A cloud kitchen or a home kitchen that sells food needs FSSAI registration or a licence, even with no shop front. From 1 April 2026, turnover decides the tier: registration up to ₹1.5 crore, a State licence above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore, and a Central licence above ₹50 crore. Delivery apps must not list you without it.
- A home kitchen or cloud kitchen selling food is a food business and needs FSSAI registration or a licence.
- From 1 April 2026, registration covers turnover up to ₹1.5 crore (it was ₹12 lakh).
- FSSAI tells e-commerce food platforms not to list a seller without a valid FSSAI licence or registration.
- Turnover, not the presence of a shop, decides your tier.
Which FSSAI tier does a cloud kitchen or home kitchen need?
| Tier | Turnover from 1 April 2026 | Before 1 April 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Up to ₹1.5 crore | Up to ₹12 lakh |
| State licence | Above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore | ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore |
| Central licence | Above ₹50 crore | Above ₹20 crore |
A home baker or a cloud kitchen with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore needs registration. Above that, it needs a State licence, and above ₹50 crore a Central licence. Older pages, including FSSAI's own eligibility sheet on FoSCoS, may still show ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore; the 13 March 2026 order replaced them from 1 April 2026.
What delivery apps need from you
FSSAI's advisory of 3 December 2024 to e-commerce food businesses says no platform shall list a food business on its platform without displaying its valid FSSAI licence or registration. It also asks platforms to show sellers' FSSAI numbers and hygiene ratings prominently. So before a delivery app lists your kitchen, keep your FSSAI number ready.
Your FSSAI number on your menu and packaging tells customers your kitchen is registered with the food regulator.
Licences to start a cloud kitchen from home
To start selling food from a home kitchen or a cloud kitchen, the food safety step is FSSAI registration or a licence, based on turnover. Apply on FSSAI's FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in).
GST is a separate question. You need GST registration once your turnover crosses the GST threshold. If you sell only through a delivery app, Notification 65/2017-Central Tax exempts suppliers of services through an e-commerce operator from compulsory registration up to the threshold. See the GST registration turnover limit.
Your city or state may need other licences (for example from the municipality). Check locally; this guide covers FSSAI and GST only.
“A home kitchen selling online is a food business. Turnover, not premises, decides whether you need registration or a licence.”
Frequently asked questions
Do I need FSSAI for a cloud kitchen?
Yes. A cloud kitchen prepares and sells food, so it is a food business and needs FSSAI registration or a licence, even without a dining area.
Which FSSAI licence is required for a cloud kitchen?
It depends on turnover. From 1 April 2026: registration up to ₹1.5 crore, a State licence above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore, a Central licence above ₹50 crore.
How to get an FSSAI licence for a home kitchen?
Apply online on FSSAI's FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in). A home kitchen with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore applies for registration, not a licence.
How much does an FSSAI licence for a home kitchen cost?
The government fee depends on the tier. FSSAI's fee sheet on FoSCoS predates the April 2026 change, so check the fee shown when you apply. For our help, see our FSSAI registration service.
Can I sell home-baked goods on Instagram without FSSAI?
No. Selling food you prepare is a food business whatever the channel. Get at least FSSAI registration before you sell.
Which tier do I start with as a home baker?
Registration, if your turnover is up to ₹1.5 crore. Move to a State licence if turnover goes above that.
Do Swiggy and Zomato need my FSSAI number?
FSSAI's advisory of 3 December 2024 tells e-commerce food platforms not to list any food business without displaying its valid FSSAI licence or registration.
What is the FSSAI turnover limit for registration in 2026?
₹1.5 crore, from 1 April 2026. Before that it was ₹12 lakh.
I registered when the limit was ₹12 lakh. Do I need to change anything?
FSSAI's 13 March 2026 order sets the new limits but says nothing about existing registrations or licences. If your licence type no longer matches your turnover, check on FoSCoS or talk to us.
Do I need separate FSSAI for multiple kitchen locations?
Our reading of the regulations is that each kitchen premises needs its own registration or licence. Check before you open a second kitchen.
Is GST compulsory for an FSSAI licence?
FSSAI and GST are separate laws. Whether you need GST registration depends on your turnover and how you sell, not on your FSSAI tier.
Does FSSAI registration still need renewal?
FSSAI's press release of 13 March 2026 says registrations and licences will have perpetual validity from 1 April 2026. Check your certificate on FoSCoS.
Hinglish mein sawaal
Ghar se khana bechne ke liye FSSAI chahiye kya?
Haan. Ghar ki kitchen se khana bechna bhi food business hai. ₹1.5 crore tak turnover par FSSAI registration kaafi hai (1 April 2026 se).
Cloud kitchen ke liye kaun sa FSSAI licence lena padega?
Turnover dekhiye: ₹1.5 crore tak registration, ₹1.5 crore se ₹50 crore tak State licence, ₹50 crore se upar Central licence.
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
FilingSetu is the brand of ANR Consultancy, a partnership firm.
GSTIN: 07ACOFA0324K1ZG
This page explains the law as it stands on the review date. It is not advice on your specific case.
For how registration and a licence differ, see our registration vs licence guide. Our FSSAI service files the right tier for you. See all registration services.
