Office Address
88 Broklyn Golden, NY
Send Email
contact@example.com
Call Emergency
+88 036 656 99
IndianTaxPert — Simplifying Business Registration & Compliance in India | Company Incorporation • LLP Formation •
A FSSAI Central License is mandatory for large-scale Food Business Operators (FBOs) whose turnover exceeds ₹20 crore or those engaged in e-commerce, interstate trade, or export/import of food products. IndianTaxExpert simplifies the process of obtaining your central license through the FoSCoS online portal, ensuring your business remains fully compliant with food safety regulations.
The Central License is the highest category under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It applies to FBOs with large-scale operations, annual turnover above ₹20 crore, or businesses involved in export/import or e-commerce.
Who Needs an FSSAI Central License?
Certain large-scale food businesses and multi-state operators must obtain a Central License, regardless of turnover, to ensure compliance with national food safety standards.
General Rule
Large-scale FBOs and specific categories of businesses must hold a central license, irrespective of turnover.
Common FBOs Requiring Central License
- High-Turnover Operators: Annual turnover > ₹20 crore (transporters > ₹30 crore)
- E-Commerce Operators: All online marketplaces (Flipkart, Amazon) require central licenses
- Exporters/Importers & EOUs: Businesses involved in international trade or 100% export-oriented production
- Multi-State Operators: FBOs operating in multiple states need registration in each state + central license at head office
Other FBOs Requiring Central License
- Large-scale food processing units (excluding small dairy/grain units)
- Hotels rated 5 stars or above by Ministry of Tourism
- Dairy units handling >50,000 litres/day or 2,500 MT/year
- Slaughterhouses processing >50 large animals or 1,000 poultry/day
- Meat processing units handling >500 kg/day or 150 MT/year
- Units introducing novel/proprietary foods without established safety history
FSSAI Central License: Fees & Step-Wise Process
| License Type | Eligibility | Professional Fee | Government Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| FSSAI Registration | Turnover < ₹12 lakh | ₹2,999/- | Actual |
| FSSAI State License | Turnover ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore (retailers); ₹30 crore (wholesalers) | ₹8,499/- | Actual |
| FSSAI Central License | Turnover above state limits, involved in export/import or e-commerce | ₹11,999/- | Actual |
Step 1
Eligibility Check
IndianTaxExpert evaluates your business, turnover, and type of operations to determine if a central license is required.
Step 2
Documentation & Drafting
Experts provide a complete list of documents and prepare statutory forms for signature and submission.
Step 3
Online Application Filing
Form-B is filed on the FoSCoS portal with all documents uploaded. OTP verification is handled seamlessly.
Step 4
Payment of Government Fee
After submission, government fee is paid and a reference number is generated. Notifications are sent via SMS and email.
Step 5
Track Status
Applicants can monitor the application online. Approval is typically granted within 60 days, including inspections.
Step 6
Respond to Clarifications
Any queries or clarification requests must be answered within 30 days. IndianTaxExpert coordinates responses efficiently.
Step 7
Grant of License
Upon approval, the FSSAI Central License Certificate is issued. Must be displayed at the premises, with a 14-digit number and QR code.
Step-Wise Process to Obtain FSSAI State License
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Our experts at IndianTaxExpert evaluate your business operations, turnover, and type of food products to determine the appropriate licensing category.
Step 2: Documentation & Drafting
We provide a complete checklist of required documents and assist in preparing forms for signatures and verification.
Step 3: Online Application Filing
Applications are submitted via the FoSCoS portal, including all documents and business details. OTP verification is coordinated by our team.
Step 4: Government Fee Payment
After uploading documents, the required government fee is paid, and a reference number is generated to track the status of your application.
Step 5: Track Application Status
Applications are tracked online. The licensing authority usually grants the license within 15–30 days, depending on inspection requirements.
Step 6: Reply to Clarifications
If the authority requests clarifications or additional documents, our team ensures timely response within the prescribed period to avoid delays.
Step 7: License Approval
Once approved, the FSSAI State License Certificate is issued, including your FSSAI number, QR code, and details of your establishment. The certificate must be displayed at the business premises at all times.
Documents & Process for FSSAI Central License
Large-scale and multi-state food businesses require a Central License. Below is a detailed checklist of documents, process timeline, validity, and compliance requirements.
Non-Manufacturing FBOs
- Certificate of Incorporation
- MOA & AOA
- PAN Card
- List of Directors / Partners
- Board Resolution / Nomination Form
- List of Food Products
- Government-issued Photo ID of Directors/Proprietor
- Business Address Proof (Sale Deed, Rent Agreement, Electricity Bill <2 months old)
- Email & Mobile Number for OTP verification
Manufacturing FBOs (In addition to above)
- Blueprint/layout plan of production unit
- Machinery list with installed capacity
- Water testing report from accredited lab
- Recall plan for unsafe food
- Product-specific approvals (novel foods, proprietary foods, nutraceuticals)
Additional Requirements
- Hotels & Restaurants: Water analysis report
- Importers: IEC certificate & declaration for export standards
- Transporters: Vehicle registration list
- Repackers: NOC from manufacturers
Timeline & Validity
- Central license typically granted within 60 days (including inspections)
- Validity: 1–5 years, renewable up to 5 years
- Government fee: ₹7,500 per year
- Renewal: Submit application 30 days before expiry; license remains valid until decision
Compliance & Penalties
- Operating without a license: Up to ₹10 lakh fine & 6 months imprisonment
- Unsafe food causing injury: Imprisonment up to 6 years
- Directors/partners/managers may also face penalties
- Annual return filing for manufacturers/importers via FoSCoS by 31st May
- Delay in filing: Penalty of ₹100/day
- Petty FBOs with basic registration are exempted from annual returns
