Difference Between FSSAI Basic Registration, State License, and Central License

Food businesses in India are regulated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Based on the scale of operations, turnover, and nature of activity, FSSAI issues three different types of approvals: Basic Registration, State License, and Central License. Choosing the wrong category results in non-compliance, even if you hold an FSSAI number.

What is FSSAI Basic Registration

Basic FSSAI Registration is meant for petty food business operators with annual turnover not exceeding ₹ 12 lakh. It applies to very small-scale operations such as home-based food sellers, small retailers, and temporary food stalls.The application is filed in Form A through the FoSCoS portal.

The statutory government fee for Basic Registration is ₹100 per year.

When a State FSSAI License Becomes Mandatory

A State License is required when a food business exceeds the Basic Registration threshold and operates within a single state, including Karnataka.This applies to food businesses with annual turnover above ₹ 12 lakh and up to ₹ 20 crore.

Certain food activities—such as grain milling, storage units, and medium-scale manufacturing—require a State License regardless of turnover, as notified by FSSAI.

State License applications are filed in Form B and are issued by the State Food Safety Department.

Applicability of Central FSSAI License

A Central FSSAI License is mandatory for large food businesses and businesses involved in:

• Import or export of food products

• Operations in more than one state

• Large-scale manufacturing or processing

• Annual turnover exceeding ₹ 20 crore

Central Licenses are issued directly by FSSAI and not by state authorities.

Common Mistakes Food Businesses Make

Many food businesses mistakenly assume that any FSSAI number is sufficient. This is incorrect. Holding a Basic Registration while operating at a State or Central License level constitutes non-compliance, even if the registration is active.

Upgrading the license category is mandatory when business scale or turnover increases.

Display and Usage of FSSAI Number

FSSAI mandates that the 14-digit registration or license number be displayed on:

• Food packaging

• Menus and invoices

• Business premises (where applicable)
  

This requirement is enforced to ensure consumer awareness and traceability.

Validity and Renewal Requirements

FSSAI registrations and licenses are issued for 1 to 5 years, as chosen during application. Renewal must be filed before expiry, failing which the license lapses and the business must stop food operations.

Why Professional Assistance is Commonly Used

FSSAI applications often involve classification issues, document scrutiny, and regulatory interpretation, especially for State and Central Licenses. Errors in category selection or documentation can lead to rejection or inspection delays.