FSSAI Central License

Overview

An FSSAI Central License is the registration issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to large food business operators (FBOs) under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It is granted directly by the Central Licensing Authority and is the highest category of FSSAI license, above basic Registration and the State License.

A Central License is mandatory for food businesses with an annual turnover above ₹20 crore, as well as for all importers and exporters of food products, large-scale manufacturers and processors, e-commerce food operators, and the head office of any business operating in more than one state.

The license is required because it is the legal authorisation to manufacture, store, distribute, sell, import or export food in India. It assures customers and regulators that the business meets prescribed food-safety and hygiene standards, and operating without it is a punishable offence under the Act.

Benefits

• Legal authorisation: Lawful permission to manufacture, store, distribute, sell, import or export food across India.
• Consumer trust: The FSSAI license number on packaging signals safety and quality, building credibility with customers.
• Pan-India and cross-border operations: Enables nationwide business and is mandatory for import and export of food articles.
• Business expansion: Required to onboard with large retailers, marketplaces, and e-commerce platforms that demand a valid Central License.
• Regulatory compliance: Helps avoid penalties, product seizure, and business closure under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
• Access to opportunities: Supports eligibility for tenders, institutional supply, exports, and certain government schemes.

Documents Required

Only PAN Card and Aadhaar Card are mandatory; the rest are optional.

• PAN Card
• Aadhaar Card
• Passport-size Photograph
• Address Proof (Utility / Electricity Bill)
• Bank Statement
• Declaration form confirming FSSAI compliance
• Partnership Deed (for partnership firms)
• Certificate of Incorporation, MoA and AoA (for companies)
• Resolution by managing committee (for co-operative societies)
• Board resolution / authorization letter for signatory
• GST Registration Certificate
• Form IX for Nomination of the Person in Charge
• Import Export Code (IEC)
• Layout plan of manufacturing/processing unit
• List of machinery and raw materials
• Water test report from a recognized lab
• Details of sources for milk / meat (if applicable)
• Pest control certificate and recall plan
• No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from landlords / manufacturers

How to Apply

Getting your FSSAI Central License through TaxoSure is simple and completely online. Just follow these steps:

1. Visit TaxoSure. Go to taxosure.com and open this FSSAI Central License service page.
2. Login or Register. Create your free TaxoSure account, or log in if you already have one.
3. Upload your documents. Your KYC documents (PAN & Aadhaar) are auto-filled from your account; simply upload the remaining documents for your FSSAI Central License as per the checklist on this page.
4. Submit your application. Review the details and submit your application in one click.
5. Talk to our consultant. Our consultant connects with you on WhatsApp / Call to confirm the details, share the pricing and begin the work.
6. Get your FSSAI Central License. Our experts complete the entire process and deliver your FSSAI Central License certificate to you.

Key Features

• Issued by the Central Licensing Authority of FSSAI and is the highest tier of FSSAI license.
• Mandatory for FBOs with annual turnover above ₹20 crore.
• Compulsory for all importers and exporters of food, regardless of turnover.
• Required for the head office of businesses operating in more than one state, and for e-commerce food operators.
• Applies to large manufacturers and processors (for example dairy units handling over 50,000 litres of milk per day, large meat and slaughtering units, and large vegetable-oil processing units).
• Applied for using Form B on the FoSCoS portal.
• A unique 14-digit FSSAI license number is allotted and must be displayed as per regulations.

Validity and Renewal

An FSSAI Central License is issued for a period chosen by the food business operator, from 1 to 5 years, from the date of issue.

A renewal application should be filed before the license expires (FSSAI requires it to be made at least 30 days prior to expiry) through the FoSCoS portal, along with the applicable fee. Filing the renewal after the due date attracts a late fee of ₹100 per day of delay as per current government norms.

If the license is allowed to lapse and is not renewed in time, the business may have to apply for a fresh license, and continuing operations on an expired license is treated as operating without a valid license.

Penalty

Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI license, or in violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, attracts strict penalties:

• Operating without a license (Section 63): imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months and a fine which may extend to ₹5 lakh.
• Manufacture, storage, sale or import of sub-standard food: a penalty which may extend to ₹5 lakh.
• General contraventions where no specific penalty is provided (Section 58): a penalty which may extend to ₹2 lakh.
• Authorities may also order product seizure, suspension or cancellation of the license, and closure of the business.

Actual penalties are decided by the competent authority based on the nature and severity of the violation.

FAQs