FSSAI Central License Registration

Overview Requirement Documents procedure Fees Why FAQ

Introduction

FSSAI Central License Registration is the top-tier food safety approval issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India for large food businesses and specific high-risk activities. Under FSSAI's official order dated 13 March 2026 (effective 1 April 2026), a Central License is required for food businesses with annual turnover above Rs. 50 crore.

It is also mandatory regardless of turnover for food importers and exporters, 100% export-oriented units, businesses supplying food to Central Government agencies, and operations spanning multiple states. Licences issued under the 2026 amendment carry perpetual validity, subject to risk-based inspections.

If your food business is scaling into a large enterprise, importing or exporting food products, or supplying Central Government departments FSSAI Central License is very likely the approval you need.

What Is FSSAI Central License Registration?

FSSAI Central License Registration is the highest-tier certification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It is designed for large-scale food business operators and for certain categories of food businesses that require central-level oversight regardless of their size, such as importers and exporters.

The application is filed using Form B on the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal at the same portal used for Basic Registration and State License applications, with Central License applications routed to FSSAI's central authority for review rather than a state-level food safety office.

Once approved, the business receives a 14-digit registration number beginning with a code that identifies it as a centrally licensed entity. This number must be displayed at the business premises, on product labels, and on relevant shipping or export documentation.

2026 Regulatory Update: Revised Turnover Threshold for Central License

On 13 March 2026, FSSAI's Regulatory Compliance Division issued an official order (F. No. RCD-01002/1/2021-Regulatory-FSSAI-Part(1)) implementing the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026. This followed recommendations from NITI Aayog's High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms, with approval from the Food Authority and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

For Central License specifically, the order brings two key changes:

Types of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI classifies every food business into one of three categories based on annual turnover and business activity:

1. FSSAI Basic Registration (Form A)

For small food businesses with annual turnover up to Rs. 1.5 crore under the revised 2026 threshold. Covers petty food manufacturers, small retailers, home-based food businesses, and hawkers.

2. FSSAI State License (Form B)

For medium-sized food businesses with turnover above Rs. 1.5 crore and up to Rs. 50 crore. Applies to mid-sized manufacturers, hotels, restaurants, and traders operating within a single state.

3. FSSAI Central License (Form B)

For large food businesses with turnover above Rs. 50 crore, and mandatory regardless of turnover for import/export, 100% export-oriented units, and businesses supplying food to Central Government agencies or operating across multiple states — the focus of this guide.

A business does not necessarily move through these categories in strict sequence based on turnover alone — certain activities require a Central License from day one, even for a relatively small or newly established business.

Who Needs FSSAI Central License Registration?

A Central License is required in two broad situations:

Benefits of FSSAI Central License Registration

Documents Required for FSSAI Central License Registration

FSSAI Central License Registration Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1 — Confirm Eligibility and Category

Assess whether your business qualifies for Central License based on turnover above Rs. 50 crore, or based on activity triggers like import/export, multi-state operations, or Central Government supply.

Step 2 — Register on the FoSCoS Portal

Create an account on foscos.fssai.gov.in using your business email and mobile number, completing OTP verification.

Step 3 — Select 'New License' and Central Category

Choose 'New License/Registration', select the Central License option, and specify your Kind of Business (KoB), which determines the exact documentation required.

Step 4 — Fill Form B

Complete Form B with business details, director/partner information, product categories, manufacturing or trading activity, and turnover declaration.

Step 5 — Upload Supporting Documents

Upload incorporation documents, layout plans, equipment lists, IEC (if applicable), water test reports, and other supporting paperwork as scanned copies.

Step 6 — Pay the Applicable Fee

Pay the government fee online, calculated based on your specific business category and licence duration selected.

Step 7 — Scrutiny and Inspection

FSSAI's central authority reviews the application; premises inspection by a Food Safety Officer is typically required before a Central License is granted.

Step 8 — Certificate Issuance

Once approved, the Central License certificate with your unique 14-digit registration number is issued for display at your business premises and use on relevant documentation.

FSSAI Central License Registration Fees

FSSAI Central License Validity and Renewal

Why Choose Silvereye Certifications for FSSAI Central License Registration

FSSAI Central License applications involve the most extensive documentation and scrutiny of any FSSAI category — incorporation records, layout plans, IEC coordination, and premises inspection readiness all need to align precisely. Silvereye Certifications manages this complexity end-to-end so large or export-focused food businesses can move forward without delays.

Frequently Asked Questions on FSSAI Central Registration

What is FSSAI Central Registration?

FSSAI Central Registration, officially the FSSAI Central License, is the top-tier food safety certification for large food businesses and for specific activities like food import/export, regardless of turnover in some cases.

What is the FSSAI Central License turnover limit in 2026?

Effective 1 April 2026, FSSAI Central License applies to food businesses with annual turnover above Rs. 50 crore, per FSSAI's official order dated 13 March 2026.

Who needs a Central License regardless of turnover?

Food importers and exporters, 100% export-oriented units, and businesses supplying food products to Central Government agencies need a Central License regardless of their turnover.

Is a Central License required for multi-state food businesses?

Yes. Food businesses with manufacturing, processing, or distribution operations spanning more than one state typically require a Central License.

What documents are required for FSSAI Central Registration?

Key documents include incorporation certificates, premises proof, layout plans, equipment lists, Import Export Code (for importers/exporters), water test reports, and turnover proof.

Is a premises inspection required for Central License?

Yes. Central License applications typically involve inspection of the business premises by a Food Safety Officer before approval.

How much does FSSAI Central Registration cost?

The government fee for a Central License is commonly reported at around Rs. 7,500 per year, though the current exact fee should be confirmed on the FoSCoS portal.

Is FSSAI Central License valid forever now?

Under the 2026 amendment, licences issued carry perpetual validity, subject to risk-based inspections, replacing the earlier 1-to-5-year validity system.

Can a small business need a Central License even below Rs. 50 crore turnover?

Yes. Activity-based triggers such as food import/export or Central Government supply require a Central License regardless of turnover.

Can I apply for FSSAI Central Registration online?

Yes. All FSSAI Central License applications are filed through the FoSCoS portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in using Form B.