FSSAI Central License for Large and Multi-State Businesses

The Central License is the top tier of FSSAI approval. Large food companies need it because of their turnover, and importers and e-commerce sellers need it because of what they do.

Turnover above ₹50 crore Importers and e-commerce ₹7,500 a year government fee

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Eligibility

Who Needs an FSSAI Central License?

There are two routes into a Central License. One is size. The other is the nature of the business, where turnover does not matter.

Because of size	Because of the kind of business
Annual turnover above ₹50 crore	Food importers
Large manufacturers and processors	E-commerce food businesses and marketplaces
National food chains	100% export oriented units
Head office of a business with premises in two or more states	Food businesses at airports, seaports and railway stations

If your turnover is between ₹1.5 crore and ₹50 crore and none of the right-hand cases apply, a State License is what you need.

Requirements

Central License Requirements

On top of the usual Form B documents

Import Export Code

Importers and exporters must hold an IEC from DGFT, in the same name as the applicant.

Turnover proof

Audited financials or a CA certificate supporting the turnover you declare.

Unit details

For multi-state businesses, the address and licence details of every unit under the head office.

Layout and equipment

A plan of the premises and a list of machinery, for manufacturing and processing units.

Food safety plan

A food safety management system plan or certificate for the premises.

Product list

Every food category you make, import or sell, matched to the FSSAI category system.

The complete list by licence type is on the documents checklist page.

Process

How to Apply for a Central License

Category check. We confirm that Central is the right tier and pick the correct kind of business, since a wrong choice here means starting again.
Form B on FoSCoS. The application is filed online with the documents and the ₹7,500 annual government fee.
Scrutiny. The Central Licensing Authority reviews the file and can raise queries, each with a deadline.
Inspection. For manufacturing and other higher-risk units, an inspection of the premises is common.
Grant. The licence is issued with a 14-digit number. Allow 30 to 60 days from a complete application.

After You Get It

Keeping a Central License Active

A Central License no longer has an expiry date, but it carries the heaviest compliance load of the three tiers. Pay the annual fee on time, file the annual return, keep your product list and unit details up to date, and tell FSSAI through a modification application when something material changes. Larger businesses should also expect periodic inspections and third-party audits.

FAQ

FSSAI Central License: Common Questions

From 1 April 2026 a Central License is required when annual turnover is above ₹50 crore. The earlier limit was ₹20 crore.

Yes. Food importers need a Central License whatever their turnover, and the same applies to e-commerce food businesses and some other categories.

The government fee is ₹7,500 a year. Our service fee for preparing and filing the application is ₹4,999.

The registered or head office needs a Central License, and each manufacturing unit needs its own licence based on its location, turnover and capacity.

No. Licences now have lifetime validity. You must still pay the annual fee and file the annual return on time to keep it active.

Keep Reading

Related FSSAI Guides

Types of FSSAI License FSSAI State License License Cost and Fees Documents Checklist Apply for FSSAI License

Last reviewed: October 2026. Based on the FSSAI rules in force from 1 April 2026.

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