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FSSAI Central License

The FSSAI Central License is the highest tier of food licence issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of...

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Key takeaways

The FSSAI Central License is the top tier of food licence issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
It is mandatory for large food businesses with annual turnover above Rs 20 crore, and for all importers and exporters of food.
It is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) through its central licensing offices.
Businesses operating across more than one state need a Central License for the head office, plus State Licences for individual units.
Applications are filed online on the FoSCoS portal using Form B.
The licence is granted for 1 to 5 years and must be renewed before it expires.
The 14-digit FSSAI number must be displayed on packaging, invoices and premises.

Overview

What is an FSSAI Central License?

An FSSAI Central License is the highest category of food business licence in India, granted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It authorises large-scale, import-export and multi-state food operators to handle, manufacture, store, distribute and sell food across the country in full compliance with national food-safety standards.

Every licensed business is allotted a unique 14-digit FSSAI registration number that must appear on product labels, invoices and at the premises. Holding the correct tier of licence is not optional: it is a legal precondition to operating, and it signals to retailers, marketplaces and consumers that your food is safe, traceable and compliant.

The three tiers of FSSAI licence

Basic Registration: petty businesses with turnover up to Rs 12 lakh
State License: medium businesses with turnover between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 20 crore
Central License: large businesses above Rs 20 crore, importers, exporters and multi-state operators
Choosing the wrong tier leads to rejection, delays and re-filing

Operating at a smaller scale? See our Basic FSSAI License and State FSSAI License services.

Applicability

Who needs a Central License?

The Central License applies to the larger and more complex food businesses, where the activity, scale or location takes the operator beyond the scope of a State License.

Category	Threshold or trigger
Large manufacturers	Annual turnover above Rs 20 crore
Importers and exporters	All food importers and exporters, regardless of turnover
Multi-state operators	Head office of any business operating in more than one state
E-commerce food operators	Online food aggregators and sellers operating nationally

Specialised operations	Examples
Large storage	Cold stores and warehouses above the prescribed capacity
Caterers and transporters	Operators serving central government, railways, airports or seaports
100% EOUs	Export-oriented units and food units in SEZs
Speciality producers	Manufacturers of nutraceuticals, health supplements and proprietary food

How it works

The application process, step by step

The Central License is applied for online on the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal using Form B. We manage every stage on your behalf.

Eligibility and category check
We confirm that the Central tier is correct for your turnover, activity and footprint, and map the exact Kind of Business (KoB) to declare.
Documentation
We compile Form B, the Form IX nomination, the FSMS or food-safety plan, and the supporting business and premises documents.
Filing on FoSCoS
The application is submitted on the FoSCoS portal with all annexures and the prescribed government fee.
Scrutiny and inspection
The Central Licensing Authority reviews the file and, where required, a Food Safety Officer inspects the premises.
Query resolution
We respond to any clarifications or deficiency notices raised by the department within the stipulated window.
Grant of licence
On approval, the 14-digit Central License is issued and you can operate and label products legally.

Paperwork

Documents required

Completed Form B, signed by the proprietor, partner or director
Photo identity and address proof of the proprietor or signatory
Constitution proof: incorporation certificate, partnership deed or MoA and AoA
Proof of premises possession: rent agreement or ownership document
Blueprint or layout plan of the processing or storage unit
List of equipment and machinery with capacity
List of directors or partners with full contact and ID details
Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan or certificate
Form IX: nomination of a person responsible for the business
Analysis report of water used in processing, where applicable
Import-Export Code (IEC) from DGFT, for importers and exporters

Lifecycle

Validity & renewal

The licence may be granted for 1 to 5 years, at the applicant’s choice.
A longer term means a higher cumulative fee but fewer renewal cycles.
Renewal must be applied for before expiry to avoid a late fee and disruption.
Modifications, such as a new product or address, must be updated on FoSCoS.
The licence can be suspended or cancelled for serious non-compliance.

Strengthen your food-safety credentials with our FSSAI Mark Certification and ISO 22000 Certification services.

Budgeting

Fees, timeline and what drives cost

The government fee for a Central License is fixed per year of validity, with the total depending on the term you choose. Professional and compliance costs vary with the complexity of your operation.

Cost factor	Details
Government fee	A fixed annual fee per year of licence, multiplied by the chosen term of 1 to 5 years
FSMS and documentation	Preparation of the food-safety plan and full dossier
Inspection readiness	Cost of meeting hygiene, layout and equipment requirements before inspection
Renewal fee	Payable on renewal for the next term

Processing typically takes around 30 to 60 days once a complete application is filed, depending on inspection scheduling and how quickly any queries are resolved.

Not sure if you need a Central or State License?

Tell us your turnover, activities and the states you operate in, and we will confirm the exact licence, fee and document set for your business.

Get a free assessment

Why it matters

Benefits of a Central License

Legal protection

Operate across India without the risk of penalties, seizures or shutdowns under the FSS Act.

Import and export

Mandatory for clearing food consignments and trading internationally with a valid IEC.

Marketplace access

Required to list on major e-commerce platforms and supply national retail chains.

Consumer trust

The FSSAI number on your label signals safety, quality and authenticity to buyers.

Multi-state scale

A single central registration anchors a business spread across several states.

Investor confidence

Demonstrable compliance supports funding, audits and large institutional contracts.

Compliance

Why the licence is mandatory

Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, no person may carry on a food business except under a valid FSSAI licence or registration. For large, import-export and multi-state operators, that licence is the Central License. Running such a business without it is an offence, irrespective of how established the brand is.

What non-compliance can cost you

Heavy penalties for operating without or in breach of a licence
Seizure and recall of stock that pulls product off the shelves
Suspension or cancellation of the licence by the authority
Prosecution of the business and the nominated person

Your partner

Why Diligence Certifications

FSSAI Central applications are document-heavy and inspection-driven. We make the process predictable, so your launch or expansion is never held up by a compliance gap.

Correct tier, first time

We confirm the right licence category up front, so you avoid rejection and re-filing.

End-to-end filing

From Form B and the FSMS plan to FoSCoS submission, we handle the entire dossier.

Inspection support

We prepare your premises and respond to departmental queries to keep approval on track.

Renewal reminders

We track expiry and manage timely renewals and modifications so you stay compliant.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is an FSSAI Central License?

It is the highest tier of food business licence issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India under the FSS Act, 2006. It is required for large food businesses, importers, exporters and operators spread across more than one state.

Who must obtain a Central License rather than a State License?

Businesses with annual turnover above Rs 20 crore, all food importers and exporters, the head office of any multi-state operator, and certain specialised operations such as large cold stores and 100% export-oriented units.

Where do I apply for the Central License?

Applications are filed online on the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal using Form B, along with the prescribed documents and government fee.

How long is the licence valid?

You can choose a term of 1 to 5 years. A longer term means a higher cumulative fee but fewer renewals. Renewal must be applied for before the licence expires.

Do I need both a Central and a State License?

If you operate in more than one state, the head office usually holds a Central License while individual units in each state hold their own State Licences, depending on their activity and turnover.

How long does approval take?

Typically around 30 to 60 days from a complete filing, depending on inspection scheduling and how quickly any departmental queries are resolved.

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Why Diligence

Why choose Diligence Certification?

For compliance and credibility, Diligence is much more than a checklist - we give you real confidence in your business. We examine your legal, financial and operational status, so you are not just certified, but trusted.

Stronger risk protection

Spot hidden legal, financial or operational risks early - fix problems before they become threats.

Earn stakeholder trust

From investors to customers, people want to work with businesses that play by the rules.

Stay legally aligned

Compliant not just on products but on labour, environmental and tax laws too.

Enhance brand reputation

Show the world you operate with integrity and transparency.

Stand out from competitors

In a crowded market, credibility is your biggest edge.

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