FSSAI licence applicability

Start with the activity and location

List every activity the business performs: manufacturing, processing, storage, transport, distribution, retail, catering or import. Record the premises and legal entity responsible for each activity. Use the current FoSCoS kind-of-business eligibility document to assess the application.

A single turnover figure is not a substitute for identifying the actual business model. Review the applicable activity-specific criteria and jurisdiction before selecting a category.

Turnover thresholds changed in April 2026

FSSAI’s March 2026 FAQ gives the revised turnover bands for new applications from 1 April 2026: registration up to ₹1.5 crore; State licence above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore; Central licence above ₹50 crore. Existing operators should follow the FoSCoS migration instructions.

Do not use the earlier ₹12 lakh registration threshold for a current application. Retain the eligibility document and application-date evidence used in your assessment.

Validity does not remove continuing duties

The 2026 framework introduces perpetual validity, subject to suspension, cancellation or surrender. This does not remove applicable fees, hygiene, safety, testing or other statutory duties. FSSAI’s FAQ states that licences or registrations issued from 1 April 2026 have perpetual validity.

Keep a compliance calendar for the obligations that actually apply to your operation, including modifications when business particulars change.

Check special situations

The reform provides deemed registration for qualifying street-food businesses registered under the Street Vendors Act, while preserving applicable hygiene requirements. Confirm the underlying registration and activity before relying on that treatment.

For imports, multiple locations, online business or specialised food activities, document the relevant FoSCoS category and authority. Do not copy another operator’s licence category merely because the products look similar.

Prepare the application evidence

• Legal identity, authorised person and premises details.
• Activity description, food categories and process information.
• Turnover evidence and applicable eligibility assessment.
• Premises layout, equipment and safety information where requested for the selected category.
• Existing certificates, change history and supporting documents identified by the current portal checklist.

Follow the application through to its outcome

Select the appropriate activity and premises in FoSCoS, review the generated requirements and submit accurate information. Keep the acknowledgement and respond to queries with a consistent evidence file. Record the final certificate and its covered activities.

An application receipt should not be presented to customers as an issued licence. Ensure the business team understands the actual status before launch.

Example: adding a new food activity

A retailer starts manufacturing its own packaged product. Before using the existing certificate for the new operation, it should review the activity, premises and product coverage, determine the required modification or application, and align the safety and labelling records. The earlier retail approval does not itself answer those questions.

Keep operations aligned with the certificate

Assign someone to review changes in address, ownership, activities and product range. Maintain inspection correspondence, testing and safety records appropriate to the operation. Coordinate label review separately so that the published business and product details match the approved records.