Central FSSAI License — For Large-Scale Food Operations
Obtain your Central FSSAI License for food businesses with turnover above ₹50 Crore (revised from ₹20 Crore, effective 1 April 2026), food importers, 100% EOUs, and businesses operating in 2+ states. FSSAI Central authority approval, Form B, pre-license inspection, HACCP/ISO 22000 readiness.
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What You Need to Know
A Central FSSAI License is the highest category of food business license, issued directly by FSSAI Central Licensing Authority for large-scale food operations. From 1 April 2026, the turnover threshold is above ₹50 Crore (previously ₹20 Crore).
It is also mandatory regardless of turnover for: food importers, 100% Export Oriented Units (EOUs), businesses operating in 2 or more states, operators in SEZs, and businesses operating under the central government or its agencies.
TaxClue manages the complete process — Form B with HACCP/food safety management system, FoSCoS Central filing, pre-license inspection, import license (SWIFT 2.0), and annual compliance.
MAJOR AMENDMENT — Effective 1 April 2026
FSSAI Amendment Regulations 2026 (Gazette Notification 10 Mar 2026) introduce: Revised turnover thresholds — Basic Registration up to ₹1.5Cr (was ₹12L), State License ₹1.5Cr–₹50Cr (was ₹12L–₹20Cr), Central License >₹50Cr (was >₹20Cr). Perpetual license validity (no periodic renewal). Instant registration on document submission. Deemed registration for street vendors. Risk-based inspections. Mandatory third-party audits on FSSAI direction.
What is a Central FSSAI License?
The top-tier food business license issued by FSSAI Central Licensing Authority under Section 31(1) of the FSS Act 2006.
- Turnover above ₹50 Crore (from 1 Apr 2026; was >₹20 Crore)
- Compulsory for: Food importers, 100% EOUs, businesses in 2+ states, SEZ units, central govt agencies, airlines, railways catering, seaports, airports
- Form B with comprehensive food safety management system (FSMS/HACCP)
- Pre-license inspection by Central FSSAI team
- Perpetual validity from 2026 — subject to annual fee + compliance
- 14-digit license number starting with 1 (central)
- Importers must also comply with SWIFT 2.0 (FSSAI-CBIC integrated import clearance system)
Revised Thresholds — 1 April 2026
| Category | Before 1 Apr 2026 | From 1 Apr 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Registration | Annual turnover up to ₹12 Lakh | Annual turnover up to ₹1.5 Crore |
| State License | ₹12 Lakh – ₹20 Crore | ₹1.5 Crore – ₹50 Crore |
| Central License | Above ₹20 Crore | Above ₹50 Crore |
| License Validity | 1–5 years (renewal required) | Perpetual (lifetime) — subject to annual fee + compliance |
| Street Vendors | Separate FSSAI registration | Deemed registered under Street Vendors Act 2014 |
| Registration Process | Manual processing | Instant registration on document submission |
| Inspections | Routine inspections | Risk-based inspections |
Why is Central FSSAI License Important?
FSSAI Central Authority
Highest credibility license — issued directly by FSSAI headquarters.
Import Mandatory
All food importers must have Central License regardless of turnover.
Multi-State Operations
Required for businesses operating across 2+ states.
100% EOU & SEZ
Mandatory for export-oriented units and SEZ food businesses.
Airlines & Railways
Catering operations for airlines, railways, airports, seaports.
Perpetual Validity
No renewal from April 2026 — lifetime license.
Benefits of Central FSSAI License
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Highest Credibility | FSSAI Central-issued license for maximum trust |
| Import Clearance | Required for food import via SWIFT 2.0 system |
| Multi-State Operations | Single license for pan-India operations |
| Export Eligibility | 100% EOU and export readiness |
| Perpetual Validity | Lifetime validity from April 2026 |
| Institutional Contracts | Required for large government, airline, railway contracts |
| HACCP/ISO Aligned | FSMS certification readiness |
| Brand Premium | Central License number signals large, compliant operation |
Is This Right For You?
Food Importers
All importers of food products — mandatory regardless of turnover.
Large Manufacturers
Turnover >₹50Cr — packaged food, dairy, beverages, snacks.
Multi-State Chains
Restaurant chains, FMCG distributors, retail chains across states.
Airlines & Railways Catering
In-flight catering, IRCTC catering, airport food services.
100% EOU & SEZ
Export-oriented food manufacturing units.
E-commerce Giants
Large online food platforms and warehousing operations.
Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Turnover (from 1 Apr 2026) | Above ₹50 Crore per annum |
| Turnover (before 1 Apr 2026) | Above ₹20 Crore |
| Mandatory (any turnover) | Food importers, 100% EOU, 2+ states, SEZ, central govt, airlines, railways |
| Application Form | Form B (comprehensive) on FoSCoS |
| Issuing Authority | FSSAI Central Licensing Authority |
| Inspection | Pre-license inspection by Central FSSAI team |
| FSMS | HACCP / ISO 22000 recommended (mandatory for some categories) |
Documents You'll Need
PAN + Aadhaar
Of directors/partners/proprietor
Company Proof
CoI / LLP Agreement / GST
Turnover Proof
Audited financials / CA certificate
Layout Plan
Detailed floor plan with equipment
Water Test Report
NABL-accredited lab
HACCP/FSMS
Food safety management system docs
FoSTaC
Food Safety Supervisor certificate
Product List
Complete list with categories
IEC Code
Import Export Code
Import Details
Products, countries of origin
Customs Docs
For SWIFT 2.0 integration
Prepared by TaxClue
Form B application, HACCP/FSMS plan, equipment list, product categorisation, and complete FoSCoS Central filing.
Step-by-Step Process
Consultation & Eligibility
Confirm Central License requirement — turnover, importer status, multi-state operations.
Document Collection
Financials, premises docs, HACCP/FSMS plan, FoSTaC, product list, IEC (importers).
Form B Preparation
Comprehensive Form B with food safety management system, equipment details, and product information.
FoSCoS Central Filing
Application filed under Central License category on FoSCoS portal.
Pre-License Inspection
FSSAI Central team inspects premises. TaxClue prepares and coordinates.
License Issuance
Central FSSAI License issued. 14-digit number starting with 1. Perpetual validity from 2026.
Ongoing Compliance ✅
Annual return, FoSTaC, Schedule 4, third-party audit, SWIFT 2.0 (importers) — all managed.
Threshold Increased to ₹50 Crore
From 1 Apr 2026, Central License is only for turnover above ₹50 Crore (was >₹20 Crore). Businesses with turnover ₹20Cr–₹50Cr now fall under State License. Existing Central License holders in this range should consult TaxClue for transition.
Turnaround Time
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Document preparation | 5–10 days |
| Form B + FoSCoS filing | 3–5 days |
| Pre-license inspection | 10–20 days |
| License processing | 15–30 days |
| Total | 30–60 working days |
Government Fees & Charges
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Central License Fee (1 year) | ₹7,500 |
| Central License Fee (2 years) | ₹10,000 |
| Central License Fee (5 years) | ₹18,750 (was applicable before perpetual) |
| Annual Fee (from 2026) | As specified by FSSAI |
| Inspection Fee | Nil (government-borne) |
Post-Registration Compliance
| Compliance | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Return (Form D-1) | By 31 May every year | Mandatory for all licensed FBOs |
| Annual Fee Payment | Annually (date specified by FSSAI) | Non-payment → deemed suspension (from 2026) |
| Display of License | Ongoing | At prominent place in premises |
| Hygiene & Sanitation (Sch 4) | Ongoing | FIFO/FEFO storage mandatory from 2026 |
| Daily Production Records | Daily (manufacturers only) | Raw material utilisation log — mandatory from 2026 |
| FoSTaC Training | At least 1 trained person | Food Safety Supervisor training |
| Water Testing | As per license conditions | For manufacturing units |
| Third-Party Audit | On FSSAI/Commissioner direction | Mandatory from 2026 Amendment |
| Upgrade License | If turnover crosses threshold | Basic → State → Central as required |
Penalties for Non-Compliance
| Default | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Operating without FSSAI registration/license | Up to ₹5 lakh fine (Section 63, FSS Act 2006) |
| Sub-standard food | ₹5 lakh fine (Section 50) |
| Misbranded food | ₹3 lakh fine (Section 52) |
| Misleading advertisement | ₹10 lakh fine (Section 53) |
| Unsafe food causing injury | ₹5 lakh fine + imprisonment up to 6 months (Section 56) |
| Unsafe food causing death | ₹10 lakh fine + imprisonment up to 7 years (Section 59) |
| Late filing of annual return | Penalty proposed in 2026 Draft (beyond 31 May) |
| Non-payment of annual fee (from 2026) | Automatic deemed suspension of license/registration |
| Non-compliance with Schedule 4 (hygiene) | Improvement notice → suspension → cancellation |
| Obstructing Food Safety Officer | ₹3 lakh fine + imprisonment up to 3 months (Section 62) |
Why Choose TaxClue?
Central License Experts
Extensive experience with FSSAI Central Authority filings.
HACCP/FSMS Support
Food safety management system documentation.
Import License Specialists
SWIFT 2.0, IEC coordination, import compliance.
Inspection Ready
Pre-inspection audit and preparation.
Pan-India Compliance
Multi-state, multi-unit license management.
100% Online
Everything handled digitally.
TaxClue's Process
Consultation
Eligibility and category assessment.
Documents + FSMS
Collect docs, prepare food safety plan.
Form B Filing
Submit on FoSCoS Central.
Inspection
Coordinate and prepare premises.
License Delivery
Central FSSAI License issued.
Ongoing Compliance ✅
Annual returns, audits, SWIFT 2.0.
What Our Clients Say
Central FSSAI License Across Industries
Comparison Table
| Parameter | Basic Registration | State License | Central License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turnover (from 1 Apr 2026) | Up to ₹1.5 Crore | ₹1.5Cr – ₹50Cr | Above ₹50 Crore |
| Turnover (before 1 Apr 2026) | Up to ₹12 Lakh | ₹12L – ₹20Cr | Above ₹20 Crore |
| Validity (from 2026) | Perpetual | Perpetual | Perpetual |
| Application Form | Form A | Form B | Form B |
| Issuing Authority | Registration Authority | State Food Safety Dept | FSSAI Central |
| Processing Time | 7 days (instant from 2026) | 30–60 days | 30–60 days |
| Inspection | Not mandatory (risk-based) | May be required | Pre-license inspection |
| Applicable For | Small FBOs, petty food, home kitchens | Mid-sized — restaurants, manufacturers, traders | Large — national chains, importers, 100% EOU |
Frequently Asked Questions
Amendments (2025–2026)
- 10 Mar 2026FSS (L&R) Amendment Regulations, 2026 — Gazette Notification. Perpetual validity, instant registration, deemed street vendor registration, risk-based inspections, third-party audits.
- 13 Mar 2026FSSAI Order — Revised turnover thresholds: Basic ≤₹1.5Cr, State ₹1.5Cr–₹50Cr, Central >₹50Cr. Effective 1 April 2026.
- 17 Mar 2026MoHFW approves major regulatory reforms to promote ease of doing business and strengthen food safety.
- Jan 2026Draft amendment — Penalty for late annual returns beyond 31 May; mandatory daily production records for manufacturers; FIFO/FEFO storage mandated.
- Nov 2025SWIFT 2.0 Pilot — FSSAI and CBIC go live with enhanced food import transparency system.
- 2025FoSTaC training extended to street food vendors. Hygiene Rating certification programme continued.
- PreviousFSS (L&R) Regulations 2011 — Original framework. Multiple amendments in 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024. All superseded by the 2026 Amendment Regulations where applicable.
Real Clients. Real Results.
Food Importer — Mumbai
Imported snacks and beverages from 12 countries. Central License + SWIFT 2.0 setup. TaxClue coordinated IEC and customs documentation.
₹200Cr Dairy Company — Gujarat
Large-scale dairy processing. Central License with HACCP plan and multi-unit coverage. Inspection cleared first time.
Airlines Catering — Delhi
In-flight catering for 3 airlines. Central License with stringent food safety requirements. TaxClue managed end-to-end.
You Might Also Need
Complete Central FSSAI License —
For India's Largest Food Businesses.
Form B, HACCP/FSMS, FoSCoS Central filing, inspection, import license, and ongoing compliance — all handled.