# FSSAI State Licence

> An FSSAI state licence is required for food businesses whose annual turnover is above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore under the slabs effective 1 April 2026. It is issued by the state Food Safety Commissioner through the FoSCoS portal, and the government fee is ₹2,000–₹5,000 a year depending on the kind of business.

Practice: FSSAI Food Licence — https://www.industax.com/services/fssai/

The state licence sits between basic registration and the central licence. Until March 2026 the band started at ₹12 lakh turnover; FSSAI's 2026 amendment raised it to ₹1.5 crore, so many small businesses that held a state licence now qualify for basic registration and many mid-sized ones that held basic registration must move up.

The application is filed on FoSCoS with the premises details, the food categories you handle, a food safety management plan and supporting documents. Depending on risk, the state authority may inspect the premises before granting the licence.

Each premises needs its own licence. A business with kitchens or plants in more than one state applies for a state licence for each state premises, and its head office may need a central licence.

## Key facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Law | Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006; FSS (Licensing & Registration) Regulations |
| Turnover band (from 1 Apr 2026) | Above ₹1.5 crore up to ₹50 crore |
| Government fee | ₹2,000–₹5,000 per year, fixed by type of business |
| Issued by | State Food Safety Commissioner / Designated Officer |
| Portal | FoSCoS (foscos.fssai.gov.in) |
| Penalty for operating without licence | Imprisonment up to 6 months and fine up to ₹5 lakh (Section 63) |

## Who needs this

- Restaurants, caterers and cloud kitchens above ₹1.5 crore turnover
- Food manufacturers, processors and repackers in the state band
- Distributors, wholesalers and retailers with ₹1.5–50 crore turnover
- Businesses whose existing basic registration no longer fits after crossing ₹1.5 crore

## What's included

- Eligibility check against turnover and activity (state vs central)
- Food category and product mapping on FoSCoS
- Food safety management plan and declarations
- Application filing, fee payment and query replies
- Inspection readiness checklist
- Annual fee and return reminders after grant

## Documents

- Form B (application) signed by the proprietor, partner or director
- Photo ID and address proof of the proprietor/partners/directors
- Proof of possession of premises (rent agreement, ownership deed or NOC)
- Layout plan of the processing unit (manufacturers)
- List of food categories / products and equipment
- Partnership deed, MOA/AOA or certificate of incorporation
- Food safety management system plan
- Water analysis report (where water is used as an ingredient)

## Process

1. **Eligibility check** — We confirm turnover, activity and premises to decide between basic, state and central.
2. **Document review** — We list exactly what's missing and prepare the declarations and FSMS plan.
3. **FoSCoS filing** — Application filed with the correct food categories and fee paid online.
4. **Queries and inspection** — We reply to authority queries and prepare you for any inspection.
5. **Licence and calendar** — Licence issued; annual fee and return dates added to your compliance calendar.

## Also covers

- **FSSAI licence for distributors in the state band** — Distributors and stockists with ₹1.5–50 crore turnover use the same state licence route.

## FAQs

### What is the turnover limit for an FSSAI state licence in 2026?

Above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore, from 1 April 2026. Below ₹1.5 crore you need basic registration; above ₹50 crore, a central licence.

### What is the FSSAI state licence fee?

₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per year. FSSAI fixes the fee by type of business (for example manufacturing vs trading), not by negotiation.

### How long does it take to get a state licence?

It depends on the state authority and whether an inspection is ordered. A complete application with correct food categories avoids most delays; we track it until the licence is issued.

### I have basic registration and crossed ₹1.5 crore. What now?

Apply for a state licence before continuing operations at the higher turnover. FSSAI provided migration provisions for businesses affected by the 2026 slab change; we check which applies to you.

### Do I need a separate licence for each outlet?

Yes. FSSAI licences are premises-specific, so each kitchen, plant or warehouse needs its own registration or licence.

## Official sources

- FoSCoS — FSSAI licensing portal: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India: https://www.fssai.gov.in/

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This is general information, not advice for your specific facts.