FSSAI Central Licence
The FSSAI Central Licence is the highest tier of food licence and is mandatory for exporters and importers of food, regardless of turnover. It certifies that your food business meets India's food safety standards.
- Issued by
- FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)
- Typical time
- 30–60 days — FSSAI is genuinely slower than the other registrations
- Government fee
- FSSAI's central licence fee, paid to the authority at actuals
- Validity
- Perpetual for licences granted under the 2026 rules, subject to annual returns
Who needs it
Every food exporter and importer. Turnover thresholds decide between basic registration and a state licence for domestic businesses, but export and import always require the central licence.
Documents required
- Form B, completed and signed
- IEC certificate
- Blueprint or layout plan of the processing unit
- List of directors or partners with addresses
- Equipment and machinery list
- Water test report from a recognised laboratory
- Food safety management plan
How it works
- 1
Scope check
We confirm which licence category applies and what your specific product and premises require.
- 2
Assemble the technical set
Layout plan, equipment list, water test and food safety plan are where these applications stall. We tell you exactly what is needed before filing.
- 3
File on FoSCoS
Filed on the FSSAI portal with the fee paid at actuals.
- 4
Respond to queries
FSSAI frequently raises clarifications and may inspect. We handle the correspondence through to grant.
Frequently asked questions
Does an FSSAI licence still expire every year?
For licences under the rules effective 10 March 2026, validity is perpetual rather than a fixed 1–5 years — but the annual return (Form D-1, due 31 May) still has to be filed, and missing it can lead to suspension.
Do food exporters need the central licence specifically?
Yes. Export and import require a central licence regardless of turnover — a state licence is not sufficient.
Why does FSSAI take longer than other registrations?
It is a substantive food-safety assessment, not a records filing. Expect 30–60 days, and longer if the department raises queries or inspects the premises.
Other registrations
Want us to handle FSSAI Central Licence?
Send us your details and we will confirm what applies to your business, what the department charges, and what we charge — before anything is filed.
Enquire now →