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FSSAI Central License Registration

The FSSAI Central License is the highest tier of food licensing in India, mandatory for large food businesses, importers, exporters...

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Key takeaways

The FSSAI Central License is the top tier of food licensing, mandatory for large food businesses with an annual turnover above Rs. 20 crore.
It is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the licensing rules made under it.
It is compulsory for importers, exporters, e-commerce food operators and businesses operating across more than one state.
Applications are filed online through the FoSCoS portal (Food Safety Compliance System) in Form B.
The license carries a 14-digit FSSAI number that must be displayed on premises and on every food package.
It is valid for 1 to 5 years, with a government fee of Rs. 7,500 per year.
It must be renewed before expiry to keep operations and supply contracts uninterrupted.

Overview

What is the FSSAI Central License?

The FSSAI Central License is the highest category of food licence in India, issued directly by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It is designed for large food business operators whose scale, turnover or activity puts them under central regulatory oversight rather than state-level licensing.

Any food business that imports or exports food, operates in more than one state, or crosses the prescribed turnover threshold must hold a Central License. It confirms that the operator meets national food safety, hygiene and labelling standards, and it is a prerequisite for selling to organised retail, marketplaces and institutional buyers.

How it differs from other FSSAI licences

Basic Registration: small businesses with turnover up to Rs. 12 lakh
State License: mid-sized businesses with turnover between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore
Central License: large businesses with turnover above Rs. 20 crore
Central License: mandatory regardless of turnover for importers and exporters
Central License: required for businesses operating in two or more states

For smaller operations, see our Basic FSSAI License and State FSSAI License services.

Applicability

Who needs a Central License

A Central License is determined by the nature and scale of the business, not just turnover. The following operators are required to hold one.

Category	Why a Central License applies
Importers and exporters	All food importers and exporters need a Central License, irrespective of turnover.
Multi-state operators	Businesses with a head office or operations across two or more states.
Large manufacturers	Units producing above the prescribed capacity or with turnover over Rs. 20 crore.
E-commerce food operators	Online food marketplaces and aggregators handling food across India.

Category	Why a Central License applies
Central Government caterers	Caterers serving Central Government offices, railways, airports and ports.
100% Export Oriented Units	Food EOUs and units engaged in food processing for export.
Large storage and transport	Cold stores, warehouses and transporters exceeding prescribed capacity.
Hotels and chains	5-star and above hotels and large multi-unit chains.

How it works

The application process, step by step

The Central License is granted by FSSAI through the FoSCoS portal. The process is fully online, with a single Form B application supported by the required documents.

Preparation and filing

Assess eligibility
Confirm that your turnover, activity or multi-state footprint places you under the Central License category.
Compile documents
Prepare Form B, the FSMS plan, premises proof, the product list and supporting KYC documents.
Apply on FoSCoS
Register on the FoSCoS portal, complete Form B and upload all documents for the relevant premises.

Review and grant

Scrutiny
The Central Licensing Authority reviews the application and may raise queries for clarification.
Inspection
Where required, a Food Safety Officer inspects the premises for hygiene and compliance.
Grant
On approval, the 14-digit Central License is issued and can be downloaded from FoSCoS.

Paperwork

Documents required

Completed and signed Form B
Photo identity and address proof of the proprietor, partners or directors
Proof of premises possession (rent agreement or ownership document)
Certificate of incorporation, partnership deed or relevant constitution document
Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan or certificate
List of food products and categories to be handled
Blueprint or layout plan of the processing unit
List of equipment and machinery with capacity
NOCs, IE Code for importers and a water test report where applicable

Lifecycle

Validity & renewal

The Central License can be granted for a period of 1 to 5 years, at the applicant’s choice.
The government fee is Rs. 7,500 per year of validity selected.
Renewal must be applied for before expiry to avoid a lapse and penalties.
The 14-digit licence number must be displayed at the premises and printed on food packaging.
It can be suspended or cancelled for non-compliance with food safety standards.

Budgeting

Fees, timeline & cost factors

The government fee is fixed, but the total cost and timeline depend on the number of premises, the product range and how complete the documentation is.

Item	Details
Government fee	Rs. 7,500 per year of validity chosen (1 to 5 years)
Professional and filing	Preparation of Form B, the FSMS plan and the document dossier
Inspection	Premises inspection by a Food Safety Officer, where required
Typical timeline	Usually 30 to 60 days, subject to scrutiny, queries and inspection
Renewal fee	Rs. 7,500 per year, payable on renewal before expiry

Not sure which FSSAI licence applies to you?

Tell us your turnover, activity and the states you operate in, and we will confirm whether you need a Central, State or Basic licence and map the exact documents and timeline.

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Why it matters

Benefits of a Central License

Legal compliance

Operate large-scale and cross-border food businesses without the risk of penalties or shutdowns.

Import and export ready

The Central License is the gateway to clearing food imports and exports through customs.

Marketplace access

Sell through organised retail, e-commerce platforms and institutional buyers that demand a valid licence.

Consumer trust

The FSSAI logo and number signal tested, safe and compliant food to customers and partners.

Brand credibility

A Central License positions your business as a serious, nationally compliant operator.

Easier financing

Lenders, investors and large clients view valid licensing as a sign of a well-run business.

Compliance

Why the Central License is mandatory

FSSAI issues the Central License under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the licensing rules made under it. Operating a qualifying food business without it is an offence, exposing the firm and its officers to prosecution, regardless of how established the brand is.

What non-compliance can cost you

Heavy penalties levied under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Seizure of stock and suspension of operations.
Blocked imports and exports at customs without a valid licence.
Prosecution of the business and its responsible officers.

Why us

Why Diligence Certifications

Central licensing involves detailed scrutiny, an FSMS plan and, often, a premises inspection. We manage the entire process so you can stay focused on running the business.

End-to-end FoSCoS filing, from eligibility check to grant of the licence
Drafting of Form B and a compliant Food Safety Management System plan
Document review to pre-empt queries and avoid rejections
Coordination with the Central Licensing Authority and Food Safety Officers
Support for importers and exporters, including labelling and IE Code alignment
Renewal reminders and ongoing compliance support after the licence is issued

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is an FSSAI Central License?

It is the highest tier of food licence in India, issued by FSSAI under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 for large food businesses, importers, exporters and multi-state operators.

Who needs a Central License instead of a State License?

Businesses with turnover above Rs. 20 crore, all importers and exporters, operators working in more than one state, and certain categories such as Central Government caterers and large e-commerce food operators.

How do I apply for a Central License?

Applications are filed online on the FoSCoS portal using Form B, along with documents such as identity proof, premises proof, the FSMS plan and the product list.

How long does the Central License take?

It usually takes around 30 to 60 days, depending on scrutiny by the Central Licensing Authority, any queries raised and whether a premises inspection is required.

What is the fee and validity of a Central License?

The government fee is Rs. 7,500 per year, and the licence can be issued for 1 to 5 years at the applicant’s choice. It must be renewed before expiry.

What happens if I operate without a Central License?

Operating a qualifying food business without it is an offence under the Act, leading to penalties, seizure of stock, blocked imports or exports, and prosecution of the business and its officers.

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