FSSAI Central License for Multi-State Food Operations

Professional assistance for obtaining FSSAI Central License for food businesses operating across multiple states in India. Ensure legal compliance and build customer trust.

Legal Framework

Legal Compliance

Operate your food business legally across multiple states with proper certification as mandated by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Multi-State Operations

Expand your food business across state boundaries with a single license, eliminating the need for multiple state licenses.

Business Growth

Unlock opportunities for business expansion, partnerships, and increased revenue with the highest level of FSSAI certification.

About FSSAI Central License

The FSSAI Central License is the highest tier of food safety certification in India, designed for large-scale food businesses operating across multiple states.

What is FSSAI Central License?

The FSSAI Central License is a mandatory certification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India for large-scale food businesses with annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crores or those operating across multiple states in India.

This 14-digit license is issued directly by the central authority of FSSAI and is essential for food manufacturers, processors, transporters, retailers, distributors, and importers operating on a large scale or across state boundaries.

The Central License ensures that your food business complies with the highest standards of food safety and hygiene as mandated by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, building trust with consumers and regulatory authorities.

Key Features:
  • Valid for 1-5 years based on selected duration
  • Allows operations across multiple states with a single license
  • Issued directly by the central FSSAI authority
  • 14-digit license number starting with '1'
  • Mandatory display at all business premises
FSSAI Licensing Hierarchy

Central License

For businesses with turnover > ₹20 crores or multi-state operations

14-digit number starting with '1'
Issued by Central FSSAI Authority

State License

For businesses with turnover ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores

14-digit number starting with state code
Issued by State Food Safety Department

Basic Registration

For small businesses with turnover up to ₹12 lakhs

14-digit number starting with state code
Issued by Local Registration Authority

Why Choose Central License?
  • Operate across multiple states with a single license
  • Enhanced credibility with customers and business partners
  • Simplified compliance for large-scale operations

Who Needs FSSAI Central License?

The following food business operators are required to obtain FSSAI Central License to operate legally in India.

Based on Business Scale
  • Large Food Manufacturers

    • Food manufacturing/processing units with annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crores

  • Large Dairy Units

    • Dairy processing units handling more than 50,000 liters of liquid milk per day or manufacturing milk products

  • Vegetable Oil Processing

    • Vegetable oil processing units with capacity exceeding 2 MT per day

  • Slaughterhouses

    • Large slaughterhouses and meat processing units

  • Large Food Storage Facilities

    • Cold storage or warehouse facilities with capacity exceeding 50,000 MT

  • Large Retailers

    • Food retailers with annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crores

Based on Business Type
  • Multi-State Operations

    • Food businesses operating in more than one state in India

  • Food Importers

    • All businesses importing food products into India

  • E-Commerce Food Businesses

    • Online food businesses operating across multiple states

  • Food Catering Services

    • Catering services operating across multiple states or serving more than 2000 portions per meal

  • Food Transportation Networks

    • Businesses involved in transporting food across multiple states

  • 5-Star Hotels

    • 5-star hotels with food service operations

Benefits of FSSAI Central License

Obtaining an FSSAI Central License offers numerous advantages for your food business beyond legal compliance.

Multi-State Operations

Operate your food business seamlessly across multiple states with a single license, eliminating the need for separate state licenses.

  • Simplified compliance across state boundaries
  • Reduced paperwork and administrative burden
  • Uniform standards across all operations
Enhanced Credibility

Build trust with consumers, retailers, and business partners with the highest level of food safety certification in India.

  • Increased consumer confidence in your products
  • Preferred status with large retailers and distributors
  • Competitive advantage in the marketplace
Business Growth

Unlock new opportunities for business expansion and increased revenue with the ability to operate nationwide.

  • Access to national markets and supply chains
  • Ability to partner with large national retailers
  • Opportunity for export market participation
Legal Compliance

Ensure full compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, avoiding penalties and business disruptions.

  • Protection from legal penalties and fines
  • Prevention of business closure or suspension
  • Smooth operations without regulatory interruptions
Customer Trust

Build strong customer relationships based on trust in your commitment to food safety and quality.

  • Increased customer loyalty and retention
  • Positive brand reputation in the market
  • Word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied customers
Business Partnerships

Forge valuable business partnerships with national and international companies that require FSSAI compliance.

  • Eligibility for partnerships with large retail chains
  • Qualification for government tenders and contracts
  • Access to international export opportunities

FSSAI Central License Application Process

Our streamlined process ensures a hassle-free experience in obtaining your FSSAI Central License.

1. Initial Consultation

Our experts will assess your business requirements and confirm your eligibility for FSSAI Central License.

  • Detailed discussion about your food business operations
  • Verification of business scale and multi-state operations
  • Confirmation of license category requirement
  • Explanation of the complete application process
2. Document Collection

We'll guide you through the documentation requirements and help you prepare all necessary papers.

  • Comprehensive checklist of required documents
  • Assistance in preparing Form-B application
  • Guidance on obtaining supporting documents
  • Document verification and organization
3. Application Submission

Our team will submit your application through the FSSAI online portal and pay the required fees.

  • Creation of FoSCoS account (if not existing)
  • Accurate form filling with all business details
  • Digital document uploads in proper format
  • Payment of license fees as per chosen validity period
4. Application Tracking

We'll monitor your application status and handle any queries or clarifications from FSSAI.

  • Regular status updates on your application
  • Prompt response to any queries raised by authorities
  • Submission of additional information if required
  • Follow-ups with FSSAI for timely processing
5. Inspection Preparation

FSSAI Central License requires a mandatory inspection. We'll help you prepare your premises to meet all requirements.

  • Pre-inspection checklist and guidance
  • Advice on food safety measures implementation
  • Documentation organization for inspection
  • Coordination with food safety officers
6. License Delivery

Once approved, we'll deliver your FSSAI Central License along with guidance on compliance requirements.

  • Digital and physical copy of the license
  • Explanation of license terms and conditions
  • Guidance on displaying the license at your premises
  • Information on renewal process and timelines

Required Documents

The following documents are required for FSSAI Central License application. Our team will guide you through collecting and preparing each document.

Business Identity Documents

  • Form-B application duly completed and signed
  • Passport-sized photographs of the applicant/directors
  • ID proof of the business owner/partners/directors (Aadhar/PAN/Passport)
  • Address proof of the business premises
  • Business registration documents:
    • Certificate of Incorporation (for companies)
    • MOA/AOA (for companies)
    • Partnership deed (for partnership firms)
    • Registration certificate (for cooperatives/societies)
  • List of directors/partners with address and contact details
  • GST registration certificate
  • IEC code (for importers)

Technical Documents

  • List of food products to be manufactured/traded
  • Food safety management plan/system
  • Layout plan of the processing unit/premises
  • List of machinery and equipment with capacity
  • Water test report from a recognized laboratory
  • Medical fitness certificates of food handlers
  • Authority letter and ID proof of authorized signatory
  • Production capacity declaration
  • Process flow chart for each product category
  • Testing facility details (in-house or external)

Compliance Documents

  • NOC from local municipality/panchayat
  • NOC from Pollution Control Board
  • Pest control certificates
  • Source of raw material used
  • Recall plan document
  • Analysis report of water to be used as ingredient
  • Declaration form for food business operators
  • HACCP/GMP/GHP certification (if available)
  • Import license related documents (for importers)
  • Declaration regarding compliance with packaging and labeling regulations

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

  • Form IX declaration by food business operator
  • Supporting documents for proprietary food (if applicable)
  • Transportation details for food transporters
  • Cold chain maintenance details
  • Details of all premises where food business is conducted
  • List of distributors/supply chain partners
  • Quality control procedures
  • Previous FSSAI license details (if any)
  • Brand registration certificates
  • Product labels and packaging samples

Document Preparation Tips

Format Requirements

  • All documents should be self-attested by the authorized signatory
  • Documents should be in PDF format for online submission
  • File size should not exceed 1MB per document
  • Documents should be clear and legible
  • Technical documents should be prepared as per FSSAI guidelines

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Incomplete form filling
  • Mismatched business name across documents
  • Outdated address proofs
  • Unsigned declaration forms
  • Unclear or low-quality document scans
  • Inconsistent information across different documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Food businesses with annual turnover exceeding 20 crores, those operating across multiple states, dairy units handling more than 50,000 liters of milk per day, slaughterhouses, food importers, 5-star hotels, and large food storage facilities need to apply for FSSAI Central License.

The FSSAI Central License is valid for 1-5 years from the date of issue. Food business operators can choose the validity period at the time of application and pay the fees accordingly. Longer validity periods offer better value and reduce the frequency of renewal applications.

Required documents include Form-B application, ID and address proof of the business owner/directors, business registration documents, list of food products, food safety management plan, layout plan, machinery list, water test report, medical fitness certificates of food handlers, NOC from local authority and Pollution Control Board, and various declarations as per FSSAI requirements.

Yes, inspection is mandatory for FSSAI Central License. After the application is submitted, FSSAI officials will schedule an inspection of your premises to verify compliance with food safety standards, infrastructure requirements, and hygiene practices. Our team helps you prepare for this inspection to ensure a smooth process.

The typical processing time for FSSAI Central License is 45-60 days from the date of application submission. This timeline includes document verification, inspection scheduling and completion, and final approval. The actual time may vary based on the completeness of documentation, inspection scheduling, and FSSAI processing times.

FSSAI State License is for medium-scale food businesses with annual turnover between 12 lakhs and 20 crores operating within a single state, while FSSAI Central License is for large-scale businesses with turnover exceeding 20 crores or those operating across multiple states. Central License is issued by the central FSSAI authority, has more stringent requirements, higher fees, and mandatory inspection.

Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI License is a violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Penalties include fines up to 10 lakhs, imprisonment up to 6 months, and business closure. Additionally, you may face difficulties in business operations, partnerships, and customer trust. Large retailers and distributors typically require valid FSSAI certification from their suppliers.