The important question in 2026 is not only “When do I need to renew my FSSAI license?” But also “Is my FSSAI already valid, and does it accurately reflect the current details about my company?”
Though the FSSAI licenses might theoretically have no expiration date, companies are required to maintain compliance. Should your business address, food-related activities, products, ownership, or any other detail change, you will need to make changes to your FSSAI documentation.
So it’s wrong to say that businesses can obtain their FSSAI certificate and just forget about it. They have to check their certificate from time to time to make sure that it is still relevant and appropriate.
FSSAI says that around 74.33 lakh registrations and existing food business licenses are granted under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
If your existing certificate is showing an expiry date, check the rules for FSSAI license renewal or the transition to the FoSCoS renewal process before assuming that no action is required.
What Is FSSAI License Renewal?
How an FSSAI License Works for a Food Business in Bangalore
An FSSAI license is the authorization from the government that allows a food business to work legally, such as to produce, hold, sell, and provide food products. The license is specific to one business entity, one specific location, and one particular food activity.
Actax India Experience Insight
Based on our experience after verifying FSSAI records of food businesses, compliance issues often originate from mismatches between the particulars mentioned on the certificate. So, before proceeding with any matters, we tell food businesses to check if the registered address is correct, the license matches current food activities and products, and ownership and other business particulars are current.
An FSSAI certification can be valid, but it still needs to be updated in case the business has changed in any way. This is particularly relevant for restaurants, cloud kitchens, food manufacturers, and companies operating in several locations.
FSSAI Licenses Are Now Lifetime Licenses
Previously, FSSAI registration had a validity period of only 1 to 5 years. Registrants had to apply for renewal afterward and pay the fee for the same.
Under the new amendments made in Regulation 2.1.7, any FSSAI licence/registration granted after the implementation of the amendment will be valid for a lifetime.
FSSAI License Renewal vs Fresh Registration
| Features | Renewal | Fresh Registration / License |
| When it applies | The renewal will take place when you already have an existing FSSAI licence/registration with an expiry date. | When the business or the legal requirements mean that you have to submit a new application. |
| Business details | It is useful when the business details and other information are not changed. | The new registration happens when there are some changes made in the business license. |
| Ownership/management changes | If the changes are minor, the renewal can be done by making the changes. | If new additions are to be made, then new registration is compulsory. |
| Licence status | The current license can be used if the renewed license is under process. | If your current license cannot be renewed, you will need a new license. |
| How to proceed | Check the certificate’s current status and see the FoSCoS renewal process. | If your current situation requires a new registration or license, apply for it. |
| Perpetual framework | If a new license is issued under the perpetual system, it is not renewed from time to time. | This is not applicable unless registration for the new license is done. |
| Key distinction | Your current license will be extended if you are eligible. | You have to make a new registration if your current situation cannot be covered by the renewal. |
Actax India Expert Opinion
The biggest mistake businesses make when choosing between renewal and a new application is that they only look at the age or expiry date of the FSSAI certificate. But the right option is to check the current status of the certificate and whether the existing license still correctly reflects the business.
What are FSSAI Renewal Fees in 2026?
FSSAI renewal fees vary based on the type of FSSAI registration or license you hold.
| Category | Typical annual government fee |
| Basic Registration | Rs. 100 |
| State Licence | Rs. 2,000 – Rs. 5,000 (activity-dependent) |
| Central Licence | Rs. 7,500 |
The government fee structure is only one part of the cost consideration. The amount depends on the category of registration/licence, activity, the application type, and what additional charges will be applied.
For example, you have a restaurant in Bangalore whose license is expiring on 31 March. Ideally, the renewal should have been done by 1 March. But if an application has been submitted on 20 March, the FSSAI renewal fee will be Rs. 2000, which will also include late fee charges.
According to Section 31 of the FSSAI Act, 2006, your license will remain valid during the decision-making process of the FSSAI, provided that you made your renewal application before your license expired.
Consequences of an Expired FSSAI License
Is it possible to operate with an expired license?
No, it is not legal to keep operating due to the license expiry.
After submitting the renewal before the license expiry, permission is granted under Section 31 during the renewal procedure.
If the renewal is submitted after the expiry, there is no authorization whatsoever to operate on that license during the time of license expiry.
Is there a danger in operating without a valid license?
When you operate without a valid license, there are multiple consequences. First of all, you can get fined. The authorities may conduct special inspections at any time. Your business may shut down or face other unwanted consequences with government action. And lastly, it may ruin your reputation.
Penalty for carrying on a food business without a license
As per Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, any person or organization involved in running a food business without the required permits is liable for a heavy FSSAI expiry penalty.
Running a food business without a proper license opens you up to penalties such as:
- A jail term of up to 6 months and/or
- A penalty of up to ?500,000.
How to Renew an FSSAI License Through FoSCoS
Check your FSSAI license number, its date of expiry, the type of business and address of the business, and the food business category.
Head over to the official FoSCoS portal, which is the official website for FSSAI-related applications, renewals, and amendments.
Determine whether you want to seek a renewal of an existing license, change an existing license, or obtain a new license.
Read the fine print and do not simply opt for the renewal option because the existing license is too old.
Verify your business information and check if everything is correct.
Pay the fees required. This also includes an extra fee in case of an older application or delay.
Make sure to remember your application number. Check back regularly for the application status and reply in time if any further information is required by FSSAI.
FSSAI Renewal Documents Checklist for Bangalore Food Businesses
The FSSAI renewal documents required can vary depending on the type of business and license.
Restaurants and Cafes
- Current FSSAI Certificate
- Documents pertaining to the business or company
- Certification details pertaining to the site of the business
- Information on the categories of food products and the business activities
- Any additional documents required as per the type of business
Cloud Kitchens
- Existing FSSAI certificates
- Kitchens and their operations
- Business activity along with the details on food category
- Business or company documents wherever applicable
Food Manufacturers
- Documentation related to the technology and kitchen used in the production process
- Existing FSSAI certification
- Updated documentation of the manufacturing process
- Food product detail information
Actax India Expert Insight
At Actax India, we have seen that businesses make this common mistake, thinking FSSAI license renewal is the main requirement for compliance. We have observed that the business name or address on the FSSAI certificate does not match the information shown in GST registration, Shops & Establishments license, lease agreement, or any record maintained by the company.
At Actax, the first thing we do is check whether the license has the right address, business activities, and food categories before submitting an application. Even if an application is filed correctly, the use of outdated business information can lead to issues.
Conclusion
You shouldn’t automatically focus on FSSAI license renewal on the basis of the old advice. You should first check if your license has an expiration date and what current regulations apply to your business.
Having a FSSAI registration certificate may not guarantee that a business is operating legally. Businesses have to make sure that the license they have is representing the correct business address, nature of business, food segments, etc.
Is your food business operating in Bangalore requiring renewal, modification, or a new FSSAI registration?
Get in touch with Actax India. We will examine your license as well as your business operations and documents to recommend an appropriate compliance method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. If your license or registration was issued or renewed according to the new system of permanent validity, you don’t have to renew your license on a regular basis anymore. Look at the expiry date on your old certificate to know if the new system is applicable to your situation.
The required documents depend on the nature of the food business, the type of FSSAI registration or license needed, and the nature of the application. Any food business enterprise using an existing FSSAI certificate will require its company documents and regulatory documents to support its application. Businesses should make sure that the information in their supporting documents agrees with the information provided on their FSSAI certificate.
For the FoSCoS renewal process, log in to their website and enter your credentials. After selecting the right application, first verify your business details and upload the required documents. During the next step, pay the fees and monitor the application progress.
Cloud kitchens also need an FSSAI registration or license like any other food business. The approval depends on the type of business you own.
