OVERVIEW
FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is a government agency that is responsible for regulating and supervising food safety in India. FSSAI registration is mandatory for all food businesses in India, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and food importers.
The registration process involves submitting an application along with the necessary documents and fees to the FSSAI. The application can be submitted online through the FSSAI website or through the nearest Food Licensing Authority office. Once the application is processed, the FSSAI will issue a unique 14-digit registration or license number to the food business. The registration or license must be prominently displayed on the food product’s label and at the food business’s premises.
FSSAI registration ensures that food businesses comply with food safety regulations and standards, which helps to protect consumers from food borne illnesses and ensures that the food is safe and of high quality.Top of Form
There are three types of FSSAI license, which are:
- Basic FSSAI License: This license is for small food businesses that have an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs. It is also applicable for food businesses that deal with food products such as dairy units, vegetable oil processing units, and small-sized units that manufacture or handle food products.
- State FSSAI License: This license is required for medium-sized food businesses that have an annual turnover of more than Rs. 12 lakhs but less than Rs. 20 crores. It is also applicable for food businesses that operate within a single state.
- Central FSSAI License: This license is required for large food businesses that have an annual turnover of more than Rs. 20 crores. It is also applicable for food businesses that operate in more than one state, and for importers and exporters of food products.
The type of license required depends on the size of the food business and its annual turnover. It is important to obtain the appropriate FSSAI license to comply with food safety regulations and avoid any legal issues.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Checklist and Document Requirement for FSSAI Registration/ License:
Here is a checklist of the documents and information required for obtaining an FSSAI license:
- Business details: Name of the food business, type of business, and address of the business.
- Type of FSSAI license: Basic, State, or Central FSSAI license, based on the annual turnover and size of the food business.
- Food category: The type of food products that the business deals with, such as dairy, meat, fruits, vegetables, etc.
- Form of business: Details of the ownership of the business, such as proprietorship, partnership, or company.
- Identity proof: PAN card, Aadhaar card, or passport of the food business operator or owner.
- Address proof: A copy of the electricity bill, telephone bill, or rental agreement in the name of the food business.
- Food safety management system plan: This plan outlines the food safety measures that the business will implement to ensure safe and hygienic food production.
- List of food processing equipment: A list of equipment used in food processing, such as mixers, grinders, ovens, etc.
- NOC from Municipality or Panchayat: A No Objection Certificate from the local municipal or panchayat authority where the food business is located.
- Photograph of the food business operator: A recent passport-sized photograph of the food business operator or owner.
Documents required for Fssai License for Proprietorship firm:
- Form B: A completed and signed Form B, which is the application form for obtaining the FSSAI license.
- Identity Proof: A self-attested copy of the proprietor’s PAN card, Aadhaar card, or Voter ID card.
- Address Proof: A self-attested copy of the proprietor’s electricity bill, telephone bill, or rental agreement.
- Photograph: A recent passport-sized photograph of the proprietor.
- Food Safety Management Plan: A detailed plan that outlines the food safety measures that the business will implement to ensure safe and hygienic food production.
- List of food products: A list of the food products that the business will manufacture or sell.
- List of equipment: A list of the equipment used in food processing or manufacturing.
- NOC from Municipality or Panchayat: A No Objection Certificate from the local municipal or panchayat authority where the food business is located.
Documents required for Fssai License for Private Limited Company:
- Form B: A completed and signed Form B, which is the application form for obtaining the FSSAI license.
- Incorporation certificate: A self-attested copy of the certificate of incorporation of the company.
- MOA and AOA: A self-attested copy of the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) of the company.
- Identity Proof: Self-attested copies of the PAN card, Aadhaar card, or Voter ID card of the directors of the company.
- Address Proof: Self-attested copies of the electricity bill, telephone bill, or rental agreement of the company.
- Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs of all the directors of the company.
- Food Safety Management Plan: A detailed plan that outlines the food safety measures that the business will implement to ensure safe and hygienic food production.
- List of food products: A list of the food products that the business will manufacture or sell.
- List of equipment: A list of the equipment used in the food processing or manufacturing.
- NOC from Municipality or Panchayat: A No Objection Certificate from the local municipal or panchayat authority where the food business is located.
- FSSAI Declaration form: A self-declaration form stating that the company will comply with all the food safety regulations and standards as laid down by the FSSAI.
Documents required for Fssai License for partnership Firm
- Partnership Deed: A copy of the Partnership Deed is required to prove that the partnership firm exists.
- Identity Proof: You will need to provide identity proof of all partners such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Passport, or any other valid government ID.
- Address Proof: You will need to provide address proof of all partners such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Passport, or any other valid government ID.
- Form B: This is the application form for FSSAI license. It needs to be duly filled and signed by all partners.
- Declaration Form: You will need to submit a declaration form stating that the food products sold or manufactured by the partnership firm are safe for consumption.
- Proof of Property Ownership: If the partnership firm owns the property where the food business is being carried out, you will need to provide proof of ownership.
- NOC from Municipality: If you are operating the business from a rented property, you will need to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord.
- Food Safety Management Plan: You will need to provide a detailed plan on how the food safety is being managed in the business.
- Photographs: You will need to provide passport-size photographs of all partners.
List of Food Products: You will need to provide a list of food products that the partnership firm will manufacture or sell.
REGISTRATION PROCESS
Registration Process of FSSAI License
The registration process for an FSSAI license in India involves the following steps:
- Determine the type of license required: There are three types of FSSAI licenses, namely, Basic Registration, State License, and Central License. Determine which license is required based on the annual turnover of the food business.
- Submit application: The application for an FSSAI license can be submitted online through the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) portal or offline through the FSSAI office. The application must be submitted in the prescribed format along with the required documents.
- Verification of documents: The FSSAI office will verify the documents submitted along with the application. If any discrepancies or errors are found, the applicant will be notified and given a chance to rectify them.
- Inspection of premises: Once the documents have been verified, the FSSAI office will conduct an inspection of the premises where the food business is being carried out. The inspection will assess the hygiene and sanitary conditions of the premises and ensure that the food safety management plan is being followed.
- Issuance of license: If the inspection is satisfactory, the FSSAI office will issue the license. The license will be valid for a period of one to five years depending on the type of license obtained.
Compliance to do After Obtaining FSSAI License
Once you have obtained the FSSAI license, it is important to ensure that you comply with the regulations and guidelines prescribed by the FSSAI to maintain the validity of the license. Some of the key annual compliance requirements for FSSAI license holders include:
- Annual renewal of the FSSAI license: The FSSAI license needs to be renewed annually before the expiry date to ensure that it remains valid. Failure to renew the license can result in penalties or closure of the business.
- Maintenance of records: The FSSAI regulations require food businesses to maintain records of all raw materials, suppliers, production processes, and sales. These records must be maintained for a period of at least one year and must be available for inspection by the FSSAI authorities.
- Submission of annual returns: Food businesses are required to submit an annual return to the FSSAI. The annual return should provide details of the food products manufactured, processed, or sold during the year, along with information on the raw materials used, production processes, and sales.
- Compliance with food safety and hygiene standards: Food businesses must comply with the food safety and hygiene standards prescribed by the FSSAI. This includes maintaining a clean and hygienic production environment, following safe food handling practices, and ensuring that all food products are safe for consumption.
- Implementation of Food Safety Management System (FSMS): The FSSAI recommends that food businesses implement a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) to ensure that food safety risks are identified and managed effectively. The FSMS should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis to ensure its effectiveness.
Top 10 advantages to register as Public Limited Company in India
Here are the top 10 advantages of obtaining an FSSAI license for a food business in India:
- Legal Compliance: The FSSAI license is mandatory for all food businesses in India, and obtaining the license ensures legal compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act.
- Trust and Credibility: Having an FSSAI license demonstrates to customers that the food business is committed to maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene, which helps build trust and credibility.
- Increased Sales and Marketability: FSSAI license helps in increasing the marketability of food products, which in turn leads to higher sales and increased revenue.
- Protection from Penalties and Legal Action: An FSSAI license provides protection from penalties and legal action that can be taken against food businesses that do not comply with food safety regulations.
- Access to Government Contracts: Having an FSSAI license is mandatory for food businesses that wish to participate in government tenders or supply contracts, which can provide significant business opportunities.
- Improved Quality Control: Obtaining an FSSAI license requires food businesses to implement quality control measures to ensure the safety and quality of food products, which can help improve the overall quality of the products.
- Enhanced Consumer Confidence: The FSSAI license provides consumers with confidence that the food products they are consuming are safe and of high quality, which can lead to increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
- International Recognition: FSSAI license is recognized internationally, which can help food businesses to expand their market globally.
- Access to Training and Education: FSSAI provides training and education on food safety and hygiene, which can help food businesses to enhance their knowledge and skills in these areas.
- Competitive Advantage: An FSSAI license can provide a competitive advantage over other food businesses that do not have the license, which can help in increasing market share and profitability.