FSSAI registration or license is required for all entities involved in the production, distribution and transportation of food products. Makemyregistration.in can help obtain FSSAI registration/license.
FSSAI is an abbreviation used for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. FSSAI license is mandatory before starting any food business. All the manufacturers, traders, restaurants who are involved in food business must obtain a 14-digit registration or a license number which must be printed on food packages.
This step is taken by government to ensure that food products undergo certain quality checks, thereby reducing the instances of adulteration, substandard products and improve accountability of manufacturers. FSSAI Registration is done through Makemyregistration.
Reasons to Register a FSSAI Registration
FSSAI Registration
FSSAI Registration issued by FSSAI is required for carrying on activities related to any stage of manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution of food.
License Categories
FSSAI License can be divided into two categories State level License and Central License. Hotel, Restaurant and medium size food manufacturers are covered under State license. Large size food manufacturers come under Central licensing.
Hawkers and Cottage Industries
Petty retailer, hawker, itinerant vendor or a temporary stallholder or small scale or cottage or such other industries relating to food business or tiny food business operator are exempt from obtaining FSSAI Registration or License.
Location Specific
A separate FSSAI Registration or License required and issued for each location where food is handled. Therefore, an entity may have to obtain multiple FSSAI licenses if it operates multiple locations.
Validity
Once a FSSAI License is issued, it is valid for one or two years. Before end of its validity, the license can be renewed for a further term based on the requirements of the business.
This is required for small business or startups which have annual turnover below Rs.12 lakhs. Basic registration can be upgraded to state license as your sales graph increases.
The Food business operators like petty food manufacturers and also the small-sized manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, marketers, distributors etc are thus required to obtain the FSSAI Registration. The FSSAI Registration is however issued by the State Government. Depending upon the eligibility, an FBO can thus fall under the State or Registration license. It is thus mostly for the units having an annual turnover which is up to 12 lakh.
Types of FSSAI License
Businesses engaged in food activities are required to apply for different type of food license based on turnover, scale of business and the type of activity. Such businesses must apply for either of the licenses (central or state) or simple registration. The criteria specified in rules are as follows:
FSSAI Basic registration
- This is required for small business or startups which have annual turnover below Rs.12 lakhs. Basic registration can be upgraded to state license as your sales graph increases.
FSSAI State license
- This license is applicable to mid-sized companies which have annual turnover between Rs.12-20 crores.
FSSAI Central license
- This license is applicable typically on large business with annual turnover above Rs.20 crores. It is also required in cases where you need to supply at the government offices or import / export food products.
Steps for getting the FSSAI license
One can file the FSSAI application directly with the government. The process is long and requires 30-60 days to get completed:
Step 1:
Fill FSSAI form A on FSSAI website and make the payment for FSSAI application at the FBO nearby your locality.
Step 2:
Once the payment confirmation is reflected in your FSSAI account, you need to file Form B with the government. There are multiple declarations and resolutions that need to be filed with your application. E.g., board resolution, owner self-declaration. These declarations should ideally be prepared by a company secretary.
Step 3:
You will then need to follow-up with the government department for an update on your application. The government may send back your application for edits - if you fail to respond with 15 days of the application, then your application will be rejected.
Step 4:
The government department will take 45-60 working days to completely review your application and approve the same.
Documents required to obtain FSSAI License
- Photograph of Distributor
- Copy of Identity Proof like Voter ID Card, PAN Card , Driving License,Passport,Aadhar Card , Ration Card, Senior Citizen Card,Department Issued ID.
- Supporting Document (if any ):NOC by Municipality / Panchayat. Health NOC.
Additional document for Manufacturer
- Blueprint/layout plan of the processing unit
- List of Equipment and Machinery
- List of food category desired to be manufactured
- Pesticide residues report of water
- Upload Production unit photograph
This license is applicable typically on large business with annual turnover above Rs.20 crores. It is also required in cases where you need to supply at the government offices or import / export food products.
Food business operators such as the Importers, 100% Export Oriented Units, large manufacturers, operators in the Central Government agencies, airports, seaports etc are however required to obtain a Central Food License. The Central license is issued by the Central Government. Furthermore, FBOs have to obtain the Central License for their head office, and if they have operations in more than 1 state. It is thus mostly for the units who are having an annual turnover which is greater than 20 crores.