The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
FSSAI registration is an essential requirement for individuals engaged in the food business across India, including those aspiring to establish restaurants, bakeries, hotels, cloud kitchens, or food stalls. Every Food Business Operator (FBO), encompassing entities and individuals involved in food manufacturing, preparation, sales, transportation, distribution, and storage, must obtain FSSAI registration to operate legally.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, or FSSAI, is the governing body for the entire food industry in the country. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act) established FSSAI, which operates autonomously under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. This act consolidates regulations pertaining to food safety and oversight in India.
FSSAI plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and safety of food products through rigorous quality checks, thereby combating food adulteration and the sale of substandard goods. It oversees the registration and licensing of FBOs nationwide while also establishing comprehensive rules and regulations governing the food business landscape in India.
FSSAI Registration
Every individual or entity engaged in any aspect of the food business, including manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, and sale of food products, must acquire an FSSAI Registration or License as mandated by law.
Distinctions exist between FSSAI Registration and License, contingent upon the scale and nature of the business operations. According to these factors, FBOs must obtain the appropriate registration or license.
FSSAI Registration entails a unique 14-digit identifier printed on food packaging. This number provides information regarding the manufacturing state and the producer’s permit, enhancing accountability for maintaining food quality standards.
The process and prerequisites for obtaining licenses and registrations are governed by the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
Types of FSSAI Registration
Factors such as the type of business, turnover, and production capacity determine the FSSAI registration criteria. Based on these metrics, Food Business Operators (FBOs) qualify for various types of licenses, including basic, central, and state licenses.
Central License
(Large Food Business)
State License
(Medium Food Business)
Registration
(Petty Food Business)
- FSSAI Basic Registration: FBOs that make less than 12 lakh rupees a year need to get FSSAI Basic Registration. Form A is the application for basic registration with the FSSAI.
- FSSAI State License: FBOs that make more than 12 lakh rupees a year but less than 20 crore a year must get an FSSAI State Licence. To get an FSSAI State License, you need to fill out Form B.
- FSSAI Central License: FBOs that make more than 20 crore rupees a year must get an FSSAI Central License. To get an FSSAI Central License, you can also use Form B.
Process for Online FSSAI Registration Procurement
FBOs have the option of obtaining FSSAI registration online or offline. They can fill out and submit the FSSAI registration form, either Form A (for Registration) or Form B (for State and Central License), via the FoSCoS portal. Alternatively, they can register offline by submitting the corresponding forms to the Food and Safety Department.
You must provide the necessary documents in addition to the FSSAI registration form. During the application process, you have the option to upload these documents online on the FoSCoS portal or submit them physically to the Food and Safety Department.
Within 7 days from the date of receipt, whether through physical submission or online via the FoSCoS portal, the Department will either accept or reject the FSSAI registration form. The applicant will be notified in writing in case of rejection.
The Department will scrutinize the submitted documents and, if necessary, conduct an inspection of the food premises before granting the FSSAI registration certificate.
Upon satisfaction that all criteria are met, the Department will issue an FSSAI registration certificate, including the registration number, the applicant’s photo, as well as an email ID. The applicant can download the certificate from the FoSCoS portal.
During operating hours, FBOs are required to prominently display the FSSAI registration certificate at their workplace.
Required Documents for FSSAI Registration/License Acquisition
The following are the documents that are required to obtain the FSSAI basic registration, the FSSAI state license as the FSSAI central license:
- Photo Identification Proof: Valid identification of food business operators.
- Business Constitution Certificate: This includes partnership deeds, certificates of incorporation, shop and establishment licenses, or any other pertinent business registration documents.
- Food Safety Management System Plan: A comprehensive plan outlining food safety management procedures and protocols.
- Product Inventory: A detailed list enumerating all food products manufactured or processed by the business.
- Supporting Documentation: Additional documents may be necessary depending on specific requirements. These could include NOCs from municipal or panchayat authorities, health NOCs, copies of licenses from manufacturers, etc.
- Proof of Business Premises Possession: Documentation such as rental agreements, no-objection certificates (NOC) from property owners, utility bills, etc., validating the possession of business premises.
- Bank Account Information: Details of the business’s bank account for financial transactions and regulatory purposes.
In addition to the general documents mentioned earlier, specific documentation is necessary for obtaining both the FSSAI state license and the FSSAI central license. The following are the specific documents required to obtain the FSSAI state license:
- Completed Form B: You must accurately fill out and sign Form B in accordance with the requirements.
- Director/Partner/Proprietor Information: A comprehensive list detailing the names, addresses, contact details, and photo identification of all directors, partners, or proprietors involved in the business.
- Processing Unit Plan: A detailed plan showcasing the layout of the processing unit, including dimensions and allocation of space according to operations.
- Authority Letter: A letter from the manufacturer designating a responsible individual, including their name and address.
- Equipment and Machinery List: An inventory specifying the names, quantities, and installed capacities of all equipment and machinery utilized in operations.
- Certificate under the Coop Act: A copy of the certificate obtained under the Cooperative Act 1861 or the Multi-State Cooperative Act 2002, if applicable.
- Water Analysis Report: The Water Analysis Report is a document that verifies the water’s suitability for consumption in the processing unit.
Apart from the general license, the following specific documents are required for obtaining the FSSAI central license:
- Completed Form B: Ensure Form B is thoroughly filled out and signed as per regulatory guidelines.
- Director/Partner/Proprietor Information: Compile a comprehensive list featuring the names, addresses, contact details, and photo identification of all directors, partners, or proprietors associated with your business.
- Processing Unit Plan: Provide a detailed blueprint illustrating the layout of your processing unit, highlighting dimensions and area allocation according to operational needs.
- Manufacturer’s Authority Letter: Obtain a letter from the manufacturer designating a responsible individual, including their name and address, as part of your compliance documentation.
- Equipment and Machinery Inventory: Enumerate the names and capacities of all equipment and machinery utilized in your operations, along with their respective quantities.
- Raw Material Source Documentation: Include information regarding the source of raw materials, such as milk, meat, etc., ensuring transparency and traceability in your supply chain.
- Recall Plan (where applicable): Develop and present a recall plan outlining procedures in case of a product recall, demonstrating your commitment to consumer safety.
- Water Analysis Report: Provide a detailed report confirming the suitability of the water used in your processes, ensuring it meets the required quality standards.
- NOC/PA Document by FSSAI: Provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or Pre-Arrival Document (PA) issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), if required.
- Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU: If applicable, furnish the Ministry of Commerce certificate for entities operating under the 100% Export-Oriented Unit (EOU) scheme.
- IE Code Document by DGFT: Submit the Import Export (IE) Code document issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), if applicable to your business operations.
- Certificate from the Ministry of Tourism: If relevant, include a certificate issued by the Ministry of Tourism.
- Supporting Documents for Turnover and Transportation: Provide additional supporting documentation validating turnover and transportation aspects of your business, where necessary.
- Form IX: Ensure submission of Form IX, which pertains to the particulars of the food business operator.
- Declaration Form: Complete and submit the declaration form as part of your regulatory compliance process.
Advantages of Obtaining an FSSAI Food License
Securing a license offers numerous advantages for food businesses, ranging from legal protection to fostering goodwill and ensuring food safety. Here are some key benefits:
- Legal Protection: Obtaining a license ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, shielding the business from legal repercussions and penalties.
- Goodwill: A licensed food business gains credibility and trust among consumers, contributing to a positive brand image and fostering customer loyalty.
- Food Safety: Licensing entails adherence to stringent food safety standards, guaranteeing the production of safe and hygienic food products for consumers.
- Consumer Awareness: Displaying FSSAI registration instills confidence in consumers by indicating the business’s commitment to quality and safety standards.
- Business Expansion: A valid license facilitates business expansion opportunities by opening doors to new markets and partnerships.
- Regulation of Operations: Licensing regulates various aspects of food business operations, including manufacturing, storage, distribution, and import, ensuring compliance with established norms.
- Access to Funds: FSSAI registration enhances the credibility of the food business, making it easier to attract investment from potential investors and financial institutions.
Moreover, the presence of the FSSAI logo on food products serves as a hallmark of quality assurance for consumers. Additionally, displaying the FSSAI registration number at food premises signifies adherence to hygiene and quality standards, further reinforcing consumer confidence in the business’s offerings.
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