FSSAI Central Food License - Fees, Registration, & Documents

Food businesses operating across states, involved in large-scale manufacturing, or engaged in import–export are required to obtain an FSSAI Central License under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Food Business Operators with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore and operating in multi-state need the Central FSSAI license.

 

FSSAI Central License registration is an online process. It is issued for a time of 1 year to 5 years. Businesses can also apply for FSSAI food license renewal after checking the eligibility and preparing the documents. FSSAI Central license fees is Rs. 7,500/- per year for every FSSAI food category list.​​

 

What is FSSAI Central License?

The FSSAI Central License is a mandatory food license required for food businesses that operate on a large scale or across multiple states in India. It is governed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and is issued through the FOSCOS portal.

You need a central food license if your business:

• Has an annual turnover above the prescribed limit

• Operates in more than one state

• Is involved in import or export of food products

• Supplies food to government institutions or airports, railways, seaports
   

This license ensures your food business complies with national food safety standards and builds credibility with partners, marketplaces, and regulators. For businesses operating within one state apply for FSSAI State License.

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FSSAI Central License Eligibility

You are eligible for Central License FSSAI if your business falls under any of the following categories:

• Food manufacturers with large production capacity

• Importers or exporters of food products

• Central government agencies or PSUs

• Large food distributors operating across states

• Food businesses supplying to airports, railways, ports, or defence establishments

• E-commerce food sellers and cloud kitchens with multi-state presence

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If your eligibility is unclear, it’s important to assess this correctly—many applications get rejected simply because businesses apply under the wrong license category.

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FSSAI Central License Fees

The FSSAI Central License fees are standardised by the authority.

• Central food license fee: ₹7,500 per year

• License validity can be chosen from 1 to 5 years

• Longer validity reduces long-term compliance cost
   

Additional professional fees may apply depending on:

• Nature of business

• Number of food categories

• Documentation complexity
   

Choosing the correct duration and category at the start helps avoid unnecessary re-applications and penalties later.

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How to Apply for Central FSSAI License

The central FSSAI license registration process is completely online. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Visit the online fosco website: fosco.fssai.gov.in

Step 2: Select the general license icon appearing on the screen.

Step 3: Select the type of license.

Step 4: Enter the email and mobile number to start the registration process.

Step 5: Fill the online form.

Step 6: Upload the required documents.

Step 7: Pay the FSSAI central license registration fees of Rs. 7,500/- per year.

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Documents Required – FSSAI Central License

Commonly required documents include:

• Company incorporation documents

• Photo ID & address proof of directors/partners

• List of food products & food category details

• Manufacturing unit layout plan (if applicable)

• Water test report from approved laboratory

• Import Export Code (for importers/exporters)

• Authority letter & nomination form
   

Document requirements may vary based on business type and food category.

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FSSAI Central License Renewal Process

An FSSAI central food license renewal must be filed before expiry to avoid penalties or cancellation.

• Renewal can be done up to 180 days before expiry

• Late renewal attracts penalties per day

• Expired licenses require fresh registration
   

The renewal process involves:

• Updating business details

• Confirming food categories

• Paying renewal fees

• Responding to any compliance queries
   

Timely renewal ensures uninterrupted business operations and avoids legal risk.

 

Get FSSAI Central License with Food License India

At Food License India, we don’t just file applications—we ensure your license is approved correctly the first time.

Why choose us?

• Correct eligibility & food category mapping

• End-to-end handling on FOSCOS portal

• Dedicated compliance support

• Transparent pricing

• Fast-track assistance for urgent cases
   

Whether you’re applying for a new central food license, renewal, or upgrading from State to Central License—we’ve got you covered.

👉 Talk to an FSSAI expert today and get started.

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FAQs

Q1. How to check the FSSAI Central Food License status?

Ans: You can check your FSSAI central food license status on the FOSCOS portal using your application reference number. Status updates include submitted, under scrutiny, inspection, or approved.

 

Q2. How to apply for FSSAI central food license renewal?

Ans: FSSAI central food license renewal should be applied before expiry through the FOSCOS portal. Late renewal attracts penalties, and expired licenses may require fresh registration.

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Q3. What is the FSSAI central food license download procedure?

Ans:
Once approved, you can download your FSSAI central license from the FOSCOS portal by logging into your account and accessing the issued license section.