FSSAI CENTRAL LICENSE

An FSSAI Central License is a mandatory license issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for large-scale food businesses. It is the highest category of food license and is required for businesses with large turnover, specific production capacities, or operations spanning multiple states or nations. Eligibility criteria A food business operator (FBO) must obtain a central license if they meet any of the following conditions: Turnover: An annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore (or ₹30 crore for transport businesses). Operating in multiple states: The business has units operating in two or more states or at a national level. Importers/Exporters: Involved in the import or export of food products. E-commerce operators: FBOs selling food items through their own e-commerce platform. High-capacity units: Manufacturers with a daily production capacity over the prescribed limits. This includes: Dairy units: Producing over 50,000 liters of milk per day. Vegetable oil units: Producing over 2 metric tons of oil per day. Slaughterhouses: With a daily capacity of 50 or more large animals, 150 or more small animals, or 1,000 or more poultry birds. Central government entities: Catering services in central government agencies like railways, airports, seaports, and defense establishments. Star hotels: Hotels with a 5-star or 7-star rating certified by the Ministry of Tourism. Documents required The specific documents needed for a central license vary based on the business type but generally include: Application Form: Duly completed and signed Form B. Identification: Photo identity and address proof of the proprietors, partners, or directors. Premises Proof: Proof of possession of the premises, such as a rent agreement or utility bill. Business Constitution: A Partnership Deed, Certificate of Incorporation, or Memorandum and Articles of Association (MoA & AoA). Plan: Blueprint or layout plan of the processing unit (for manufacturing and processing units). Machinery: A list of all equipment and machinery used, along with their installed capacity. Water Analysis Report: A chemical and bacteriological analysis report of the water used in food production (for manufacturing and processing units). FSMS Plan: A Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan. IE Code: Import Export Code (IEC) document issued by the DGFT (for importers and exporters). Form IX: Nomination of persons by the company. Supporting Documents: Includes proof of turnover, NOCs (from manufacturers or municipalities), and a declaration form