Quick Answer
FSSAI Central Licence is mandatory for food businesses with annual turnover above ₹20 crore, businesses operating in multiple states, importers and exporters of food, 5-star hotels, food businesses at airports and seaports, and certain high-capacity manufacturers. Government fee is ₹7,500/year. Processing takes 45–60 working days.
What is FSSAI Central Licence?
FSSAI Central Licence is the highest-level food safety authorisation issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It is granted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) headquarters in New Delhi to large food business operators and businesses with national-level or international operations.
The Central Licence is issued in Form C and carries a 14-digit FSSAI Licence Number beginning with the digit 1 (State licences begin with 2 or 3; Basic Registration begins with a different prefix). This licence covers all units and locations listed in the application across multiple states.
💡 Key Fact: A single FSSAI Central Licence can cover multiple manufacturing units and warehouses across different states — this is not possible with a State Licence, which is state-specific. Central Licence applications are reviewed directly by FSSAI HQ in New Delhi.
Who Needs FSSAI Central Licence?
The following categories of food businesses must obtain an FSSAI Central Licence, regardless of whether they operate in one or multiple states:
- Food businesses with annual turnover above ₹20 crore
- Businesses operating food manufacturing or storage units in more than one state
- Food importers and exporters (mandatory regardless of turnover)
- 5-star and above hotels
- Food businesses at airports, seaports, and railway stations (central government premises)
- Large dairy processing units (above prescribed capacity threshold)
- Large slaughterhouses and meat processing plants (above prescribed capacity)
- Food businesses under the Ministry of Defence and paramilitary forces
- E-commerce food businesses with pan-India operations above ₹20 crore turnover
FSSAI Central Licence vs State Licence — Comparison
| Parameter | Central Licence | State Licence |
|---|
| Annual Turnover | Above ₹20 crore | ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore |
| Multi-State Operations | ✅ Covered under one licence | ❌ Separate licence per state |
| Food Import/Export | ✅ Mandatory for all importers/exporters | ❌ Not applicable |
| Issuing Authority | FSSAI HQ, New Delhi | State Food Safety Commissioner |
| Government Fee | ₹7,500/yr | ₹2,000–₹5,000/yr |
| Processing Time | 45–60 working days | 30–45 working days |
| Inspection | Typically mandatory | May be required |
| ClearlyComply Fee | From ₹7,499 | From ₹3,499 |
Documents Required for FSSAI Central Licence
- Aadhaar and PAN of all directors/partners/proprietor
- Company incorporation documents: MOA, AOA, Certificate of Incorporation (for companies)
- Business address proof (electricity bill, rent agreement) for each premises
- Detailed layout/blueprint of each food processing or storage unit (with dimensions)
- Comprehensive list of food products to be manufactured/traded/stored
- Water test report from an NABL-accredited laboratory
- Comprehensive Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan
- Pest control records and agreement with a pest control agency
- Equipment and machinery list for each unit
- IEC Code (Import Export Code) for import/export businesses
- NOC from local body or municipality (in some states)
- Form C declaration (our experts prepare this)
⚠️ Central Licence applications are scrutinised closely by FSSAI HQ. Incomplete documentation results in rejection and restart of the 45–60 day timeline. ClearlyComply's specialist team prepares all documents to FSSAI's exact standards for first-time approval.
How ClearlyComply Gets Your Central Licence
Eligibility & Scope AssessmentOur CA/CS reviews your turnover, number of states, business category, and import/export status to confirm Central Licence applicability and the units to be covered.
Comprehensive Document CollectionWe provide a precise, category-specific checklist. You share documents via WhatsApp/Drive — our team verifies each document against FSSAI's master checklist.
FSMS Plan & Technical DocumentationOur food safety specialists draft the complete FSMS plan, layout blueprints review, and product list in the exact FSSAI-required format.
Form C Preparation & FoSCoS FilingWe prepare Form C, attach all supporting documents, and file on the FoSCoS portal. Application Reference Number (ARN) shared within 24 hours.
FSSAI HQ ReviewFSSAI officials in Delhi review the application. Our team tracks status daily and responds to any clarification queries within 24 hours.
Physical Inspection Co-ordinationFor manufacturing and processing units, our expert accompanies you (virtually or in-person) during the FSSAI inspection and prepares you with a pre-inspection compliance checklist.
Central Licence IssuedYour FSSAI Central Licence is issued digitally and couriered to your registered address. Typically 45–60 working days from complete application submission.
Fees & Timeline
₹7,499
ClearlyComply All-Inclusive Package
Govt fee (₹7,500/yr) + FSMS plan preparation + All document prep + FoSCoS filing + Inspection support + CA/CS expert + Follow-up till approval
| Fee Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|
| Government fee (Central Licence) | ₹7,500/yr | Paid on FoSCoS portal |
| ClearlyComply Professional Fee | From ₹7,499 | One-time; covers all assistance |
| FSMS Plan Preparation | Included | Specialist-drafted |
| Inspection Support | Included | Virtual or in-person |
| Processing Time | 45–60 working days | Subject to FSSAI HQ processing |
| Validity | 1–5 years | Multi-year validity recommended |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must have FSSAI Central Licence?
Food businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore, multi-state operators, all food importers/exporters, 5-star hotels, food businesses at airports and seaports, and certain high-capacity manufacturers.
How long does FSSAI Central Licence take?
Typically 45–60 working days after complete application submission. Central licences are reviewed by FSSAI HQ in Delhi and typically involve an inspection, which can extend the timeline.
Do I need a Central Licence to import food into India?
Yes, regardless of turnover or scale. Any business importing food products for commercial purpose in India must have a valid FSSAI Central Licence. This applies to both manufacturers and trading/distribution companies.
Can one Central Licence cover all my factories across India?
Yes. A single FSSAI Central Licence can cover multiple manufacturing units, warehouses, and cold storage facilities across different states, provided all are listed in the original application. This is a major advantage over State Licences, which require separate applications for each state.
What is the penalty for operating without FSSAI Central Licence?
Operating without a required FSSAI licence is a cognisable offence under FSSA 2006. Penalties include fines up to ₹5 lakh, seizure of all food stocks, and potential criminal prosecution of the business owner. For importers, shipments may be held at customs or returned at the importer's expense.
How is FSSAI Central Licence renewed?
Central Licence must be renewed before expiry via the FoSCoS portal. Apply at least 30 days before the expiry date. ClearlyComply sends renewal reminders 60 days before expiry and manages the entire renewal process — same documentation requirements apply.