FSSAI License Type Finder
Find out whether your food business needs a Basic Registration, State License or Central License — live, by turnover, business kind and operations.
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Turnover & capacity → license
Highlighted row = your band| Turnover / capacity band | Applicable license |
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Disclaimer: Indicative guidance based on FSS (Licensing & Registration) Regulations, 2011. Actual eligibility depends on production capacity, product category and premises. Confirm with a professional before applying on FoSCoS.
FSSAI tiers — Basic, State & Central
Every food business operator (FBO) in India needs an FSSAI licence or registration. Which one depends mainly on annual turnover and production capacity — but certain activities like importing food or operating across states force the Central tier regardless of turnover.
| Turnover | Up to ₹1.5 crore per year |
| For whom | Petty FBOs — small retailers, hawkers, home kitchens, small vendors |
| Issued by | Registering Authority (local) |
| Number | 14-digit registration number |
| Turnover | Above ₹1.5 crore up to ₹50 crore |
| For whom | Mid-sized units within a single state — restaurants, manufacturers, wholesalers |
| Issued by | State Licensing Authority |
| Number | 14-digit license number |
| Turnover | Above ₹50 crore — or mandatory by activity |
| For whom | Importers/exporters, e-commerce food operators, 100% EOUs, multi-state head offices, large manufacturers |
| Issued by | Central Licensing Authority (FSSAI) |
| Number | 14-digit license number |
How it works on FoSCoS
FSSAI licences and registrations are applied for online through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS), which replaced the older FLRS portal.
Key terms explained
14-digit FSSAI number
A unique 14-digit code issued to every FBO. The first digit shows whether it is a registration (2) or licence (1), and the number must be printed on food packaging and displayed at the premises.
Validity
A licence or registration is valid for 1 to 5 years — you choose the term at application (longer terms cost more). Renew at least 30 days before expiry to avoid a late fee.
Central mandatory triggers
Regardless of turnover, a Central License is required for importers/exporters of food, e-commerce food operators, 100% Export Oriented Units, operators in multiple states (for the head office) and large or specialised manufacturers.
Fees (indicative)
Basic Registration is around ₹100/year; State License typically ₹2,000–₹5,000/year by capacity; Central License around ₹7,500/year. Government fees only — professional charges are separate.
Questions people ask
Short answers on FSSAI License Type Finder. Tap a question to open it.
01What are the three FSSAI categories?
Basic Registration for a food business with annual turnover up to ₹1.5 crore; a State Licence for turnover between ₹1.5 crore and ₹50 crore; and a Central Licence for turnover above ₹50 crore, importers, exporters, e-commerce food operators and businesses operating in more than one state.
02Is turnover the only test?
No. Production capacity matters too — for example a dairy handling more than a specified quantity of milk a day, or a manufacturer above a stated tonnage, needs a Central Licence regardless of turnover. Certain activities such as import always require a Central Licence.
03I operate in more than one state — what do I need?
A Central Licence for the head office, plus a State Licence for each state where you have a manufacturing or processing unit. A pure warehouse or branch may need its own licence depending on the activity.
04Do cloud kitchens and home-based food businesses need FSSAI?
Yes. Any food business operator, including a home kitchen selling online, needs at least a Basic Registration, and e-commerce platforms require their sellers to display a valid number.
05How long is an FSSAI licence valid?
A licence issued on or after 1 April 2026 stays valid unless it is suspended, cancelled or surrendered — there is no renewal. You pay the annual fee on FoSCoS instead, and a missed annual fee or annual return makes the licence deemed suspended. Licences issued before 1 April 2026 keep the 1–5 year validity chosen at the time and must be renewed before expiry.
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Disclaimer: This tool gives indicative results for general guidance only and is not professional advice. Please verify with a qualified CA before acting on the numbers.