File annual returns if your licence category requires it (manufacturers and some licensees).
- Upgrade from Registration to a State licence when your turnover crosses ₹1.5 crore.
Penalties for not having FSSAI registration
Carrying on a food business without registration or a licence can attract a fine of up to ₹5 lakh and imprisonment of up to six months under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. In practice, the more common consequence for small businesses is a closure notice or being delisted from delivery apps.
Money tip
FAQ
Do home bakers and tiffin services need FSSAI registration? Yes. Any business selling food, even from home, needs at least Basic Registration.
How long does FSSAI registration take? Basic Registration is usually granted within 7 days if documents are in order. Licences can take up to 60 days, often less.
Can I apply for FSSAI registration myself? Yes, the FoSCoS portal is designed for self-application. Agents charge ₹500–₹2,000 extra for the convenience.
Is FSSAI registration needed for Swiggy and Zomato? Yes, a valid FSSAI number is mandatory for listing.
What is the late fee for renewal? A late fee of ₹100 per day applies if you renew after expiry, so renew at least 30 days in advance.
Next: GST for food businesses · How to start a momo stall
Get the free Food Business Startup Checklist.