FSSAI Central License

FSSAI Central Licence for food businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore, importers, and exporters

Validity: 1–5 years

What is FSSAI Central License?

Businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore, food importers and exporters, businesses operating across multiple states, and certain high-risk categories require a FSSAI Central License from the Central Licensing Authority. We handle the complete application process.

A FSSAI Central License is issued by the central Food Safety Commissioner for: food businesses with annual turnover above ₹20 crore; importers and exporters of food; businesses operating in more than one state; dairy processing units above 50,000 litres per day or equivalent; slaughterhouses; and 5-star or above hotels and airport caterers. The Central License covers all premises of the business under a single registration, simplifying compliance. The application is filed on FoSCoS and may require a more detailed inspection process than a State License. FSSAI's Central License is also required for obtaining IEC-linked food export authorisations and for food products regulated by the FSSAI's product-approval or novel-food processes.

Who Needs FSSAI Central License?

Food companies with turnover above ₹20 crore, food importers and exporters, large food processors and dairy operators, businesses with premises in multiple states, and hospitality groups above the 5-star category.

What's Included

Single Central Licence covering all business premises nationwide
Licence number printed on all product labels ensures retail and export compliance
Importer or exporter food-product authorisation enabled
Central Licensing Authority inspection support
Multi-state operations covered under one filing

⚠️ Penalty for Non-Compliance

Operating above the Central License threshold without the required licence is a serious FSS Act violation attracting fines and potential licence cancellation. Central License is also required for export authorisation for many food categories.

Gamma — AI deck and presentation creator for startups

How It Works

1
Document compilation
All Central License required documents compiled, including the detailed food-safety management plan for manufacturing units.
2
FoSCoS application
The Central License application is submitted with all attachments.
3
Inspection
A Food Safety Officer from the Central Authority inspects the manufacturing or processing premises.
4
Licence grant
On successful inspection, the Central Licence is issued.

Live workshop — Can My Startup Win Grants? 4 August, 10:30 AM. Register for ₹99

Documents Required

Items marked Required are mandatory; others are situational.

Business documents

Proof of turnover (financial statements or GST returns)Required
IEC code (for import/export)
Water testing report (manufacturing units)
FSMS/HACCP documentation

Premises

Layout of each premisesRequired
Proof of possession of each premisesRequired

Fees & Pricing

Fees

FSSAI Central Licence government fee

As per current FSSAI fee schedule on FoSCoS — higher than State Licence

Varies

Professional fee

Quoted after confirming the business categories and premises count

Varies

* Government fees may vary. GST applicable on professional fees. Final pricing confirmed after review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What categories require a FSSAI Central Licence regardless of turnover?

Importers and exporters of food products, businesses with premises in more than one state, dairy processing units above 50,000 litres/day equivalent, slaughterhouses, airport and seaport catering units, 5-star hotel food operations, and a few other specified high-risk categories.

Can a Central Licence cover multiple manufacturing plants?

Yes. The Central Licence application can cover multiple premises of the same legal entity. Each site is listed in the application and may be subject to separate inspections.

Is a HACCP certificate required?

HACCP certification is mandatory for certain categories (large dairy, meat processing, large manufacturing units). FSSAI's own Food Safety Management System documentation is required for most categories.

Can a food exporter use a State License?

No. Exporters must obtain a FSSAI Central License, which is cross-referenced by customs for food product export clearance.

How is the FSSAI number printed on labels?

The 14-digit FSSAI Licence Number must be printed on the packaging of all food products, along with the name and address of the FBO.

What is the annual return filing requirement?

All licensed food business operators must file an annual return online through FoSCoS by 31 May for the preceding financial year.