Regulation 2.1.7
Regulation 2.1.7: validity of registration and licence
Since the March 2026 amendment, an FSSAI registration or licence remains valid unless suspended, cancelled or surrendered. Annual fees and any applicable returns remain important: default can trigger deemed suspension.
Need advice on Regulation 2.1.7?
This article is for general information. Check the notified Regulations and later amendments. For advice specific to your business, contact Bizeneed.
Introduction
The March 2026 Gazette substituted Regulation 2.1.7. A certificate or licence no longer has to be periodically renewed simply to keep its validity, but the regulation retains ongoing compliance obligations.
FSSAI's March FAQ explains how continuing validity applies to licences and registrations issued on or after 1 April 2026 and addresses existing businesses. The operative regulation itself should control if an FAQ and a particular fact pattern differ.
Key takeaways
Validity continues until a stated event
Regulation 2.1.7(1) says the licence or registration remains valid unless suspended, cancelled or surrendered.
Fees and returns still matter
Failure to pay the applicable annual fee or file a required return by its due date causes deemed suspension under Regulation 2.1.7(2).
Do not operate during suspension
The regulation prohibits food-business activity during deemed suspension and says activity then may attract further action and penalty under the Act.
Closure has a 30-day step
Within 30 days of business closure, notify the relevant Licensing or Registering Authority in writing and surrender the licence or certificate; paid fees are not refunded on surrender.
Replace renewal calendars with compliance calendars
Record the continuing certificate number and authority, then calendar annual fee payment, applicable returns and other ongoing obligations. Do not use an old periodic renewal date as the only compliance control.
Respond to a payment or return default
If an applicable fee or return is missed, stop food-business activity while the registration or licence is deemed suspended. Confirm the required payment or return and penalty, if any, and the revocation of suspension before resuming operations.
Handle closure and surrender
Prepare written notice to the relevant authority within 30 days of closure and surrender the document. Keep submission evidence and note that Regulation 2.1.7(4) rules out a refund of fees paid under the regulations on surrender.
Practical checklist
Do
- Track annual fees and applicable return deadlines.
- Keep proof of payment, filing and any authority response.
- On closure, notify and surrender within 30 days.
Avoid
- Do not tell an FBO that continuing validity removes annual fees or returns.
- Do not carry on food-business activity during deemed suspension.
FAQs
Does the licence still need routine renewal?
The substituted Regulation 2.1.7 provides continuing validity unless suspended, cancelled or surrendered. Annual fees and applicable returns remain separate duties.
What happens if an annual fee is missed?
Regulation 2.1.7(2) provides for deemed suspension. The FBO must address the default and should confirm the suspension is revoked before operating.
Official sources
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