Quick Answer
Milk collection centres that aggregate raw milk from farmers for onward supply to dairies and processors must have FSSAI State License. These centres are critical nodes in India dairy supply chain and must maintain strict milk quality and hygiene standards.
Who Needs FSSAI License for Milk Collection Centre?
- Village-level milk collection centres
- Dairy cooperative primary collection points
- Private milk aggregators and chilling centres
- Bulk milk cooler (BMC) operators
Key Benefits of FSSAI Registration for Milk Collection Centre
Registering your Milk Collection Centre under FSSAI is not just about avoiding penalties — it opens real business doors:
✓Legal Operation: The only way to legally manufacture, process, store, or sell food products in India
✓Food Delivery Platforms: Mandatory for Zomato, Swiggy, ONDC listing — without it, you cannot take online orders
✓Brand Credibility: 14-digit FSSAI number on packaging signals quality and builds consumer confidence
✓B2B Supply Opportunities: Hotels, airlines, hospital chains and retail chains mandate FSSAI from all suppliers
✓Financial Benefits: Required for GST, MSME, startup scheme eligibility and business bank account opening
✓Export Capability: International trade documentation requires FSSAI certification for all food products
Which License Type Do You Need?
| Annual Turnover | License Type | Issued By |
|---|
| Below ₹12 Lakh | Basic FSSAI Registration | State Food Authority |
| ₹12 Lakh – ₹20 Crore | State FSSAI License | State Food Authority |
| Above ₹20 Crore | Central FSSAI License | FSSAI Central Office |
⚠️ Multi-state businesses require a Central FSSAI License regardless of turnover.
Documents Required
- PAN & Aadhaar or Company documents
- Collection centre premises proof
- Milk chilling equipment and tank details
- List of farmer suppliers
- Milk testing equipment details
- FSMS plan
- Water test report
- Dairy cooperative registration if applicable
Penalties for Operating Milk Collection Centre Without FSSAI License
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 prescribes strict penalties for non-compliance. Every Milk Collection Centre owner must be aware of the legal consequences:
- Operating without registration/license: Fine up to ₹5 lakh per offence
- Non-compliance with FSSAI standards: Fine up to ₹2 lakh
- Selling sub-standard food: Fine up to ₹5 lakh
- Unsafe food causing injury: Imprisonment up to 6 months + fine up to ₹1 lakh
- Adulterated food causing serious harm: Imprisonment up to 7 years + fine up to ₹10 lakh
- Expired license not renewed in time: Treated as operating without a license
⚠️ Important: FSSAI authorities conduct regular market surveillance. New businesses and Milk Collection Centre units are frequently targeted in surprise inspections. It is illegal to commence food operations before obtaining your license.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Determine License Type — Based on annual turnover decide Basic, State, or Central.
- Register on FoSCoS Portal — Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in and create an applicant account.
- Fill Application Form — Complete Form A (Basic) or Form B (State/Central).
- Upload Documents — Attach all required documents in prescribed formats.
- Pay Government Fee — Pay online via UPI, net banking, or card.
- Await Inspection — An FSSAI officer may inspect your premises within 30 days.
- Receive License — Download your FSSAI License certificate from the FoSCoS portal.
Get Your FSSAI License for Milk Collection Centre Fast
ClearlyComply experts handle the entire process. Most businesses get their license in 15–20 working days.
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🏠Basic Registration
₹499
Turnover < ₹12 lakh · 7–10 days
- Single business location
- Government fee ₹100/year
- Certificate valid 1–5 years
Apply Now → Most Common
🏢State License
₹3,499
₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore · 15–30 days
- State-level operations
- Inspection support included
- Government fee ₹2,000–₹5,000/yr
Apply Now →🏗️Central License
₹9,999
Turnover > ₹20 crore · 30–60 days
- Multi-state operations
- Dedicated account manager
- Government fee ₹7,500/year
Apply Now →
Fees & Timeline
| License Type | Government Fee | Processing Time |
|---|
| Basic Registration | ₹100/year | 7–10 working days |
| State License | ₹2,000–₹5,000/year | 15–30 working days |
| Central License | ₹7,500/year | 30–60 working days |
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature must milk be maintained at a collection centre?+
Raw milk must be chilled to below 4°C within 2 hours of collection. Bulk milk coolers at collection centres must maintain this temperature. Milk that reaches the collection centre above 4°C must be tested before acceptance.
What testing is required at milk collection centres?+
Centres should test milk for fat content, SNF content, adulteration (water addition, starch, urea, detergents), antibiotic residues, and microbial quality. FSSAI requires that adulterated milk is rejected and not sent forward in the supply chain.
Do milk collection centres need FSSAI if they are managed by a cooperative?+
Yes. Even if managed by a cooperative, the physical milk collection centre requires FSSAI State License for the specific premises. The cooperative's overall FSSAI License covers the head office, but individual centres need to be registered.
What hygiene standards apply to milk collection centres?+
Collection areas must be clean, regularly disinfected, free of pests, and have potable water for equipment washing. Milk storage tanks must be food-grade stainless steel. Staff must maintain personal hygiene and health standards.
How do I renew my Milk Collection Centre FSSAI license?+
FSSAI licenses must be renewed before the expiry date. Apply on the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in) at least 30 days before expiry. Late renewal attracts penalties, and an expired license means you must stop operations. ClearlyComply sends renewal reminders and handles the entire renewal process — same government fee applies as the original license.
Can I modify my FSSAI license to add new products for my Milk Collection Centre?+
Yes. If you start selling or manufacturing new food products not listed in your original FSSAI application, you must apply for a license modification (amendment) on the FoSCoS portal. ClearlyComply handles FSSAI amendments — the process typically takes 7–10 working days and involves submitting an updated product list and paying the applicable amendment fee.
What is the difference between FSSAI registration and FSSAI license?+
FSSAI Basic Registration is for small food businesses with annual turnover below ₹12 lakh — it involves a simpler process and lower fee (₹100/year). FSSAI License (State or Central) is for larger businesses with higher turnover — it involves more documentation, potential inspection, and higher fees. The type you need depends solely on your annual food business turnover.
Does my Milk Collection Centre need a separate FSSAI license for each location?+
Generally yes — each business location or manufacturing unit requires its own FSSAI registration or license. However, for Central License holders with multi-state operations, a single Central License can cover multiple units under certain conditions. For Milk Collection Centre businesses with multiple outlets, our experts can advise on the most cost-effective licensing structure based on your turnover and operational geography.
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