Mandatory for E-commerce, Exim
The Central License of FSSAI is primarily applicable for large food business operators, e-commerce operators, people involved in the export or import of food items. We extend our support in filing and subsequent follow-up with FSSAI.
Overview of FSSAI Central License
The FSSAI Central License is the highest category of licence granted under Food Safety And Standards Act, 2006. It is required by the FBO which are operating the food business at a large scale or their annual turnover is above 20 crores per annum. Central licence is granted by Central Licensing authority. FSSAI Central licence contains a 14 digit number which starts with 100XXXXXXXXXXX.
The Food Business in India is highly regulated under the rules and regulations issued for this purpose under the FSSAI. The first step is to ensure that your food business has the correct license or registration. Several factors determine the requirement of FSSAI Registration, State License or Central License. We have discussed in detail the applicability of FSSAI on several aspects on a dedicated page. Please click the following to read more on applicability
More Question? A specialist is here to help
Call us at: +91 88 66 888 067 or Email us: contact@shahconsultancyservice.com
Applicability of Central FSSAI License
The general rule is that the FSSAI Central license is required by large FBO or by those specifically included irrespective of the turnover, such as E-Commerce. Following are the most common businesses that require FSSAI Central License.
Most Common FBO requiring Central License
Turnover Criteria: The large FBO has an annual turnover of more than 20 crores, excluding the transporters. In a transporter case, the yearly turnover limit to seek a central licence is 30 crores.
E-Commerce Operator: All E-Commerce operators, for example, Flipkart or amazon, need to take Central License. It does not mean that the merchants selling through such platforms also need a central license.
Exporter or Importer & EOU Units: The FBO operates through 100 % Export Oriented Units and those involved in the export and import of food items, including food ingredients and additives for commercial use.
Multi State Operators: Food Business Operators operating in two or more states must take appropriate FSSAI Registration or License in all the states and a Central License at the Head Office.
Other FBO Requiring FSSAI Central License
- All food processing units other than dairy units, vegetable oil, meat processing units & slaughter houses including relabellers & repackers having installed capacity more than 2 MT/day except grains, cereals & pulses milling units
- Hotel rated Five Star & above by the Ministry of Tourism (HRACC)
- Dairy units including milk chilling units equipped to handle or process more than 50,000 litres of liquid milk/day or 2500 MT of milk solid per annum
- Vegetable oil processing units & units producing vegetable oil by the process of solvent extraction & refineries including oil expeller units having installed capacity more than 2 MT per day.
- All slaughterhouses that are equipped to slaughter more than 50 large animals or 150 or more small animals including sheep & goats or 1000 or more poultry birds per day.
- Meat processing units equipped to handle or process more than 500 kg of meat per day or 150 MT per annum.
- Food catering services in establishments & units under Central government Agencies like Railways, Air & airport, Seaport, Defence etc.
- All food business operators manufacturing any article of food containing ingredients or substances or using technologies or processes or combination thereof whose safety has not been established through these regulations or which do not have a history of safe use or food containing ingredients which are being introduced for the first time into the country.
Timeline for Grant of FSSAI Central License
The Licensing Authority issues the FSSAI Central License within 60 days of applying a complete application by an FBO. It includes time taken in scrutinization of application and inspection of premises by the concerned authority.
Commencement of Business: The licencing authority for food business shall not prohibit the food business operator from commencing its food business where the licencing authority is unable to grant Food licence within 60 days from the date of making a complete application and :
- Fails to point out the defect in the application or
- No clarification is asked after inspection of the food unit by the food officer
“The above provision of commencement of Food business without grant of licence is to curb the delay tactics of the concerned Licensing Authority without any valid reason.”
List of Documents for Central FSSAI License
The documents required for the grant of FSSAI License are prescribed differently for Non-Manufacturing FBO and for Manufacturing FBO. In the table below, we have categories for the list of documents required. Based on the nature of business, additional documents are needed, and the same is provided separately.
List of Documents for FSSAI Registration By
Company LLP Partnership Firm Individual/Proprietorship Society Trust
| Non Manufacturing / Non Producing FBO |
| A. Company Documents Certificate of IncorporationMOA & AOAPAN CardList of DirectorsBoard ResolutionForm IX: Nomination FormList of Food Products |
| B. Documents of Directors & Nominee Government Issued Photo Identity CardAddress ProofEmail ID & Mobile Mo (For OTP)Educational Qualification |
| C. Proof of Address of Food Business. Sale Deed/ Rent agreement, andElectricity Bill Not Older than two months |
About the Author
