Why FSSAI Central License Is Mandatory for Gurugram's Food Industry
📌 TL;DR - FSSAI Central License Services at a Glance
The FSSAI Central License is the highest tier of food business licensing under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, required for large-scale food operations. CRITICAL 2026 UPDATE: From 1 April 2026, the turnover threshold for Central License has been revised from Rs 20 crore to Rs 50 crore annual turnover. Additionally, all licenses issued from 1 April 2026 have PERPETUAL validity - no more renewals required. However, certain FBOs need a Central License regardless of turnover: food importers/exporters, multi-state operators, large manufacturers (over 2 metric tonnes/day), proprietary food manufacturers, and e-commerce food platforms operating across states. Application via Form B on FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in). Government fee: Rs 7,500 per year. Food Safety Management Plan required.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. FSS (Licensing and Registration) Regulations 2011 (as amended 2026) |
| Authority | FSSAI Central Licensing Authority. Online: FoSCoS portal |
| Threshold (from April 2026) | Annual turnover above Rs 50 crore (revised from Rs 20 crore). Plus mandatory categories regardless of turnover |
| Mandatory Categories | Importers/exporters, multi-state operators, large manufacturers (>2 MT/day), proprietary food, multi-state e-commerce |
| Application Form | Form B on FoSCoS portal |
| Government Fee | Rs 7,500 per year |
| Validity (from April 2026) | PERPETUAL (no renewal needed). Pre-April 2026 licenses: 1-5 years with renewal |
| Penalties | Operating without license (S63): up to Rs 5 lakh. Substandard food (S59): Rs 5 lakh. Unsafe food: Rs 10 lakh |
Gurugram hosts major food industry operations that require FSSAI Central License. Food manufacturing units in Udyog Vihar and IMT Manesar produce packaged foods, beverages, dairy products, and processed items for national distribution. International food importers and exporters operate from Gurugram. Multi-state restaurant chains and cloud kitchen networks have headquarters in Gurugram. Hotel chains on Golf Course Road operate food services requiring Central License. For comprehensive information about FSSAI Central License across India, visit our national service page.
The 2026 amendments significantly change the FSSAI landscape. The threshold increase from Rs 20 crore to Rs 50 crore means many Gurugram food businesses that previously needed Central License now qualify for the lower-cost State License. However, importers, exporters, and multi-state operators still need Central License regardless of turnover. The perpetual validity eliminates the renewal burden - but annual compliance continues. You may also need GST registration and company registration for your food business.
Content is reviewed quarterly for accuracy.