Ensure Food Safety & Trust with FSSAI Central License
FSSAI Central Licensing Essentials: What Every Food Business Must Understand
Starting a food business on a large scale can feel exciting, but also a little confusing – especially when it comes to legal approvals. Before you begin making, storing, importing, or exporting food, the government wants to make sure everything you do is safe and properly checked.
This is where the FSSAI Central License comes in.
It is the main license required for big food businesses in India. Whether you have a large factory, supply food across many states, or deal with import and export, this license acts like a green signal that your business is following all safety rules.
Think of it as a simple promise you make to your customers:
“Our food is safe, clean, and handled with care.”
So, in this guide, we will tell you everything about the Central License in the simplest way – who needs it, why it is important, what documents you must prepare, and how to apply step by step. This will help you understand the whole process easily and without any confusion.
What is an FSSAI Central License?
The FSSAI Central License is the highest-level food license issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is meant for large-scale food businesses or businesses involved in high-risk activities such as exporting and importing food.
While Basic Registration and State License cater to small and medium businesses, the Central License is meant for:
- Large manufacturers
- High-capacity processing units
- Big warehouses
- National food chains
- Import and export companies
- E-commerce food platforms
- Businesses supplying food to Railways, Airports, or Government departments
In simple words, the Central License gives you the authority to run a large or multi-state food business while meeting strict national safety standards. Without this license, you cannot legally operate on a big scale.
Who Needs an FSSAI Central License?
Not every food business needs a Central License. It is mainly for big-scale operations or companies that work across many states or deal with import and export. Here are the types of businesses that must apply for it:
➡️ Large Food Manufacturers
If you run a big manufacturing unit that produces packaged foods, drinks, dairy products, or other large-volume food items, you need the Central License.
➡️ Food Importers and Exporters
Any business that imports food into India or exports food to other countries must have the Central License. It is required for customs clearance.
➡️ E-commerce Food Platforms
Online food marketplaces like Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon Pantry, BigBasket, etc., must register under the Central License because they operate countrywide.
➡️ Large Food Storage Units
Big cold storages, warehouses, or storage units that handle food products for interstate or international supply must also get the Central License.
➡️ Caterers Serving Government Departments
If your catering business supplies food to airlines, railways, airports, or defence organizations, you must have the Central License.
Benefits of Getting an FSSAI Central License
Many people believe that the Central License is only a legal requirement. But it gives your business several genuine advantages that help you grow faster and build trust.
1. Builds Strong Customer Trust
Displaying your FSSAI license number sends a strong message to customers that your business follows proper hygiene and safety standards.
2. Helps You Launch Your Brand Nationally
Retail chains, supermarkets, distributors, and marketplaces often require an FSSAI Central License before they onboard a brand.
3. Essential for Import and Export
- Without a Central License:
- Customs will not clear goods
- Export documents may be rejected
4. Helps You Supply to Big Companies and Govt Departments
Many large organisations will only work with FSSAI-licensed businesses.
5. Protects You from Legal Trouble
With a valid license, your business avoids:
- Penalties
- Closure notices
- Inspections issues
- Product seizure
6. Improves Brand Reputation
Consumers trust food businesses that follow compliance, especially large or national-level brands.
Documents Required for FSSAI Central License
To apply for an FSSAI Central License, you need to upload certain documents on the FoSCoS portal. These documents help FSSAI verify your business details, ownership, food activities, and safety standards.
Below is a very simple and easy-to-understand list of all the documents you need.
👉 Business premises proof (Rental agreement / Ownership proof)
👉 ID proof of owner / authorized person
👉 Business registration documents (as applicable)
👉 MOA & AOA / Partnership Deed (if applicable)
👉 Import Export Code (IEC) – for import/export businesses
👉 Authority letter on company letterhead
👉 List of food categories (for manufacturers)
👉 Manufacturing unit documents (if applicable):
👉 Unit photographs
👉 Plant layout & product details
👉 Machinery list on company letterhead
👉 Water test report (for water-based industries)
Step-by-Step Application Process (FSSAI Central License)
Create FoSCoS Account – Register on the FSSAI portal to start your license application.
Fill Form B – Enter business, turnover, and food activity details.
Upload Documents – Submit all required documents as per your business type.
Pay License Fee – Pay the government fee online based on license category.
Inspection & Verification – FSSAI may inspect your premises for hygiene and safety.
License Issued – After approval, the Central License is granted.
Processing Time: 30–60 days
Validity: 1 to 5 yearsFees for FSSAI Central License
- Fees for FSSAI Central License
➡️ Manufacturing License – ₹7,500 per year (for food production units)
➡️ Import License – ₹7,500 per year (for importing food products)
➡️ Export License – ₹7,500 per year (for exporting food products)
➡️ Storage License – ₹7,500 per year (for warehousing food items)
➡️ Transporter License – ₹7,500 per year (for food transportation businesses)
Validity of FSSAI Central License
- An FSSAI Central License is valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on what you choose while applying.
- You must renew it at least 30 days before it expires to avoid extra fees or penalties.
- If you don’t renew on time, your license can be suspended or cancelled.
Penalties for Not Having a Central License
Operating without a Central License is a major violation of FSSAI law. Penalties can be severe:
Penalties include:
- Fines up to ₹10,00,000
- Suspension of operations
- Seizure of stock
- Legal action
- Cancellation of license
FSSAI does not tolerate non-compliance among large food businesses, which is why having a Central License is extremely important.
Conclusion
Getting an FSSAI Central License may seem complicated, but it becomes easy when you understand each step clearly. This license is essential for large-scale food businesses, importers, exporters, manufacturers, and companies operating in multiple states. It not only makes your business legally compliant but also helps build trust with customers, suppliers, and government authorities.
By preparing the required documents, choosing the correct food categories, and submitting the application properly on the FoSCoS portal, you can complete the process smoothly. Always remember to renew your license on time to avoid penalties or suspension.
With the right guidance and accurate information, securing an FSSAI Central License becomes a simple and manageable task for any growing food business.
Frequently Asked Question
It usually takes 20-45 days, depending on document accuracy and whether inspection is required.
Yes, especially for manufacturers or large processing units.
No. You need separate licenses for each unit, but a Central License is required for the head office.
Yes, you can update capacity, product list, or address through the FoSCoS portal.
No. Small businesses should apply for Basic or State License based on turnover.
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ELT Corporate is a technology-based platform offering multiple services across India. We aim to deliver exceptional services to our clients& resolving their all business related issues in following ways.
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