FSSAI | CENTRAL LICENSE | FOOD BUSINESS |
IMPORT | EXPORT | E-COMMERCE | INDIA
FSSAI Central License in Odisha & India
Professional FSSAI Central License consultancy,
documentation and online application support for eligible
food businesses.
BBSR Services assists eligible food manufacturers,
importers, exporters, e-commerce food businesses,
multi-state food operators, large food businesses and
other food business operators requiring Central licensing
under applicable FSSAI criteria. We provide eligibility
assessment, documentation guidance and application
assistance for businesses in Odisha and selected clients
across India.
What Is an FSSAI Central License?
FSSAI Central License is the Central licensing category under
India's food safety regulatory framework for Food Business
Operators (FBOs) that fall within Central licensing criteria.
The applicable category is not determined by turnover alone.
FSSAI's current eligibility framework also identifies specific
kinds of food businesses that require Central licensing,
including eligible importers, exporters, e-commerce businesses
and certain food businesses operating under specified Central
or multi-state conditions.
From 1 April 2026, FSSAI revised the turnover thresholds for
categorisation of food businesses. Registration applies up to
₹1.5 crore, State License applies above ₹1.5 crore and up to
₹50 crore, and Central License applies above ₹50 crore,
subject to the applicable Kind of Business and other criteria.
Central License Eligibility Assessment
We review your food business activity, turnover,
products, premises, operating locations and applicable
Kind of Business before proceeding with the Central
License application.
Who Needs an FSSAI Central License?
FSSAI Central licensing may apply to businesses based on
turnover as well as specified food business activities. The
exact eligibility should be checked against the current
FoSCoS criteria.
01
Turnover Above ₹50 Crore
From 1 April 2026, food businesses with turnover above
₹50 crore fall under the Central License turnover
threshold, subject to applicable criteria.
02
Food Importers
Eligible businesses importing food products,
ingredients or additives for commercial use fall under
Central licensing criteria.
03
Food Exporters
Eligible food exporters are identified under Central
licensing criteria.
04
E-Commerce Food Businesses
Food businesses operating through applicable
e-commerce models may require Central licensing.
FSSAI Central License Categories & Business Activities
The Central licensing requirement can arise from different
food business activities. Common examples include:
Food Importers
Import of food products, food ingredients and additives
for commercial use.
Food Exporters
Eligible food businesses involved in food export
activities.
E-Commerce
Eligible food businesses operating through
e-commerce platforms and online food commerce.
Multi-State Operations
Food businesses with applicable operations in two or
more States or Union Territories.
Large Food Businesses
Food businesses exceeding the applicable Central
turnover threshold.
Central Government Premises
Specified food business activities at premises of
Central Government agencies.
Airport & Seaport Food Businesses
Applicable food storage, distribution, retail and
service activities at airports and seaports.
Railway Food Businesses
Specified food businesses operating at railway
stations or under Indian Railways.
FSSAI Registration, State License & Central License
Turnover Thresholds From 1 April 2026
FSSAI revised the turnover thresholds for categorising food
businesses with effect from 1 April 2026.
01
Registration
Turnover up to ₹1.5 crore, subject to applicable
eligibility criteria.
02
State License
Turnover above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore, subject
to applicable criteria.
03
Central License
Turnover above ₹50 crore, subject to applicable
criteria.
04
Special Central Categories
Certain specified food businesses may require Central
License irrespective of turnover.
Important: Turnover Is Not the Only Test
Importers, exporters, e-commerce food businesses and
other specified food business categories can fall
under Central licensing criteria even where turnover
alone would not place the business in the Central
category.
Documents Required for FSSAI Central License
The document list depends on the Kind of Business, products,
premises, business constitution and specific regulatory
requirements. Common documents may include:
Identity Documents
Identity and address documents of the proprietor,
partners, directors or authorised persons, as
applicable.
Business Constitution
Incorporation, partnership, proprietorship or other
applicable business constitution documents.
Premises Documents
Ownership, rent, lease or other applicable premises
documentation.
Food Business Details
Food products, activities, processing, storage,
distribution and other applicable business details.
Additional Documents May Be Required
Depending upon the activity, FSSAI may require
additional documents such as product details,
technical information, layout or premises information,
proof of possession, declaration, authority letter,
supporting certificates or other documents.
FSSAI Central License for Importers & Exporters
Food import and export businesses have specific Central
licensing considerations. An importer bringing food products,
food ingredients or additives into India for commercial use
falls under the Central licensing category identified by
FSSAI.
Eligible exporters are also identified under Central licensing
criteria. The application should accurately describe the
business activity and applicable food categories.
01
Import Business
Assess imported food products, ingredients, additives
and the applicable business activity.
02
Export Business
Assess the food export activity and applicable
licensing information.
03
Product Details
Identify the relevant food products and categories
associated with the business.
04
Compliance Documents
Organise business, premises and other applicable
regulatory documents.
FSSAI Central License for E-Commerce Food Businesses
E-commerce is identified by FSSAI's eligibility system as a
Central License category. This makes Central licensing
particularly relevant for eligible online food business
models.
The actual business model should be assessed carefully,
including whether the business manufactures, markets,
distributes, stores, sells or facilitates the sale of food
through an online platform.
01
Online Food Seller
Review the business model and food selling activities.
02
Food Marketplace
Assess the applicable e-commerce food business
activity.
03
Multi-Location Business
Review locations and the applicable food business
structure.
04
Compliance Structure
Organise applicable licensing and food safety
information.
FSSAI Central License Application Process
A properly prepared application starts with identifying the
correct Kind of Business and applicable Central licensing
criteria.
01
Business Assessment
Understand your food business, products, premises,
turnover and operating model.
02
Eligibility Check
Determine whether Central licensing applies under
turnover or specified business criteria.
03
Document Preparation
Organise the required business, identity, premises and
food-related documents.
04
FoSCoS Application
Prepare and submit the applicable online application
through FoSCoS.
05
Application Follow-Up
Assist with applicable queries, clarifications or
additional requirements.
06
Licence Compliance
Continue with applicable food safety and statutory
compliance after licensing.
Apply for FSSAI Central License Through FoSCoS
FSSAI operates the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) for
food licensing and registration services. The system provides
online facilities for new licence or registration applications,
modification and other related services.
Correctly selecting the Kind of Business and providing
accurate information is important because the application
category and supporting documents depend on the actual food
business activity.
Online Application Assistance
BBSR Services can assist with application preparation,
document organisation and related consultancy for
eligible Central License applications.
FSSAI Central License Validity After the 2026 Reform
FSSAI's 2026 reforms introduced perpetual validity for FSSAI
licences and registrations. Under the revised framework,
licences and registrations remain valid unless suspended,
cancelled or surrendered.
Perpetual validity does not remove the need to comply with
applicable food safety, hygiene, safety, inspection,
declaration, modification and other statutory requirements.
Perpetual Validity
Licences and registrations are intended to remain
valid unless suspended, cancelled or surrendered.
Food Safety Compliance
Businesses must continue to follow applicable food
safety and hygiene requirements.
Business Changes
Applicable changes to business information may still
require modification or updating.
Risk-Based Oversight
The 2026 reforms also introduced a risk-based
inspection and food safety audit framework.
FSSAI Central License Government Fee
FSSAI's April 2026 monthly update states a Central License
fee of ₹7,500 per year under the revised fee structure. The
applicable fee for a particular application should always be
verified against the current FoSCoS system and applicable
business category.
Government Fee: Central License
₹7,500 as stated in FSSAI's April 2026 update for the
Central License category. Professional consultancy
charges, if any, are separate from government fees.
FSSAI Central License Consultancy Services
Our service can cover different stages of the Central License
process depending upon the business requirement.
Eligibility Assessment
Review turnover, business activity and Central
licensing criteria.
Documentation Support
Help organise applicable documents and business
information.
FoSCoS Application
Assistance with preparation and submission of the
applicable online application.
Modification Support
Consultancy for applicable modifications and changes
in licence information.
Case Study: Food Importer Starting Business in Odisha
Consider an Odisha-based company planning to import packaged
food products and food ingredients for commercial distribution
in India. Even if the company's turnover is below the general
Central turnover threshold, the import activity itself can
place the business within the Central licensing category.
The business should identify the applicable Kind of Business,
food products, premises and supporting documents before
preparing the FoSCoS application.
This example demonstrates why a Central License assessment
should consider the actual business activity rather than
relying only on turnover.
Frequently Asked Questions About FSSAI Central License
What is an FSSAI Central License?
It is the Central licensing category for food businesses
that fall under Central licensing criteria prescribed by
FSSAI.
What is the Central License turnover limit in 2026?
From 1 April 2026, the revised turnover threshold for
Central License is above ₹50 crore, subject to the
applicable criteria.
Does turnover alone decide Central License eligibility?
No. Certain specified food business activities can require
Central licensing irrespective of turnover.
Do food importers require Central FSSAI License?
Eligible food importers importing food products,
ingredients or additives for commercial use fall under
Central licensing criteria.
Do food exporters require Central License?
Eligible food exporters are identified under Central
licensing criteria, subject to applicable requirements.
Does an e-commerce food business require Central License?
FSSAI's current eligibility system identifies e-commerce
as a Central License category, subject to the applicable
food business requirements.
Is FSSAI Central License perpetual now?
FSSAI introduced perpetual validity under the 2026 reforms.
Licences and registrations remain valid unless suspended,
cancelled or surrendered, while applicable compliance
obligations continue.
Can I apply for Central License online?
Yes. The applicable FSSAI application is handled through
the Food Safety Compliance System, commonly known as
FoSCoS.
What documents are required for Central License?
Requirements vary by business activity. Common documents
may include identity, business constitution, premises and
food business details, together with additional documents
applicable to the particular Kind of Business.
What is the FSSAI Central License government fee?
FSSAI's April 2026 update states ₹7,500 for a Central
License. The applicable government fee should be verified
against the current FoSCoS application and category.
Can BBSR Services help with FSSAI Central License in Odisha?
Yes. BBSR Services provides consultancy and documentation
support for eligible FSSAI Central License requirements in
Odisha and selected clients across India.
FSSAI CENTRAL LICENSE CONSULTANCY
Not Sure Whether Your Business Needs a Central License?
Share your food business activity, turnover, products,
locations and operating model. We can help assess the
applicable FSSAI licensing category.
Request Consultation
Apply for FSSAI Central License
Get professional consultancy and documentation support for
FSSAI Central License eligibility, FoSCoS application and
related food business compliance requirements.
Important Disclaimer:
FSSAI Central License eligibility depends on the actual food
business activity, Kind of Business, turnover, location,
products and applicable regulatory criteria. The thresholds
and requirements stated on this page reflect the FSSAI
framework applicable from 1 April 2026 based on published
FSSAI orders and FAQs. Government fees, documents and
application requirements may vary according to the business
category and may be updated by FSSAI. This page is provided
for general information and consultancy purposes and should
not be treated as legal advice.