What are the types of FSSAI license in India?

The three types of FSSAI license are Basic Registration, State License, and Central License, based on the size and turnover of the food business.

Who needs a Basic FSSAI License?

A Basic FSSAI License is needed for small food businesses with annual turnover up to ₹12 lakhs, such as tea stalls or home-based sellers.

What is the difference between State and Central FSSAI License?

A State FSSAI License is for medium businesses operating within a state with ₹12 lakh–₹20 crore turnover, while a Central License is for large-scale or multi-state businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore.

Types of FSSAI License

Sun, Jul 06 2025

Shubham Bansal

Types of FSSAI License in India – Basic, State & Central

Introduction

If you are involved in any food business in India—whether it’s manufacturing, processing, packaging, or distribution—you must comply with the regulations of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). One of the most important requirements is obtaining an FSSAI license, which comes in three types: Basic, State, and Central.

In this blog, we’ll explain the types of FSSAI licenses, their criteria, and applicability in simple terms.

What is an FSSAI License?

An FSSAI license is a legal requirement for food businesses to ensure the safety and hygiene of food products. It certifies that the food business operator (FBO) follows proper food safety standards as defined under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Types of FSSAI License

1. Basic FSSAI Registration

Who Needs It?

Small food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs.
Examples: Small retailers, homemade food sellers, petty food vendors, tea stalls, etc.

Features:

Also known as FSSAI Registration (not a full license).
Issued by the local FSSAI authority.
Requires Form A submission.

Validity:

Typically 1 to 5 years, renewable before expiry.

2. State FSSAI License

Who Needs It?

Medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores.
Applicable to manufacturers, storage units, transporters, wholesalers, distributors, and restaurants operating within a state.

Features:

Issued by the State Government FSSAI department.
Requires Form B submission along with supporting documents.
Must have a premises in the state of application.

Validity:

Usually 1 to 5 years, renewable.

3. Central FSSAI License

Who Needs It?

Large-scale food businesses with annual turnover above ₹20 crores.
Applicable for:
- Exporters and importers of food item
- Food processing units with large capacity
- E-commerce food delivery platforms
- Businesses operating in more than one state

Features:

Issued by the Central Government (FSSAI headquarters in New Delhi).
Requires detailed documentation including Form B and product details.
Mandatory for food import-export businesses.

Validity:

1 to 5 years, subject to renewal.

Comparison Table

Criteria	Basic FSSAI	State FSSAI	Central FSSAI
Turnover	Up to ₹12 Lakhs	₹12L – ₹20 Cr	Above ₹20 Cr
Issuing Authority	Local FSSAI	State FSSAI	Central FSSAI
Form	Form A	Form B	Form B
Business Type	Small-scale	Medium-scale	Large-scale/Export
Validity	1–5 years	1–5 years	1–5 years