A note before we start
MM Rooted Ventures' own FSSAI application is still in progress, so we write this as a fellow applicant, not as an authority. This is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm details on the official FoSCoS portal.
Registration versus licence
FSSAI's 'Kind of Business' eligibility document, updated on 1 April 2026, sets three tiers by annual turnover.
- Registration: turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore.
- State licence: Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 50 crore.
- Central licence: above Rs 50 crore.
Older FSSAI documents give different numbers. An FSSAI FAQ from July 2022 refers to petty operators with turnover up to Rs 12 lakh, and the 2017 licensing compendium also mentions production-capacity limits, such as up to 100 kg or litres a day. These have since been revised, so use the current FoSCoS document and not older blog posts.
The same eligibility document places dry fruits under Category 04, which covers fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds. E-commerce is listed as its own kind of business, with no turnover threshold and a central licence fee of Rs 7,500 a year. Whether that applies to a producer selling through its own site is a question to put to FSSAI.
What the licence or registration covers
The FSSAI FAQ explains several points that surprise new producers.
- It is premises-based. A separate licence or registration is needed for each unit or premises.
- A business may only make or process products that are endorsed on its licence.
- Registration numbers have 14 digits and start with 2. Licence numbers also have 14 digits.
- The 14-digit number must be shown on cash receipts, purchase invoices, cash memos and bills.
- A licence can be applied for or renewed for 1 to 5 years at a time.
Renewal can be filed up to 180 days before expiry. The FAQ says a late fee of Rs 100 a day applies if renewal is not filed at least 30 days before expiry.
Hygiene is inspected, not just paperwork
According to the same FAQ, inspections check the sanitary and hygienic requirements in Schedule 4 of the licensing regulations. The 2017 compendium summarises these as potable water, pest control, personal hygiene of food handlers, equipment cleaning, and waste disposal.
For a dried-fruit unit, that means clean water, covered drying and packing areas, trained handlers and a written cleaning routine. These are practical habits worth building before any inspection.
Labels and the FSSAI number
The labelling regulations say the FSSAI logo and licence number must appear on the package label, and the name and full address of the brand owner must also be declared. Our separate article on sulphur dioxide covers one specific label line.
A simple order of work
- Work out which kind of business you are and your turnover band.
- Prepare the premises to the Schedule 4 standard.
- Apply on FoSCoS with the documents it asks for.
- List your products as the application requires.
- Print the number correctly on labels, bills and invoices.
Frequently asked questions
Is registration the same as a licence?
No. FSSAI uses registration for the smallest turnover band (up to Rs 1.5 crore per its April 2026 document) and licences for larger ones.
Does one FSSAI number cover all my premises?
No. The FSSAI FAQ says a separate licence or registration is needed for each unit or premises.
Where do I check current rules?
On the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in), where FSSAI publishes its eligibility documents and FAQs.