The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an order to implement revised turnover thresholds for Food Business Operators under the Food Safety and Standards Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses Regulations, 2011. The order dated 13 March 2026 introduces a new categorization system based on annual turnover.
These revised thresholds determine whether a food business must obtain FSSAI Registration, State License, or Central License. The new limits will come into force from 1 April 2026 across India.
The change aims to streamline licensing requirements and improve regulatory clarity for food businesses of different sizes.
Background of the Revised Turnover Threshold
The Food Safety and Standards Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses Regulations, 2011 regulate the licensing and registration of Food Business Operators across the country.
Under these regulations, businesses are categorized based on turnover and operational scale. Each category determines the type of license or registration required for operating legally.
Recently, the Government reviewed these thresholds following recommendations from the NITI Aayog High Level Committee on Non Financial Regulatory Reforms. The review also received approval from the Food Authority and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
As a result, the authority notified the Food Safety and Standards Licensing and Registration Amendment Regulations, 2026 on 10 March 2026. The amendment enables FSSAI to revise turnover thresholds and other categorization criteria for food businesses.
Revised FSSAI Turnover Threshold for Food Businesses
Under the new order, the following turnover limits will determine the licensing category for food businesses.
FSSAI Registration
Food businesses with annual turnover up to ₹1.5 crore must obtain FSSAI Registration.
This category generally includes small food businesses such as petty manufacturers, small retailers, and local food vendors.
FSSAI State License
Food businesses with turnover above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore must obtain a State FSSAI License.
Medium scale food manufacturers, processors, distributors, and restaurant chains typically fall under this category.
FSSAI Central License
Food businesses with turnover above ₹50 crore must obtain a Central FSSAI License.
Large manufacturers, importers, exporters, and large scale food operators generally require this license.
Key Regulatory Changes Introduced
The revised order introduces several important regulatory updates for food businesses.
First, the order allows the Food Authority to specify turnover thresholds for registration and licensing categories from time to time.
Second, the new thresholds simplify the categorization of food businesses based on their financial scale.
Third, the order supersedes all earlier orders and provisions related to turnover thresholds under the Licensing and Registration Regulations, 2011.
Therefore, the revised system will become the primary framework for classifying food businesses under FSSAI licensing requirements.
Effective Date of the New Threshold
The revised turnover limits will come into effect from 1 April 2026.
From this date, food businesses must determine their licensing category based on the new turnover criteria. Existing Food Business Operators should review their turnover levels and verify whether their current FSSAI registration or license category remains appropriate.
Impact on Food Business Operators
The revised turnover thresholds will influence how food businesses determine their licensing requirements.
Small businesses with turnover within ₹1.5 crore will continue to operate under FSSAI registration. Medium sized businesses will require a state license, while large businesses must obtain a central license.
This change may require some businesses to reassess their licensing category depending on their annual turnover. Consequently, Food Business Operators should review their compliance status before the new thresholds take effect.
Conclusion
The revised turnover thresholds introduced by FSSAI represent an important regulatory update under the Licensing and Registration Regulations. The new categorization framework aims to simplify licensing requirements while improving clarity for food businesses.
As the revised thresholds become effective from April 2026, Food Business Operators should review their turnover levels and ensure that their licensing status aligns with the updated regulatory requirements.
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