A major, very recent change to how these thresholds work
FSSAI revised its turnover-based categorisation with effect from 1 April 2026, substantially raising the thresholds at every tier. Basic Registration — the lightest category, with the least documentation and lowest cost — now covers food businesses with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore, a large jump from the earlier ₹12 lakh limit. The Central Licence threshold moved from ₹20 crore to ₹50 crore, meaning many businesses that previously needed the more involved Central Licence now only need a State Licence instead.
Alongside the turnover changes, FSSAI also moved to perpetual validity for registrations and licences, replacing the older fixed-term renewal cycle, with compliance instead monitored through a risk-based inspection framework. A food business that registered some years ago under the older thresholds and hasn't reviewed its category since this change may now find itself eligible for a simpler registration than it originally obtained — worth checking rather than assuming the old category still applies by default.
Certain categories of food business — specific types of manufacturing, processing, or other activities the regulations flag — require at least a State Licence regardless of how low their turnover is, so turnover alone doesn't always decide the category; the nature of the activity can override it.
Documents required
- Photo identity and address proof of the proprietor, partners, or directors.
- Proof of the business premises.
- A list of food products manufactured, processed, or sold.
- For a licence (State or Central): a food safety management plan, water testing report where applicable, and layout plan of the premises.
- Partnership deed, Certificate of Incorporation, or equivalent, depending on entity type.
The registration/licensing process, step by step
-
Determining the correct category
Turnover is checked against the current thresholds, and the specific business activity is checked against any category that requires a licence regardless of turnover — this determines whether Basic Registration, a State Licence, or a Central Licence applies.
-
Preparing the application
For a licence, supporting documents including the food safety management plan and premises layout are prepared; Basic Registration needs considerably less documentation.
-
Filing on FoSCoS
The application is submitted through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal, along with the applicable fee.
-
Inspection, where applicable
A food safety officer may inspect the premises before a State or Central Licence is granted; Basic Registration inspections, where they occur, are typically post-registration.
-
Certificate or licence issuance
Once approved, the registration or licence is issued with perpetual validity, subject to ongoing risk-based inspection.
Practical notes from our engagements
- Existing category not reviewed against the 2026 thresholds. A business registered years ago under the old ₹12 lakh / ₹20 crore bands may now sit comfortably within a lighter category — this is worth checking specifically, since staying in a heavier category than necessary means more documentation and ongoing compliance than the business actually needs.
- Turnover assumed to be the only factor. Certain kinds of food business need at least a State Licence regardless of turnover — checking the specific activity against this list matters as much as the turnover calculation itself.
- Perpetual validity mistaken for "nothing more to do." While there's no fixed renewal date anymore, the business remains subject to risk-based inspection, and turnover crossing into a higher category still needs to be reflected with a category upgrade when it happens.
How we handle FSSAI registration and licensing
We determine the correct category against the current 2026 thresholds, not outdated figures, and check the specific business activity against categories that require a licence regardless of turnover. For an existing client whose category was set before the 2026 revision, we review whether a simpler category is now available.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
What's the current turnover limit for Basic Registration?
Up to ₹1.5 crore in annual turnover, effective from 1 April 2026 — a substantial rise from the earlier ₹12 lakh threshold.
What's the current Central Licence threshold?
Above ₹50 crore in annual turnover, raised from the earlier ₹20 crore threshold, also effective 1 April 2026.
Does FSSAI registration need to be renewed periodically?
Registrations and licences now have perpetual validity rather than a fixed renewal cycle, though the business remains subject to risk-based inspection.
If my business was registered under the old thresholds, do I need to update anything?
Not automatically, but it's worth checking whether your business now qualifies for a lighter category under the revised 2026 thresholds — staying in a heavier category than necessary means more ongoing compliance than required.
Does turnover alone decide whether I need Basic Registration or a licence?
Mostly, but not entirely — certain categories of food business require at least a State Licence regardless of turnover, so the nature of the activity matters too.
Is FSSAI registration required for a home kitchen or small cloud kitchen?
Generally yes, at minimum Basic Registration, given the broad scope of what counts as a food business — even small-scale operations typically need at least this level of registration.