Overview of FSSAI License

Being transparent and having a good reputation are essential for operating a food manufacturing or distribution firm. Customers' trust must be earned by a business by presenting evidence of the food products' safety. To guarantee that the food is safe to eat and complies with the regulatory standards, you must register with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, or FSSAI. In India, it is mandatory for all food business operators to obtain registration support from a reputable FSSAI registration organization. It ensures they follow all guidelines for preserving food quality control.

Any person who wishes to start a food business can obtain a license and authorization through the FSSAI Registration, which is provided by the Indian Standards authorization. To maintain food safety and quality standards, FSSAI registration is required for all food businesses in India. Moreover, the penalties or legal repercussions may arise if you break any rules of FSSAI. Any food business that wants to ensure compliance with rules and establish reputation with customers should consider registering with the FSSAI.

What is FSSAI Registration?

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of the Government of India established the independent body known as Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, governs the laws pertaining to food safety and regulation in India. It is an act that gave rise to the FSSAI. It's an agency that oversees and regulates the food industry in India. The FSSAI License is responsible for regulating and managing food safety in order to safeguard and enhance public health.

Who require FSSAI Registration?

Businesses that fall under the FBO category include wholesalers, distributors, suppliers, retailers, food vending outlets, hawkers, clubs, canteens, Dhabas, hotels, restaurants, and storage facilities. Their annual sales can range from less than Rs. 12 lakh to more than Rs. 20 crores.
Small-scale food manufacturers operating independently.
A stall that sells food items.
Companies that sell food during social or religious events, except caterers.
Food-related cottage enterprises.
Units that produce or process vegetable oil through the use of solvent extraction and refineries that incorporate oil expeller systems that has the ability to supply, excluding milk and meat, no more than 100 kg/liter per day.
Milk-producing facilities that handle, collect, process, and cool milk with a daily capacity of little more than 500 liters or a yearly capacity of up to 2.5 metric tons of milk solids include dairy units.
Hotels servicing food.
Storage facilities with an annual capacity of more than 50,000 metric tons or less than 50,000 metric tons.
All food processing facilities, including repackers, that have a daily capacity of up to two metric tons and at least 100 kg per liter.
100% export-focused businesses producing or processing food.
Caterers employed by the Central Government or by allied organizations such the railroads, airlines, seaports, and defense departments, among others.
All food processing facilities, including repackers, with the exception of those that mill grains, legumes, and cereals and have a daily capacity more than two metric tons.
All FBOs engaged in the production of food products, additives, or ingredients employing novel processes, technologies, or a combination of these, the safety of which the FSSAI has not yet determined.

What are the advantages of FSSAI License?

Here are the major advantages of obtaining a FSSAI License in India:

Compliance with Law

The primary advantage is that it guarantees your company functions inside the government-established legal parameters. Operating without a current food license may result in fines, company closure, and legal issues.

Business Growth

An FSSAI license is required in order to receive funding, grants, or other assistance from financial institutions or governmental organizations if you're thinking about growing your company.

Confidence and Trust of Customers

Possessing an FSSAI license proves your dedication to high standards of food safety and improves your reputation. Customers' trust may be improved as a result, increasing repeat business and customer loyalty.

Assurance of Quality

The FSSAI license is proof that your company complies with certain safety and quality requirements. This may assist you in maintaining the standard of product quality, which is essential for satisfying the customers.

Market Access

Food vendors must hold an FSSAI license in order to do business with many wholesalers, retailers, and bigger businesses. You may access a larger range of markets, such as institutional purchasers and retail chains, if you have the license.

Legal Protection

Having a FSSAI license can protect you legally in the event of any food-related mishaps or legal problems by proving that your company has complied with the set safety and hygiene standards.

Brand Image

Getting a food license helps your company establish a solid reputation. When customers believe your items are of high-quality and safe to, they also suggest your products to others and provide good reviews online.

Ease in Exports

An FSSAI license can facilitate the exporting procedure if you're interested in selling your food items abroad by guaranteeing that they fulfill the safety and quality requirements for global markets.

Types of FSSAI License

Here are the three types of FSSAI License or registration in India:

FSSAI Basic Registration

Food business operators (FBOs) of start-ups or small firms must register for basic FSSAI registration, if their yearly revenue is less than Rs. 12 lakhs. Moreover, depending on the increase of your business sales graph, you can upgrade from a basic registration.

FSSAI State License

The medium-sized enterprises owned by FBOs are eligible for the State FSSAI License. Their yearly revenue exceeds Rs. 12 lakhs and can go up to Rs. 20 crores. Depending on how productive your company?s sale graph is, you may be able to upgrade your state license to a central license.

FSSAI Central License

Large FBOs with an annual turnover of Rs. 20 crores or more, are eligible for a Central FSSAI License. It is also necessary when importing or exporting food items or supplying government agencies.

What are the requirements of FSSAI Registration?

Certain requirements must be followed by an organisation or individual or obtain an FSSAI registration:

A basic FSSAI registration is necessary for all food operations, including importers, distributors, manufacturers, processors, and transporters.
Food enterprises that operate in several states or handle a variety of food items must register with the FSSAI separately for each location.
A basic FSSAI registration is available to small-scale food enterprises having an annual revenue of up to Rs. 12 lakhs.
Companies that have annual revenue of more than Rs. 12 lakhs but under Rs. 20 crores must have an FSSAI state license.
Large-scale companies must apply for an FSSAI Central License if their annual revenue exceeds Rs. 20 crores.
The production capacity of manufacturing or processing facilities establishes the FSSAI registration category.

What are the documents required for FSSAI Registration?

The following documents are required for getting an FSSAI Registration:

FBOs Identity Proof.
Proof of ownership of the space, such as a rent agreement, utility bill, or sale document.
List of directors of the organisation, along with their address and phone number.
Certificate of incorporation, self-declaration for proprietorship, or partnership deed.
Code for Import/Export (IEC).
Food safety management system certification or strategy.
A list of food items.
Report of water test from a certified laboratory.
Certification of incorporation.
Food Safety Management Plan

Process of obtaining a FSSAI License

Here is a step-by-step process to be followed in order to obtain a FSSAI License:

Step 1: Application Filing in Form A

Complete the FSSAI licensing registration form A on the FSSAI website. Make the payment of requisite fees to the concerned authority.

Step 2: Filing Form B with required Documents

As soon as the payment confirmation appears in your FSSAI account, you must submit Form B to the authorities along with the required documents. A company secretary shall prepare or draft all the important documents of the company.

Step 3: Review and Revision

After the concerned authority reviews your application, they might return the application for any revisions or changes, if you don't reply with the necessary proofs or changes within 15 days, then your application will be cancelled.

Step 4: Approval and Grant of License

The concerned government department will take 45-60 working days to completely review your application and approve the same. Once the application has been approved, the FSSAI license will be granted to the applicant and you can easily start your food business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1- Who requires FSSAI license?

Any individual or organisation that produces, distributes, transports, or stores food in India must have a license and registration. The requirement for the type of FSSAI license or registration may depend on the size and kind of the business.

Q2- Is it possible to start a food business without FSSAI?

No, every food business is required under Section 31(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 to get a license from the FSSAI in order to guarantee the safety and wholesomeness of the food that is consumed by people. Depending on the company's size and kind, an FSSAI license or registration may be necessary.

Q3- What is the validity of FSSAI registration?

The FSSAI license is valid for a period of one year to five years, depending upon the fees paid for the license. It is essential to renew the FSSAI license after it has expired.

Q4- Can I transfer my FSSAI License to someone else?

The FSSAI food license cannot be transferred from one person to another, except when the license holder dies. According to the FSSAI's regulations, in such a case, a food license may only be transferred in favor of the license holder's legal representative or the deceased person's family member.

Q5- What is FSSAI number?

Food Business Operators (FBOs) that abide by the guidelines set forth in the FSSAI Act are granted a 14-digit license number by the FSSAI. All food items need to have the FSSAI logo and license number printed on them. Additionally, it needs to be displayed at the office of the food business.

All about FSSAI Registration Process in India