FSSAI State License vs Central License
A State License covers turnover from ₹1.5 crore to ₹50 crore within a single state. A Central License applies above ₹50 crore turnover, or — regardless of turnover — to importers, exporters, businesses operating across more than one state, and certain large-capacity manufacturers.
A concrete example first
A spice exporter in Kochi, turning over a modest amount by industry standards, was surprised to learn a Central License applied to their business — they'd assumed their turnover was too small to need anything beyond a State License.
Turnover threshold
A State License covers turnover from ₹1.5 crore up to ₹50 crore, operating within a single state. A Central License applies once turnover crosses ₹50 crore. See the 2026 threshold changes for the full picture.
Share your turnover and business type and we'll confirm whether you need Basic Registration, a State License, or a Central License.
Check my category →Mandatory Central categories, regardless of turnover
Certain categories need a Central License no matter how small their turnover: importers and exporters, 100% Export Oriented Units, businesses operating across more than one state, and specific large-capacity manufacturers like dairy plants, large cold storage facilities, and grain or oil mills above a certain capacity. See our dedicated guide to Central License for importers and exporters.
What Central License adds on paperwork
On top of everything a State License requires, a Central License application for import/export businesses needs an Import Export Code (IEC) linked to the application, and generally more detailed facility and product documentation.
I operate in just one state but export a small quantity occasionally — do I need Central?
Yes. Any commercial export or import of food, however small, requires a Central License — turnover and how many states you operate in aren't the trigger for exporters and importers; the activity itself is. Customs will not clear a food shipment without one.
This article is for general information only. For your specific situation, consult a practicing CA.
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