FSSAI Central License in India
FSSAI Central License is the highest tier of food safety authorization, issued by the central FSSAI office in Delhi, mandatory for food businesses with annual turnover above ₹50 crore — large manufacturers, importers, exporters, and businesses supplying to government institutions or large-scale distribution networks. It requires the most extensive documentation of the three FSSAI tiers, including a detailed food safety management plan and typically a mandatory premises inspection. Filed via Form B on the FoSCoS portal.
What Is FSSAI Central License?
FSSAI Central License is required once a food business crosses ₹50 crore in annual turnover, and is issued directly by the central FSSAI office in Delhi rather than a state authority — reflecting the scale and often multi-state or international reach of businesses at this tier. Beyond the turnover threshold, certain categories of business require a Central License regardless of turnover, most notably businesses involved in the import or export of food products, and those operating in large government institutions, airports, seaports, or 5-star hotel categories.
Because Central License applicants are typically large manufacturers, importers/exporters, or multi-state operators, the documentation and scrutiny involved is the most extensive of the three FSSAI tiers — a comprehensive food safety management plan, detailed premises and process documentation, and in most cases, a mandatory inspection before approval.
Who Needs an FSSAI Central License
Documents & Eligibility Required
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Confirm eligibility — turnover above ₹50 crore, or import/export activity regardless of turnover.
- 2Ensure IEC (Import Export Code) is in place, if applicable to your business.
- 3Fill Form B with business, premises, and product details, submitted to the Central FSSAI office.
- 4Prepare a comprehensive food safety management plan and detailed premises documentation.
- 5Upload supporting documents, including IEC where applicable.
- 6Undergo inspection — typically mandatory at this tier.
- 7Receive FSSAI Central License Certificate, valid for 1–5 years.
FSSAI Central License vs Basic vs State
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, businesses involved in import or export of food products require a Central License regardless of turnover — this is one of the key exceptions to the standard turnover-based threshold structure.
Yes, if your business involves importing or exporting food products, a valid Import Export Code (IEC) is required as part of your Central License application and ongoing customs clearance process.
Generally, a business operates under one primary FSSAI authorization matching its overall category and turnover — however, businesses with operations spanning multiple categories (e.g., domestic distribution plus exports) should get a professional assessment of which license structure correctly covers all their activities.
Operating without the correct FSSAI authorization when required — particularly for large-scale or import/export businesses — carries significant penalty risk, product seizure, and potential disruption to customs clearance for import/export shipments specifically. ---
Ready to get your FSSAI Central License?
Form B filing, IEC coordination & inspection support in one package.
⭐ 4.9/5 rated • Bengaluru-based CA/CS team
Reviewed by our compliance team
CA/CS Panel, Seedan Group
This guide is reviewed by practicing Chartered Accountants and Company Secretaries at Seedan Group with hands-on experience in Indian business registration and compliance. Content is for general guidance and updated as regulations change.
Related Services
Other services our clients often pair with this one.
Digital Signature (DSC)
A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a government-recognized electronic equivalent of a physical signature, used to sign documents and filings digitally o
Learn moreDrug License
A Drug License is a mandatory authorization issued under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, required by any business involved in the manufacture, sale, storag
Learn moreESI Registration
ESI (Employees' State Insurance) Registration is mandatory under the ESI Act, 1948, for establishments employing 10 or more employees (in most states) whose m
Learn moreFSSAI Basic Registration
FSSAI Basic Registration is the entry-level food safety authorization under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, mandatory for food businesses wi
Learn more