The FSSAI’s order on 12th March 2025 means that Anganwadi (ICDS) Centres no longer need to pay registration fees when applying for a food business registration under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

What Changed?

1. Anganwadi Centres Must Register: Since they serve food (supplementary nutrition for women and children), they are legally considered food business operators (FBOs) and must register under food safety laws.
2. New Registration Category (‘Kind of Business’ – KoB): A separate Anganwadi (ICDS) Centres category has been introduced under Food Services in the registration system to make the process clearer.
3. No Registration Fees:  Previously, Anganwadi Centres had to pay fees for registration and renewal. Now, new applications and renewals are free for Anganwadi Centres.
4. Five-Year Registration: Instead of choosing between 1 to 5 years, all registrations will now be valid for 5 years automatically.
5. Effective Immediately: The waiver applies from 12th March 2025 onwards. No refunds for applications that were already submitted before this date.

Why This Matters?

• Reduces financial burden on government-run Anganwadi Centres.
• Simplifies the registration process for these centres.
• Ensures better food safety compliance without extra costs.

Essentially, this makes it easier and cheaper for Anganwadi Centres to comply with food safety regulations while continuing to provide nutrition to women and children.