FSSAI State License

FSSAI's 2026 framework introduced important changes to turnover thresholds, validity, and compliance requirements. These changes affect how businesses determine the appropriate FSSAI category.

• New turnover limits: The State License now covers turnover above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore. The revised limits apply from 1 April 2026.
• Perpetual validity: The license remains valid unless the authority suspends or cancels it, or the holder surrenders it. This rule applies to licenses and registrations issued on or after 1 April 2026.
• Annual fee continues: FBOs must continue paying the applicable annual regulatory fee and may pay it in advance for multiple years.
• Automatic migration: FoSCoS can migrate existing businesses to the appropriate category based on self-declaration. No modification fee applies; the existing license number remains unchanged, and FSSAI adjusts the applicable fee already paid.
• Risk-based inspections: Street vendors registered under the Street Vendors Act receive deemed FSSAI registration. FSSAI also uses a computer-assisted, risk-based system to plan inspections.
• Lighter records for traders: The Second Amendment Regulations, 2026, exempt non-manufacturing businesses from maintaining daily production and raw material records. They also clarify that FIFO and FEFO inventory rules do not apply to retailers.

You generally need a State License if your food business has an annual turnover above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore, subject to the applicable Kind of Business (KoB) criteria. The revised thresholds apply from 1 April 2026. This usually includes:

• Manufacturers and processors: Food processing units, bakeries, snack makers, oil mills, and dairy units
• Food service businesses: Restaurants, cloud kitchens, caterers, canteens, clubs, banquet halls, and hotels below the five-star category
• Trade businesses: Wholesalers, distributors, retailers, suppliers, and marketers
• Storage units: Warehouses and cold storage facilities
• Transporters: Food transport businesses operating within one state
• Relabelers and repackers: Businesses that repack or relabel food products

The 13 March 2026 order supersedes the earlier turnover thresholds. However, FoSCoS still applies KoB-specific criteria, which may include turnover, production capacity, vehicle count, and other conditions. Check the applicable KoB criteria on FoSCoS before selecting your license category.

Obtaining an FSSAI State License offers numerous advantages for food businesses:

• Legal Compliance: It ensures your business operates within the legal framework, avoiding penalties and legal complications.
• Enhanced Credibility and Trust: Having a license builds trust with your customers, suppliers, and even banks, signifying adherence to quality and safety standards.
• Market Expansion: Facilitates smoother operations and potential expansion within the state, as many businesses prefer to partner with licensed entities.
• Brand Reputation: Helps in building a strong and reliable brand image associated with food safety and quality.
• Improved Business Practices: The process of obtaining and maintaining the license often leads to better hygiene and operational practices within the business.
• Access to Government Schemes: Licensed FBOs may be eligible for various government initiatives and subsidies, including the PM-FME Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme) for micro food processing units. FoSTaC (Food Safety Training and Certification) provides food safety training. Startup India supports eligible innovative food startups, while Horticulture Board grants may support cold storage and food processing.

FoSCoS provides a document checklist based on your Kind of Business. The following table covers the main documents you may need:

Note: FSSAI has introduced auto-approval for Form IX nominee updates, reducing the need for manual approval in such cases. The nominee details can also be updated through the applicable modification process on FoSCoS.

FoSCoS may require additional documents based on your specific Kind of Business, state, and food activity. Check the applicable checklist before submitting the application.

You apply for an FSSAI State License online through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) at foscos.fssai.gov.in:

• Step 1: Check your category: Confirm that your turnover falls above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore, and that your Kind of Business does not require a Central License.
• Step 2: Start the application: Open FoSCoS, click “Apply for New License/Registration,” select your state, and choose the applicable State License.
• Step 3: Fill in Form B: Enter your business name, premises address, contact details, Kind of Business, food categories, turnover, and responsible person details. Make sure the information matches your documents.
• Step 4: Upload documents: Upload clear copies of the required documents in the format and file size allowed by FoSCoS.
• Step 5: Pay the fee: Pay the applicable government fee online through the available payment options and save the receipt.
• Step 6: Note your reference number: FoSCoS generates an application reference number after submission. Use it to track your application.
• Step 7: Respond to queries and inspections: The Licensing Authority reviews your application and may raise queries or order a premises inspection. Submit the required information as requested by the Licensing Authority within 30 days of the notice to avoid rejection.
• Step 8: Download your license: After approval and payment of the applicable fee, download the license certificate from FoSCoS.

The government fee for an FSSAI State License generally ranges from ₹2,000, ₹3,000, and ₹5,000 per year, depending on the Kind of Business and applicable FoSCoS criteria. Professional assistance, if required, is charged separately.

The applicable State License fee depends on the kind of Business and the criteria specified by FoSCoS. For example, FoSCoS sets ₹3,000 and ₹5,000 fees for specific manufacturing categories and ₹2,000 for several trading, food service, storage, and transport categories.

From 1 April 2026, FSSAI licenses and registrations have perpetual validity. This means an FSSAI State License remains valid unless it is suspended, cancelled, or surrendered. FBOs are no longer required to file periodic renewal applications.

However, the FBO must continue to meet applicable food safety, hygiene, and other statutory requirements.

FBOs can also pay the applicable regulatory fee for multiple years at once. FSSAI permits businesses to select the number of years for which they want to pay the fee.

Businesses should continue to monitor their applicable fees and compliance requirements even though periodic renewal is no longer required.

What Happens to Existing FSSAI Licenses?

FSSAI has provided for migration of existing FBOs to the revised turnover categories. Where a change in turnover thresholds makes an existing FBO eligible for a different category, FoSCoS can migrate the business based on self-declaration.

No modification fee applies to migration due to the revised turnover thresholds, and the existing license number remains unchanged. Any eligible fee adjustment is made against the applicable annual fee.

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, provides penalties for violations of food safety and licensing requirements. The applicable penalty depends on the nature and severity of the offense:

The authorities may also suspend or cancel an FSSAI license and direct the food business to stop operations, depending on the nature of the violation.

FBOs holding an FSSAI State License must continue meeting applicable food safety and operational requirements to keep their license compliant:

• Adherence to Food Safety Standards: Consistently follow the hygiene and sanitary requirements outlined in Schedule 4 of the FSSAI regulations.
• Maintenance of Records: Keep comprehensive records of raw material procurement, production, sales, quality checks, and customer complaints.
• Annual Return Filing: Eligible FBOs holding an FSSAI State License must file the applicable annual return within the prescribed timeline. The return requirements depend on the nature of the food business and its applicable Kind of Business.
• Training of Food Handlers: Ensure all personnel involved in food handling are adequately trained in food safety and hygiene, often through FoSTaC-certified programs.
• Display of License: The FSSAI license must be prominently displayed at the business premises.
• Product Labeling: All packaged food products must comply with FSSAI's labeling regulations.
• Regular Audits and Inspections: Cooperate fully with FSSAI officials during routine inspections and audits, providing all requested information.
• Grievance Redressal Mechanism: Establish a system for addressing consumer complaints related to food safety.

Once your application is approved by the authorities, you will be issued an official FSSAI State License Certificate. This certificate is mandatory for running any food business legally and must be displayed at your business premises.

This certificate contains crucial details such as the license number, business name, address, and product categories permitted under the license. It serves as proof of compliance with food safety regulations and builds trust with consumers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies alike.

How to Download the FSSAI State License Certificate in India?

After approval, you can easily download your certificate by following these steps:

• Visit the official FoSCoS portal.
• Log in with your registered username and password.
• Go to the “License/Registration” section on your dashboard.
• Choose the “Issued” option under application status.
• Click on your application number to open and download the certificate in PDF format.

How to Track FSSAI State License Certificate Status in India?

To stay updated on the status of your FSSAI State License application or certificate, follow these steps:

• Open the FoSCoS portal.
• On the homepage, select “Track Application Status”.
• Enter your application reference number and select your state.
• Click “Submit” to view the latest status, such as under review, approved, or rejected.

If your application is approved, you’ll receive the license certificate. If rejected, you will be informed of the reasons, and you may need to reapply or submit revised documents.

How to Modify Your FSSAI State License in India?

Food businesses often change their operations or details. The FoSCoS portal facilitates modifications to an existing FSSAI State License.

The process for modifying your FSSAI state license involves:

1. Logging In: Access your FBO account on the FoSCoS portal using your existing license number and credentials.
2. Selecting Modification Option: Navigate to the 'Modification' section under the "Apply for Services" section.
3. Updating Details: Fill in the new or updated information. Common modifications include:

• • Change in registered business address (though usually, premises details are non-editable and may require a new application or specific FSSAI approval).
  • Addition or deletion of food product categories.
  • Changes in contact details.
  • Changes in partnership details (addition/removal of partners).
  • Apply for the appropriate change in license category when your turnover or business activity no longer falls within the existing category.

4. Uploading Supporting Documents: Provide fresh documents required for the FSSAI state license that support the requested changes (e.g., new rent agreement for address change, revised partnership deed).
5. Paying Modification Fee: A nominal fee might be applicable for certain types of modifications.

Ensure all modifications are made accurately and promptly to keep your license details current and compliant with FSSAI regulations.

The following table compares the three FSSAI categories based on the revised thresholds effective from 1 April 2026:

The earlier limits were ₹12 lakh for registration, ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore for a State License, and above ₹20 crore for a Central License. Many businesses that held a State License earlier now fall under Basic Registration.