FSSAI Central License: Complete Documents Checklist and Application Guide 2026
Step-by-step guide to applying for FSSAI Central License. Complete document checklist, eligibility criteria, application process, timelines, and common reasons for rejection.
What is FSSAI Central License?
The FSSAI Central License is the highest tier of FSSAI authorization in India, issued by the FSSAI Central Licensing Authority (based in Delhi/Mumbai). It is required for large-scale food businesses that operate across state boundaries or meet specific scale/activity thresholds.
Who Needs an FSSAI Central License?
You need a Central License if your food business falls into any of these categories:
- Annual turnover exceeds ₹50 crore
- Multi-state operations: Food businesses with premises in more than one state (one central license can cover one premises; separate license needed for each premises)
- Import/Export: Any FBO engaged in import or export of food products
- Operators of Slaughter Houses: with capacity > 50 large animals or 150 small animals per day
- Dairy units: Processing > 50,000 litres of milk per day or more than 2,500 MT of milk solids per year
- Vegetable oil processing: > 2 MT per day
- Hotels, restaurants and caterers in airports, seaports, railways: All food service on railways, aircraft, and international airports
- FBOs operating in Central Government establishments: Defence canteens, railways canteens
- Food manufacturers with 100% export-oriented units
- E-commerce food businesses: Platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, Amazon (their own license)
Complete Documents Checklist for FSSAI Central License
Mandatory Documents for All Applicants
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Form B (Application) | Filled and submitted online on FoSCoS portal |
| Layout plan of the premises | Scale drawing showing production areas, storage, utilities, toilet facilities |
| List of Directors / Partners / Proprietor | With addresses, photographs, photo ID proof |
| Incorporation Certificate / Partnership Deed / LLP Agreement | Legal entity proof |
| MOA/AOA (for companies) | Memorandum and Articles of Association |
| Food Safety Management System Plan | HACCP plan or comprehensive FSMS document |
| NOC from municipality / local authority | Trade license or No Objection Certificate for the premises |
| Proof of premises ownership or tenancy | Registered lease deed, rent agreement, or ownership documents |
| List of food products to be manufactured / dealt with | With HSN codes; must match license categories |
| Source of water and water analysis report | Water used in manufacturing must be tested by NABL lab |
Additional Documents for Manufacturers
- List of machinery and equipment with installed capacity
- List of raw material sources/suppliers
- NOC from Pollution Control Board
- Certificate of Analysis for key raw materials
Additional Documents for Importers
- Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT
- List of food products to be imported
- List of foreign suppliers (with addresses)
Additional Documents for Exporters
- Import Export Code (IEC)
- APEDA/MPEDA registration (as applicable)
- List of foreign buyers (optional but helpful)
FSSAI Central License Fees
| Category | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Manufacturers (food production capacity ≤ 50 kg/litre per day) | ₹2,000 |
| Manufacturers (50–2 MT or litres per day) | ₹3,000 |
| Manufacturers (>2 MT per day) | ₹5,000 |
| Importers/Exporters | ₹3,000 |
| Large restaurant / hotel (5-star) | ₹7,500 |
Timeline for Central License Approval
- Initial document review: 7–15 working days
- Physical inspection (if required): 30–45 days
- Total timeline (if no queries): 30–60 days
- With queries/additional documents: 60–90 days
Common Reasons for Central License Rejection/Delay
- Incomplete or unclear layout plan
- FSMS plan is generic/copy-pasted rather than specific to the business
- Water analysis report missing or from non-NABL accredited lab
- Pollution Control Board NOC missing
- Mismatch between product categories applied for and the FSMS plan
- Premises ownership/tenancy documents not in the company's name
- Missing signature of the authorised signatory on Form B
Conclusion
The FSSAI Central License is the gateway to large-scale and cross-border food business operations in India. While the documentation requirements are more extensive than for State or Basic licenses, the process is manageable with proper preparation. Velco Legal India has helped hundreds of businesses obtain their FSSAI Central License — our team prepares all documents, manages the FoSCoS application, responds to FSSAI queries, and gets your license issued with minimum delay.
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