What is FSSAI and why do I need a license?

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is the statutory food regulatory body of India. Any business involved in manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, or sale of food must obtain FSSAI license/registration. Operating without one risks penalties up to ₹5 lakh and imprisonment.

What are the FSSAI license types in India?

There are 3 types: (1) Basic Registration — turnover up to ₹1.5 Crore/year; (2) State License — turnover ₹1.5 Crore to ₹50 Crore/year; (3) Central License — turnover above ₹50 Crore or multi-state/importer/exporter operations.

How long does FSSAI registration take?

FSSAI Basic Registration takes 7–10 working days. State License takes 30–45 days. Central License takes 45–60 days. With Velco Legal India, we prepare and submit your application within 24 hours.

What is the cost of FSSAI license in India?

Government fees: Basic Registration ₹100/year, State License ₹2,000–₹5,000/year, Central License ₹7,500/year. Velco Legal India professional service fees start at ₹999 for Basic Registration.

What documents are required for FSSAI registration?

For Basic Registration: Photo ID proof, address proof of business, passport size photo. For State/Central License: additionally business registration certificate, rental agreement/ownership proof, food safety management plan, list of food categories.

Can I get FSSAI license online?

Yes. FSSAI licenses are applied 100% online through the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in). Velco Legal India provides complete online assistance — no physical office visit needed anywhere in India.

What is the penalty for operating without FSSAI license?

Operating a food business without FSSAI license attracts imprisonment up to 6 months and/or fine up to ₹5 lakh under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

How to renew FSSAI license?

FSSAI license must be renewed 30 days before expiry through FoSCoS portal. Late renewal attracts a penalty of ₹100/day. Velco Legal India handles renewal for ₹999 onwards with 24-hour application submission.

FSSAI 2026 Amendments Explained — Perpetual License & New Thresholds

On March 27, 2026, FSSAI notified landmark amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations. These amendments, effective April 1, 2026, fundamentally change how FSSAI licenses and registrations work in India.

Key Change 1: Perpetual License Validity

The most significant change is the introduction of perpetual validity for all FSSAI licenses and registrations. Previously, licenses were issued for 1–5 years and required renewal. Under the 2026 amendment:

All new FSSAI licenses and registrations are issued with perpetual (lifetime) validity
They remain valid unless suspended, cancelled, or surrendered
No periodic renewal is required
Existing licenses continue to follow the old renewal system until their next renewal

Good News for FBOs: No more worrying about license expiry or late renewal penalties for new licenses. Once you get your FSSAI license after April 2026, it's valid for life — unless you violate food safety rules.

Key Change 2: Revised Turnover Thresholds

The annual turnover thresholds for determining license category have been revised significantly:

Category	Old Threshold	New Threshold (Apr 2026)
Basic Registration	Up to ₹12 lakh	Up to ₹1.5 crore
State License	₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore	₹1.5 crore – ₹50 crore
Central License	Above ₹20 crore	Above ₹50 crore

Key Change 3: Impact on Existing License Holders

Businesses whose turnover fell between ₹12 lakh and ₹1.5 crore (previously requiring a State License) now qualify for Basic Registration. However:

Existing valid licenses remain valid until expiry
At renewal, businesses may downgrade to the appropriate new category
Voluntary compliance and early upgrades/downgrades are allowed

Key Change 4: Annual Returns Still Required

Despite perpetual validity, annual return filing (Form D1/D2) remains mandatory for State and Central licensees. The perpetual license does not eliminate compliance obligations.

Key Change 5: FoSTaC Training Updated

FoSTaC requirements have been updated — all State and Central licensees must ensure certified Food Safety Supervisors are in place within 6 months of license issue.

What Should Food Businesses Do Now?

Check your current annual turnover against the new thresholds
If your turnover is below ₹1.5 crore, you may be eligible to downgrade to Basic Registration
New applicants get automatic perpetual validity — apply fresh if your license is expiring soon
Continue filing annual returns — this obligation remains

Conclusion

The 2026 FSSAI amendments are the biggest reform in food licensing in over a decade. Understanding what changed is critical for every food business. Contact Velco Legal India for a free consultation on how these changes affect your specific business.

FSSAI 2026 Amendments: Complete Guide to What Changed