FSSAI Licence Renewal: Perpetual Validity, Fees, Rules & Compliance

FSSAI Licence Renewal Rules Changed from 1 April 2026

Major legal update

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India amended the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 in 2026. The reform introduced perpetual validity for FSSAI licences and registrations.

The reform substantially reduces periodic renewal compliance, but it does not remove other obligations relating to hygiene, food safety, modification of licence particulars, inspection, annual returns where applicable, payment of prescribed fees and compliance with directions issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

FSSAI FAQs on 2026 Licensing Reform FSSAI Order on Revised Turnover Thresholds

FSSAI Registration and Licence Thresholds from 1 April 2026

The earlier turnover limits of ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore are outdated. FSSAI revised the general turnover thresholds with effect from 1 April 2026.

Turnover is not the only test in every case. Certain manufacturers, importers, exporters, e-commerce food businesses, transporters, storage operators, food businesses operating at airports/seaports/railways and other specified businesses may be categorised according to capacity, activity, location or other eligibility criteria published by FSSAI.

What Happens to Existing FSSAI Licences?

FSSAI's 2026 FAQs state that licences and registrations issued on or after 1 April 2026 receive perpetual validity. Existing FBOs are being aligned with the revised thresholds through FoSCoS. Where migration is required solely because of the revised turnover thresholds, FSSAI has stated that no modification fee is payable and the licence/registration number does not change.

Existing businesses should therefore check their FoSCoS profile and current category instead of assuming that the category shown on an older licence remains correct.

Do Food Businesses Still Need to "Renew"?

Routine time-based renewal is no longer the central compliance requirement under the perpetual-validity system. Businesses must instead keep their registration or licence active and accurate by complying with current statutory requirements.

• Pay applicable licence/registration fees as prescribed through FoSCoS.
• Modify the licence when material business particulars, premises, activity, product category or other licensed details change.
• Maintain hygiene and sanitary requirements under Schedule 4 and other applicable regulations.
• File annual returns where the particular category of food business is required to do so.
• Comply with inspection, audit, testing, recall and record-keeping obligations applicable to the business.
• Do not continue a food activity outside the scope of the registration or licence held.

FoSCoS Online Process

FSSAI licence and registration services are handled through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS). The portal provides facilities for new licence/registration, modification, compliance, annual return, application tracking and other services.

1. Open FoSCoS and select the appropriate service for the food business.
2. Log in using the registered credentials, or use the applicable public service where available.
3. Verify the existing licence/registration details and current Kind of Business.
4. Update or modify details where required and upload supporting documents requested by FoSCoS.
5. Pay the applicable statutory fee online.
6. Save the application/reference number and track the application through FoSCoS.
7. Download the updated certificate/order when the process is completed.

FoSCoS Official Portal Official Document Requirements Official Fee Structure

Documents Commonly Required for FSSAI Licence / Modification

The exact documents depend on the Kind of Business, licence category, State/UT and activity. FoSCoS should always be checked for the current list. Common documents can include:

• proof of identity and address of proprietor/partners/directors/authorised signatory;
• proof of possession of business premises, such as sale deed, rent/lease agreement or utility document, as applicable;
• constitution documents such as partnership deed, incorporation documents, MOA/AOA or society/trust documents, where relevant;
• Form IX nomination/authorisation details where applicable;
• layout plan of the processing/manufacturing unit where required;
• list of food categories/products and installed equipment for manufacturing/processing businesses;
• water-analysis report where water is used as an ingredient or where specifically required;
• IEC/import-export documentation for applicable import/export activities;
• supporting documents for turnover, capacity, premises and other eligibility criteria requested by FoSCoS.

Benefits of Maintaining a Valid FSSAI Registration or Licence

• Permits lawful operation of a food business within the approved scope.
• Demonstrates compliance with the statutory food-safety licensing framework.
• Supports consumer confidence and traceability of licensed food businesses.
• Facilitates dealings with marketplaces, institutional buyers, distributors, import/export channels and other regulated entities where a valid FSSAI number is required.
• Helps businesses maintain continuity while modifying or expanding activities in accordance with FSSAI requirements.

A licence does not by itself certify that every product is "approved" or guarantee food quality. The FBO remains responsible for continued compliance with applicable standards, labelling, hygiene, manufacturing, storage, distribution and advertising requirements.

Important Continuing Compliance Requirements

• Display the FSSAI registration/licence number as required by applicable regulations.
• Maintain sanitary and hygienic conditions prescribed for the relevant Kind of Business.
• Keep licensed activities, product categories and premises details updated through modification where necessary.
• Maintain required production, procurement, storage, testing and traceability records.
• File returns and reports required for the applicable category of FBO.
• Comply with inspection, audit and sampling requirements and directions of Food Safety Officers.
• Ensure advertisements, claims, labels and packaging comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act and applicable regulations.

Penalties for Non-Compliance under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

Failure to comply with food-safety requirements can attract adjudication, monetary penalties, suspension/cancellation of licence and, for serious offences such as unsafe food, criminal punishment. Important statutory penalties include:

Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 - Official Text

Old Renewal Late Fee Rules

Before the 2026 perpetual-validity reform, renewal applications were ordinarily required to be filed at least 30 days before expiry to avoid a late fee, and the licensing regulations provided a late fee of ₹100 per day for delayed licence-renewal applications filed before expiry. FoSCoS had also introduced specific post-expiry renewal facilities through administrative orders.

Official FSSAI Resources

FSSAI Official Website FoSCoS Portal FSSAI Regulations FSSAI Notifications

Licensing criteria, fees, Kind of Business requirements and compliance procedures can change. Verify transaction-specific requirements on FoSCoS and the latest FSSAI notifications before filing.