FSSAI New Turnover Limits 2026: Registration, State Licence and Central Licence Explained
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced an important update that will affect food businesses across the country. From 1 April 2026, revised turnover limits will apply for FSSAI Registration, State Licence, and Central Licence.
This update significantly increases the turnover thresholds and is expected to simplify compliance for many small and medium food business operators (FBOs) such as restaurants, food manufacturers, cloud kitchens, traders, distributors, and food processors.
If you run a food business in India, understanding these new limits is essential to ensure that your FSSAI licence category matches your turnover.
New FSSAI Turnover Limits (Effective from 1 April 2026)
Under the revised framework, the eligibility criteria for FSSAI registration and licences will be as follows:
| Category | Annual Turnover Limit |
|---|---|
| FSSAI Registration | Up to ₹1.5 Crore |
| FSSAI State Licence | Above ₹1.5 Crore and up to ₹50 Crore |
| FSSAI Central Licence | Above ₹50 Crore |
These limits will determine the type of FSSAI licence or registration that a food business must obtain for legal operations in India.
Current FSSAI Turnover Limits (Before 31 March 2026)
At present, the turnover thresholds for food businesses are much lower. The current criteria are:
| Category | Annual Turnover Limit |
|---|---|
| FSSAI Registration | Up to ₹12 Lakh |
| FSSAI State Licence | Above ₹12 Lakh and up to ₹20 Crore |
| FSSAI Central Licence | Above ₹20 Crore |
From 1 April 2026, these existing limits will be replaced with the new revised thresholds.
Key Changes in FSSAI Licensing Rules
1. Higher Registration Limit for Small Food Businesses
The most significant change is the increase in the FSSAI registration limit from ₹12 lakh to ₹1.5 crore. This means many small food businesses will only require registration instead of a full licence.
2. Expansion of State Licence Turnover Range
The turnover range for FSSAI State Licence will expand significantly from ₹20 crore to ₹50 crore, allowing more businesses to operate under state-level licensing.
3. Revised Central Licence Threshold
Businesses with annual turnover above ₹50 crore will now require a Central FSSAI Licence.
4. Reduced Compliance Burden
With the revised thresholds, several businesses that currently hold a State or Central Licence may qualify for a lower compliance category, simplifying regulatory requirements.
Which Food Businesses Are Affected?
The revised FSSAI turnover limits will affect various types of food business operators (FBOs), including:
Restaurants and cafes
Cloud kitchens
Food manufacturers
Food traders and distributors
Importers and exporters of food products
Catering businesses
Food processing units
Businesses operating in these sectors should evaluate their turnover and current FSSAI licence status before the new rules become effective.
What Food Businesses Should Do Before April 2026
To stay compliant with the new FSSAI licensing rules, food businesses should take the following steps:
Review annual turnover for FY 2025–26
Verify the current FSSAI registration or licence category
Check whether the business qualifies for registration, State Licence, or Central Licence under the new limits
Update or modify the licence through the FSSAI FoSCoS portal if required
Taking proactive steps will help businesses avoid penalties, licence issues, or compliance problems.
Conclusion
The FSSAI turnover limit revision effective from 1 April 2026 is a major regulatory change for the food industry. By increasing the thresholds for registration, State Licence, and Central Licence, the government aims to reduce compliance burden and support the growth of small and medium food businesses.
Food business operators should review their turnover and licensing structure early to ensure smooth compliance with the new FSSAI licensing framework.