FSSAI Central License Registration - Procedure, Documents and Fees
To grow your food company in multiple states or internationally, you need compliance with food regulations. Having an FSSAI Central License is the first step in allowing your business to function on a larger scale while ensuring quality, safety and legal compliance in all locations. It applies to manufacturers, importers and exporters, as well as multi-site businesses. Obtaining a valid FSSAI Central License registration allows businesses to operate seamlessly across India.
For businesses with an annual turnover greater than ₹50 crore or those engaged in importing or exporting food products. FSSAI Central License online is mandatory and are isssued by the central licensing agency and ensure that food products are manufactured in accordance with established standards of safety and hygiene.
In addition to complying legally, an FSSAI Central License significantly enhances the credibility of your brand and develops consumer confidence in a highly competitive environment. Applications for the FSSAI Central License can now be submitted through FoSCoS allowing companies to obtain timely approvals and concentrate on expanding their business without regulatory obstacles. With expert support from Professional Utilities, businesses can make the application process easy, minimize errors and ensure timely approvals.
FSSAI Central Food License [Sample]
How to Get FSSAI Central License?
FoSCoS website is used to apply for FSSAI Central licence. Each of the steps listed here can help you get your food business registered as quickly as possible, minimising delays in receiving your approval.
- Check Eligibility: Go to the FSSAI website to confirm eligibility (in other words, whether your business is eligible for a Central licence; this might be the case if your turnover exceeds ₹50 crore, if you plan on importing and exporting food products.
- Access FoSCoS: You may access the FoSCoS web page through the official FSSAI website. The web page is referred to as FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System).
- Complete Form B: On the FoSCoS webpage select "apply for new licence / registration" and fill out all of the information requested on Form B about your business.
- Upload Required Documents: New food businesses must present the following documents when completing the application process on FoSCoS: FSMS plan; blueprint or layout of the processing facility; and the Import/Export Code (IEC) of any food item imported (if applicable) as required by the FSSAI.
- Pay Licence Fees: Based on the term of the licence being requested (usually, 1-5 years) you will need to pay the applicable licence fee (₹7,500 annually depending on license duration).
- Application Inspection: Once FSSAI has processed your application and has determined that your application complies with the law, FSSAI will inspect your business establishment.
- Obtain Your Central Licence: If your application is approved, you will receive your Central Licence through the FSSAI.
Documents Required for FSSAI Central License
Given below is the list of documents required to verify business compliance, safety standards and eligibility for an FSSAI Central License.
- Form B (duly filled and signed application form)
- Photo ID & Address Proof of applicant
- Business Registration Proof (GST, COI, Partnership Deed)
- Proof of Business Premises (rent agreement, utility bill, NOC)
- Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Plan
- List of Food Products / Categories
- Details of Raw Material Sources
- Layout Plan of Unit (for manufacturers)
- Equipment & Machinery Details (if applicable)
- List of Directors/Partners with details (for companies)
- Import Export Code (IEC) (for import/export businesses)
- Water Testing Report (for manufacturing units)
- Authority Letter (Authorized Signatory)
FSSAI Central License Fee
The FSSAI Central License cost is ₹7,500 (Government Fee) per annum for most Food Business Operators. This license is needed by businesses with high turnover (>₹50 crore), importers, or those who operate in multiple states. The fee has to be paid through the FoSCoS portal.
| Category | Professional Fees (INR) | Government Fees (INR) | Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-Commerce | ₹12,000 | ₹7,500 | ₹19,500 |
| Exporter / Importer | ₹13,000 | ₹7,500 | ₹20,500 |
| Food/Health Supplements & Nutraceuticals (Re-labeller) | ₹14,000 | ₹7,500 | ₹21,500 |
Note: The aforementioned fees are exclusive of GST.
What is FSSAI Central License
If you have a food business that exceeds the annual gross turnover of ₹50 crore, you must obtain an FSSAI Central License. Additionally, if you are importing or exporting food products or doing business in more than one state, then you will also need to apply for and obtain an FSSAI Central License from the central government to operate in accordance with India's food safety regulations.
Documents For FSSAI Central License Renewal
All food business companies in India must follow these guidelines for safe food production. Here are the documents given for the renewal of the FSSAI central license:
- NOC from Municipality or Local Body (optional).
- Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU.
- NOC issued by FSSAI.
- Import Export Code issued by DGFT.
- Nomination of Person(s) by a Company(Form IX).
- Certification by the Ministry of Tourism.
- Detailed proof of income in writing.
- Self-declaration of the number of vehicles.
- FSSAI Declaration Form.
- NOC & Copy of License from the manufacturer (Mandatory for Relabellers and Repackers).
- Food Safety Management System Plan or Certificate (if any).
Who Needs FSSAI State License?
RESTAURANT
CLUB
DHABA
DISTRIBUTOR
FOOD PROCESSOR
CANTEEN
WHOLESALER
STORAGE
SUPPLIER
TRANSPORTER
RETAILER
MANUFACTURER
HAWKERS
MARKETER
OTHERS
FSSAI Central License Eligibility Criteria
FSSAI Central License in is a prerequisite for all large-scale food businesses according to the revised Eligibility Criteria.
- Turnover: An annual turnover of more than ₹50 crores.
- Manufacturing or Processing Units: Capacity for manufacturing or processing more than 2 metric tonnes of food items on a daily basis (except for milk and meat products).
- Import/Export Businesses: All import and export-related food businesses must obtain a Central License.
- Dairy Units: The business must have a capacity to handle more than 50,000 litres of milk on a daily basis or 2,500 metric tonnes of milk solids annually.
- Meat Processing Units: Processing more than 500 kg of meat per day or 150 metric tonnes of meat per year.
- Storage Units: Cold storage or warehouse capacity above 50,000 metric tonnes.
- Multi-State Operations: Businesses operating in multiple states or having a Head Office or branches in India.
- E-commerce Food Businesses: For online food businesses such as aggregators and marketplace operators.
Importance of FSSAI Central License
It is mandatory by the FSSAI department for all large food business operators to obtain a Central FSSAI license to run their business legally in India. There are various reasons for FSSAI obtaining Central License which are as follows:
- FSSAI monitors the food license of FBOs on a random basis and takes strict actions over those businesses whose licenses have expired or food businesses that don’t have an FSSAI license.
- There is a huge level of consumer trust in the safety and quality of food so it has been more mandatory to continue that trust of the public. So licensing is an important factor, to keep that trust.
- To maintain the trust of consumers, FBOs must print a 14-digit FSSAI License number on their food packages.
- Central License promotes trade without compromising consumer protection and a larger share.
- Central FSSAI License assures that the food products undergo quality checks by reducing the food adulteration and sale of sub-standard products.
How is Central License different from Basic Registration and State License?
FSSAI lays down science-based standards for the food products and it also improves their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import to assure the availability of safe food to 130 crore citizens of the country. As per the FSSAI Licencing system, there are 3 types of FSSAI License Registration i.e. are Basic FSSAI Registration, State and Central FSSAI License. Even after knowing this there is a common confusion among all the FBO’s which License is perfect for our food business?
To simplify your understanding. Look over the table mentioned below.
| FSSAI Basic Registration | FSSAI State License | FSSAI Central License |
|---|---|---|
|
FSSAI Basic Registration is required for all the Food Business Operators who are small-sized businesses. |
FSSAI State License is required for all the Food Business Operators who are medium-sized businesses. |
FSSAI Central License is required for all the Food Business Operators who are large-sized businesses. |
|
The Basic Registration is for business having an annual turnover of up to ₹12 Lakhs. |
The State Food License is for business having an annual turnover between ₹12 Lakhs to ₹20 Crores. |
The Central Food License is for business having an annual turnover of more than ₹20 Crores. |
|
The main documentation in to be signed and complete is FORM-A |
Completion of FORM-B along with signatures. |
FORM-B must be complete with a signature. |
Validity & Renewal of FSSAI Central License
FSSAI's Central License is for a limited period, and renewal is mandatory for the continuous running of business operations.
- Validity : The license is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years which is selected by the applicant at the time of registration.
- Renewal :
- The renewal must be done at least 30 days prior to the date of expiry.
- Late fees of ₹100 per day will be applicable after the expiry date.
- The renewal is done online via the FoSCoS portal.
Get FSSAI Central License with Professional Utilities
FSSAI Central License for food businesses is a must-have to ensure that businesses are functioning within the legal guidelines. Not only does it ensure that food businesses are maintaining a high level of food safety and hygiene, but it also adds a great deal of credibility to the business.
With Professional Utilities, it has become easier for businesses to apply for FSSAI Central License online with expert guidance, correct documentation, and faster approvals to ensure that all FSSAI norms are met.
FAQ’s on FSSAI Central License
What is FSSAI Central License?
FSSAI Central License is required for large food businesses, import/export units and multi-state operators to ensure food safety compliance.
How to apply for FSSAI Central License?
You can apply online through the FoSCoS portal by submitting Form B, required documents and fees.
Who is eligible for a FSSAI Central License?
Businesses with turnover above ₹50 crore, multi-state operations, or import/export activities are eligible.
Can we convert a State FSSAI License to a Central License?
Yes, you can upgrade your license by applying for modification through the FoSCoS portal.
How much money is required for a FSSAI Central License?
The fee is ₹7,500 per year depending on validity.
How to check if a FSSAI license is State or Central?
Check the first digit of the 14-digit license number or verify on the FoSCoS portal.
