FSSAI Basic Registration

Overview Types Benefits Eligibility Documents procedure Fees FAQ

Introduction

FSSAI Basic Registration is the entry-level food safety certification from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, required for small food business operators — home kitchens, petty retailers, hawkers, and small manufacturers. Under FSSAI's official order dated 13 March 2026 (effective 1 April 2026).

Basic Registration now applies to food businesses with annual turnover up to Rs. 1.5 crore, up from the earlier Rs. 12 lakh limit. It needs the fewest documents of any FSSAI category, is the fastest to process, and licences issued under the 2026 amendment carry perpetual validity, subject to risk-based inspections.

If you run a home bakery, a small tiffin service, a street food stall, or any small-scale food business, FSSAI Basic Registration is very likely the only food safety approval you need. This guide covers exactly what FSSAI Basic Registration is, who qualifies for it, the newly revised 2026 turnover threshold, the documents and process involved, fees, validity, and how it compares to the other FSSAI categories — so you know precisely where your business stands and how to get registered without delays.

What Is FSSAI Basic Registration?

FSSAI Basic Registration is the entry-level certification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It is meant for small-scale Food Business Operators (FBOs) whose annual turnover falls within the threshold set for this category. It is filed using Form A on the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal.

Once approved, the business receives a 14-digit registration number that must be displayed at the business premises and, where applicable, on food packaging or menus. This number confirms to customers, delivery platforms, and inspecting authorities that the business meets FSSAI's basic food safety requirements.

FSSAI Basic Registration is not a lesser or informal version of a food licence — it carries the same legal weight as a State or Central License for businesses that fall within its turnover and activity criteria, and operating without it is equally an offence under the FSS Act.

2026 Regulatory Update: Revised Turnover Threshold for Basic Registration

On 13 March 2026, FSSAI's Regulatory Compliance Division issued an official order (F. No. RCD-01002/1/2021-Regulatory-FSSAI-Part(1)) implementing the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026. This followed recommendations from NITI Aayog's High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms, with approval from the Food Authority and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

For Basic Registration specifically, the order brings two major changes:

Types of FSSAI Registration and License: Where Basic Registration Fits

FSSAI classifies every food business into one of three categories based on annual turnover and business activity. Here's how Basic Registration compares to the other two:

1. FSSAI Basic Registration (Form A)

For small food businesses with annual turnover up to Rs. 1.5 crore under the revised 2026 threshold. Covers petty food manufacturers, small retailers, home-based food businesses, hawkers, and small-scale vendors. Requires the fewest documents and is the fastest category to process — the focus of this guide.

2. FSSAI State License (Form B)

For medium-sized food businesses with turnover above Rs. 1.5 crore and up to Rs. 50 crore. Applies to mid-sized manufacturers, transporters, marketers, hotels, restaurants, and traders operating within a single state.

3. FSSAI Central License (Form B)

For large food businesses with turnover above Rs. 50 crore, and mandatory regardless of turnover for food importers/exporters, 100% export-oriented units, and businesses supplying food to Central Government agencies.

Benefits of FSSAI Basic Registration

Who Is Eligible for FSSAI Basic Registration?

FSSAI Basic Registration applies to petty food business operators, generally including:

If your food business activity involves import/export, supply to Central Government agencies, or operations across multiple states, you may need a Central License regardless of turnover — these activity-based triggers override the Basic Registration turnover eligibility.

Documents Required for FSSAI Basic Registration

Basic Registration requires significantly fewer documents than State or Central License applications, which is one reason it is the fastest FSSAI category to process.

FSSAI Basic Registration Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1 — Confirm Your Eligibility

Check your annual turnover against the revised Rs. 1.5 crore Basic Registration threshold and confirm your business activity doesn't trigger a mandatory State or Central License instead.

Step 2 — Register on the FoSCoS Portal

Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in, create an account with your email and mobile number, and complete OTP verification.

Step 3 — Select 'New Registration' and Your Kind of Business

Choose 'New License/Registration', select your state, and pick the Kind of Business (KoB) that matches your food business activity — this determines your exact category.

Step 4 — Fill Form A

Complete Form A with your business details, proprietor/partner information, food product categories, and turnover declaration.

Step 5 — Upload Documents

Upload your photograph, ID proof, address proof, and declaration — using clear scanned copies rather than phone photographs to avoid rejection.

Step 6 — Pay the Registration Fee

Pay the applicable government fee online through net banking, UPI, or card payment.

Step 7 — Application Review

FSSAI/FoSCoS reviews the application for completeness; Basic Registration typically does not require a physical premises inspection before initial approval.

Step 8 — Certificate Issuance

Once approved, your FSSAI Basic Registration certificate with your unique 14-digit number is issued for display at your business premises.

FSSAI Basic Registration Fees

FSSAI Basic Registration carries the lowest government fee among all three FSSAI categories, commonly reported at around Rs. 100 per year across current sources. This figure does not include any professional or consultancy charges. Since fee schedules can be revised and the exact ongoing fee structure under the new perpetual-validity system is still being clarified, we recommend confirming the current applicable fee on the FoSCoS portal or with our compliance team before budgeting.

FSSAI Basic Registration Validity and Renewal

Why Choose Silvereye Certifications for FSSAI Basic Registration

FSSAI Basic Registration is meant to be simple, but incorrect Kind of Business selection, outdated turnover assumptions, or document mismatches can still delay even this entry-level approval. Silvereye Certifications handles the full process so your food business is compliant from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions on FSSAI Basic Registration

What is FSSAI Basic Registration?

FSSAI Basic Registration is the entry-level food safety certification from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India for small food business operators whose annual turnover falls within the Basic Registration threshold.

What is the FSSAI Basic Registration turnover limit in 2026?

Effective 1 April 2026, FSSAI Basic Registration applies to food businesses with annual turnover up to Rs. 1.5 crore, per FSSAI's official order dated 13 March 2026.

Who needs FSSAI Basic Registration?

Small food manufacturers, home-based food businesses, hawkers, petty retailers, and small-scale food vendors with turnover within the Basic Registration limit.

What documents are required for FSSAI Basic Registration?

Typically a photograph, government ID proof, address proof, and a declaration of the food products or categories being handled.

How much does FSSAI Basic Registration cost?

The government fee for Basic Registration is commonly reported at around Rs. 100 per year, though the current exact fee should be confirmed on the FoSCoS portal.

Is FSSAI Basic Registration valid forever now?

Under the 2026 amendment, registrations issued carry perpetual validity, subject to risk-based inspections, replacing the earlier 1-to-5-year validity system.

Can a home-based food business apply for FSSAI Basic Registration?

Yes. Home kitchens selling tiffins, baked goods, pickles, or snacks commercially, including online, need at least Basic Registration.

What happens if my turnover exceeds Rs. 1.5 crore?

You would need to upgrade from Basic Registration to a State License once your turnover crosses the Rs. 1.5 crore threshold.

Is a physical inspection required for FSSAI Basic Registration?

Basic Registration typically does not require a premises inspection before initial approval, unlike State and Central License applications.

Can I apply for FSSAI Basic Registration online?

Yes. All FSSAI Basic Registration applications are filed through the FoSCoS portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in.