A business transporting food as a commercial food activity must select the 'Transportation' Kind of Business on FoSCoS and obtain the applicable registration or licence. Under the official chart updated 1 April 2026, turnover-based transporter categories generally use Registration up to ₹1.5 crore, State licence above ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore and Central licence above ₹50 crore. The old vehicle-count thresholds in the draft should not be used for new 2026 applications without checking the current chart.
Who is a transporter
FoSCoS describes transportation as moving packed or bulk food between locations in vehicles or containers, including specialised refrigerated vans, wagons and milk/oil tankers. A food truck selling or preparing food may involve a different or additional Kind of Business.
2026 eligibility
The revised 1 April 2026 chart uses annual turnover for transportation: up to ₹1.5 crore Registration; above ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore State licence; above ₹50 crore Central licence. Check special operations, railways, airports/seaports, importer/exporter status and existing-licence migration.
Application route
Use FoSCoS, select the State and premises/base, choose Transportation, determine eligibility, complete the application, upload generated documents and pay the official fee. FSSAI does not issue a generic 'import/export transporter licence' as a fourth universal licence type; importing itself generally requires Central licensing.
Documents
Official FoSCoS requirements can include the prescribed application/declaration, identity and authority, premises proof, turnover support or self-declaration of vehicle details, and other State or activity-specific documents. Vehicle registration, insurance, fitness and cold-chain records should be maintained even when not all are portal uploads.
Vehicle hygiene
Vehicles and containers must be clean, maintained, pest-free and suitable for food. Prior loads must not create chemical, biological, allergen or odour contamination. Cleaning schedules and pre-loading inspection should be documented.
Temperature control
For chilled, frozen or hot food, define product-specific set points and tolerances, pre-cool where necessary, minimise door opening, use calibrated monitoring and preserve records. Investigate excursions through a qualified release decision, not an automatic guess.
Segregation
Separate raw from ready-to-eat food, allergens where needed, food from chemicals and incompatible products, and damaged/returned goods from saleable stock. Protect packaging from crushing, moisture and tampering.
Traceability and emergencies
Record consignor, consignee, product, batch, quantity, vehicle/container, dispatch and delivery times, temperature and seal data. Maintain procedures for accident, breakdown, refrigeration failure, delay, contamination, theft and recall.
Contracting risks
The transporter's licence does not eliminate the consignor's or consignee's duties. Contracts should allocate temperature, loading, seals, cleaning, records, rejected loads, insurance, recall cooperation and subcontractor approval.
Compliance checklist
Verify category and renewal, train drivers/loaders, approve vehicles, validate cleaning and temperature systems, calibrate devices, inspect loads, keep traceability, test emergency response and audit subcontractors.
Frequently asked questions
Does crossing State borders automatically require a Central transporter licence?
The current official 2026 transporter chart is turnover-based; border crossing alone should not be used as the universal test.
Is there a separate FSSAI import/export transporter licence?
No generic fourth category should be assumed. Importers and certain exporters have their own Central-licence criteria.
Do food trucks use the transporter category?
A vehicle used for selling or preparing food may fall under food vending or another Kind of Business; classify the actual activity.
Must temperature records be kept?
Where product safety depends on temperature, monitoring and records are essential evidence of control.
Official sources and legal references
These are primary starting points used for the legal verification completed on 23 July 2026. Gazette notifications prevail over convenient compilations if they conflict.
Editorial review record
| Review level | Reviewer | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Editorial research | TargoLegal Research and Editorial Desk | Completed | 23 July 2026 |
| Independent legal/FSSAI professional | Qualified reviewer to be assigned | Professional review pending | — |
