FSSAI central License Process | Documents| Fees
FSSAI Central License
An FSSAI Central Licence is required for operating a food business at the national or international level. It applies to large Food Business Operators (FBOs) whose operations span multiple states or countries, such as major restaurant chains, manufacturers, importers, and exporters. Typically, food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore fall under this category.
The Central Licence is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and is mandatory for large-scale operators. Obtaining an FSSAI licence is compulsory for every food business in India, as it ensures adherence to prescribed food safety and quality standards. Failure to obtain the appropriate licence can lead to heavy penalties and may be treated as a legal offence.
BizCatalyst Technologies is a trusted provider of FSSAI Central Licence registration services, offering fast, efficient, and cost-effective solutions to help food businesses remain fully compliant with regulatory requirements.
What is FSSAI Central License?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a government authority responsible for regulating and supervising food safety and hygiene across India. Every food business operator is required to obtain a 14-digit FSSAI licence number based on the nature of its operations and annual turnover. Food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore are required to obtain an FSSAI Central Licence. This licence is mandatory for entities engaged in the manufacturing, storage, distribution, transportation, or retailing of food products in India, ensuring compliance with prescribed food safety standards.
Document Required for FSSAI Central License
The complete list of documents required for obtaining an FSSAI Central Licence is provided below:
Passport-size photographs of the applicant
Identity proof and address proof of the applicant
PAN card of the applicant
Copy of property ownership documents (if the business premises are owned)
Copy of the rent agreement along with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord (if the premises are rented)
Details of raw material suppliers
Form B, duly completed and signed by the applicant
List of machinery and equipment installed at the manufacturing facility
NOC issued by the local municipality or other competent local authority
Details of food categories and proposed food products to be manufactured or handled
Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), if applicable
Form IX
Authorisation letter specifying the name and address of the responsible person
Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan
Submitting accurate and complete documentation helps ensure smooth processing and timely approval of the FSSAI Central Licence.
Process of FSSAI Central Registration
To obtain an FSSAI Central Licence, a Food Business Operator (FBO) must follow the steps outlined below:
Step 1: Fill Form B
The applicant must complete Form B in accordance with the eligibility criteria prescribed by FSSAI. All details provided in the form should be accurate, complete, and compliant with FSSAI guidelines.
Step 2: List the Food Products
Only generic names of food products should be mentioned, not brand names. All listed products must comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Step 3: Select Licence Validity
The applicant must choose the validity period of the licence, which can range from 1 year to 5 years, based on business requirements.
Step 4: Pay the Prescribed Fees
After completing the application, the prescribed licence fee must be paid either online or through a demand draft submitted to the FSSAI Central Office.
Step 5: Issuance of FSSAI Central Licence
Upon verification of the application and supporting documents, the FSSAI authority issues the FSSAI Central Licence, generally within 25 to 30 days, and sends it to the applicant by post.
Eligibility of FSSAI Central License
An FSSAI Central Licence is mandatory for food businesses that fall under any of the following categories:
Annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore
Food vending agencies operating more than 100 vending machines
Daily production capacity of food products exceeding 2 metric tonnes per day (excluding milk and meat products)
Milk procurement, handling, or collection of 50,000 litres per day or more, or over 2,500 MT of milk solids per annum
Hotels classified as 5-star or above
Vegetable oil processing units with a capacity exceeding 2 MT per day
Slaughtering units with a capacity of more than 50 large animals, 150 small animals, or 1,000 poultry birds per day
Departmental canteens with annual sales above ₹12 lakh, food importers, and food businesses operating under Central Government agencies
Meat processing units with a capacity of more than 500 kg per day or over 150 MT per annum
Businesses involved in proprietary foods, health supplements, nutraceuticals, non-specified foods, or radiation processing of food
Food businesses operating at airports
Any food business meeting one or more of the above criteria is required to obtain an FSSAI Central Licence to remain compliant with food safety and regulatory standards.
Validity and Renewal of FSSAI Central License
The FSSAI Central Licence is granted with a flexible validity period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the duration selected by the applicant based on business needs. To ensure uninterrupted operations, the licence must be renewed at least 30 days before its expiry.
If the licence is not renewed within the prescribed timeline, a fresh application can be submitted only after 180 days from the date of expiry. In cases where an FBO fails to obtain or renew the FSSAI Central Licence on time, a late fee of ₹100 per day is applicable, in addition to the standard FSSAI fees. Continued non-compliance may also lead to penalties under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
