FSSAI License
FSSAI License
- 14-Digit FSSAI Registration/ License number.
- FSSAI eligibility consultation.
- Application Drafting for FSSAI Registration.
- Service User clarification.
- Online Application submission for Central/State/Basic Registration
- Timely Follow- up With FSSAI Department.
- FSSAI Renewal before the expiry.
- Legal documentation on a need basis.
- 14-Digit FSSAI Registration/ License number.
- FSSAI eligibility consultation.
- Application Drafting for FSSAI Registration.
- Service User clarification.
- Online Application submission for Central/State/Basic Registration
- Timely Follow- up With FSSAI Department.
- FSSAI Renewal before the expiry.
- Legal documentation on a need basis.
FSSAI Registration/ License - An Overview
The term FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is the apex body responsible for issuing the FSSAI License or Food License to all Food Business Operators (FBOs). This autonomous body is established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and is governed by the FSS Act, 2006.
FSSAI has been established to prescribe science-based standards for food articles. It also administers the manufacture, storage, distributions, sale of food products to confirm the same is safe for human consumption. The main objective of the FSSAI Registration is to streamline the food sector and reduce the cases of Adulteration and Substandard Services. For this, the FSSAI License ensures that every food item adheres to the prescribed quality check.
All the Manufacturers, Restaurants, Grocery Shops, Caterers need to obtain FSSAI Food License before commencing their operations. Further, an Import Export Code is required for Import or Export of Food Services.
Concept of FSSAI Registration
According to Section 31 (1) and 31 (2) of the Act, every FBO needs to obtain FSSAI Registration from the FSSAI. The term “FSSAI Registration” is different from “FSSAI License”. Both the concept varies on the nature and size of the Business.
Recently, FSSAI launched an online platform named Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) for filling online applications. The purpose of starting the food safety management system was to facilitate FBOs to apply for FSSAI Registration/ License. Moreover, the applicant can track the FSSAI Registration status through the FSSAI website.
An FSSAI License is a 14-digits numeric code issued to the Food Business Operators (FBO) in India. FSSAI license number consists of five parts. Each part provides different details about the FBO such as the producer’s permit and assembling state.
An FBO must mention the FSSAI License Number on the label or food packages. The FBOs need to specify the same in the colour inverse to the background colour.
The validity period of an FSSAI Registration ranges from a minimum of one year to a maximum of 5 years. The FBOs need to apply for the renewal 30 days before the expiry of the license.
Therefore, FSSAI Registration is mandatory for a person dealing in food items as well as any other kind of food business in India.
Who are Food Business Operators?
The FBO denotes a person or business that carries out any activities concerning the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of food. It also includes banquet halls with food catering services, import and export of food items, and sale of food additives or ingredients. Further, FBOs are responsible for complying with the provisions of the Act, and any rules and regulations applicable to FBOs.
In India, an FBO needs to obtain a food license of different types from the FSSAI. These licenses vary on the basis of annual turnover, business scale and the nature of the activity. The different types of FSSAI Registration available in India are as follows:
- Basic FSSAI Registration
It is a basic type of FSSAI Registration needed by the small business persons such as retailers, petty food manufacturers, suppliers and distributors. All the businesses having an annual turnover of Rs 12 lakhs need to obtain this registration.
- State FSSAI Registration
An FBO with turnover between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 20 crore needs to acquire this license. The same turnover limit is applicable for both the FSSAI State Manufacturing License and FSSAI State Trading License.
- Central FSSAI Registration
The Central FSSAI Registration is applicable for FBOs, which have an annual turnover above Rs 20 crores. It is also needed to supply food at the government offices or deal with the import or export of food products.
Documents Required
For Basic Registration
- A duly complete and signed Form A (for Basic Registration) or Form B (for state or central registration)
- 2 lasted Passport Sized Photographs
- PAN Card details of the Proprietor/ Director/ Partner
- A copy of Aadhar Card and Voter ID of the Proprietor/ Director/ Partner
- A copy of COI (Certificate of Incorporation) or AOA (Articles of Association) in case of a company
- A complete list of the food category the business will be engaged in.
- Form X for the appointment of persons by the company after passing the Board Resolution.
- A copy of sale deed if the property is owned.
- A copy of Rent Agreement if the property is on rent.
- A copy of the utility bill, such as Electricity bill or water tax.
- A copy of Partnership Deed in case of a partnership.
For State License
Other than the documents listed for Basic Registration, the documents required for State FSSAI License can be summarized as:
- The layout of the proposed site along with the planned placement of machinery and equipment
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the owners, together with their details, such as name and address
- A copy of the permit from the Manufacturers of the equipment and machinery
- A list of the machinery and equipment already installed at the site
- Details about each Food Service along with its category in which it is planned to be produced
- Planned FSMS (Food Safety Management System)
For Central License
Other than the documents listed for Basic Registration, the documents required for Central FSSAI License can be summarized as:
- A proof of the Annual Turnover
- The layout of the proposed site along with the planned placement of machinery and equipment
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the owners, together with their details, such as name and address
- A copy of the permit from the Manufacturers of the equipment and machinery
- A list of the machinery and equipment already installed at the site
- Details about each Food Service along with its category in which it is planned to be produced
- Planned FSMS (Food Safety Management System)
- The Water Analysis Report by an official Laboratory
- Details about the source of procurement for Meat, Milk (if applicable)
- NOC from the Local Authority, as applicable
- Pesticide Residual Report by an official laboratory. If the business is engaged in manufacturing Mineral Water
- NOC from the designated officer of the FSSAI.
- IEC (Import Export Code), if applicable.
- A copy of the certificate issued by the Ministry of Tourism, if applicable.
FSSAI REGISTRATION PROCESS
- All the small scale FBOs need to submit an FSSAI Registration Form A. They also require to pay the FSSAI Registration Fees. Further, they need to attach all the required documents and declarations with the form.
- After that, the operator receives a UARN (Unique Application Reference Number).
- The Registering Authority may either grant or reject the registration within seven days of receipt of the form. If it decides to reject the form, the same can be done only after recording the reasons.
- Before issuing the FSSAI License Registration, the RA may also order an inspection of the premises. It can order the inspection within seven days of receipt of Form. Further, such an inspection needs to be completed in a time frame of 30 days.
- Finally, the Registering Authority grants the FSSAI Registration Certificate.
FSSAI LICENSE PROCESS
- FBOs with a turnover above Rs 12 Lakhs need to submit Form B to obtain FSSAI License. They also require to pay the FSSAI License fees together with the form. Further, they need to attach all the required documents and declarations with the form.
- After that, the operator receives a UARN (Unique Application Reference Number).
- The issuing authority may order an inspection of the premises. It can order the inspection within seven days of receipt of Form. After the completion of the inquiry, the authority will issue an inspection report.
- Finally, the issuing authority grants the FSSAI License Certificate. The issuance of license needs a time frame of 50 to 60 working days.
Benefits of FSSAI Registration/ License
Nowadays, people have become vigilant and alert regarding the quality of the product they consume. The level of the same has been increased after the controversy of Maggi Noodles. FSSAI Registration assures the food quality and increases the customer base for the company. Consequently, it helps in developing the brand name of the company.
FSSAI License provides more possibilities and opportunities for expansion at any geographic location.
The FSSAI Certification gives the chance of legal enforcement for any non-compliance.
FSSAI logo acts as a mark of assurance that the product is safe to consume.
The FSSAI certification assists the Food Business Operators (FBOs) in obtaining the State/ Central Government Funding.
The Brand Value of a company automatically increases once it is FSSAI registered.
In India, the government recognizes the FSSAI Registration consequential into customer trust and a huge consumer base.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A FSSAI License remains valid for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years. Further, it needs to be renewed at least 30 days before expiry.
According to the FSSAI (Licensing and Registration) Regulations, 2011, FBOs are granted licenses in a 3-tier system, namely, FSSAI Registration, State FSSAI License, and Central FSSAI License.
The main objective of FSSAI is to regulate and keep a check on the quality of the food products or services and businesses engaged in such manufacturing or delivery.
The FBOs on which the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, will not apply are as follows:
- A Petty Manufacturer, preparing food items at home for the business purpose;
- Petty Retailer;
- Hawker;
- Itinerant Vendor;
- Temporary Stall Owner;
- Small scale FBOs;
- Cottage Food Industries.
A Manufacturing Unit needs to obtain State FSSAI License if it has a turnover between Rs 12 Lakhs to Rs 20 Crore. Conversely, it needs to obtain Central FSSAI License if it has a turnover above Rs 20 crores.
For the Multi-Location food business, a separate FSSAI Registration or License is needed for every location.
The mark serves as a symbol of assurance and validity that the food product is safe for human consumption. It also signifies that FBOs have complied with all the food standards and regulations stated under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006.
Yes, FBOs need to print FSSAI License Number on the food product they sell, distribute or store.
Yes, the sales related to packaged or sealed water comes under the ambit of the FSSAI Act, 2006.
Yes, any person who wants to import or export from India needs to Central FSSAI License after acquiring IEC Code.
The Railways Designated Officers / Food Security Officer grants the FSSAI Registration to the Food Business Operators running under the railway premise.
The Airport Health Organisations (APHO) or Port Health Organisations (PHO) issues the FSSAI Registration to FBOs operating at a seaport/ airport through the Online FLRS (Food Licensing and Registration System).