FSSAI Licensing and Registration Amendment 2026 is a draft regulatory update issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The notification proposes specific changes to the existing licensing and registration framework for food businesses.
Through the FSSAI Licensing and Registration Amendment 2026, the Authority aims to improve record keeping and inventory control practices. The draft was published in the Gazette of India on 23 January 2026 and is currently open for public consultation.
This draft notification supersedes the earlier notification published on 23 January 2026 as “Food Safety and Standards: Draft Amendment to Licensing and Registration Regulations, 2026“
Background of the Draft Notification
FSSAI issued the draft Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Amendment Regulations, 2026 by exercising powers under Section 92 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
At present, the Authority has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders. These may be submitted within thirty days from the date the Gazette notification becomes publicly available. After this period, FSSAI will review all inputs before issuing the final regulation.
Key Amendments Proposed in the Draft Regulations
Requirement for Daily Production Records
FSSAI has proposed a change to Schedule 2 of the Licensing and Registration Regulations. Under the revised condition of licence, food manufacturers must maintain daily records of production and raw material utilisation.
This requirement aims to improve transparency and support effective monitoring during inspections. As a result, food businesses can demonstrate better control over their manufacturing processes.
However, FSSAI has clarified that this condition will not apply to non manufacturing food businesses. This exemption limits the compliance burden to operators involved in production activities.
FIFO and FEFO Principles for Storage
In addition, FSSAI has proposed amendments to Schedule 4 related to hygienic and sanitary practices. These changes focus on inventory management at licensed food facilities.
Food business operators must follow FIFO and FEFO principles while storing raw materials, ingredients, work in progress, and finished food products. These practices help ensure proper stock rotation and reduce the risk of expired products entering the food chain.
At the same time, FSSAI has excluded retailers from this requirement. This decision recognises the operational constraints commonly faced at the retail level.
Applicability of the Proposed Amendment
The proposed provisions under FSSAI Licensing and Registration Amendment 2026 will mainly apply to licensed food manufacturers, food processing units, and storage facilities.
In contrast, retailers and non manufacturing food businesses remain outside the scope of these changes. Therefore, the amendment adopts a targeted and risk based approach.
Submission of Objections and Suggestions
FSSAI has provided a clear mechanism for stakeholder participation. Interested parties may submit objections or suggestions within thirty days from the date of publication.
Submissions may be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of FSSAI in New Delhi or sent by email to regulation@fssai.gov.in. Subsequently, the Authority will examine all valid responses before finalising the amendment.
Regulatory Significance
This draft amendment reflects FSSAI’s continued focus on strengthening food safety controls at the operational level. By improving documentation and inventory practices, the Authority seeks to enhance traceability and reduce non compliance.
Therefore, food business operators should review the draft carefully. Early preparation will help ensure smooth compliance once the regulation comes into force.
Food business operators who require support with FSSAI licensing, registration, or modification may consider our professional compliance services at Food Safety Works to ensure accurate and timely implementation of regulatory requirements.
Conclusion
FSSAI Licensing and Registration Amendment 2026 introduces practical and focused changes to improve food safety management systems. The draft strengthens controls where risks are higher, while avoiding unnecessary obligations for retailers and non manufacturing businesses.
As a result, food businesses should track the progress of this amendment and align their internal processes accordingly.
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