License ยท Business License
FSSAI Central License
Central FSSAI licensing for importers and pan-India food operations.
What is FSSAI Central License?
The FSSAI Central Licence specifically applies to food businesses involved in import/export, operating in more than one state, or running large-scale manufacturing/storage above the highest turnover slab โ issued directly by FSSAI's central authority rather than a state office.
Central Licensing exists to give FSSAI direct regulatory oversight over food businesses whose scale or cross-border nature makes state-level oversight impractical โ ensuring importers, exporters, and pan-India operators are held to a single consistent standard rather than navigating inconsistent state-level interpretations.
Central Licensing is often confused with 'FSSAI License' generally, but the distinguishing factor isn't only turnover โ certain categories (importers, 100% export-oriented units, large dairy/meat/fish processors, multi-state e-commerce food operators, and food businesses operating in Central Government agencies/airports/seaports) are routed to Central Licensing by category regardless of turnover size. This makes an accurate category check as important as a turnover check when deciding whether Central Licensing applies to your business.
Who Needs It
Types & Categories
Manufacturer/Processor (Central)
For large-scale food manufacturing and processing operations above the Central threshold.
Importer/Exporter
For businesses importing or exporting food products, routed to Central regardless of turnover.
Multi-State Operator
For food businesses with storage, distribution, or sales operations spanning more than one state.
Key Benefits
Documents Required
- Import Export Code (IEC), for import/export businesses
- Business incorporation and multi-state operation details
- Food safety management plan
- List of directors/partners with identity proof
- Details of all operational units/warehouses covered under the central licence
Our Process
Eligibility Confirmation
We confirm your operations meet the Central licence threshold (turnover, import/export, or multi-state activity).
Documentation Compilation
We compile the food safety management plan and unit-level details required for a Central filing.
Application Filing
The Central FSSAI licence application is filed with supporting documents.
Query Resolution
We respond to any clarification requests raised during scrutiny of the application.
Grant
On review and approval, the Central Licence is issued, typically valid for one to five years.
Validity & Renewal
Licences applied for before April 1, 2026 are valid for the period chosen at application (1 to 5 years), with renewal due at least 30 days before expiry. Under the 2026 amendment regulations, licences applied for from that date onward are perpetually valid โ subsisting until suspended, cancelled, or surrendered โ subject to keeping annual fee payments current.
Penalty for Non-Compliance
Operating without a valid Central Licence where one is required is punishable under Section 63 of the FSS Act. Since the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, this carries a civil penalty of up to โน10 lakh (replacing the earlier imprisonment-plus-fine framework), with a further penalty of up to โน1 lakh per day for a continuing/subsequent offence under Section 64.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need state licences if I hold a Central licence?
Generally, a Central licence covers your registered central office/warehouse; individual state-level units may still need their own state licence depending on operational structure.
Is Central Licensing only about turnover?
No โ certain categories such as import/export, 100% export-oriented units, and food operations at airports/seaports are routed to Central Licensing regardless of turnover.
How is this different from the general FSSAI License topic?
They describe the same Central Licence route โ this entry focuses specifically on import/export and pan-India operational scenarios where Central Licensing applies by category rather than turnover alone.
Can I add new states to an existing Central licence?
Yes โ expanding operations to additional states typically requires updating your licence details to reflect the new units/locations rather than filing an entirely fresh application.
What is the exact government fee for a Central Licence?
โน7,500 per year of chosen validity โ so a 1-year licence costs โน7,500 and a 5-year licence costs โน37,500 in government fees, before any professional/consultancy charges.
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