What Is FSSAI Central License? Eligibility and Application

The FSSAI Central License is the highest food safety approval required for large food businesses such as importers, exporters, multi-state operators, and units with a turnover above ₹20 crore. This guide covers eligibility criteria, required documents, fees, validity, and the FoSCoS online application process. It explains key compliance steps like FSMS submission, water testing, and production details. It also highlights how NoBroker helps businesses by handling documentation, eligibility checks, filing, and coordination with authorities to ensure quick and hassle-free approval.

To keep food safe and protect public health, every food business in India must be registered or licensed by FSSAI. The FSSAI Central License is required for large food businesses, such as big manufacturers, importers, exporters, and companies operating across multiple states. Understanding what is FSSAI Central License helps major businesses stay legally compliant, build customer trust, and avoid penalties while operating smoothly nationwide.

What is the FSSAI Central license?

The FSSAI central license is the premier regulatory approval granted by the Central Licensing Authority for large-scale food businesses. [1]

• Definition: It is a mandatory license for FBOs whose operations exceed a certain turnover threshold (typically ₹20 crores annually) or whose nature of business falls under specific central categories.
• Issuing Authority: Unlike state licenses issued by local state governments, this license is directly issued and monitored by the central FSSAI body.
• Purpose: It ensures that large entities, including importers, exporters, and multi-state operators, adhere to stringent food safety standards, maintaining uniformity and quality across the national food supply chain.

Who Needs an FSSAI Central license?

The scale and scope of the food business determine the requirement for a central license. It is mandatory for the following categories: [1]

• FBOs with Turnover Above ₹20 Crore: Any food business, including manufacturers and processors, with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crores.
• Importers and Exporters: All businesses engaged in the import of food products into India or the export of food items to other countries.
• 100% Export-Oriented Units: Specialized units established exclusively for export purposes.
• Food Businesses Operating in Multiple States: Entities with branches, warehouses, or manufacturing units spread across more than one state (e.g., a restaurant chain or a logistics company).
• E-commerce Food Platforms: Large online food delivery aggregators and platforms facilitating the sale of food products.
• Large Manufacturers, Distributors, and Storage Units: Dairy units processing over 50,000 liters per day, slaughterhouses with large capacities, and large-scale cold storage facilities.
• Airports, Seaports, and Central Government Food Units: Food catering services operating within airports, seaports, and central government establishments like railways and defence units.

Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI Central License

To qualify for the FSSAI Central license registration, a business must meet specific operational thresholds set by the authority. [1]

• Turnover Requirement: The primary criterion is an annual financial turnover of more than ₹20 crores.
• Production/Processing Capacity Thresholds:
  • Dairy Units: More than 50,000 liters of liquid milk per day or 2500 MT of milk solids per annum.
  • Vegetable Oil Processing Units: More than 2 MT per day.
  • Slaughtering Units: More than 50 large animals, 150 small animals, or 1000 poultry birds per day.
  • Meat Processing Units: More than 500 kg of meat per day or 150 MT per annum.
• Geographical Operation Scope: Businesses with operations extending to two or more states must apply for a central license for their registered head office.
• Import/Export Mandates: Holding a valid Import-Export Code (IEC) is a prerequisite for importers and exporters applying for this license.

Documents Required for FSSAI Central License

A comprehensive set of documents must be submitted to the Central Licensing Authority to verify the business’s legitimacy and compliance capability. [1]

• Form-B (Signed): The completed and signed application form for the license.
• Layout Plan of Business Premises: A detailed blueprint showing the dimensions and allocation of space for manufacturing and processing areas.
• List of Machinery and Equipment: A comprehensive list of all equipment used, along with their installed capacity and horsepower.
• Water Quality Test Report: A report from a recognized laboratory confirming the potability of the water used in food processing.
• Proof of Premises Ownership/Lease: Rent agreement, electricity bill, or sale deed proving possession of the business premises.
• NOC from Municipality: A No Objection Certificate from the local municipal authority or Panchayat.
• Import-Export Code (IEC): Mandatory document issued by the DGFT for importers and exporters.
• List of Owners/Partners/Directors: Full details, including names, addresses, and contact information of all proprietors, partners, or directors.
• Food Safety Management Plan (FSMS): A detailed plan or certificate confirming the implementation of a food safety management system.
• Laboratory Testing Report (if applicable): For certain products like nutraceuticals, a chemical analysis report may be required.

FSSAI Central License Registration Process

The process to apply for the FSSAI Central license has been streamlined through the online FoSCoS portal, ensuring transparency and efficiency. [1]

• Step 1: Visit the FoSCoS Portal: Navigate to the official Food Safety Compliance System website (https://foscos.fssai.gov.in).
• Step 2: Select License Type: Choose the “Apply for New License/Registration” option and select “Central License” based on your business turnover and capacity eligibility.
• Step 3: Fill Business Details: Enter accurate details regarding the business name, registered office address, and nature of business operations.
• Step 4: Upload Documents: Upload clear, scanned copies of all mandatory documents, including the layout plan, water report, and FSMS plan.
• Step 5: Pay the Fee: Pay the applicable FSSAI Central license fees online using the integrated payment gateway (Net Banking/Card/UPI).
• Step 6: Submit and Track: After applying, you will receive a 17-digit reference number to track your application online.

FSSAI Central License Fees

The central food license fee is structured to reflect the scale and administrative oversight required for large businesses.

• Standard Fee: The annual fee for a Central License is typically ₹7,500.
• Payment: This fee must be paid for each year of validity chosen at the time of application (e.g., ₹37,500 for a 5-year license).
• Additional Fees: Separate fees may apply for modifications to the license or for any required laboratory testing of food samples during inspection.

Validity and Renewal of FSSAI Central License

Understanding the license lifecycle is critical to maintaining uninterrupted business operations.

• Validity Period: An FSSAI Central License is valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the duration selected by the FBO during the application.
• Renewal Mandate: The license must be renewed before it expires. The renewal application must be filed 30 days before the expiry date through the FoSCoS portal.
• Late Fees: Failure to renew on time attracts a penalty of ₹100 per day of delay. If the license is not renewed before expiry, it becomes invalid, and the business must apply for a fresh license to continue operations legally.

How NoBroker Helps You Apply for the FSSAI Central License

For large-scale enterprises, navigating the complex documentation and regulatory requirements of the FSSAI Central license can be daunting. NoBroker simplifies this critical compliance process by offering expert assistance. We guide businesses through the entire lifecycle—from eligibility assessment and document preparation to online filing and query resolution with the Central Licensing Authority. Our dedicated support ensures that your application is accurate, compliant, and processed swiftly, allowing you to focus on your business expansion while we handle the regulatory intricacies.

Frequently Asked Questions?