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Food businesses in India generally fall under three FSSAI registration and licensing categories: Basic Registration, State Licence, and Central Licence. The appropriate category depends on your annual turnover, type of food business, and other eligibility criteria specified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
From 1 April 2026, FSSAI revised the turnover thresholds. Registration applies to eligible businesses with annual turnover up to ₹1.5 crore, the State Licence applies to businesses with turnover above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore, and the Central Licence applies to businesses with turnover above ₹50 crore. Certain business activities may have additional eligibility requirements.
Every food business must obtain the applicable FSSAI registration or licence unless a specific exemption applies. This guide explains the three categories, their fees, who needs them, and how to identify the right option. For an overview of the application process, read our guide to FSSAI licence basics.
The Three Types of Food Licences in India
FSSAI regulates food business registration and licensing through three main categories. The following table summarises the revised turnover thresholds effective from 1 April 2026.
| Registration or Licence Type | Annual Turnover | Who It May Apply To |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Up to ₹1.5 crore, subject to eligibility | Eligible small food businesses, stalls, and home-based food operators |
| State Licence | Above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore | Eligible restaurants, food service businesses, and food units |
| Central Licence | Above ₹50 crore, subject to eligibility | Large food businesses and operators meeting Central Licence criteria |
Turnover is an important factor, but it is not the only consideration. Your business activity, production capacity, operating locations, and specific FSSAI eligibility conditions can affect which category applies. Check the official FoSCoS eligibility criteria before applying.
FSSAI Basic Registration
Basic Registration is the entry-level category for eligible food businesses. Under the revised thresholds effective from 1 April 2026, businesses with annual turnover up to ₹1.5 crore may qualify, depending on their business activity and the applicable eligibility criteria.
Examples may include eligible small food stalls, home-based food businesses, petty retailers, and other small food operators.
Eligible applicants can apply through the official FoSCoS portal. The registration fee is generally ₹100 per year for applicable categories, although the fee and eligibility should be confirmed for the specific business activity.
If you are planning to open a small food outlet, read our guide on how to open a food stall in India. Confirm the correct registration category before starting operations.
FSSAI State Licence
The State Licence applies to eligible food businesses with annual turnover above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore under the revised thresholds. It may be relevant to restaurants, cloud kitchens, caterers, and food manufacturing or processing units, depending on their activities and eligibility criteria.
The applicable fee depends on the type of business and the relevant fee schedule. For example, some categories have a State Licence fee of ₹2,000 per year, while other categories may have different fees.
A restaurant or cloud kitchen should not select a licence category based on turnover alone. The business must also meet the applicable criteria for its particular activity and premises.
Review the official FoSCoS eligibility and fee information before submitting your application.
FSSAI Central Licence
The Central Licence applies to eligible food businesses with annual turnover above ₹50 crore under the revised thresholds effective from 1 April 2026. It is also relevant to certain business activities that require Central licensing under specific FSSAI rules, regardless of whether the business meets the general turnover threshold.
Depending on the activity, these may include importers and other food businesses covered by Central Licence requirements.
The standard Central Licence fee is generally ₹7,500 per year, although special categories may have different fee provisions.
Businesses operating through multiple outlets should assess the licensing requirements for each relevant business activity and premises. Do not assume that operating in multiple states automatically settles every licensing requirement without checking the applicable FoSCoS criteria.
Because Central licensing requirements can vary by activity, review the official FoSCoS portal before applying.
FSSAI Basic vs State vs Central: Which One Do You Need?
Choosing the correct category starts with understanding your annual turnover and the nature of your food business. According to restaurant consultant and franchise-development specialist Dr. Chef Shajahan M Abdul, the chef behind Tandooriwala, confirming your eligibility before applying can help avoid unnecessary delays and compliance problems.
Decide by Turnover and Business Activity
Use the revised turnover thresholds as your starting point:
Up to ₹1.5 crore: Check whether Basic Registration applies to your business activity.
Above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore: Check eligibility for a State Licence.
Above ₹50 crore: Check eligibility for a Central Licence.
Next, review the requirements for your particular activity, including any special criteria that may apply to manufacturers, importers, or other regulated food businesses.
Why Choosing the Right Category Matters
Applying under the wrong category can lead to delays, requests for additional information, or rejection. Operating without the required registration or licence can also create compliance risks.
Once you identify the correct category, follow our guide to the food licence application process in India.
For the most accurate decision, use the official FoSCoS eligibility tool rather than relying solely on a general turnover table.
Why the Right Food Licence Matters
Obtaining the appropriate FSSAI registration or licence is an important part of operating a compliant food business in India. Failure to meet applicable licensing and food safety requirements can lead to enforcement action.
Potential consequences include:
Financial penalties: Violations may attract penalties under applicable food safety laws.
Business restrictions: Authorities may take action against businesses that fail to meet legal requirements.
Loss of customer confidence: Customers and business partners may look for valid food safety registration or licensing details.
Legal action: Serious violations may result in further enforcement proceedings.
A licence is only one part of compliance. Food businesses must also follow applicable hygiene, storage, handling, and food safety requirements. Read our guide to food safety rules for restaurants in India to understand these responsibilities.
Choosing the right category and maintaining compliance from the beginning can help you establish a stronger foundation for your food business.
Get Your Food Business Set Up Right
Choosing the appropriate FSSAI category is an important early step when opening or expanding a food business. Understanding the licensing requirements, planning your kitchen, and establishing operating procedures can help you prepare for a smoother launch.
Tandooriwala is a chef-led Indian barbecue brand founded in Mysore in 2013 and operated as a unit of Restro Consultants Private Limited. Its franchise offering includes support with setup, kitchen planning, training, and operational processes. The brand has also received a Certificate of Excellence and Food & Hospitality Awards in 2018 and 2022.
If you are considering starting a restaurant through a franchise, explore the franchise opportunity, review the restaurant franchise cost, understand the benefits of buying a restaurant franchise, or learn more about Tandooriwala.
Professional guidance can help you understand the setup process, but always confirm the applicable FSSAI requirements for your specific business before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are three main FSSAI categories: Basic Registration, State Licence, and Central Licence. From 1 April 2026, the general turnover thresholds are up to ₹1.5 crore for Registration, above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore for a State Licence, and above ₹50 crore for a Central Licence. Your business activity and specific eligibility criteria also matter.
The categories differ mainly in their turnover thresholds and eligibility requirements. Basic Registration generally applies to eligible businesses with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore, the State Licence to eligible businesses above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore, and the Central Licence to eligible businesses above ₹50 crore. Certain business activities have additional licensing requirements.
The required category depends on the restaurant's annual turnover, business activity, and applicable eligibility criteria. Under the revised thresholds, an eligible restaurant with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore may qualify for Registration, while a restaurant above that threshold may need a State or Central Licence. Check the FoSCoS eligibility tool before applying.
Fees depend on the registration or licence category and the type of food business. Registration is generally ₹100 per year for applicable categories, while the standard Central Licence fee is generally ₹7,500 per year. State Licence fees vary by business category. Check the official FoSCoS fee schedule for the amount applicable to your business.
An incorrect application may result in delays, requests for additional documents, or rejection. Operating without the required registration or licence can also create compliance risks and may lead to enforcement action. Confirm your turnover, business activity, and eligibility requirements before applying through FoSCoS.
