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FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) registration is a mandatory requirement for food businesses in India. It ensures that your food products meet the safety and quality standards set by the FSSAI, helping to protect consumer health and build trust in your brand.

 

  • Legal Compliance
  • Consumer Trust
  • Business Credibility
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Overview
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FAQ'S

Why is FSSAI Registration Important?

  • Legal Compliance: Operating without FSSAI registration is illegal. Compliance helps you avoid legal issues and penalties.
  • Consumer Trust: FSSAI registration reassures customers that your food products are safe and adhere to regulatory standards.
  • Business Credibility: Being FSSAI certified enhances your business’s reputation and credibility in the market.

Types of FSSAI Licenses

  1. Basic Registration: For small-scale businesses with an annual turnover of less than ₹12 lakh.
  2. State License: For medium-sized businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
  3. Central License: For large businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore, or those involved in importing or exporting food products.

Food Business Operators Who Require FSSAI Registration?

The Food Business Operators (FBOs) carrying on the following kinds of the food business must have FSSAI License/Registration:

  • Petty retailers, Retail Shops, Snacks shops, Confectionery or Bakery shops, etc
  • Temporary stalls, fixed stalls, or food premises are involved in preparing, storing, distributing, and selling food products.
  • Hawkers sell packaged or freshly prepared food by traveling from one location to another.
  • Dairy Units, including Milk Chilling Units, Petty Milkmen, and Milk Vendors
  • Slaughtering house
  • Fish Processing, Meat Processing, and unit
  • All Food Manufacturing units that include Repacking food
  • Vegetable Oil Processing Units
  • Proprietary food and Novel food
  • Cold/refrigerated storage facility
  • Transporter of food products having several specialized vehicles like insulated refrigerated vans/wagons, milk tankers, food wagons, food trucks, etc
  • Wholesalers, suppliers, distributors, and marketers of food products
  • Hotels, Restaurants, and Bars
  • Canteens and Cafeteria, including mid-day meal canteens
  • Food Vending Agencies and Caterers
  • Dhaba, PG provides food, a Banquet hall with food catering arrangements, Home Based Canteen, and Food stalls at fairs or religious institutions.
  • Importers and Exporters of food items and food ingredients
  • E-Commerce food suppliers, including cloud kitchens
  • Eligibility Criteria for Food Business Registration/License
  • The document attached here provides eligibility criteria for Food Business Registration/License.

Steps to Obtain FSSAI Registration

  1. Determine the Type of License: Identify which FSSAI license applies to your business based on its size and operations.
  2. Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, such as identity proofs, business address proof, and details of food products.
  3. Submit Application: Complete the online or offline application form available on the FSSAI portal.
  4. Inspection and Verification: An FSSAI officer may conduct an inspection of your premises to verify compliance.
  5. Receive Registration: Upon successful verification, you will receive your FSSAI registration number.

Documents Required

  • Identity proof of the owner (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
  • Address proof of the business (Utility bills, Lease agreement, etc.)
  • List of food products to be manufactured or sold
  • Details of equipment and machinery
  • Food safety management system details

Renewal of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI licenses are valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the type of license and the application. Ensure timely renewal to avoid lapses in compliance and to maintain uninterrupted operations.

 

Benefits of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI Registration offers several perks to companies, including:

  1. Legal acceptance: FSSAI Registration is a legal requirement for food enterprises, assuring acceptance with food safety regulations. It helps businesses avoid legal problems and fines and assures that they satisfy the food quality and safety requirements set by the FSSAI.
  2. Brand image: FSSAI-registered companies are considered as reliable and reputable, increasing their brand image. It shows that the business meets stringent food hygiene and quality standards, and contributes to building consumer trust.
  3. Access to Market: FSSAI Registration is essential for working in government contracts and obtaining modern trade platforms. It enables enterprises to extend their customer base and enhance sales and income.
  4. Protection against Legal Action: FSSAI Registration shields companies from legal proceedings in case of food quality breaches. It provides that businesses have the appropriate licences and permits to operate, and helps avoid legal issues and penalties.
  5. Improved Business Processes: FSSAI Registration can contribute to improved procedures, reduced waste, and improved quality of the product. It promises that companies follow required food safety procedures, and helps enhance overall performance.
  6. Increased Consumer Confidence: FSSAI Registration can enhance confidence among consumers in small-scale food companies. Customers desire to know that their food is secure, and an FSSAI license reveals that the business takes the safety of food seriously.
  7. Access to More Markets: Obtaining an FSSAI license provides small-scale food businesses entry into greater markets. Wholesalers, as well as retailers, often require this license before selling food service products, and it helps businesses grow their reach and boost revenue and sales.

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FAQ'S

Frequently Asked Questions

An FSSAI license is a mandatory certification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) that authorizes food businesses to operate legally in India. It ensures that the food products meet the safety standards established by the FSSAI and are safe for consumption. The license is a mark of quality assurance and compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which governs food safety and regulation in India.

An FSSAI license is required for several reasons:

  • Legal Compliance: It ensures that the food business complies with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations.
  • Consumer Trust: It provides consumers with assurance about the safety and quality of food products.
  • Market Access: Many retailers, suppliers, and marketplaces require FSSAI certification to do business.
  • Health and Safety: It helps in maintaining standards that prevent foodborne illnesses and contamination.

Without an FSSAI license, businesses may face legal penalties, operational restrictions, and loss of consumer trust.

An FSSAI license is required for:

  • Food Manufacturers: Companies involved in the production or processing of food products.
  • Packagers: Entities that package food products for retail.
  • Distributors and Suppliers: Businesses that distribute or supply food products.
  • Restaurants and Food Service Providers: Establishments that prepare and serve food.
  • Importers and Exporters: Businesses engaged in the import and export of food products.
  • The requirement may vary based on the type and scale of the food business.

The FSSAI issues three types of licenses based on the scale and scope of the food business:

  1. FSSAI Basic Registration: For small businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh. Suitable for small-scale operators such as local food vendors or small manufacturers.
  2. FSSAI State License: For medium-sized businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore. Applicable to larger food manufacturers, processors, and establishments.

FSSAI Central License: For large businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore or those involved in import/export. This license is also required for food businesses operating across multiple states or with a complex supply chain.

The documents required for FSSAI license registration depend on the type of license being applied for but generally include:

  • Business Registration Documents: Certificate of incorporation, partnership deed, or sole proprietorship registration.
  • Proof of Address: Utility bills, lease agreements, or property documents showing the address of the business.
  • PAN Card: Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the business or owner.
  • Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Plan: For certain types of businesses, a detailed plan outlining food safety practices may be required.
  • Blueprint/Layout Plan: For manufacturing units, a blueprint of the production facility.
  • List of Directors/Partners: Identification and details of the company’s directors or partners.
  • Declaration Form: Self-declaration about the adherence to food safety standards and practices.

The process for obtaining an FSSAI license involves:

  1. Determine the License Type: Identify whether you need a Basic Registration, State License, or Central License based on your business size and activities.
  2. Prepare Documents: Gather and prepare the necessary documents and information required for the application.
  3. Submit Application: File the application online through the FSSAI’s Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) or offline with the local FSSAI office.
  4. Verification: The FSSAI authority will review the application and documents. They may conduct a site visit or request additional information.
  5. Receive License: Upon successful verification, the FSSAI will issue the license, which must be prominently displayed at the place of business.

The time required to obtain an FSSAI license can vary based on:

  • Type of License: Basic Registration is usually processed faster compared to State or Central Licenses.
  • Completeness of Application: A complete and accurate application can speed up the process.
  • Processing Load: The current workload and efficiency of the FSSAI office handling the application.

Typically, the process can take from a few weeks to a couple of months. Applicants can track the status of their application through the FSSAI’s online portal.

The fees for FSSAI license registration vary based on:

  • License Type: Basic Registration, State License, and Central License have different fee structures.
  • Business Size: Fees may vary depending on the scale and nature of the business.

Fees generally cover the processing of the application and the issuance of the license. The exact fees can be checked on the FSSAI website or by contacting the local FSSAI office.

Responsibilities of a license holder include:

  • Compliance with Regulations: Adhere to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations.
  • Maintaining Records: Keep accurate records of food safety practices, ingredients, and production processes.
  • Renewal of License: Renew the license before its expiry to avoid lapses in certification.
  • Displaying the License: Ensure the FSSAI license is prominently displayed at the place of business.
  • Quality Assurance: Implement and follow practices that ensure the safety and quality of food products.

Failure to obtain or renew an FSSAI license can result in:

  • Legal Penalties: Fines or legal action for operating without a valid license.
  • Operational Restrictions: Suspension of business operations until compliance is achieved.
  • Reputational Damage: Loss of consumer trust and potential business opportunities.
  • Product Recall: If food products are found to be non-compliant, they may be recalled, leading to financial losses and legal issues.

It is crucial to ensure that your FSSAI license is obtained and renewed timely to avoid these consequences.