About FSSAI registration
The full form of FSSAI is Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
FSSAI registration is a necessary process for anyone involved in the food business in India. It’s overseen by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and ensures that food products meet specific safety and quality standards.
This registration process applies to all food businesses, including small, medium, and large-scale operations. Depending on the size and reach of the business, there are different categories for registration: Basic Registration for small businesses, State License for medium-sized ones operating within a state, and Central License for larger businesses operating across multiple states.
To get registered, businesses need to provide certain documents. They also have to outline their methods for maintaining food safety, including hygiene practices and quality control measures, as required by FSSAI.
The objective of FSSAI registration
There are the various objective of FSSAI registration like ensuring food safety, quality assurance, consumer protection and many more. They are explained below:
1. Ensuring Food Safety
FSSAI registration aims to uphold food safety standards and prevent the consumption of unsafe or adulterated food. It establishes guidelines and regulations for food businesses to follow in the production, processing, storage, distribution, and sale of food items.
2. Quality Assurance
The registration process ensures that food products meet specific quality standards set by FSSAI. It includes guidelines for food composition, labeling, packaging, hygiene, and manufacturing practices to maintain consistent quality across the food industry.
3. Consumer Protection
FSSAI registration is geared towards safeguarding consumer health and interests by ensuring that the food they consume is safe, hygienic, and of good quality. It builds trust and confidence among consumers in the food products available in the market.
4. Regulatory Compliance
It mandates compliance with FSSAI regulations and guidelines by all food business operators. This promotes a standardized framework for food safety practices, creating a level playing field and ensuring fair business practices within the industry.
5. Legal Requirement
FSSAI registration is a legal mandate for anyone involved in the food business in India. It helps in regulating the food industry and ensures that businesses abide by the law, thus preventing malpractices and maintaining accountability.
TYPE OF FSSAI REGISTRATION
There are three types of FSSAI registration like basic registration, state license and central license. They are explained below:
1. Basic Registration
This type of registration is suitable for small-scale food businesses. It applies to FBOs with an annual turnover below a specified limit. Basic Registration is ideal for small businesses, including petty food manufacturers, small eateries, and home-based food entrepreneurs. Basic Registration limit is 12 lakh
2. State License
State License is intended for medium-sized food businesses operating within a specific state. It applies to FBOs with a moderate turnover, allowing them to conduct food-related activities within the state’s jurisdiction. Restaurants, mid-sized food manufacturers, and distributors typically fall under this category. State License Registration limit is 12 lakh – 20 crore
3. Central License
Central License is required for larger businesses operating at a more extensive scale. It is applicable to FBOs involved in multi-state operations or those with a substantial turnover. Large manufacturers, importers, exporters, and businesses operating in multiple states come under the purview of Central License. Central License Registration limit is 20 crore and above
Advantages of Food License
There are various advantages of food license like legal compliance, consumer confidence, market access & opportunities and many more. They are explained below:
1. Legal Compliance
FSSAI registration ensures adherence to food safety laws, demonstrating compliance with quality standards set by the government. It mitigates legal risks, prevents fines, and ensures smooth operations by meeting mandatory requirements, fostering trust among consumers and regulatory bodies.
2. Consumer Confidence
Displaying an FSSAI license cultivates consumer trust by assuring the safety and quality of food products. It signifies compliance with stringent standards, enhancing credibility and encouraging customer loyalty due to the assurance of consuming safe and standardized food items.
3. Market Access & Opportunities
FSSAI registration opens doors to various markets, trade opportunities, tenders, and collaborations. It acts as a prerequisite for businesses seeking to expand, export, or participate in government tenders, facilitating growth and market penetration in diverse segments.
4. Public Health Protection
Compliance with FSSAI regulations directly contributes to public health by ensuring the safety of food products. It reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses, protecting the well-being of consumers and promoting healthier communities through stringent food safety measures.
5. Enhanced Business Credibility
FSSAI registration elevates the credibility and reputation of a food business. It signifies commitment to quality, safety, and compliance with established standards, enhancing the brand’s image, attracting more customers, and solidifying its position as a trusted and reliable food source.
Disadvantage of Food License
There are various disadvantage of food license like complex application procedures, financial strain, stringent compliance demands and many more. They are explained below:
1. Complex Application Procedures
The intricate process of acquiring an FSSAI registration involves extensive paperwork, inspections, and stringent compliance measures, potentially overwhelming and time-consuming for businesses, particularly smaller ones with limited resources.
2. Financial Strain
The associated costs, including application fees, compliance expenses, and possible facility modifications, can strain the finances of smaller businesses, hindering their operational capabilities and profitability.
3. Stringent Compliance Demands
Meeting consistent and stringent FSSAI standards can pose ongoing challenges for businesses. Continuous adherence requires dedicated resources and efforts, potentially straining operational efficiency and resources.
4. Impact on Small Enterprises
FSSAI registration might act as a barrier for entry, particularly for small-scale food enterprises or street vendors, adding financial and administrative burdens that could inhibit market entry or growth.
5. Operational Delays
Delays in acquiring an FSSAI license or meeting compliance standards can impede the launch or ongoing operations of food businesses, leading to revenue loss and hindering business growth plans.
Who require FSSAI Registration
Retailers: Retail shops, snack shops, confectioneries, bakeries, etc.
Stalls: Temporary or fixed stalls: Gol Gappa, chat, fruit/vegetable vendors, tea, snacks, bread pakoda, samosa, Chinese food, South Indian food, sweets, juice, etc.
Hawkers: Traveling vendors selling packaged or freshly prepared food.
Dairy: Milk chilling units, petty milkmen, vendors.
Processing Units: Vegetable oil processing, meat, and fish processing.
Manufacturing & Repacking: Food manufacturing and processing, repacking units.
Unique Foods: Proprietary and Novel food producers.
Storage Facilities: Cold/refrigerated storage.
Transportation: Transporters using specialized vehicles: insulated refrigerated vans/wagons, milk tankers, food trucks, etc.
Distribution & Marketing: Wholesalers, suppliers, distributors, marketers.
Hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, bars, canteens, cafeterias.
Vending & Catering: Food vending agencies, caterers.
Special Venues: Dhabas, PG accommodations with food, banquet halls, home-based canteens, and food stalls in fairs or religious institutions.
Imports & Exports: Importers, and exporters of food items, including ingredients.
E-commerce: E-commerce food suppliers, cloud kitchens.
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration
Documents required for obtaining FSSAI Basic Registration, State License, and Central License:
- Identity & Business Proof
- Photo ID of food business operators.
- Business constitution certificate (partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, shop license, etc.).
- Proof of business premises (rental agreement, NOC from owner, utility bills).
- Food Safety & Operational Details
- Food safety management system plan.
- List of manufactured/processed food products.
- Bank account details.
- Supporting Documents
- Additional documents if needed (Municipality/Panchayat NOC, Health NOC, manufacturer’s license copy, etc.).
Specific Documents for FSSAI State License
- Form B & Facility Details
- Completed Form B.
- Processing unit plan (dimensions, area allocation).
- List of Directors/Partners/Proprietor with contact details and IDs.
- Equipment list with capacities.
- Additional Requirements
- Manufacturer’s authorized person details.
- Water analysis report for processing.
- Certificate under Coop Act 1861/Multi-State Coop Act 2002.
Specific Documents for FSSAI Central License
- Form B & Facility Details
- Completed Form B.
- Processing unit plan (dimensions, area allocation).
- List of Directors/Partners/Proprietor with contact details and IDs.
- Equipment list with capacities.
- Further Specifications
- Manufacturer’s authorized person details.
- Water analysis report for processing.
- Raw material sources (e.g., milk, meat).
- Recall plan if applicable.
- Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU.
- NOC/PA document by FSSAI, IE code by DGFT.
- Form IX, Ministry of Tourism certificate.
- Supporting documents for turnover and transportation proof.
- Declaration form.
Steps for FSSAI Registration
- Login to the Portal
- Access the official portal and log in.
- Fill the Application
- Complete Form B or the required application on the portal.
- Attach Documents
- Upload documents listed in Annexure 2, a self-attested declaration, and pay the applicable fee based on the food category.
- Submit Application
- Mail the filled application form and documents to the relevant authority.
- Additional information might be requested; incomplete applications are returned within 15 days. Complete and resend within a month to avoid rejection.
- Application Number Issued
- Upon sending the application with documents, an Application ID number is issued for future reference.
- Expect the license within 60 days from the Application ID issue date.
- Premises Inspection
- An officer inspects the business premises as per FSSAI regulations.
- If needed, the officer advises on necessary hygiene/sanitary improvements, with 30 days to comply.
- License Approval
- The Licensing Authority approves the license within a month of receiving the inspection report.
- The license is issued in Format C under Schedule 2 of regulations.
- Keep the original license at the business premises for verification.
