FSSAI Central License vs State License: How to Choose

FSSAI Tier System at a Glance

India’s food safety regulations categorize operators based on turnover and operational scope:

• Basic Registration: Up to ₹1.5 crore annual turnover (per 2025 revised guidelines).
• State License: Between ₹1.5 crore and ₹50 crore annual turnover within a single state.
• Central License: Above ₹50 crore turnover, OR specialized operations like import/export, e-commerce, and multi-state presence.

The E-Commerce Rule That Catches Many Businesses

If you sell food online across state boundaries — through your own D2C website, or platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, or Zomato — an FSSAI Central License is mandatory regardless of your turnover. Even if your revenue is only ₹10 lakh, multi-state e-commerce triggers central compliance.

Nutraceutical and Health Supplement Brands

Nutraceutical brands (Category 13.6) typically require a Central License due to the specialized nature of health supplements, dietary products, and FSMP (Food for Special Medical Purposes) — even when their turnover is below ₹50 crore. FSSAI scrutiny for product formulation and ingredient safety under Category 13.6 is handled centrally.

Upgrading from State to Central License

A direct automatic upgrade doesn’t exist in FoSCoS — if your business crosses ₹50 crore or expands to e-commerce, you must apply for a new Central License and surrender or modify your existing State License. Planning for the correct tier right from day one saves weeks of operational downtime.