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FSSAI Central License for Large-Scale Food Businesses in India

Legally Compliant. Nationally Trusted. Ready for Expansion.

If you're running a large-scale food business with operations spanning multiple states or an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore, then securing an FSSAI Central License is mandatory. Issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), this license authorizes your company to operate legally and ensures your food products meet the highest national safety and hygiene standards.

At Mequintrax Digital Services, we specialize in FSSAI Central Licensing for food manufacturers, importers, exporters, e-commerce players, and large retailers. From documentation to submission and follow-ups, our experts handle the complete registration process—accurately, efficiently, and 100% online.

✅ For Businesses with Operations Across States
✅ Mandatory for Large Food Enterprises & Exporters
✅ End-to-End Licensing Support by Experts

What is the FSSAI Central License?

The FSSAI Central License is the highest category of food safety certification issued by FSSAI. It is specifically meant for:


  • Food businesses with annual turnover above ₹20 crore

  • Food importers and exporters

  • Large-scale manufacturers, processors, and distributors

  • E-commerce food delivery platforms

  • Head offices or central kitchens serving multiple branches/outlets


This license ensures nationwide regulatory compliance and is issued directly by the Central Licensing Authority of FSSAI, under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Who Needs an FSSAI Central License?

Your business must obtain a Central FSSAI License if you fall under any of the following:


  • Annual turnover exceeds ₹20 crore

  • Involved in food import/export

  • Operating in more than one state

  • Running a central kitchen or head office

  • Engaged in large-scale manufacturing/processing/storage

  • Registered as a government food supplier (e.g., Railways, Defense, Airport catering)


Why is the FSSAI Central License Important?

1. Ensures Legal Operation & Nationwide Compliance

The Central License is a legal necessity for large and multi-state food businesses. It enables lawful operations and helps avoid penalties, shutdowns, or product recalls.


2. Enables Import & Export of Food Products

For food businesses entering global markets, the FSSAI Central License is essential. It meets the international food safety benchmarks required by foreign trade authorities.


3. Builds Credibility with Consumers and Stakeholders

Holding a Central License sends a powerful message of trust, hygiene, and quality to your customers, distributors, government agencies, and investors.


4. Smooths Multi-State Business Expansion

Whether you’re opening branches across India or managing a central kitchen for franchises, the Central License keeps your operations legally compliant and streamlined.


5. Mandated for Online Food Aggregators & Cloud Kitchens

Food delivery apps, multi-city cloud kitchens, and e-commerce platforms must have an FSSAI Central License to ensure safe handling and delivery of food.

Types of FSSAI Licenses and Registration Explained

  • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates that every food business operator (FBO) obtain a valid license or registration to operate legally and ensure food safety compliance. The type of FSSAI license you require depends on the size, scale, and nature of your food business.FSSAI offers three main categories of licenses and registrations:

FSSAI Basic Registration

  • Who Needs It?

    • Small-scale food businesses with turnover less than ₹12 lakh/year

    • Petty food retailers, hawkers, tea/juice stalls

    • Home kitchens, tiffin services, small bakers

    • Cottage food producers and local food units


    Purpose

    • Legal recognition under FSSAI

    • Ensures basic compliance with food safety laws

    • Builds trust with customers and delivery platforms


    Validity

    • Valid for 1 to 5 years

    • Renewable before expiry


FSSAI State License

  • Who Needs It?

    • Medium-scale food businesses with annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore
    • Food manufacturers, processors, and packaging units
    • Distributors, wholesalers, and transporters
    • Medium-sized restaurants, caterers, and food chains operating within one state
    • Storage and warehousing units

      Purpose

      • Mandatory license for medium-sized food businesses
      • Ensures compliance with state-level FSSAI and food safety regulations
      • Helps in expanding operations while maintaining trust and transparency

      Validity

      • Issued for 1 to 5 years
      • Must be renewed before expiration to avoid penalties and business disruption.

    FSSAI Central License

    • Who Needs It?

      • Large-scale food businesses with annual turnover above ₹20 crore

      • Exporters, importers, and businesses involved in inter-state operations

      • Large manufacturers and processing units

      • Operators supplying to government departments or agencies

      • E-commerce food operators and multi-location businesses


      Purpose

      • Mandatory for large food enterprises and those engaged in national or international trade

      • Grants authority to operate across multiple states

      • Ensures compliance with central-level FSSAI norms under the Food Safety and Standards Act


      Validity

      • Issued for 1 to 5 years

      • Must be renewed before expiry to maintain uninterrupted licensing


    Top Benefits of FSSAI License for Food Businesses in India

    • Obtaining an FSSAI license is essential for every food business operator in India. Whether you run a small food stall, a restaurant, or a large food manufacturing unit, having a valid FSSAI food license brings multiple benefits that ensure your business thrives legally and competitively.

      1. Legal Compliance with Food Safety Standards2. Builds Consumer Trust and Brand Credibility3. Enables Business Expansion and Market Access4. Enhances Food Safety and Quality Control5. Competitive Advantage Over Non-Licensed Businesses6. Access to Online Food Delivery and Retail Platforms7. Smooth Business Operations Without Legal Disruptions8. Promotes Consumer Health and Satisfaction

    FSSAI License Validity

      • Duration ; The FSSAI license or registration is generally valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the business owner’s preference at the time of application and the issuing authority’s guidelines.

      • Renewal : It is mandatory to renew the FSSAI license before its expiry to continue lawful operations. Renewal applications should ideally be submitted at least 30 days prior to the expiration date to avoid any lapse in registration.

      • Consequences of Non-Renewal : Failure to renew the license on time can lead to penalties and may force your business to halt operations until the registration is reinstated.


    Penalties for Non-Compliance with FSSAI Regulations

    • FSSAI has stringent rules to ensure food safety and penalize violations to protect consumer health. The penalties vary based on the severity of the offense:

      1. Operating Without FSSAI License
      • Any food business operating without obtaining the mandatory FSSAI license or registration can face fines up to ₹5 lakh.

      • Repeat offenders may face higher fines or imprisonment.

      2. Non-Display or False Display of License
      • Failure to display the valid FSSAI license at the premises or displaying a fake license can attract penalties up to ₹1 lakh.

      3. Food Adulteration or Safety Violations
      • Selling adulterated, substandard, or unsafe food products can lead to fines up to ₹5 lakh and/or imprisonment up to 6 months.

      • Serious offenses might attract higher penalties and longer jail terms.

      4. Non-Compliance with FSSAI Orders
      • Failure to comply with FSSAI’s directives regarding food safety, labeling, hygiene, or recall can result in fines and cancellation of the license.


    Top 6 Reasons to File Your FSSAI Central License with a Trusted Tax Filing Expert

    Expert Guidance at Every Step

    Our seasoned compliance professionals provide step-by-step support, ensuring your FSSAI Central License application is accurate, complete, and fully aligned with current food safety regulations.

    Fast & Hassle-Free Processing

    We streamline documentation, validation, and submission to ensure your FSSAI Central License is processed quickly minimizing delays, reducing follow-ups, and getting your food business operational as fast as possible.

    Customized Licensing Strategy

    We analyze your business model, turnover, and operations to determine exact eligibility, helping you avoid incorrect filings and ensuring you apply under the correct FSSAI Central category from the start.

    100% Online Service Delivery

    No office visits or paperwork hassles—our digital process handles everything online, from document collection to final license delivery, with clear tracking and updates at every stage.

    Transparent Pricing with No Hidden Charges

    We offer clear, upfront pricing for FSSAI Central Licensing—what you see is what you pay. No hidden costs, no surprises—just professional service you can trust.

    Trusted by Pan-India Clients

    From food exporters to large-scale manufacturers, businesses across India trust Mequintrax for their FSSAI Central Licenses. Our reputation is built on reliability, speed, and compliance excellence.

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