Starting a food business in India requires attention to food safety and regulatory compliance. Whether you run a restaurant, cloud kitchen, bakery, catering business, food manufacturing unit, retail shop, or another food-related business, it is important to understand whether you need FSSAI Registration or an FSSAI License.
Visit Here: FSSAI Registration & License
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates food businesses under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Every Food Business Operator (FBO) is required to obtain the applicable registration or license.
In this blog, we explain the difference between FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License, their eligibility, applicable turnover thresholds, and the basic application process.
What is FSSAI Registration?
FSSAI Registration is the applicable food safety approval for businesses falling within the registration category. Historically, this category covered petty food businesses such as small retailers, hawkers, temporary stalls and small food businesses.
However, FSSAI revised the turnover thresholds with effect from 1 April 2026. Under the revised framework, Registration applies to food businesses with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore, subject to the applicable criteria for the particular business activity.
Businesses may include small food retailers, food stalls, certain food service businesses and other eligible Food Business Operators.
What is an FSSAI License?
An FSSAI License is required for food businesses falling above the registration threshold or within business categories for which a license is prescribed.
From 1 April 2026, the revised turnover categories are:
- FSSAI Registration: Turnover up to ₹1.5 crore
- State FSSAI License: Turnover above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore
- Central FSSAI License: Turnover above ₹50 crore
These thresholds are based on the revised FSSAI framework and apply to new applications from the effective date.
However, turnover is not the only consideration. The exact requirement can depend on the kind of food business, activities performed, location and other applicable criteria.
FSSAI Registration vs FSSAI License
The primary difference is the category of food business and the applicable eligibility criteria.
Particular | FSSAI Registration | FSSAI License |
Applicable to | Eligible smaller food businesses | Businesses requiring State or Central License |
Turnover | Up to ₹1.5 crore under revised thresholds | Above ₹1.5 crore, depending on category |
Types | Registration | State License or Central License |
Application | Through FoSCoS | Through FoSCoS |
Compliance | Food safety requirements apply | Food safety and applicable licensing conditions apply |
The exact classification should always be checked against the applicable FSSAI eligibility criteria, because certain food activities have specific conditions.
Who Needs FSSAI Registration?
Businesses that fall within the registration category may include:
- Small food retailers
- Food stalls
- Hawkers and mobile food vendors
- Small cafés and food outlets
- Certain home-based food businesses
- Eligible petty food manufacturers
- Small-scale food businesses
FSSAI’s eligibility system categorizes businesses according to their Kind of Business (KoB), so businesses should not select their category only on the basis of turnover.
Who Needs an FSSAI License?
Businesses requiring a license can include larger or specified:
- Food manufacturing businesses
- Restaurants and food service establishments
- Food wholesalers
- Food distributors
- Food storage businesses
- Caterers
- Importers of food products
- Larger retailers
- Dairy businesses
- Food processing units
- Businesses operating across multiple locations or states
For example, food importers require a Central FSSAI License, while businesses operating in multiple states may have additional licensing requirements for their head office and individual premises.
State FSSAI License vs Central FSSAI License
An FSSAI State License generally applies to food businesses falling within the State License category under the applicable eligibility criteria.
A Central FSSAI License applies to businesses falling under the Central License category, including certain large-scale businesses and specified activities such as food importation.
Therefore, simply looking at turnover may not always be enough. The business activity should also be checked through the official FoSCoS eligibility criteria.
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration or License
The documents depend on the type of application and food business activity. Common documents can include:
- Applicant’s identity proof
- PAN details
- Business address proof
- Premises ownership or rent documents
- Business constitution documents
- Food product details
- Business activity details
- Photographs and other supporting documents, where applicable
FoSCoS requires applicants to provide details such as the premises address and annual turnover while completing the application.
How to Apply for FSSAI Registration or License?
The application is submitted online through the FoSCoS portal.
The general process is:
- Identify the business category: Determine the applicable FSSAI Registration, State License or Central License based on the business activity and eligibility criteria.
- Prepare documents: Keep the required identity, address and business documents ready.
- Submit the application: Enter the required information on FoSCoS and submit the appropriate application.
- Pay the applicable fee: Pay the government fee applicable to the selected category.
- Application processing: The application is processed by the concerned authority and additional information or inspection may be required depending on the case.
- Receive approval: Once approved, the applicable FSSAI Registration or License is issued.
FSSAI Registration and License Services by SSFintax Advisor
Choosing the correct category is an important part of FSSAI compliance. An incorrect business category, incomplete documentation or incorrect information can create unnecessary issues during the application process.
SSFintax Advisor provides professional FSSAI Registration Services and assistance with applicable FSSAI License requirements for food businesses.
Along with FSSAI Registration, SSFintax Advisor also provides GST Registration & Filing, Accounting Services, Bookkeeping Services, Income Tax Return Filing, Company Registration and business compliance services.
For professional business compliance assistance, visit ssfintax.com.
FAQs
- What is the main difference between FSSAI Registration and License?
FSSAI Registration applies to businesses within the registration category, while an FSSAI License applies to businesses requiring State or Central licensing. - What is the revised FSSAI Registration turnover limit?
From 1 April 2026, FSSAI Registration applies to eligible food businesses with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore. - Can a restaurant require an FSSAI License?
Yes. The applicable category depends on the restaurant’s turnover and other FSSAI eligibility criteria. - Where can I apply for FSSAI Registration or License?
Applications are submitted online through the official FoSCoS portal. - Does SSFintax Advisor provide FSSAI services?
Yes. SSFintax Advisor provides FSSAI Registration Services and related business compliance assistance through ssfintax.com.