Operating a food business in India without a valid FSSAI registration or license is a serious legal offense under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. In 2026, the authorities have ramped up inspections to ensure public health. Here's why skipping FSSAI could be the most expensive mistake for your business.
According to Section 63 of the FSS Act, if any person or food business operator (except petty manufacturers) who is required to obtain a license, manufactures, sells, or distributes any food without it, they can be punished with:
Legal action is just the beginning. Operating without FSSAI also leads to:
Getting a license is cheaper than paying a fine. A Basic registration costs only ₹100/year, and a State license costs ₹2,000–₹5,000/year. There is no logical reason to operate illegally.
Stay shielded from legal risks. Pragati Services ensures you are 100% compliant from day one, handling all your licensing needs so you never have to face a penalty.
Discover detailed compliance guides specifically for your industry.
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Login to your account or create a new one on the Citizen Portal.
Browse services and select 'FSSAI Registration' from the list.
Make a secure online payment of the service fee.
Your application is submitted instantly to our team.
• An invoice is automatically generated and available for your records.
• You can track the live status of your application in the 'My Applications' section.
• Our dedicated Pragati support team will contact you within 4–5 hours to collect the required documents and complete the processing.
Is the ₹5 Lakh fine applicable to small shops too?
Technically yes, though the law provides some leniency for tiny 'petty' businesses, any significant commercial sale without registration is risky.
Can I be arrested without a warrant for FSSAI violations?
For serious food safety violations that cause harm or death, the offences are non-bailable and serious.
Is a penalty levied during the license application waiting period?
No, as long as you have the valid 'Acknowledgment' of a filed application, you are usually safe from fines while the authorities process your file.