Apply for an FSSAI central licence with Legal Startup. A dedicated expert checks whether your business falls under the central category, prepares your documents and food safety plan, files the application and guides you through queries, renewal and compliance.
Free call & custom quote · Government fee + professional fee, shown separately
An FSSAI central licence is the licence issued by the Central Licensing Authority under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 to larger and specified food businesses, such as importers, large manufacturers and e-commerce food operators.
Last updated: October 2026. Eligibility limits, fees and forms are set by FSSAI and can change, so we confirm the current position before you proceed.
FSSAI licences are divided into three levels: basic registration for small businesses, a state licence for medium businesses and a central licence for larger or specified operations. The central licence is granted by the Central Licensing Authority and carries a 14-digit FSSAI licence number.
You generally need it when your business falls into a category reserved for central licensing, such as importing food products, or when your turnover or production capacity goes beyond the limits set for a state licence. Applying for the wrong level can lead to rejection or a later upgrade, so it is worth confirming your category before you file.
For official rules and applications, visit the FSSAI FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in) and the FSSAI website (fssai.gov.in).
Eligibility depends on your category, scale and location.
Bringing food into India.
Higher capacity or turnover.
Online food operators.
Specified locations and spread.
Not sure whether you need a central or state licence? Tell us your activity, turnover and locations and our experts will advise free of charge.
Why larger food businesses need the right licence before operating.
Operate within the Food Safety and Standards Act and avoid penalties for running without the correct licence.
Importers need a licence in place to clear and sell food products in India.
Marketplaces, large retailers and distributors commonly ask for a valid FSSAI licence number.
The right category supports higher volumes, more products and wider distribution.
A valid licence shows buyers, investors and partners that food safety rules are followed.
Lenders and banks often require licences on record for loans and credit facilities.
From checking eligibility to receiving your licence.
Timelines depend on the category, document accuracy and the authority's processing. Not to scale.
We review your activity, turnover, capacity and locations to confirm that a central licence is the right choice.
You share the required papers, and we help organise them along with the food safety management plan.
We complete the application on the FSSAI portal with the right product list and business details, and the government fee is paid online.
If the authority raises a query or schedules an inspection or audit, we guide you on the reply and what to keep ready.
Once approved, you receive the central licence with a 14-digit number to display and use on invoices and packaging.
We note the expiry date and the filings that apply to your category so you can renew in time.
Keep these ready to avoid delays. Our expert will confirm the exact list for your case.
The total cost has separate parts, and we show them separately so there are no surprises:
Paid to FSSAI. It depends on the licence category and the validity period you choose.
Our fee depends on the case, the complexity of the business and the support needed. Call free for a custom quote before you pay anything.
Food safety plan drafting, audit preparation, renewal and modification are quoted only if you need them.
We share a clear, itemised quote before you begin. Get your free quote →
Choose the situation that matches your business, or call free for a custom quote.
Importers, large manufacturers and e-commerce food operators.
Central licence with food safety plan and audit readiness.
Upgrade from state licence, renewal or modification.
Our professional fee is quoted after a free call. Government fee is separate. Approval by the authority is never guaranteed. Not sure which option fits? Ask for a free consultation.
A quick view of the three FSSAI categories.
| Category | Best for | Scale | Issued by | Scrutiny |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic registration | Small food sellers, home kitchens, petty retailers | Small turnover and capacity | State or local food safety authority | Lightest |
| State licence | Restaurants, caterers, manufacturers, storage | Medium turnover and capacity | State food safety authority | Moderate |
| Central licence | Importers, large manufacturers, e-commerce and multi-state operators | Large or specified categories | Central licensing authority | Highest |
Most delays come from choosing the wrong category or incomplete papers.
Getting the licence is only the start. It must stay valid and be used correctly.
Keep the licence at your premises and show the licence number on invoices, as required for your category.
Packaged products must carry the FSSAI number and logo along with the other mandatory label details.
Follow the hygiene and safety requirements for your category and keep records ready for inspection or audit.
Some licence holders must file periodic returns, and we confirm what applies to your category.
Apply for renewal before the validity ends, because late renewal can attract a late fee.
Quick answers on FSSAI central licence in India.
An FSSAI central licence is a licence issued by the Central Licensing Authority under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 to larger or specified food businesses, such as importers and large manufacturers. It carries a 14-digit FSSAI licence number and is required before you operate in the covered category.
Categories commonly covered include importers of food products, large manufacturers and processors above the prescribed capacity or turnover, e-commerce food business operators and food businesses operating at central government premises such as airports, railways or ports. Eligibility depends on the rules for your category, which we confirm before filing.
A state licence is issued by the state authority for medium-sized food businesses, while a central licence is issued by the central authority for larger operations and specified categories. The right one depends on turnover, production capacity, activity and whether you operate in more than one state.
Yes. A food importer generally needs an FSSAI licence, and importers fall under the central licence category. You also need an Import Export Code, and imported consignments are subject to separate clearance rules, which are handled outside the licence application.
Typical documents include identity and address proof of the proprietor or directors, entity papers, proof of premises possession, a plan or layout of the unit, equipment details, a food safety management plan and a list of products. Importers add the Import Export Code. We confirm the exact list for your case.
A central licence usually takes longer than basic registration because the application is scrutinised and may involve an inspection or audit. Timelines depend on the category, document accuracy and the authority's processing, so we cannot promise a fixed date.
The total has two parts: the government fee, which depends on the licence category and the validity period you choose, and our professional fee. We show both separately in an itemised quote after a free call.
The licence is issued for a period chosen at application, up to the maximum permitted. It must be renewed before it expires, and a late renewal can attract an additional fee, so we track the expiry date and remind you in advance.
Licensing generally works by premises or location, and a business with several units or states may need separate licences or a central licence for the head office arrangement. The right structure depends on your operations, and we advise on it before you apply.
Yes. When turnover, capacity or the nature of your business crosses the limit for a state licence, you can apply for a central licence through the FSSAI portal with updated documents. We help with the upgrade and with modification of existing details.
Need an FSSAI central licence for your business? Speak to our expert today – the consultation and the quote are free.
Tell us what you need and our team will get back to you with the right guidance.
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