FSSAI Registration vs License for Bakeries and Sweet Shops: Which One Do You Need?

There’s one important step to take before selling food of any kind in India (sweets or beverages). It's called getting approval from the legal authority called the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The one question that everyone asks is whether they should apply for an FSSAI Registration or FSSAI License for their business.

Both may sound similar but are not the same. In this guide, we will explain the main difference between FSSAI registration and license, which one to apply for, and how to do it if you run a bakery or a sweet shop.

FSSAI Registration vs FSSAI License: Key Difference

Quick tip: Turnover isn’t the only factor. A bakery or sweet shop producing large quantities every day may need a higher category even if its turnover is low, so always check both before applying.

Read More How to Get FSSAI Food License in India?

The 2026 FSSAI Update You Should Know About

Initially, the threshold limit to apply for an FSSAI license or registration was ₹12 lakh. But 2026 came with a major change for them by moving the limits to ₹1.5 crore and above. FSSAI notified new amendment regulations on 10 March 2026, and then a separate order was released on 13 March 2026 for revised turnover limits. These limits came into effect from 1 April 2026

Here are the latest limits and the rest that changed:

FSSAI Registration for Home Bakers

Suppose you bake cupcakes, cookies, or birthday cakes from your home kitchen and sell them to limited clients via social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or even WhatsApp to your neighbours or close acquaintances; you would still need to get FSSAI approval. So, yes, many believe home businesses are exempt from FSSAI’s scrutiny, but that’s not true at all. 

However, the FSSAI registration process for home bakers is much quicker and easier to handle, as most such businesses earn below ₹1.5 crore; getting basic FSSAI registration is enough. Plus, its much much cheaper, with this registration type charging only ₹100 by FSSAI. The documents needed for FSSAI registration for home bakers include ID proof, a photo, and basic details about their home kitchen, including the methods and equipment used to prepare delicacies and food items.

Having the FSSAI Registration number printed on your packaging also helps boost trust and credibility among customers. 

FSSAI Registration for Bakeries

For a local bakery in the market that sells bread, puffs, pastries, and other similar items like cakes, the yearly turnover often crosses over ₹1.5 crore. This leads them to the second limit set by FSSAI, known as the State FSSAI License for bakeries. State Food Safety Authority issues this license, and one needs to pay around ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per year (₹5,000 for most manufacturers) to apply for it.

One thing to keep in mind for an FSSAI License for bakeries is that for those crossing ₹1.5 crore, FSSAI doesn’t only check the turnover amount; it also looks at the production capacity. The rules for production capacity remain the same, so some bakeries might even need to apply for a Central license even if their turnover limit doesn’t cross the ₹50 crore mark. 

So if your bakery has big ovens running all day and supplies bread to many shops, check both your turnover and your production capacity before applying

Read More FSSAI License for Restaurant & Food Business 2026.

FSSAI License for Sweet Shops

Sweet shops get more scrutiny compared to bakeries as they use a large amount of khoya, milk, and ghee to produce, which spoils easily. A small halwai shop with turnover under ₹1.5 crore can usually manage with basic registration, and those crossing it get a state license. This applies to well-known mithai brands that have multiple branches, sell gift boxes during festivals, or supply sweets to weddings and events.

The only catch for these shops is that you may need to apply with additional documents like a layout plan of your kitchen, a list of machines, a water testing report, and a food safety management plan. 

FSSAI License for Cake Shops

Cake shops that grow into popular brands often cross the limit and need to apply for a Central FSSAI license, especially if they have multiple outlets and are delivering through apps like Zomato and Swiggy.

Here’s how to Decide the Right FSSAI Registration/License Type 

Get answers to these questions to make the right choice:

1. What is your annual turnover, and is it below or above 15 crore?

2. How much food do you produce daily?

3. Do you sell in only one state or more?

These answers will point you towards the right choice of FSSAI license.

Read More FSSAI Cloud Kitchen Registration

Frequently Asked Questions

1.Do home bakers really need FSSAI Registration?

Yes. Every food business, including those run from home, needs FSSAI approval. Most home bakers only need basic registration.

2.Do I need to renew my FSSAI Registration every year?

No, it no longer expires. However, you must pay the annual fee on time.

3.happens if I sell without FSSAI approval?

You could face heavy fines and even have your business shut down.