Is FSSAI registration mandatory for all food businesses?
Yes. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, every food business operator (FBO) must obtain either FSSAI registration (petty FBOs with turnover up to ₹1.5Cr after the 2026 amendment) or an FSSAI licence (State or Central depending on turnover and operations). Operating without registration/licence attracts penalties up to ₹5 lakh under Section 63 of the FSS Act.
What changed in the FSSAI 2026 amendment?
The FSS (Licensing and Registration) Amendment Regulations 2026 raised the turnover threshold for basic registration from ₹12 lakh to ₹1.5 crore, introduced lifetime validity for licences (replacing annual renewal for stable businesses), and moved 98% of food businesses under state jurisdiction. Risk-based inspections replace routine inspections for low-risk businesses.
Can I make health claims like "boosts immunity" or "high protein" on my food label?
Under FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations 2020 and FSSAI's Health Claims guidance, "boosts immunity" is a prohibited claim — it implies drug-like therapeutic effects. "High protein" is permitted only if the product contains ≥20% of energy from protein per 100g/ml and meets the nutrient profiling conditions. Always verify against Schedule IV of the Labelling Regulations before printing labels.
Do I need a separate FSSAI NOC for each imported food product?
Yes. Every consignment of imported food requires clearance from the Port Health Officer (PHO) at the port of entry. The importer must submit the FSSAI import declaration on FoSCoS, and the PHO may direct physical inspection or lab testing at a FSSAI-recognised laboratory. Certain products (nutraceuticals, organic, novel foods) require prior product approval before import.
How is FSSAI different from BIS for food products?
FSSAI regulates food safety and standards (composition, labelling, hygiene) under the FSS Act 2006. BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) mandates quality certification under ISI mark for specific categories like packaged drinking water (IS 14543), milk powder (IS 1165), and edible oils. Some products require both FSSAI licence AND BIS ISI mark. CustomsAI's FSSAI AI covers FSSAI requirements; for BIS queries, use our customs compliance tool.