FSSAI State License Registration

Overview types Benefits Eligibility Documents procedure FAQ

Introduction

FSSAI State License Registration is the mid-tier food safety certification from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, required for medium-sized food businesses operating within a single state. Under FSSAI's official order dated 13 March 2026 (effective 1 April 2026), a State License applies to food businesses with annual turnover above Rs. 1.5 crore and up to Rs. 50 crore.

It covers restaurants, hotels, mid-sized manufacturers, transporters, and traders, and involves more documentation and a premises inspection compared to Basic Registration. Licences issued under the 2026 amendment carry perpetual validity, subject to risk-based inspections..

What Is FSSAI State License Registration?

FSSAI State License Registration is the mid-tier certification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It is meant for medium-sized Food Business Operators (FBOs) whose annual turnover falls between the Basic Registration and Central License thresholds, and whose operations are confined to a single state.

The application is filed using Form B on the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal, with the application reviewed and the licence issued by the respective State Food Safety Department rather than FSSAI's central authority.

Once approved, the business receives a 14-digit registration number that must be displayed at the business premises, on food packaging, and on relevant menus or signage. A State License carries the same legal standing as a Central License for businesses that fall within its turnover and activity criteria.

2026 Regulatory Update: Revised Turnover Threshold for State License

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 State License specifically, the order brings two key changes:

Types of FSSAI Registration and License: Where State License Fits

FSSAI classifies every food business into one of three categories based on annual turnover and business activity:

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, and hawkers.

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 — the focus of this guide.

3. FSSAI Central License (Form B)

For large food businesses with turnover above Rs. 50 crore, and mandatory regardless of turnover for import/export, 100% export-oriented units, businesses supplying food to Central Government agencies, or operations spanning multiple states.

If your food business turnover crosses the Rs. 50 crore mark, or if you begin operating in more than one state, you would need to move from a State License to a Central License. Tracking your turnover and business footprint against these thresholds each year keeps you in the correct category.

Benefits of FSSAI State License Registration

Who Is Eligible for FSSAI State License Registration?

FSSAI State License Registration generally applies to:

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

Documents Required for FSSAI State License Registration

FSSAI State License Registration Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1 — Confirm Eligibility and Category

Assess your annual turnover against the revised Rs. 1.5 crore to Rs. 50 crore range and confirm your business activity doesn't trigger a mandatory Central License instead.

Step 2 — Register on the FoSCoS Portal

Create an account on foscos.fssai.gov.in using your business email and mobile number, and complete OTP verification.

Step 3 — Select 'New License' and State Category

Choose 'New License/Registration', select your state, and specify your Kind of Business (KoB), which determines the exact documentation required.

Step 4 — Fill Form B

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

Step 5 — Upload Supporting Documents

Upload layout plans, equipment lists, premises proof, water test reports, and other supporting paperwork as clear scanned copies.

Step 6 — Pay the Applicable Fee

Pay the government fee online, based on your specific business category and the licence duration selected.

Step 7 — Scrutiny and Inspection

The State Food Safety Department reviews the application; a Food Safety Officer typically inspects the premises before the licence is granted.

Step 8 — Certificate Issuance

Once approved, the State License certificate with your unique 14-digit registration number is issued for display at your business premises.

FSSAI State License Registration Fees

The government fee for a State License sits between Basic Registration and Central License, commonly reported in the range of roughly Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 per year depending on the specific business type and licence duration selected. This figure does not include professional or consultancy charges. Because 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 State License Validity and Renewal

Why Choose Silvereye Certifications for FSSAI State License Registration

FSSAI State License applications involve more documentation and a premises inspection compared to Basic Registration, which means small errors in layout plans, equipment lists, or category selection can lead to real delays. Silvereye Certifications manages the entire process so your growing food business stays compliant without disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions on FSSAI State License Registration

What is FSSAI State License Registration?

FSSAI State License Registration is the mid-tier food safety certification from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India for medium-sized food businesses operating within a single state.

What is the FSSAI State License turnover limit in 2026?

Effective 1 April 2026, FSSAI State License applies to food businesses with annual turnover above Rs. 1.5 crore and up to Rs. 50 crore, per FSSAI's official order dated 13 March 2026.

Who needs FSSAI State License Registration?

Mid-sized food manufacturers, restaurants, hotels, catering businesses, transporters, and traders operating within one state with turnover in the applicable range.

What documents are required for FSSAI State License Registration?

Key documents include business constitution proof, premises proof, layout plans, equipment lists, water test reports, and a food safety management plan.

Is a premises inspection required for State License?

Yes. State License applications typically involve inspection of the business premises by a Food Safety Officer before approval.

How much does FSSAI State License Registration cost?

The government fee for a State License is commonly reported in the range of roughly Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 per year, though the current exact fee should be confirmed on the FoSCoS portal.

Is FSSAI State License valid forever now?

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

What happens if my turnover exceeds Rs. 50 crore?

You would need to upgrade from a State License to a Central License once your turnover crosses the Rs. 50 crore threshold.

Can a restaurant apply for FSSAI State License Registration?

Yes. Restaurants and hotels operating at a scale beyond Basic Registration limits, within a single state, typically apply for a State License.

Can I apply for FSSAI State License Registration online?

Yes. All FSSAI State License applications are filed through the FoSCoS portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in using Form B.