FSSAI Central License

The quality of food safety and hygiene are an essential priority for businesses in manufacturing, handling, storing, or distributing food products. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India through FSSAI regulates food product quality by establishing a licensing system across India. The FSSAI central license is a mandatory requirement to govern large food enterprises spanning national and international territories.

This guide provides details on FSSAI central licenses by explaining the needs for eligibility, advantages, application steps, requirements to comply with FSSAI rules, and the consequences for failing to comply.

Food businesses that have an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore, conduct interstate trade, or export automatically qualify for an FSSAI central license which is issued by the FSSAI headquarters. Businesses requiring the FSSAI central license come from the highest category because it targets large manufacturers, importers, food chain operators, and government bodies.

The central license makes sure that businesses follow food security regulations, maintain hygiene standards, and establish proper documentation requirements for inspections and audits.

FSSAI Central License Sample Certificate

Feature	FSSAI Basic Registration	FSSAI State License	FSSAI Central License
Applicable To	Small businesses & startups	Medium-sized businesses	Large-scale businesses
Annual Turnover	Below ₹12 lakh	₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore	Above ₹20 crore
Issued By	Local FSSAI authority	State FSSAI authority	FSSAI headquarters
Validity	1-5 years	1-5 years	1-5 years
Mandatory For	Small food vendors, home-based food businesses	Restaurants, small food manufacturers, medium processing units	Large food chains, importers, exporters, multinational companies

The FSSAI central license is essential for businesses involved in interstate or international food trade, whereas state and basic licenses apply to regional or small-scale operations.

The following food businesses require an FSSAI central license:

• Food Manufacturers: Large-scale food processing units producing packaged food, beverages, and dairy products.
• Exporters & Importers: Companies dealing in food exports or imports require a central license for customs clearance.
• E-commerce Food Operators: Online food aggregators like Zomato, Swiggy, and Amazon Pantry must obtain this license.
• Food Storage Warehouses: Large cold storage units or warehouses that handle food products for interstate or international supply.
• Catering Businesses for Government Establishments: Caterers serving food to airlines, railways, and defense sectors must hold a central FSSAI license.

Getting an FSSAI central license is essential for food businesses operating on a large scale. It ensures compliance with food safety laws and provides multiple benefits:

• Legal Compliance – This license confirms that your business follows the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It helps avoid legal issues, fines, or shutdowns due to non-compliance with food safety norms.
• Consumer Confidence – Customers trust food products that meet FSSAI regulations. Having this license reassures them that the food is safe, hygienic, and of high quality, which can boost sales and brand reputation.
• Business Expansion – With an FSSAI central license, businesses can sell products across India and even export to other countries. This opens up opportunities for higher revenue and market growth.
• FSSAI Logo Usage – The FSSAI logo on food packaging shows that the product has been approved by the government. It serves as a mark of quality and builds customer trust.
• Easier Market Entry – Many supermarkets, large retailers, and international buyers prefer working with licensed businesses. Holding an FSSAI central license increases the chances of securing bulk orders and expanding into new markets.
• Improved Hygiene and Safety Standards – FSSAI guidelines require businesses to follow strict hygiene and safety measures. This leads to better product quality, reduced health risks, and improved customer satisfaction.
• Better Business Credibility – Investors, distributors, and food industry partners are more likely to collaborate with businesses that have an FSSAI license. It adds credibility and makes it easier to attract funding or partnerships.

Failure to obtain an FSSAI central license can result in:

• Legal Penalties – Businesses can face heavy fines, starting from ₹2 lakh to ₹10 lakh, depending on the nature of the violation.
• Business Suspension – Authorities can issue a shutdown notice, leading to operational losses.
• Reputation Damage – Selling food products without a valid license can tarnish the brand’s reputation and reduce customer trust.

The following businesses must apply for an FSSAI central license:

• Food manufacturing or processing businesses with an annual turnover of over ₹20 crore.
• Companies involved in food import/export.
• Large-scale food transporters handling perishable goods.
• Online food service aggregators operating in multiple states.
• Retail chains and supermarkets selling food products nationwide.

To apply for an FSSAI central license, businesses must provide:

• Company Registration Certificate – Proof of business incorporation.
• FSSAI Application Form (Form B) – Duly filled and signed.
• List of Directors/Partners – Along with ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport).
• Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Plan – A detailed report outlining food safety measures.
• Blueprint of Processing Unit – Layout of the manufacturing plant or warehouse.
• List of Food Products – Categories and specifications of food products handled.

Applying for an FSSAI central license is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth application:

Step 1. Register on the FSSAI Portal: Go to the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal (https://foscos.fssai.gov.in) and create an account using your email ID and phone number. Once registered, log in to begin the application process.

Step 2. Fill Out Form B: Complete Form B, which requires details such as:

• Business name and address
• Type of food business (manufacturer, exporter, importer, etc.)
• Annual turnover and number of employees
• List of food products handled

 Ensure all details are accurate to avoid delays in processing.

Step 3. Upload Required Documents: You need to submit scanned copies of important documents, including:

• Identity Proof (Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport of the owner)
• Business Registration Certificate (GST certificate, company incorporation certificate, or partnership deed)
• Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Plan (A document outlining safety measures in your food business)
• Facility Layout Plan (Blueprint of your manufacturing or storage unit)
• List of Directors/Partners (For companies with multiple owners)

Step 4. Pay FSSAI Central License Fees: The application fee varies based on the type of business and the number of years the license is valid. Fees typically range from ₹7,500 per year for manufacturing, import, export, or storage businesses. Payment can be made online through the FoSCoS portal.

Step 5. Inspection & Verification: After submitting your application, FSSAI officials will conduct a physical inspection of your premises. They check for hygiene standards, food safety protocols, and compliance with FSSAI guidelines. Any issues found during the inspection must be corrected before approval.

Step 6. License Issuance: If everything is in order, the FSSAI central license will be issued within 30-60 days. The license is valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on your selected validity period. You must display the FSSAI license number on product labels and business premises.

License Type	Fees (Per Year)
Manufacturing License	₹7,500
Import & Export License	₹7,500
Storage License	₹7,500
Transporter License	₹7,500

Note: Additional processing fees may apply for document verification and inspection.

• The period of validity for an FSSAI central license ranges between 1 to 5 years according to the application.
• Every business needs to renew its license at least 30 days before expiration to prevent penalty charges.
• Not renewing on time can cause suspension or cancellation of the license.

Obtaining an FSSAI central license makes the business subject to strict guidelines. Violation of regulations can result in penalties or cancellation by the authorization authority. These are the important requirements for FSSAI central license compliance:

Ensure Proper Food Labeling

• Every food package must display the FSSAI license number, ensuring customers can verify its authenticity.
• Labels should clearly list all ingredients, nutritional information, manufacturing date, expiry date, and storage instructions
• Misleading labels or missing information can result in fines and legal action

Maintain Hygiene Standards

• Food businesses need to implement Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) which correspond to the specifications provided by FSSAI
• Food management requires staff to use clean uniforms together with gloves and hairnets in combination with food preparation in sanitary environments
• The establishment needs both appropriate waste disposal systems and pest control measures to stop contamination

Submit Annual Compliance Reports

• Every business must submit their production through annual returns to the FSSAI for reporting their sales and inventory records
• Large food manufacturers and importers should submit quarterly reports for particular food categories to relevant authorities
• Online submission of reports is mandatory before deadlines to prevent penalties and license termination.

Agile Regulatory makes the FSSAI central license application easier through the following features:

• We provide expert consultation for businesses
• Our team handle document verification & submission
• We ensure compliance with FSSAI regulations
• Our experts make license modification and renewal procedures easy.

For businesses seeking hassle-free FSSAI central license registration, Agile Regulatory provides end-to-end support, ensuring smooth compliance with food safety laws.