Who is eligible for FSSAI Central license?

Large Food Business Operators (FBOs) whose annual turnover is above the prescribed limit, i.e., more than 50 crores, are eligible for FSSAI central licence. It includes importer/exporters, e-commerce food operators, large manufacturers, 5-star hotels, and businesses with their operations across multiple states.

How much does a FSSAI certificate cost?

The fees for the government certification are based on the type of FSSAI authorisation. In case of a Central Licence, the government fee is INR 7,500 per year, and the modification fee is INR 1,000. The total cost will depend on whether or not you sign up a consultant to document and support your application or not. Professional charges cost extra.

How to convert FSSAI registration to central license?

Businesses can apply for an upgrade on the FoSCoS portal if they need to upgrade their registration due to growth, or if their business becomes eligible for a Central Licence. You need to submit all necessary documents, update the information of the business, and fill out an application for FSSAI Central Registration for the relevant type of license.

Can I have both a central and state FSSAI license at the same time?

Yes. In some instances, enterprises having two or more units will need to obtain both a FSSAI State and Central License. Each unit is subject to an applicable licence, based on their place of operations, turnover and type of operations.

How to change FSSAI licence state to central?

An upgrade can be made from a State Licence to a Central Licence by either applying for a new licence or requesting an upgrade via the FoSCoS portal. The licensing authority will check your eligibility, your business information, and documents before they approve it.

How long will it take to get a FSSAI Central license?

Typically, an FSSAI Central License Online application takes 30 - 60 working days, which may be longer based on the document verification, scrutiny of applications, and inspections (if applicable) and processing time of the relevant authority.

Is GST mandatory for central FSSAI license?

Getting an FSSAI Central Licence will not require the registration of GST for every instance. If, however, your business is obliged by the provisions of the tax laws to register for GST, you should include the necessary details for GST when you apply for the licence.

How can I renew my FSSAI central license after it expires?

Apply for FSSAI Central License renewal can be done online through FoSCoS Portal before the expiry date of the licence. If the term of renewal is already passed, a further late fee may be charged. If the delay is longer than the allowed delay, then you will need to re-apply.

What is the penalty for late renewal of state FSSAI central licence?

Failure to renew the FSSAI Central Licence before its expiration date might result in payment of a late fee in accordance with FSSAI Rules. The licence could expire if not renewed within the allowed time period, which could mean that you have to submit a new application for a licence before you can resume your food business.

Apply FSSAI Central License Online | Fees, Eligibility, Documents & Renewal

FSSAI Central Licence

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, commonly known as FSSAI, is the governing body that regulates food businesses across India. They make sure that businesses practice safe and hygienic ways to ensure consumer safety. If your business has a high turnover and you operate across multiple states, you must obtain an FSSAI Central License or Central Food Licence to operate legally.

Eligibility for FSSAI Central Licence

You must meet the following eligibility criteria to get yourself registered for the FSSAI Central Licence:

High Turnover Businesses

It is mandatory to get the FSSAI Central Licence if you have a food business with turnover exceeding INR 50 crores.

Importers & Exporters

If you are an importer or exporter of food products, you require an FSSAI Central License for Import or a Central FSSAI License for Export.

E-commerce Food Businesses

If you sell your food produce online on e-commerce websites such as Amazon, Zomato, Swiggy, Toing, Uber Eats, and more, you need to register your food business.

Multi-State Businesses

If your food business operates in multiple states, you should obtain the appropriate FSSAI State and Central License based on your operations and eligibility.

Large Manufacturers & Hotels

Large manufacturers and 5-star hotels also require the government food licence.

Procedures for ObtainingFSSAI Central Licence

Simple Steps to
Legal Food Business

Apply through FoSCoS Portal

Fill FORM-B

Upload required documents

Payment of government fees

Application scrutiny by department

Inspection of premises (if required)

Download licence certificate after approval

Apply through FoSCoS Portal

Fill FORM-B

Upload required documents

Payment of government fees

Application scrutiny by department

Inspection of premises (if required)

Download licence certificate after approval

You can apply for FSSAI Central License through the FoSCoS Central License portal by completing the FSSAI Central License Apply Online process. The Central FSSAI License Online and Central Food License Online Application system simplifies the application process for eligible businesses.

Advantages of Central Licence

There are multiple advantages of getting your central food license done; some of these are:

Increases Business Credibility

Registering improves your brand reputation and increases customer confidence in your brand.

Regulatory Compliance

It provides proof that your food business complies with FSSAI regulations and people can trust you.

Online Marketplace Listing

This is a mandatory requirement if you are selling food products on e-commerce platforms.

Consumer Trust

Obtaining a central food licence demonstrates your commitment to food safety and hygiene standards.

Therefore, a valid FSSAI Central License Registration helps your business expand your operations and build greater credibility in the market.

Documents Required For Central Licence

The Documents Required for FSSAI Central License may vary depending on the type and scale of the food business. Proper documentation ensures faster Central FSSAI License Registration.

Form-B duly signed

Blueprint/layout of processing unit

Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan

List of Directors / Partners

Authority letter with responsible person details

Machinery and equipment details

Required
Documents

Form-B duly signed

Blueprint/layout of processing unit

Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan

List of Directors / Partners

Authority letter with responsible person details

Machinery and equipment details

The Importance Of FSSAI Central Licence

Operating at a vast level and regulating all the food sectors across the country, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) ensures that food businesses maintain proper safety standards. Many food entrepreneurs often wonder why this licence is necessary and why the government requires food businesses to obtain it before operating. Obtaining an FSSAI Central Licence demonstrates that your business complies with national food safety regulations.

The authority has been created to monitor and regulate Food Business Operators (FBOs). Food safety is extremely important because consumers eat and drink from restaurants, cafes, hotels, and other establishments without knowing the exact quality of ingredients used or the environment in which the food was prepared. A Central FSSAI Licence ensures that food is prepared and served following strict safety standards.

Food Safety and Hygiene

FSSAI-certified food business operators strictly follow cleanliness, preparation, cooking, packaging, and serving standards.

Government-Approved Products

Only government-approved ingredients of proper quality are used for preparing food products.

No Harmful Chemicals

FSSAI ensures that harmful substances such as artificial colours, toxins, or drugs are not used in food.

Accuracy in Food Labelling

As a food business, you must clearly display all the ingredients, manufacturing, and expiry dates, and other information with full transparency.

FSSAI Central Licence Fee Structure

Fee Information

The fssai license central licence fee requires INR 7500 for all types of applications (new applications, renewals, etc.), and INR 1000 for modifications of the application. Consultants and/or agencies may charge a fee for helping to complete the application process, depending on the complexity of the case and necessary level of support. Central FSSAI License Fees, Central FSSAI License Cost and FSSAI License Fee for Central can differ due to consultancy fees. Businesses applying for exports should also check the applicable FSSAI Central License for Export Fees.

Penalties Without an FSSAI Licence

Operating Without Licence

Operating a food business without an FSSAI licence can attract a penalty of up to INR 5 lakhs and imprisonment of up to 6 months.

False Information

Providing false or misleading information during the application process can lead to cancellation of the licence.

Non-Compliance

In case of non-compliance, you will be fined with penalty charges of up to INR 10 lakhs if you are found guilty of not maintaining food safety and hygiene standards.

Repeated Violations

If non-compliance still persists, your food license can be suspended or even get permanently cancelled.

Timeline for FSSAI Central Licence

Central Licence Registration

Typically, it takes 30-60 working days for the FSSAI Central License Online application to be processed, which includes document verification, inspection requirements, as well as processing time by the authority.

FSSAI Central Licence Renewal

The Central FSSAI registration is not a one-time registration; rather, it is to be registered centrally with FSSAI every 1 to 5 years. All Food Business Operators (FBOs) have to re-register before the expiry date to continue operating legally. The timely FSSAI Central License Renewal ensures that the business can continue without any hindrances and avoids penalties. Businesses should also consider the applicable Central FSSAI License Renewal Fees before applying for the Renewal of FSSAI Central License.

Renewal Timeline

Submit your renewal application at least 180 days before your registration expires.

If more than 180 days pass after expiry, a fresh FSSAI application must be submitted.

Renewal Process: How to Renew?

The renewal process for your FSSAI Central License is as follows:

First, you need to log in to the FoSCoS portal using your details.

Search and click on the renewal section.

Update and verify your business details.

Upload any newly required documents.

Pay the applicable renewal fee.

Submit the application for processing.

Documents for Renewal

The documents required for fssai central license are as follows:

Your last FSSAI registration certificate

Self-declaration which confirms continued compliance

Annual returns report of the previous year

Updated business information

Proof of payment for the renewal fee

Post-Renewal Actions

You need to do the following things after you get your renewed FSSAI Central License:

Put up the updated FSSAI Registration certificate on your business premises.

Inform your co-partners regarding the renewed license, and keep them updated.

Update all the packages with the new validity dates.

Return Filing

Annual return must be filed before 31st May every year.
Separate return is required for each licence category.
Penalty of INR 100 per day for delayed filing.

FSSAI Central Registration Guidance

Connected Services

FSSAI Basic Registration FSSAI State Licence

Online FSSAI Central Licence Registration for Food Businesses