Who needs a FSSAI Central License?

Large manufacturers with turnover above ₹50 Crore, importers, and businesses operating in more than one state are required to obtain a Central FSSAI License as per the 2026 guidelines.

What is the penalty for selling food without a FSSAI license?

Selling food without a registration or license can attract heavy fines and imprisonment depending on the nature of the violation and food safety risk.

Is FSSAI mandatory for home bakers?

Yes, even small home-based food businesses must obtain at least a Basic FSSAI Registration if their annual turnover is below ₹1.5 Crore.

Is FSSAI mandatory for cloud kitchens?

Yes, cloud kitchens are considered Food Business Operators (FBOs) and must obtain an FSSAI license to operate legally on platforms like Swiggy or Zomato.

How long is a FSSAI license valid?

As per the FSSAI order dated March 27, 2026, all licenses and registrations now have perpetual validity. This means they remain valid indefinitely unless suspended or cancelled, removing the need for periodic renewal applications. However, businesses must continue to pay the prescribed annual fee.

FSSAI - Food Quality and Safety

Q: Do street vendors need a separate FSSAI registration?

Street vendors registered under the Street Vendors Act 2014 are now automatically deemed registered under FSSAI. This removes the need for duplicate registration and multiple fees.

Q: What is the validity of FSSAI License?

Under the March 2026 guidelines, FSSAI licenses and registrations now have perpetual validity. They no longer require renewal every 1-5 years, provided that the annual fee is paid on time.

FSSAI: Guaranteeing Quality and Safety in the Food Industry (2026)

Every Food Business Operator (FBO) in India—from a home baker to a large food manufacturer—must be registered with FSSAI. It is not just a license; it is a promise of hygiene and safety to your customers.

Types of FSSAI Licenses

Your license category depends on your annual turnover and scale of operation:

Basic Registration: For petty businesses with turnover < ₹1.5 Crore.
State License: For medium-scale food businesses with turnover between ₹1.5 Crore and ₹50 Crore.
Central License: For large manufacturers with turnover > ₹50 Crore, importers, or businesses operating in multiple states.

UPDATE April 2026:

FSSAI licenses and registrations have PERPETUAL VALIDITY (forever, unless suspended/cancelled/surrendered) — no annual renewal needed. However, you must still pay annual fees and file annual FSCR returns.

FSSAI Registration limit increased from ₹12 lakh to ₹1.5 crore/year (12x increase). Home bakers, tiffin services, cloud kitchens, and small food businesses with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore now need FSSAI Registration (not a State License) — much simpler, cheaper, and no renewal needed!

Street vendors registered under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood) Act 2014 are now automatically deemed registered under FSSAI. No separate FSSAI registration or duplicate fees required (saves 10+ lakh vendors nationwide).

Small businesses (turnover < ₹1.5 crore) can now get instant FSSAI registration certificate upon document submission — no mandatory pre-inspection required.

Mandatory Compliance

Food Safety Display Board

Every FBO must display their FSSAI number and safety instructions clearly at their premises.

Annual Returns

State and Central license holders must file annual returns on the FoSCoS portal to keep their license active.

Documents Required

The documentation varies by license type, but generally includes:

Business Identity: Aadhaar/PAN of the FBO.
Premises Proof: Rent agreement or electricity bill.
Layout Plan: A sketch showing the dimensions of the food processing area.
Water Test Report: Ensuring the water used is potable (safe for consumption).

Why choose QUBIZ Solution?

Non-compliance with FSSAI standards can lead to severe penalties, including license cancellation or imprisonment. We provide end-to-end support for new licenses, renewals, and FoSTaC training certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does FSSAI license expire?

No. Under the March 2026 guidelines, FSSAI licenses and registrations now have perpetual validity. They no longer require renewal every 1-5 years, provided that the annual fee is paid on time.

What is the turnover limit for Basic Registration?

The threshold for Basic FSSAI Registration has been significantly increased to ₹1.5 Crore. Small food businesses with annual turnover up to this limit now qualify for the simpler registration process.

Do street vendors need a separate FSSAI registration?

Street vendors registered under the Street Vendors Act 2014 are now automatically deemed registered under FSSAI. This removes the need for duplicate registration and multiple fees.

Can I get an instant FSSAI certificate?

Yes, small businesses (turnover < ₹1.5 Crore) can obtain an instant FSSAI registration certificate upon submitting the required documents on the FoSCoS portal.