How to Apply for FSSAI Food Business Registration Online in India

Kaustav Chowdhury
Jun 29
4 min read

Every food business operator (FBO) in India, from a street food stall to a large-scale manufacturer, must obtain FSSAI registration or a license before commencing operations. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, governs this requirement, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) administers the regulatory framework. With significant amendments to turnover thresholds taking effect on 1 April 2026, many businesses that previously needed a State License now qualify for the simpler Basic Registration process. This guide covers the updated rules, the step-by-step application procedure on the FoSCoS portal, and the consequences of non-compliance.

Three Types of FSSAI Registration and License

The FSSAI framework categorizes food businesses into three tiers based on annual turnover, effective 1 April 2026 under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026, notified on 10 March 2026.

Basic Registration applies to food businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs 1.5 crore. This is a dramatic increase from the earlier threshold of Rs 12 lakh. As a result, a large number of street vendors, home-based food businesses, small restaurants, and local eateries that previously required a State License now qualify for the simpler and cheaper Basic Registration.

State License is required for businesses with turnover between Rs 1.5 crore and Rs 50 crore (previously Rs 12 lakh to Rs 20 crore). This covers medium-scale manufacturers, distributors, and food service chains operating within a single state.

Central License is mandatory for businesses with turnover above Rs 50 crore (previously Rs 20 crore), as well as for importers of food products, businesses operating in multiple states, and food businesses in central government institutions. The recent FSSAI directive banning metallic pins and wires in food products illustrates the kind of compliance obligations that licensed FBOs must monitor continuously.

Perpetual Validity: The 2026 Amendment

One of the most significant changes under the 2026 amendment is the introduction of perpetual validity for all FSSAI registrations and licenses issued on or after 1 April 2026. Previously, registrations and licenses had to be renewed every one to five years, creating a compliance burden. Under the new regime, there is no traditional renewal process. However, FBOs must continue to pay an annual fee to maintain their registration or license in active status. Failure to pay the annual fee may result in suspension of the license.

Step-by-Step Application on the FoSCoS Portal

Step 1: Visit the FoSCoS portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in. Create an account using your mobile number, email, and Aadhaar. If you already have a legacy FSSAI account, migrate to FoSCoS using the migration link on the portal.

Step 2: Select the type of application (Basic Registration, State License, or Central License) based on your annual turnover. The portal will guide you to the correct form based on your business category and turnover declaration.

Step 3: Fill in the application form with business details including the name of the food business, address of all premises, type of food products, production capacity (for manufacturers), and turnover details.

Step 4: Upload the required documents: Aadhaar card and PAN card of the proprietor, partner, or director; proof of business address (utility bill, rent agreement, or property tax receipt); a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the manufacturer (if applicable); a food safety management plan (for State and Central licenses); and a list of food products with their categories.

Step 5: Pay the applicable fee online. The fee structure varies by the type of registration and tenure. Submit the application. The FoSCoS system assigns a reference number for tracking.

Processing Timelines

Basic Registration is processed within 7 to 10 working days. In many cases, the registration is auto-approved by the system if all documents are in order. State License applications typically take 30 to 60 days, as they involve scrutiny by the designated officer and may require a physical inspection of the premises. Central License applications take 60 to 90 days and involve a more thorough review process. If the authority does not respond within the prescribed timeline, the application is deemed approved under the principle of deemed approval. Businesses that also need to handle company compliance filings with the MCA should factor in parallel processing timelines.

Migration for Existing FBOs

Existing food business operators whose category changes due to the revised turnover thresholds will be migrated automatically by the FoSCoS system. The migration is based on self-declarations by FBOs and does not require manual scrutiny or approval from any authority. No modification fee applies for migration, and the existing license number remains unchanged. Any fee already paid under the prior category will be adjusted against the new category's fee. For example, a business with Rs 50 lakh turnover that previously held a State License will be automatically migrated to Basic Registration status.

Penalties for Operating Without Registration

Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, prescribes severe penalties for operating a food business without a valid registration or license. The penalty includes imprisonment that may extend to six months and a fine that may extend to Rs 5 lakh. Section 64 provides for enhanced penalties for subsequent offences, including a fine of Rs 1 lakh per day. These penalties apply to any person who manufactures, sells, stores, distributes, or imports food articles without a valid FSSAI registration or license. Entrepreneurs setting up food businesses should also understand their broader business registration obligations when converting a sole proprietorship.

Key Takeaways

From 1 April 2026, Basic Registration covers food businesses with turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore (raised from Rs 12 lakh), State License covers Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 50 crore, and Central License applies above Rs 50 crore.

All registrations and licenses issued from 1 April 2026 carry perpetual validity; annual fee payment replaces the traditional renewal process.

Apply via the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in) with Aadhaar, PAN, address proof, and NOC from manufacturer (if applicable).

Processing time is 7 to 10 days for Basic Registration, 30 to 60 days for State License, and 60 to 90 days for Central License.

Operating without a valid FSSAI registration attracts penalties under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, including imprisonment up to six months and fines up to Rs 5 lakh.