The FSSAI Central License is essential for Food Business Operators (FBOs) with operations spanning multiple states or countries. It is designed for large businesses, such as McDonald’s, Subway, and Domino’s, which have an annual turnover exceeding 20 crores. This license is also applicable to importers, major producers, and central government agencies involved in the food sector. Businesses operating in at least two states must obtain a Central License for their registered head office, with separate licenses for each branch based on specific eligibility criteria. The license is valid for a minimum of one year and can be renewed for up to five years.
For those seeking assistance, Professional Utilities offers expert consultation and support to ensure your food business adheres to all legal requirements efficiently and cost-effectively. Our team helps streamline the process, making it easier for you to establish and operate your business according to FSSAI standards.
What is a Fssai Central License
An FSSAI Central License is required for Food Business Operators with operations in multiple states or countries. It is intended for large-scale businesses with an annual turnover exceeding 20 crores, such as major restaurant chains and importers. The license covers the entire business, including the head office and all branches, ensuring compliance with food safety standards across various locations. It is valid for one to five years, depending on the needs of the business.
Procedure for Obtaining Fssai Central License
Here are the procedures given for obtaining a FSSAI central license for entities that deal with the manufacturing, storage, distribution, transportation, or retailing of food products.
- Fill Out the Application: Complete Form B according to the FSSAI guidelines, ensuring all information is accurate and authentic.
- Product Names: Use general names for products rather than brand names.
- Certification: Ensure all products listed comply with the FSSAI Act, 2006.
- License Duration: Select the duration for which you want the license, ranging from 1 to 5 years.
- Payment: Pay the required fees online or via a demand draft submitted to the FSSAI state office.
- License Delivery: Expect to receive your license by post within 25-30 days.
Documents Required for FSSAI Central License
- NOC from Municipality or Local Body (optional).
- Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU.
- NOC issued by FSSAI.
- Import Export Code issued by DGFT.
- Nomination of Person(s) by a Company (Form IX).
- Certification by the Ministry of Tourism.
- Detailed proof of income in writing.
- Self-declaration of the number of vehicles.
- FSSAI Declaration Form.
- NOC & Copy of License from the manufacturer (mandatory for relabellers and repackers).
- Food Safety Management System Plan or Certificate (if any).
- Source of milk or procurement plan for milk, including the location of milk collection centers (if applicable).
- Source of raw material for meat and meat processing plants (if applicable).
- Pesticide protection report of water from a recognized laboratory (if manufacturing packaged water).
- Certificate received under the Coop Act-1861/Multi-State Coop Act 2002 for cooperatives (if applicable).
- List and name of machinery and equipment, including quantity, installed capacity, and horsepower (compulsory for production and manufacturing units).
- Review report for chemical and bacteriological analysis of water to be used as an ingredient in food from a verified or public health laboratory (necessary for manufacturing and processing units).
- Documentary evidence of turnover or self-declaration of the number of vehicles (compulsory for transporters).
- Certificate of Food Safety Management System Plan (FSMSP) if required.
Fssai Central License Renewal
For renewing an FSSAI Central License in India, businesses must follow specific guidelines and provide the required documents. Essential documents include:
- NOC from Municipality or Local Body (optional)
- Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% Export-Oriented Units (EOU)
- NOC issued by FSSAI
- Import Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT
- Nomination of Person(s) by a Company (Form IX)
- Certification by the Ministry of Tourism
- Detailed proof of income in writing
- Self-declaration of the number of vehicles
- FSSAI Declaration Form
These documents ensure compliance with food safety standards and facilitate the renewal process, allowing businesses to continue operating within regulatory frameworks.
Who Needs FSSAI Central License?
- RESTAURANT
- CLUB
- DHABA
- DISTRIBUTOR
- FOOD PROCESSOR
- CANTEEN
- WHOLESALER
- STORAGE
- SUPPLIER
- TRANSPORTER
- RETAILER
- MANUFACTURER
- HAWKERS
- MARKETER
- OTHERS
Eligibility for FSSAI Central License
- Restaurants, retailers, distributors, and suppliers with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crores.
- Manufacturing and processing units for vegetable oil using solvent extraction or oil expeller methods, with a capacity over 2 metric tonnes per day.
- Food vending establishments like Dhaba, clubs, and canteens with branches in more than one state and an annual turnover of more than ₹12 lakhs.
- Wholesalers with an annual turnover of at least ₹30 crores.
- Hotels rated 5-star or higher.
- 100% export-oriented units involved in food production or processing.
- Importers of food ingredients or additives.
- Caterers working with central government agencies, including railways, airlines, airports, seaports, and defense.
- Storage facilities with a capacity exceeding 50,000 metric tonnes.
- Dairy units (including chilling units) with a capacity to handle or process over 50,000 liters per day.
- Slaughterhouses with a capacity to slaughter over 50 large animals, more than 150 small animals, or over 1,000 poultry birds per day.
- Controlled Atmosphere and Cold Storage facilities with a capacity of 1,000 metric tonnes or more.
- Transporters with more than 100 vehicles or an annual turnover of over ₹30 crores.
- Food processing units, including repackers but excluding grain, pulse, and cereal milling units, with a capacity over 2 metric tonnes per day.
- FBOs involved in producing food items, additives, or ingredients using new processes or technologies, whose safety has not yet been established by FSSAI.
Important of Fssai Central License
The FSSAI Central License is crucial for large-scale food businesses operating across multiple states or internationally. It ensures that these businesses adhere to stringent food safety and quality standards, protecting consumer health. Obtaining this license helps in compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, thus avoiding legal penalties and ensuring smooth operations across different regions. It also enhances credibility and trust with consumers and business partners, as it signifies that the food products meet rigorous safety standards. Furthermore, the license is often required for participating in government tenders and dealing with large-scale corporate clients. It facilitates the use of the FSSAI logo on packaging and promotional materials, giving businesses a competitive edge in the market.
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining and maintaining an FSSAI Central License is crucial for food business operators who operate across multiple states or have substantial business activities. This license not only ensures compliance with food safety regulations but also helps build trust with consumers by demonstrating a commitment to quality and safety standards. The license is valid for 1 to 5 years, and timely renewal is essential to avoid disruptions in business operations. By adhering to the application and renewal processes, and maintaining proper documentation, businesses can ensure smooth operations and continued adherence to food safety regulations.