Difference Between FSSAI Registration And License in India
One of the most common questions food business operators ask is: What is the difference between FSSAI registration and license? While both are forms of FSSAI certification, they serve different business scales and come with distinct application processes, fees, and compliance requirements. Understanding which one you need—Registration, State License, or Central License—is critical for legal compliance, cost efficiency, and avoiding delays. This guide walks you through the difference between FSSAI registration and license, helping you choose the right tier for your food business in India.
FSSAI Registration Vs License – The Core Difference
The primary difference between FSSAI registration and license lies in the scale of your business, measured by annual turnover. FSSAI has designed a three-tier system to ensure that small, medium, and large food businesses all comply with food safety standards appropriate to their operations.
| Certification Type | Annual Turnover | Issued By | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| FSSAI Registration | Up to ₹12 lakh | State Food Safety Officer (Registering Authority) | 1–5 years |
| FSSAI State License | ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore | State Licensing Authority | 1–5 years |
| FSSAI Central License | Above ₹20 crore OR multi-state/import/export operations | Central Licensing Authority (FSSAI HQ) | 1–5 years |
Key Takeaway: If your annual food business turnover is up to ₹12 lakh, you need FSSAI Registration. If it's between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore, you need a State License. If it exceeds ₹20 crore or you operate across multiple states or import/export, you need a Central License.
Decision by Turnover – Which FSSAI Tier Do You Need?
Your business's annual turnover is the deciding factor. Here's how to determine your tier:
FSSAI Registration (Up to ₹12 lakh turnover)
Ideal for: Small-scale FBOs, petty food businesses, home-based food operations, street vendors, small kirana stores, tiffin services, and home bakers.
Features:
- Simple application process via Form A
- Lower fees (₹100 for 1 year, ₹500 for 5 years)
- Fast approval (7–10 days typically)
- 14-digit FSSAI registration number
- No mandatory food safety supervisor requirement
FSSAI State License (₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore turnover)
Ideal for: Medium-scale restaurants, cloud kitchens, bakeries, catering services, food manufacturers, and distributors operating within one state.
Features:
- More detailed application via Form B
- Higher fees (₹2,000–₹25,000 depending on validity and category)
- Processing time: 30–60 days
- Requires designated food safety supervisor (trained personnel)
- Premises inspection may be conducted
FSSAI Central License (Above ₹20 crore OR multi-state/import/export)
Ideal for: Large-scale manufacturers, multi-state chains, importers, exporters, e-commerce platforms, and national food brands.
Features:
- Comprehensive application via Form B
- Fees: ₹7,500 for 1 year, ₹37,500 for 5 years
- Processing time: 45–60 days
- Mandatory Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan
- Covers all branches/locations under one license
For a detailed breakdown of all three tiers, visit our FSSAI License Types guide.
Decision by Business Type – Examples
Beyond turnover, your business type also influences which FSSAI tier you need. Here are practical examples:
| Business Type | FSSAI Tier |
|---|---|
| Home-based tiffin service (10–20 tiffins/day) | FSSAI Registration |
| Small kirana store selling packaged snacks | FSSAI Registration |
| Street food vendor (chaat, juice stall) | FSSAI Registration |
| Mid-sized restaurant or cloud kitchen | FSSAI State License |
| Bakery with ₹50 lakh annual turnover | FSSAI State License |
| Catering company serving corporate clients | FSSAI State License |
| Food manufacturer exporting products | FSSAI Central License |
| Multi-state restaurant chain (e.g., 10 outlets across India) | FSSAI Central License |
| E-commerce platform selling food products pan-India | FSSAI Central License |
Pro Tip: If your turnover is near the ₹12 lakh threshold and you plan to scale soon, consider applying for a State License from the start to avoid upgrading later.
FSSAI Registration Vs License – Detailed Comparison Table
| Aspect | FSSAI Registration | FSSAI State License | FSSAI Central License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Turnover | Up to ₹12 lakh | ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore | Above ₹20 crore OR multi-state/import-export |
| Application Form | Form A (simple) | Form B (detailed) | Form B (comprehensive) |
| Issued By | State Food Safety Officer | State Licensing Authority | Central Licensing Authority (FSSAI HQ) |
| Processing Time | 7–10 days | 30–60 days | 45–60 days |
| Fee (1 year) | ₹100 | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 | ₹7,500 |
| Fee (5 years) | ₹500 | ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 | ₹37,500 |
| Validity | 1–5 years (choose at application) | 1–5 years | 1–5 years |
| 14-digit FSSAI Number | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Food Safety Supervisor | Not mandatory | Mandatory (trained designated officer) | Mandatory (trained designated officer) |
| Premises Inspection | Rarely | May be conducted | May be conducted |
| FSMS Plan | Not required | Recommended for large operations | Mandatory |
| Covers Multiple States | No | No (single state only) | Yes |
Which FSSAI Certification Should You Apply For?
Choosing the right FSSAI tier is simple if you follow this decision tree:
Step 1: Calculate Your Annual Turnover
Include all food-related revenue: sales, subscriptions, catering contracts, etc. Exclude non-food revenue (e.g., beverages if you're a juice bar focused only on fresh juice).
Step 2: Check Multi-State or Import/Export Operations
If you operate in more than one state OR import/export food products, you need a Central License regardless of turnover.
Step 3: Apply for the Correct Tier
- Up to ₹12 lakh: Apply for FSSAI Registration.
- ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore (single state): Apply for FSSAI State License.
- Above ₹20 crore OR multi-state/import-export: Apply for FSSAI Central License.
Still unsure? Contact an FSSAI expert at IndiaFilings for personalized guidance.
Why Should You Choose IndiaFilings for FSSAI Registration or License?
Navigating the difference between FSSAI registration and license—and choosing the right tier—can be confusing, especially if you're new to food business regulations. IndiaFilings eliminates the guesswork with expert-assisted support tailored to your business scale and goals.
Our team of qualified professionals helps you calculate your turnover, determine the correct FSSAI tier, prepare all required documents, and submit error-free applications on the FoSCoS portal. We handle end-to-end tracking, inspection coordination, and certificate delivery, ensuring your food business is certified, compliant, and ready to operate. With pan-India support and deep expertise in FSSAI regulations, IndiaFilings is your trusted partner for hassle-free food safety certification.
Ready to choose the right FSSAI tier and get certified? Need FSSAI help? Talk to an expert today and start your application with confidence.