Differences between FSSAI State and Central License

Differences between FSSAI State and Central License. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays an important role in ensuring the quality and safety of food in the country. Every Food Business Operator (FBO) in India must register with or obtain a license from FSSAI, as mandated by the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation, 2011. Depending on the scale and nature of the business, FSSAI registration or licensing becomes mandatory. In this article, we are going to discuss the difference between FSSAI State License and Central License - explaining their eligibility criteria, application process, validity, and compliance requirements.
FSSAI is the regulatory authority responsible for setting standards for food businesses, ensuring compliance with food safety norms, and protecting consumers' interests. To streamline operations and ensure food safety, the licensing framework categorizes FBOs into three categories:
1. FSSAI Registration: For small-scale businesses with annual turnover below Rs.12 lakh.
2. FSSAI State License: For medium-scale businesses with turnover between Rs.12 lakh and Rs.20 crore.
3. FSSAI Central License: For large-scale businesses with turnover exceeding Rs.20 crore or those involved in multi-state operations.
Eligibility for FSSAI State License and FSSAI Central License
1. Eligibility for FSSAI State License
The FSSAI State License is mandatory for medium-sized businesses operating within a single state. Eligibility depends on the following parameters:
-Turnover: Businesses with an annual turnover of Rs.12 lakh to Rs.20 crore.
-Nature of Business: Includes food processors, manufacturers, transporters, marketers, traders, and storage facilities.
-Jurisdiction: Limited to the respective state of operation.
2. Eligibility for FSSAI Central License
The FSSAI Central License caters to large-scale food businesses or those with nationwide operations. Key eligibility criteria include:
-Turnover: Businesses with an annual turnover exceeding Rs.20 crore.
-Scope of Operations: Includes exporters, importers, large-scale food manufacturers, and multi-state operators.
-International Trade: Compulsory for businesses involved in food exports and imports.
Types of FSSAI Licenses: State vs. Central
1. FSSAI State License
The FSSAI State License is issued by the state government and applies to medium-sized businesses. It ensures compliance with local regulations, focusing on:
-Hygiene: Proper cleanliness standards in production and storage.
-Labelling: Accurate representation of product information.
-Protocols: Following state-specific food safety guidelines.
2. FSSAI Central License
Issued by FSSAI at the national level, the Central License covers large businesses with multi-state operations or international trade. It mandates:
-Quality Assurance: Strict adherence to national food safety standards.
-Risk Management: Regular inspections and risk assessments.
-Compliance: Alignment with regulations of multiple central ministries like Health and Family Welfare and Commerce.
Key Differences: FSSAI State License vs. FSSAI Central License

Particulars

FSSAI State License

FSSAI Central License

Turnover Limit

Rs.12 lakh to Rs.20 crore

Above Rs.20 crore

Scope of Operations

Single-state operations

Multi-state operations, exports, imports

Validity Period

1 to 5 years

Application Form

Form B

Penalty Mechanism

Governed by state regulations

Central penalties as per FSSAI guidelines

Compliance and Penalties
For FSSAI State License
Non-compliance with state regulations can result in penalties like:
-Fines.
-Suspension or cancellation of the license.
-Product seizure.
For FSSAI Central License
Violations of central regulations attract more stringent penalties, including:
-Higher fines.
-Criminal prosecution in severe cases.
-Suspension of operations.
Renewal of FSSAI Licenses
Both FSSAI State and Central Licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years. Renewal applications should be filed at least 30 days before the license expires. Failure to renew on time can result in penalties or suspension of business operations.
Final Words
FSSAI State License and FSSAI Central License are important for ensuring food safety and compliance in India's dynamic food industry. Whether you're a small vendor or a large manufacturer, knowing these licensing requirements helps simplify your operations and build consumer trust. By following FSSAI guidelines, food businesses not only ensure legal compliance but also contribute to a safer, healthier food ecosystem in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if my turnover crosses the limit for my current license?
A: If your business's turnover exceeds the threshold, you must upgrade to the relevant license within a stipulated timeframe to avoid penalties.
Q: Can a business hold both state and central licenses?
A: No, a business only needs one license based on its turnover and operational scale. However, if operations expand across states, transitioning from a state to a central license is mandatory.
Q: Is FSSAI licensing mandatory for home-based food businesses?
A: Yes, home-based food businesses must register or obtain a license depending on their turnover.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays an important role in ensuring the quality and safety of food in the country. Every Food Business Operator (FBO) in India must register with or obtain a license from FSSAI, as mandated by the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation, 2011. Depending on the scale and nature of the business, FSSAI registration or licensing becomes mandatory. In this article, we are going to discuss the difference between FSSAI State License and Central License - explaining their eligibility criteria, application process, validity, and compliance requirements.

FSSAI is the regulatory authority responsible for setting standards for food businesses, ensuring compliance with food safety norms, and protecting consumers' interests. To streamline operations and ensure food safety, the licensing framework categorizes FBOs into three categories:

1. FSSAI Registration: For small-scale businesses with annual turnover below Rs.12 lakh.

2. FSSAI State License: For medium-scale businesses with turnover between Rs.12 lakh and Rs.20 crore.

3. FSSAI Central License: For large-scale businesses with turnover exceeding Rs.20 crore or those involved in multi-state operations.

Eligibility for FSSAI State License and FSSAI Central License

1. Eligibility for FSSAI State License

The FSSAI State License is mandatory for medium-sized businesses operating within a single state. Eligibility depends on the following parameters:

-Turnover: Businesses with an annual turnover of Rs.12 lakh to Rs.20 crore.

-Nature of Business: Includes food processors, manufacturers, transporters, marketers, traders, and storage facilities.

-Jurisdiction: Limited to the respective state of operation.

2. Eligibility for FSSAI Central License

The FSSAI Central License caters to large-scale food businesses or those with nationwide operations. Key eligibility criteria include:

-Turnover: Businesses with an annual turnover exceeding Rs.20 crore.

-Scope of Operations: Includes exporters, importers, large-scale food manufacturers, and multi-state operators.

-International Trade: Compulsory for businesses involved in food exports and imports.

Types of FSSAI Licenses: State vs. Central

1. FSSAI State License

The FSSAI State License is issued by the state government and applies to medium-sized businesses. It ensures compliance with local regulations, focusing on:

-Hygiene: Proper cleanliness standards in production and storage.

-Labelling: Accurate representation of product information.

-Protocols: Following state-specific food safety guidelines.

2. FSSAI Central License

Issued by FSSAI at the national level, the Central License covers large businesses with multi-state operations or international trade. It mandates:

-Quality Assurance: Strict adherence to national food safety standards.

-Risk Management: Regular inspections and risk assessments.

-Compliance: Alignment with regulations of multiple central ministries like Health and Family Welfare and Commerce.

Key Differences: FSSAI State License vs. FSSAI Central License

Particulars	FSSAI State License	FSSAI Central License
Turnover Limit	Rs.12 lakh to Rs.20 crore	Above Rs.20 crore
Scope of Operations	Single-state operations	Multi-state operations, exports, imports
Validity Period	1 to 5 years	1 to 5 years
Application Form	Form B	Form B
Penalty Mechanism	Governed by state regulations	Central penalties as per FSSAI guidelines

Compliance and Penalties

For FSSAI State License

Non-compliance with state regulations can result in penalties like:

-Fines.

-Suspension or cancellation of the license.

-Product seizure.

For FSSAI Central License

Violations of central regulations attract more stringent penalties, including:

-Higher fines.

-Criminal prosecution in severe cases.

-Suspension of operations.

Renewal of FSSAI Licenses

Both FSSAI State and Central Licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years. Renewal applications should be filed at least 30 days before the license expires. Failure to renew on time can result in penalties or suspension of business operations.

Final Words

FSSAI State License and FSSAI Central License are important for ensuring food safety and compliance in India's dynamic food industry. Whether you're a small vendor or a large manufacturer, knowing these licensing requirements helps simplify your operations and build consumer trust. By following FSSAI guidelines, food businesses not only ensure legal compliance but also contribute to a safer, healthier food ecosystem in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if my turnover crosses the limit for my current license?

A: If your business's turnover exceeds the threshold, you must upgrade to the relevant license within a stipulated timeframe to avoid penalties.

Q: Can a business hold both state and central licenses?

A: No, a business only needs one license based on its turnover and operational scale. However, if operations expand across states, transitioning from a state to a central license is mandatory.

Q: Is FSSAI licensing mandatory for home-based food businesses?

A: Yes, home-based food businesses must register or obtain a license depending on their turnover.