FSSAI License Guide for Food Businesses in India 2026

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is the apex food safety regulator in India, established under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. Its mandate is to ensure the safety and quality of food products consumed in India through licensing, standardization and enforcement.

Every food business operator (FBO) — whether a home baker, restaurant, cloud kitchen, food manufacturer, food trader or importer — must obtain FSSAI registration or license before starting operations. Operating without FSSAI authorization is an offence that can lead to fines up to ₹5 lakh and business closure.

1. Basic Registration

Who needs it: Small food businesses with annual turnover < ₹12 lakh (petty retailers, small vendors, home bakers, hawkers, cottage food industries).
Government fee: ₹100 per year
Validity: 1–5 years (chosen at time of application)
Form: Form A

2. State License

Who needs it: Food businesses with turnover ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore, or manufacturing capacity up to 2 MT/day, or cold storage up to 10,000 MT. Restaurants, hotels, caterers, medium food processors.
Government fee: ₹2,000–₹5,000 per year (varies by state)
Form: Form B

3. Central License

Who needs it: Large food businesses with annual turnover > ₹20 crore, importers, exporters, food businesses operating in multiple states, large manufacturing units, FCI/PDS operators.
Government fee: ₹7,500 per year
Form: Form B (filed with Central FSSAI)

One of the most common questions we receive is: "Do I need FSSAI for my home baking business?" The answer is yes.

Under FSSAI rules, any person who manufactures, processes, packages, stores, transports or sells food for human consumption must have FSSAI authorization. This includes:

• Home bakers selling through Instagram, WhatsApp or Swiggy/Zomato
• Cloud kitchens operating from residential premises
• Tiffin services (home-cooked meals for offices)
• Home chefs selling on subscription basis

If your annual turnover is below ₹12 lakh, Basic Registration (Form A) is sufficient. The fee is just ₹100/year and the process takes 7 working days. Our team handles the complete FSSAI basic registration process for ₹1,999 (professional fee).