Central Food License Registration

In this in-depth guide, you will learn everything about Central food license registration in India—its meaning, applicability, eligibility, turnover limits, registration process, documents, fees, timelines, inspections, renewal, penalties, real-life use cases, expert tips, common mistakes, FAQs, and compliance best practices. Whether you are a food manufacturer, exporter, large restaurant chain, or aggregator, this article will help you navigate FSSAI compliance confidently.

What Is a Central Food License?

A Central food license is an FSSAI-issued license required for large-scale food businesses and those operating across multiple states or at a national level. It is granted directly by the Central Licensing Authority of FSSAI under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Key Objectives

• Ensure uniform food safety standards nationwide

• Regulate large and high-risk food businesses

• Enable traceability and accountability

• Protect public health at scale

Why Central Food License Is Mandatory

Holding a valid Central food license registration in India is not optional for eligible businesses—it is a legal obligation.

Key Benefits

• Legal authorization for large-scale operations

• Mandatory for imports, exports, and e-commerce food sales

• Enhances consumer and partner trust

• Required for customs clearance and international trade

• Prevents penalties, shutdowns, and legal action

📌 Many international buyers insist on a valid Central FSSAI license before onboarding Indian suppliers.

Categories of FSSAI Licenses

Understanding all license categories helps you select the correct one.

Basic FSSAI Registration

• Turnover up to ₹12 lakh

• Small vendors, petty manufacturers

State Food License

• Turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore

• Medium-scale food businesses within one state

Central Food License

• Turnover above ₹20 crore

• Multi-state operations, import/export, large manufacturers

👉 If your business meets Central license criteria, applying for a State license can lead to rejection or penalties.

Who Needs Central Food License Registration in India

Central food license registration in India applies to specific business types and scale.

Eligible Food Business Operators (FBOs)

• Food manufacturers with turnover above ₹20 crore

• Importers and exporters of food products

• Food businesses operating in more than one state

• Large food processors and packaging units

• E-commerce food operators

• Airports, seaports, and railway food caterers

• 5-star and above hotels

• Large dairy units and slaughterhouses

Turnover and Capacity Thresholds

Eligibility is determined by annual turnover, operational scale, or production capacity.

Turnover Criteria

• Annual turnover above ₹20 crore

Capacity-Based Criteria

• Dairy units: More than 50,000 litres per day

• Meat processing: Above 2 MT per day

• Slaughterhouses: Large-scale operations

• Vegetable oil processing: More than 2 MT per day

📌 Crossing these limits mandates immediate upgrade to a Central license.

Legal Framework and Authority

Central food license registration in India is governed by:

• Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

• FSSAI Licensing and Registration Regulations, 2011

• Directions and advisories issued by FSSAI

FSSAI functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Step-by-Step Central Food License Registration Process

Let’s walk through the complete registration process in a clear, actionable way.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Confirm that:

• Turnover exceeds ₹20 crore, or

• Business falls under Central license categories

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

Compile all mandatory and business-specific documents.

Step 3: Online Application Filing

• Apply through the FoSCoS portal

• Select “Central License”

• Fill Form B accurately

Step 4: Fee Payment

• Pay license fee based on validity

• Fees paid online via portal

Step 5: Scrutiny and Inspection

• FSSAI reviews application

• Food safety officer conducts inspection (if applicable)

Step 6: License Issuance

• 14-digit FSSAI license number issued

• License downloadable from portal

Documents Required for Central Food License

Documentation varies based on business type but generally includes:

Common Documents

• PAN card of company or proprietor

• Identity and address proof of directors/partners

• Certificate of incorporation or partnership deed

• Address proof of premises

• Food safety management system (FSMS) plan

• List of food products and categories

• Water test report from approved lab

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

• Import Export Code (IEC)

• NOC from municipality or local authority

• Layout plan of processing unit

• Authority letter for signatory

• Turnover proof

Fees for Central Food License

Fees depend on selected license validity.

Fee Structure

• 1 year: ₹7,500

• 2 years: ₹15,000

• 3 years: ₹22,500

• 4 years: ₹30,000

• 5 years: ₹37,500

📌 Opting for longer validity reduces renewal frequency and compliance effort.

Timeline for Approval

• Application submission: Same day

• Document scrutiny: 7–15 working days

• Inspection (if required): Within 15 days

• License issuance: 30–60 days

Delays often occur due to incorrect documentation or inspection issues.

Inspection and Compliance Requirements

Large food businesses face stricter scrutiny.

During Inspection

• Hygiene and sanitation standards

• Equipment and machinery condition

• Storage and packaging practices

• Employee hygiene and training

Post-License Compliance

• Display license number prominently

• Follow FSMS guidelines

• Allow periodic inspections

• Maintain quality records

Renewal of Central Food License

Central food license must be renewed before expiry.

Renewal Guidelines

• Apply at least 30 days before expiry

• Renewal through FoSCoS portal

Late Renewal Penalty

• ₹100 per day of delay

• License cancellation if delay exceeds 180 days

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating without a valid Central food license registration in India can attract severe penalties.

Possible Consequences

• Fine up to ₹5 lakh

• Suspension or cancellation of license

• Business closure

• Imprisonment in serious cases

📌 Large food businesses are frequently audited and inspected.

Real-Life Use Case

Case: Exporter Facing Shipment Delay

A food exporter from Andhra Pradesh shipped products without a Central license, relying on a State license. Customs authorities held the consignment, causing losses worth ₹8 lakh. After obtaining the Central food license, exports resumed smoothly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for State license instead of Central

• Incorrect turnover declaration

• Incomplete FSMS documentation

• Ignoring inspection readiness

• Missing renewal deadlines

Pros and Cons of Central Food License

Pros

• Nationwide legal validity

• Mandatory for exports and imports

• High brand credibility

• Enables business expansion

Cons

• Higher documentation requirements

• Longer approval timelines

• Regular inspections

Expert Tips for Smooth Approval

• Conduct internal hygiene audits

• Maintain updated FSMS records

• Choose correct food categories

• Apply for longer validity

• Take professional assistance for large units

Latest Food Industry Statistics

• India has over 1.5 crore food businesses

• Nearly 15% require Central licenses

• FSSAI conducts over 10 lakh inspections annually

(Source: FSSAI Annual Reports)

Internal Linking Suggestions

For better SEO and navigation, internally link this article with:

• Basic FSSAI registration guide

• State food license explained

• Food business compliance checklist

• Import export food compliance page

• FSSAI renewal services

(Use varied anchor texts.)

FAQs on Central Food License Registration in India

1. Is Central food license mandatory for exporters?

Yes. All food importers and exporters must hold a Central license.

2. Can I operate in multiple states with one Central license?

Yes, but separate licenses may be required for manufacturing units in different states.

3. How long is the Central food license valid?

From 1 year up to 5 years.

4. Is inspection compulsory for Central license?

In most cases, yes—especially for manufacturing and processing units.

5. Can State license be upgraded to Central?

Yes. Upgrade is mandatory once eligibility criteria are met.

Conclusion: Central Food License Registration in India

Central food license registration in India is a critical compliance requirement for large, multi-state, and international food businesses. While the process involves detailed documentation and inspections, it ensures food safety, builds trust, and enables scalable growth. Choosing the correct license category, maintaining compliance, and renewing on time protects your business from penalties and operational disruptions.

Food businesses that prioritize FSSAI Central licensing position themselves as credible, compliant, and growth-ready brands.

Call to Action (CTA)

Planning to apply for Central food license registration in India or upgrade your existing license?
📞 Consult experienced FSSAI professionals today for faster approvals, inspection support, and end-to-end compliance.

Grow big. Stay compliant. Serve safe food.