Last updated: 25 September 2026
Quick Answer: Yes, a kirana store that sells any food needs FSSAI registration or a licence. FSSAI's own licensing FAQ says retailers selling food products through their outlets must hold one. Most kirana and grocery shops have turnover up to ₹1.5 crore, so they need only basic registration at ₹100 a year, applied for on FoSCoS.
If you've looked up the FSSAI license for kirana store owners, here's the short version: most shops need the smaller basic registration, not a full licence. It doesn't matter whether you sell loose atta or only sealed biscuit packets. If food leaves your counter, the rule applies, and each shop needs its own registration.
At a glance
| Point | What applies to a kirana or grocery store |
|---|---|
| Is it mandatory? | Yes, if the shop sells any food item, loose or packaged |
| Authority | Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) |
| Category to pick | Trade/Retail → Retailer |
| Turnover up to ₹1.5 crore | Basic registration, ₹100 a year |
| Turnover above ₹1.5 crore | State licence (up to ₹50 crore), Central licence above that |
| Time to issue | Registration within 7 days of a complete application |
| Validity | No expiry for registrations issued on or after 1 April 2026, while the yearly fee is paid |
Is FSSAI mandatory for a kirana store?
Yes, FSSAI registration is mandatory for any kirana store that sells food. In its licensing and registration FAQ, FSSAI says chemist shops, retailers and other retail units must hold a licence or registration if they sell food products through their outlets.
The law behind this is Section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It says no one may run a food business without a licence. It then lets a "petty retailer" register instead of taking a full licence.
A petty food business operator is FSSAI's term for small sellers like a neighbourhood kirana shop, hawker or tea stall. FSSAI's 2022 FAQ tied this group to turnover up to ₹12 lakh. That old limit is gone. Since 1 April 2026, basic registration covers every food business with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore.
Basic registration or State licence: which one does your shop need?
Your shop's annual turnover decides it. FSSAI's Kind of Business list for retailers sets these three bands, updated on 1 April 2026:
| Your shop's annual turnover | What you need | Form | Fee per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to ₹1.5 crore | Basic registration | Form A | ₹100 |
| Above ₹1.5 crore, up to ₹50 crore | State licence | Form B | ₹5,000 |
| Above ₹50 crore | Central licence | Form B | ₹7,500 |
These bands come from FSSAI's order and FAQs of 27 March 2026 on the amended licensing rules. They apply to every new application made on or after 1 April 2026. So the FSSAI license for a grocery store, kirana or general store of typical size is basic registration. A large supermarket may cross into the State licence band. The guide to basic, State and Central licences explains the tiers in more depth.
How do you get FSSAI registration for your shop online?
You get FSSAI registration for your shop online on FSSAI's FoSCoS portal, by filling Form A under Trade/Retail → Retailer and paying ₹100 for each year. If the application is complete, the registration certificate should be issued within 7 days.
Here's the process, step by step:
- Open the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in) and choose your state.
- Pick Trade/Retail, then Retailer, and enter a turnover up to ₹1.5 crore. The portal shows Registration.
- Sign up with your mobile number and email, then log in.
- Fill Form A with your name, the shop's address and the food items you sell.
- Upload the documents listed below.
- Pay ₹100 for each year you choose. You can pay for several years at once.
- Track the application. Once approved, download the certificate. It carries a 14-digit number starting with 2.
If the food safety officer wants to inspect your shop first, the inspection must happen within 30 days of your application.
Want help with it? Jaagruk Bharat's team can help you file your FSSAI registration. Here's what that covers:
- Working out which category and tier fit your shop
- Organising your documents and checking your details before submission
- Giving you confirmation, so you can track the application
FSSAI alone issues the registration. Jaagruk Bharat only assists with the paperwork.
What documents and fees do you need?
Basic registration needs only a few documents, and the government fee for a grocery store in this band is ₹100 a year. Keep clear scans ready before you start:
| Document | What works |
|---|---|
| Photo of the owner | A recent passport-size colour photo |
| Photo identity proof | Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID or driving licence |
| Proof of the shop's address | Rent agreement, property papers or an electricity bill |
| List of food items | What you sell, such as grains, oil, packaged snacks, dairy |
FoSCoS shows the final list for your category under "Documents Required", so check it before you upload. FSSAI-trained Food Safety Mitras can charge ₹100 to file it for you.
On fees, registrations issued since 1 April 2026 don't expire, but the ₹100 is still due every year. You can pay any number of years at once. The full FSSAI fee breakdown covers modification and other charges.
What happens if your shop doesn't have one?
Selling food without the right FSSAI approval breaks the Food Safety and Standards Act. A shop that needs a licence (turnover above ₹1.5 crore) and trades without one faces up to six months in prison and a fine of up to ₹5 lakh under Section 63.
A small shop that skips basic registration is still in breach of Section 31. And if your registration is suspended or cancelled, FSSAI says you must stop selling food at once. Registration costs ₹100 a year, so running a kirana store without it isn't worth the risk. Apply on FoSCoS or ask Jaagruk Bharat's team to help you file it.
