INTRODUCTION

In India, the food sector has seen an incredible boom in the last decade, with start-ups, restaurants, cloud kitchens, manufacturers, and importers rising at an unprecedented pace. But no matter whether you are selling homemade pickles online or running a large-scale food import business, you cannot escape one mandatory requirement – an FSSAI license.

FSSAI, which stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, regulates and monitors food safety in the country. Depending on the scale of operations, businesses are either issued a State License or a Central License. But what happens when your business grows beyond its original scope? What if you started with a State License but now want to expand into imports or multiple states? This is where FSSAI License Migration comes into play – specifically, moving from a State to Central License.

This blog explains in detail whether such FSSAI License Migration is possible, why it is required, the eligibility, documents, process, penalties for non-compliance, and most importantly, how experts like Lawfinity can simplify the entire procedure for you.

WHY SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED?

The FSSAI license is not just a compliance certificate; it is a mark of trust and quality for your food business. Here’s why having the right type of license matters:

Legal Obligation: Without a valid license, operating a food business is unlawful in India.
Consumer Confidence: Customers are more likely to trust a business with a visible FSSAI license.
Expansion Opportunities: A State License limits your operations, while a Central License allows you to expand across India or deal in imports/exports.
Avoiding Penalties: Running with the wrong category of license may lead to penalties, cancellation, or even closure of business.

So, upgrading or migrating your license is not just about ticking a box; it is about aligning your compliance with your growth.

WHO ISSUES SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, issues these licenses.

State License: Issued by the State Food Safety Commissioner for businesses operating within one state and having a certain turnover limit.
Central License: Issued by the Central Authority for businesses operating in multiple states, involved in imports/exports, or those exceeding the turnover limit prescribed.

When you outgrow the eligibility criteria for a State License, you must apply for State to Central License Migration through the FSSAI portal (FoSCoS).

ELIGIBILITY AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE

Eligibility for State to Central License Migration

You need to migrate if:

Your annual turnover crosses ₹20 crore.
You are involved in food imports or exports.
You have operations in more than one state.
You are running food businesses at a large scale, like hotels with 5-star ratings or above, e-commerce food aggregators, or central government institutions.

Documents Required

The documents vary slightly depending on the nature of your business, but broadly include:

Form-B duly filled and signed.
Blueprint/layout plan of the processing unit.
List of directors/partners with full address and ID proofs.
List of food categories manufactured.
Photo ID and address proof issued by Government authority.
Import Export Code (IEC) for import/export businesses.
Proof of possession of business premises (rent agreement/ownership document).
Certificate of incorporation/Partnership deed.
NOC from the municipality or local body.
Water analysis report.
Food safety management plan.
Turnover proof (audited financials).

The completeness of documentation plays a huge role in avoiding unnecessary rejections or delays.

STEP-BY-STEP SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE PROCESS

Migrating from a State to a Central License may sound overwhelming, but it is structured. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Login to FoSCoS Portal

Visit the FoSCoS website.
Use your existing State License login credentials.

Step 2: Apply for FSSAI License Migration

Select the option “Apply for State to Central License Migration”.
Choose your business type (manufacturer, distributor, importer, etc.).

Step 3: Fill Form-B

Provide all updated details of your business.
Ensure turnover, product categories, and business scope reflect Central License eligibility.

Step 4: Upload Documents

Submit all required documents as per your category.
Ensure proper scans and clarity to avoid rejection.

Step 5: Fee Payment

Pay the prescribed government fee (varies depending on the business type).

Step 6: Verification

The application is scrutinized by FSSAI officials.
They may ask for additional documents or clarifications.

Step 7: Inspection

In some cases, a premises inspection is conducted.

Step 8: Approval & Issuance

Once approved, your State License gets migrated to Central License.
A digitally signed certificate is issued which can be downloaded from the portal.

The entire process, if documents are in order, usually takes 30–60 days.

PENALTY FOR OPERATING WITHOUT SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE

If you continue operating with just a State License when a Central License is required, you risk:

Penalty up to ₹5 lakhs depending on the violation.
Suspension or cancellation of your State License.
Seizure of goods in extreme cases.
Criminal liability if food safety norms are breached.

So, migration is not just optional – it is mandatory once you meet the criteria.

HOW LAWFINITY SIMPLIFIES SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE PROCEDURE?

Migrating your license involves technicalities, multiple document checks, and sometimes confusing compliance steps. This is where Lawfinity steps in.

We help by:

Assessing whether you are eligible for migration.
Preparing and verifying all required documents.
Filing the application correctly on FoSCoS.
Coordinating with FSSAI authorities for faster approvals.
Assisting during inspection or queries raised.
Ensuring you stay compliant with the latest amendments under FSSAI laws.

In short, Lawfinity takes the burden off your shoulders, so you can focus on your business expansion while we ensure your compliance is rock-solid.

MUSINGS FROM THE AUTHOR’S INK

Food businesses in India often begin small, with dreams that grow bigger than expected. It is common for entrepreneurs to start with a State License because the operations are limited. But as the business expands into exports, interstate markets, or online platforms, ignoring migration is like driving with an expired license – risky and short-sighted.

As someone who has seen businesses struggle because of delayed compliance, I feel that timely action makes all the difference. FSSAI is not a hurdle; it is a framework to ensure safe, hygienic, and trustworthy food reaches consumers. Migration from State to Central License is actually a milestone that reflects your business growth.

At the end of the day, food is not just a business; it is trust served on a plate. And compliance with FSSAI only strengthens that trust.