FSSAI License Registration Process in India
Welcome to Vyaapar Seva Kendra, your trusted partner for all your business registration and compliance needs. In today's blog, we'll demystify the process of obtaining an FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license in India. If you're involved in the food business, whether as a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer, complying with FSSAI regulations is crucial. Let's walk you through the FSSAI license registration process step by step.
In today's rapidly evolving food industry landscape, where businesses like Swiggy and Zomato have become integral to food delivery services, FBOs (Food Business Operators) must prioritize compliance with food safety regulations. Companies like Swiggy and Zomato, which deliver food to consumers, also prioritize partnering with FSSAI-registered food businesses.
Why FSSAI License Matters
FSSAI is a government body responsible for regulating and supervising food safety standards in India. Obtaining an FSSAI license is mandatory for any business involved in the production, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, and sale of food products. Here are some reasons why FSSAI registration is essential:
1. Legal Requirement: Operating without an FSSAI license is illegal and can lead to severe penalties and even imprisonment.
2. Consumer Trust: An FSSAI license signifies that your food products meet quality and safety standards, enhancing consumer trust in your brand.
3. Market Access: Many retailers and distributors require their suppliers to have a valid FSSAI license, limiting market access for unregistered businesses.
Now, let's dive into the FSSAI registration process.
FSSAI License Registration Process
Step 1: Determine the Type of License
FSSAI offers three types of licenses based on the scale and nature of your food business:
Basic FSSAI Registration: For small-scale businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs.
State FSSAI License: For medium-sized businesses with an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crores. This license is obtained from the State Food Safety Department.
Central FSSAI License: For large-scale businesses with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crores. This license is obtained from the Central Food Safety Department.
Step 2:Documents for FSSAI State/Central License Form-B
Address proof for production site
Production site layout
Proof of premises rent
Business certificate
Factory license (if any)
Power details for the unit
Contacts for partners, directors, members
ID and address proof for managers or signers
Water test report from a certified lab
Form IX (if you're nominated by the business owner)
NOC from the manufacturer
List of food items to be made
Food safety management plan
Documents for New FSSAI Registration Certificate
Photograph of the Applicant
Government-issued photo identities
Proof of Address of Businesses activity
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Prepare the necessary documents for your chosen license type, including:
Business Registration Certificate
Food Safety Management Plan
Food Processing Unit Layout Plan
List of Directors/Partners
Identity and Address Proof of Directors/Partners
List of Food Products to Be Manufactured/Traded
Food Testing Report (if applicable)
NOC from the Municipal Corporation
Step 4: Online Application Submission
Visit the official FSSAI website (https://foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in/) and create an account. Fill in the online application form with accurate information and upload the required documents.
Step 5: Application Fee Payment
Pay the prescribed fee online based on your license type and duration. Keep the fee receipt as proof of payment.
Step 6: Application Processing
Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed by the respective Food Safety Department. The processing time varies depending on your license type.
Step 7: Inspection
The Food Safety Department may conduct an inspection of your premises to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Step 8: License Issuance
Upon successful verification, the FSSAI license will be issued, and you will receive a digitally signed certificate.
Conclusion
Obtaining an FSSAI license is not just a legal requirement; it's a testament to your commitment to food safety and quality. It enhances consumer trust in your products and expands your market reach. The process may seem daunting, but with the right guidance and support, it can be a smooth and efficient experience.
At Vyaapar Seva Kendra, we specialize in assisting businesses with their regulatory and compliance needs, including FSSAI license registration. Our expert team can navigate the complexities of the FSSAI registration process on your behalf, ensuring that your business is compliant with food safety standards.
For more information and to get started with your FSSAI license registration, visit our website here. Ensure the safety and quality of your food products and establish your brand's credibility with FSSAI registration today!
1 note
·
View note
Summary of FSSAI Registration Process 2020 – Raag Consultants - Documents Required, Benefits, Penalty
· What is FSSAI?
· Why is FSSAI Registration Required?
· FSSAI Registration/License Procedure
· FSSAI Registration Requirements
· Procedure For Obtaining FSSAI Registration
· FSSAI License Requirement
· Documents Required For Obtaining the Central License
· Documents Required For Obtaining the State license
· Benefits of Procuring FSSAI Food License
· Consequences of Non-Compliance
· Penalty For Non- Compliance
· Renewal of FSSAI License
1. What is FSSAI?
FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India which is an organization that monitors and governs the food business in India.It is an autonomous body which is established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act) which is a consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India. It ensures the food products undergo quality checks thereby curtailing the food adulteration and sale of sub-standard products. It is responsible for the registering and licensing of the Food Business Operators (FBO) in India and it lays down the rules and regulation for running the food business in India.
2. Why is FSSAI Registration Required?
Every food business operator involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage distribution and sale of food products must compulsorily obtain FSSAI Registration or License.
FSSAI Registration is different from FSSAI License in the sense that depending on the size and nature of the business, FBO should obtain the necessary registration or license.
It is a 14-digit registration or a license number which is printed on all the food packages. The 14 digit registration number gives details about the assembling state, producer’s permit. This registration procedure is aimed to create more accountability on the FBO to maintain the quality of the food products. The licensing and registration procedure and requirements are regulated by Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of food Business) Regulations, 2011.
3. FSSAI Registration/ Fssai License Procedure
FSSAI registration or license is based on the business volume and premises. Depending upon the installed capacity or turnover or location, applicant premises are eligible for the license such as basic license, central license, and state license.
4. FSSAI Registration Requirements
FSSAI Registration is a basic license and it is required for all the FBO involved in the small-scale food business. This category covers the following businesses:
Any FBO with an annual turnover of not more than Rs. 12 lakh.
Petty retailer dealing in food products
Any person who manufactures or sells any food article by himself
Food sale is done by the temporary stall holder
Any individual who distributes food in any religious or social gathering except a caterer
Small-scale or cottage industries dealing in the food business and the following:
5. Procedure for Obtaining FSSAI Registration
FSSAI registration is initiated by submitting Form A (application) to the Food and Safety Department.
This application can be accepted or it may be rejected by the Department within 7 days from the date of receipt of an application and the rejection has to be intimated to the applicant in writing
If the application is accepted, then the department will grant a registration certificate with the registration number and the photo of the applicant.
FBO should prominently display the certificate of registration at the place of business during the business hours.
The common documents required for Basic, State and Central Registration are a passport photo and a photo ID proof.
For State and Central license, the following additional documents will be needed:
Address proof
List of food category
Layout plan
List of equipment
NOC from municipality
Incorporation certificate
List of directors/partners
MOA and AOA
Water test report
Import Export Code
6. FSSAI License Requirement
For all other FBO apart from small-scale business, FSSAI license has to be obtained. FSSAI License can be classified into two categories i.e. State FSSAI License and Central FSSAI License based on the size of the business whether it is a medium scale or large scale business.
Generally, FBO who are large manufacturers, importers, exporters dealing in large-scale food business need to obtain FSSAI registration from central government and FBO with small to medium sized manufacturing units, transporters, marketers, traders, etc., need to take FSSAI registration from the state government. To apply for State License the FBO must have a turnover between Rs 12 lakh to Rs 20 crore.
Other conditions include manufacturing units having capacity of 2MT per day, dairy units handling business up to 50000 liters per day. 3 star hotels and above, repackers, relabelling units, clubs, canterns all catering business irrespective of their turnover need to apply for the license. The tenure of the license being maximum of 5 years and minimum of 1 year.
To apply for a central license the FBO must have a turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crores and needs to have operations in two or more states. All importers and exporters need to apply for this license. The maximum tenure is 5 years and minimum is 1 year.
7. Documents Required For Obtaining the Central FSSAI License:
Form B duly completed and signed
Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation
List of Directors/ Partners/ Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID
Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity
List of food category to be manufactured
Authority letter from manufacturer nominated a responsible person name and address
Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability
Source of raw material for milk, meat etc
Recall plan wherever applicable
Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU
NOC/PA document issued by FSSAI
IE code document issued by DGFT
Form IX
Certificate from Ministry of Tourism
Proof of possession of premises
Partnership deed/ affidavit of proprietorship
NOC and copy of License from the manufacturer
Food safety management system plan or certificate
NOC from the municipality or local body
Supporting document for proof of turnover and transportation
Declaration form
8. Documents required For Obtaining the State FSSAI License:
Form B duly completed and signed
Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation
List of Directors/ Partners/ Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID
Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity
List of food category to be manufactured
Authority letter from manufacturer nominated a responsible person name and address
Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability
Proof of possession of premises
Partnership deed/ affidavit of proprietorship
NOC and copy of License from the manufacturer
Copy of certificate obtained under Coop Act 1861/Multi state Coop Act 2002
Food safety management system plan or certificate
There are different forms and documents which are required to be submitted conversion, renewal, and modification of license.
9. Benefits of Procuring FSSAI Food License
Obtaining a license can provide the food business with legal benefits, build goodwill, ensure food safety, create consumer awareness, and assist in business expansion. Also it helps regulate, manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of import food.
10. Consequences of Non-Compliance
Any registered or licensed person under the FSSAI has to adhere to the rules and regulation under the FSS Act, 2006. Food safety officer generally conducts the inspection of the food business operator’s facility and identifies the level of compliance with the regulation using a checklist. Based on the compliance level, the food safety officer marks it as:
Compliance (C)
Non-compliance (NC)
Partial compliance (PC)
Not applicable/Not observed (NA)
Based on the above, the food safety officer might issue an improvement notice where ever required per Sec 32 of the FSS Act, 2006. If the business operator fails to comply with the improvement notice, the officer after giving the licensee an opportunity to show cause may cancel his license. Any food business operator aggrieved by an improvement notice can appeal to the State Commissioner of Food Safety. The decision thereon can be challenged through appealing to the Food safety appellate tribunal/high court.
11. Renewal of FSSAI License
The FSSAI license is essential to commence the food business, similarly it is imperative to renew the license. The license is issued for a validity of 1 year or 5 years, so the business must apply for renewal 30 days prior to the expiry of current license. FSSAI has introduced an online application called Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) so businesses can apply online for the licences.
The FLRS is utilized in five Regional Offices for the issue of licenses and entitlements. They are:
Northern Region -New Delhi
Eastern Region – Kolkata
North Eastern Region – Guwahati
Western Region – Mumbai and Kerala
Southern Region – Chennai
This article is written by Aakash Singhal who is a content writer of Raag Consultants
2 notes
·
View notes