The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a regulatory body that governs food safety in India. To operate a food business in India, it is mandatory for businesses to obtain an FSSAI License or Registration. Here's a breakdown of the FSSAI License Registration process:
1. Determine the Type of FSSAI License Required.
FSSAI categorizes food businesses based on their scale and nature. The type of license required depends on the size of the business:
• FSSAI Basic Registration: For small businesses with annual turnover below ₹12 lakhs (e.g., small food manufacturers, retailers, or food vendors).
• FSSAI State License: For medium-sized businesses with annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores (e.g., restaurants, medium-sized food manufacturers, etc.).
• FSSAI Central License: For large businesses with annual turnover above ₹20 crores (e.g., large food processing units, importers, exporters, etc.).
2. Application Preparation.
Once the business type is identified, the applicant must gather the necessary documents. These may include:
• Identity Proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, etc.)
• Address Proof (Rent agreement, property ownership documents, etc.)
• Business Establishment Proof (Company registration documents, GST certificate, etc.)
• Food Safety Management System Plan (if required)
• List of Food Products to be handled (for manufacturers, producers)
• Details of Key Personnel (e.g., food safety supervisor)
3. Register on the FSSAI Portal
• Visit the FSSAI official website: www.fssai.gov.in
• Sign up for a new account or log in if you already have an account.
• After logging in, select the appropriate license type (Basic Registration, State License, or Central License).
4. Fill the Application Form
• The applicant must fill in the details of the food business on the FSSAI portal.
• Basic details like business name, business address, nature of the business, and contact details will be required.
• You may also need to provide information related to the type of food products and processes involved.
5. Submit Documents
• Upload the necessary documents as per the business type.
• Depending on the business, the documents may include:
- Ownership/lease/rental agreement
- Partnership deed or Memorandum of Association (for companies)
- GST registration or PAN card
- Food safety management plan (if applicable)
6. Fees Payment
• Once the application is filled and documents are submitted, you will be required to pay the application fee.
• The fee varies based on the type of license and the size of the business.
- Basic Registration Fee: Typically low.
- State License Fee: Based on the turnover and scale of the business.
- Central License Fee: For large-scale businesses, and generally higher.
7. Inspection (If Required)
• For certain applications, FSSAI may conduct an inspection of the business premises.
• The inspection checks for compliance with food safety regulations and the proper maintenance of hygiene.
8. FSSAI License Issuance
• Once your application is processed and, if applicable, the inspection is completed successfully, the FSSAI will issue the license or registration.
• The license will be valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the validity period selected during the application process
• The license number will be issued, and this number must be displayed on all food products sold under the license
9. Display FSSAI Logo & License Number
• The FSSAI logo and the 14-digit license number must be displayed on food products and packaging. This ensures that consumers can trust that the product has passed the necessary safety regulations.
Key Points to Remember:
• Renewal of License: FSSAI licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years, after which renewal is required.
• Penalties for Non-ComplianceOperating without a valid FSSAI License is an offense and can lead to penalties or suspension of business.
• Food Safety Compliance: All businesses must comply with food safety regulations and maintain hygiene standards as prescribed by FSSAI.