The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has decided to waive registration fees for Anganwadi (ICDS) Centers and introduce a new “Kind of Business” (KoB) category specifically for these centers. This order was issued on March 12, 2025.
This decision aims to facilitate the smooth operation of Anganwadi centers as these centers play a crucial role in providing supplementary nutrition to vulnerable populations.
While all Food Business Operators (FBOs) are required to register or obtain a license as per the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation, 2011, and Section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006, the FSSAI recognizes the unique role of Anganwadi centers.
Anganwadi centers provide supplementary nutrition to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children aged 6 months to 6 years, including those suffering from malnutrition. To support these centers, the FSSAI has taken the following steps:
A separate “Kind of Business” (KoB) category, “Anganwadi (ICDS) Centers,” has been introduced under Food Services for Registration. Registration fees for Anganwadi (ICDS) Centers are completely waived. This waiver applies to both new registrations and renewals.
New Anganwadi centers will be granted a registration certificate for five years, eliminating the option to choose shorter validity periods.
The fee waiver is effective from the date of the order, i.e. March 12, 2025. However, fees paid for existing applications under process will not be refunded.
A user manual for applying for registration is available on the FoSCOS website.
