FSSAI Basic Registration vs State License
Basic Registration suits food businesses with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore — simple paperwork, largely instant approval, and a ₹100 annual fee. A State License applies once turnover crosses ₹1.5 crore, up to ₹50 crore, and involves more documentation (Form B, NOC, layout plan) and a higher annual fee of ₹2,000–5,000.
A concrete example first
A two-person cloud kitchen in Pune, doing a few lakh rupees a month, wasn't sure whether to apply for Basic Registration or a State License — a food blog they'd read cited the old ₹12 lakh threshold, which would have pushed them into State License territory. Under the 2026 rules, their turnover comfortably sits within the ₹1.5 crore Basic Registration limit.
The core difference: turnover
Basic Registration covers turnover up to ₹1.5 crore a year. A State License applies once turnover crosses that limit, up to ₹50 crore. See what changed in the 2026 turnover reform for the full before-and-after.
Share your turnover and business type and we'll confirm whether you need Basic Registration, a State License, or a Central License.
Check my category →Documentation gap
Basic Registration needs Form A plus straightforward ID and address proof. A State License needs Form B, along with a premises layout plan, an NOC from your local municipal or panchayat authority, and often a GST certificate as supporting documentation. See the full documents checklist and when GST becomes relevant.
Inspection and cost
Basic Registration is largely inspection-free now, since the 2026 reforms removed mandatory pre-inspection for this category. A State License can still involve a risk-based inspection. On cost, Basic Registration's government fee is ₹100 a year versus ₹2,000–5,000 for a State License.
What happens if I stay on Basic Registration but my turnover grows past ₹1.5 crore?
You're required to apply for a State License once your turnover crosses the threshold — continuing to operate on Basic Registration beyond it puts you out of compliance. It's worth tracking your turnover through the year so you can apply for the correct license as you approach the limit, rather than after crossing it.
This article is for general information only. For your specific situation, consult a practicing CA.
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