The FSSAI central license is a mandatory requirement for food businesses operating on a larger scale in India. Here's an overview:

1. Scope: The central license is required for food businesses that operate across multiple states, have an annual turnover exceeding a specified threshold, or are involved in certain specialized food activities.

2. Applicability: It applies to various types of food businesses, including manufacturers, processors, importers, exporters, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers, depending on their turnover and scale of operation.

3. Regulatory Authority: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the regulatory body responsible for issuing and regulating central licenses.

4. Criteria: To obtain a central license, food businesses must meet specific criteria related to their annual turnover, production capacity, infrastructure, and food safety management systems. These criteria may vary depending on the nature and scale of the business.

5. Application Process: The application process typically involves submitting detailed information about the business, including its legal entity, manufacturing or trading activities, infrastructure details, food safety management systems, and other relevant documents.

6. Compliance Requirements: Food businesses holding a central license must comply with various regulations and standards prescribed by FSSAI, including hygiene and sanitation standards, labeling requirements, food additives regulations, and other relevant provisions under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

7. Renewal: Central licenses need to be renewed periodically as per the specified timelines set by FSSAI. Renewal requires businesses to demonstrate continued compliance with the regulatory requirements and standards.

8. Enforcement: FSSAI conducts inspections and audits to ensure compliance with the prescribed regulations. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, fines, or suspension/cancellation of the license.

Overall, the FSSAI central license is crucial for larger food businesses to ensure the safety, quality, and regulatory compliance of food products in India's market.