The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a self-governing body under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Government of India. The main objective of FSSAI registration is to ensure that the food consumed by the customer is up to the standards by the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. This Act was enacted to regulate the safety standards for manufacturing, packaging, sale, import, or storage of food products.
An Overview of FSSAI Registration
FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority in India. It is an autonomous body responsible for issuing an FSSAI registration certificate to people or entities who want to start a food business in India.
Acquiring FSSAI registration is mandatory for every food business owner in India; without it, a food business will be considered illegal. The owner may face legal actions from the concerned authorities. FSSAI registration is a certificate issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to make sure that the food consumed by the customer is safe for consumption, and the food business has maintained the prescribed standards of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. FSSAI Registration is mandatory for hotels, restaurants, producers, traders, or any other food-related entity. The food business owner will be granted a 14 digit FSSAI registration number, which must be printed on the food products they are manufacturing or selling.
What are the various categories of FSSAI registration?
In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority(FSSAI) in India grants three types of food licenses. The food license granted to a food business depends on the food business's size and annual turnover. Following are the three categories of FSSAI license:
Basic FSSAI Registration
Basic FSSAI registration is mandatory to obtain by the petty food business owners. The annual turnover of these petty businesses should not be more than INR 12 lakhs. Some examples of petty food businesses are hawker, itinerant vendor, retailer, or temporary stallholder.
FSSAI State License
Obtaining an FSSAI state license is mandatory for food businesses that have an annual turnover between INR 12 lakh to INR 20 crore. Moreover, the annual turnover is equivalent to obtaining an FSSAI state manufacturing license and an FSSAI state trading license.
Central FSSAI License
Central FSSAI license is mandatory to obtain by food businesses that have an annual turnover exceeding INR 20 crore. Some examples of food businesses who have to obtain central FSSAI license are manufacturing units, trading units, and storage that exceeds the annual turnover limit of INR 20 crore.
What are the necessary Documents for FSSAI License Registration?
The following are the documents required to obtain different types of licenses granted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India:
Documents for FSSAI Basic Registration
Duly signed Form B
Food Business Operator’s photo identity proof
Rent agreement or a copy of proof of possession of the premise where the business activities are performed
Depending on the type of business entity, the owner has to submit- AoA, MoA, Partnership Deed, etc.
Plan of food safety management system
List of food products in which the entity is dealing
Documents of Central FSSAI License
Duly signed Form B
Blueprint of the business unit
A detailed list of types of equipment and machinery used in the business unit
Depending on the type of business entity- a list of directors, partners, owners, etc.
A detailed list of food items in which the business entity is dealing
Sources of raw materials
Form IX
Certificate from the Ministry of Tourism
For 100% EOU – a certificate from the Ministry of Commerce
Proof of possession or rent agreement of the premise where business activities are performed
Authority of letter
NOC/PA document granted by FSSAI
NOC from the manufacturer and a copy of the license
Declaration Form
Documents for FSSAI State License
Duly signed Form B
Blueprint of the business unit
A detailed list of types of equipment and machinery used in the business unit
Depending on the type of business entity- a list of directors, partners, owners, etc.
A detailed list of food items in which the business entity is dealing
Authority of letter
Plan of food safety management system;
Or any other necessary document
Additional Documents for Manufacturers
Blueprint of the business unit
A detailed list of types of equipment and machinery used in the business unit
A detailed list of food that will be manufactured
A detailed report on the pesticide residues in water
Procedure for Basic Registration
For basic FSSAI registration, an applicant has to submit the application form to FSSAI. The authorities will accept or reject the registration application within a week. If the application is rejected, the authorities will issue a notice stating the reasons for rejecting the application. If the authorities accept the registration application, a certificate of registration will be provided to the applicant entity. The registration certificate will contain the photo of the owner and registration number, and the entity has to display the certificate at the business premise.
Procedure for State License
Once the documents' submission is completed, and the authorities are satisfied, the applicant has to create a login ID, and the declaration must be submitted with the prescribed form.
Now the applicant has to submit Form B with necessary documents. The entity will receive the license in twenty to thirty days, depending on the entity's location. In case of rejection for any reason, the applicant has to file again for a state license.
Procedure for Central License
The process of obtaining a central license is similar to a state license; the only difference is the business's size and activities. If the applicant entity is involved in the import and export of food products, it will require IEC irrespective of the annual turnover. If the applicant entity is indulged in food products' transportation from one state to another, the applicant entity must obtain an FSSAI central license.
Conclusion
In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority in India (FSSAI) grants three types of food licenses. The food license granted to a food business depends on the food business's size and annual turnover. The main objective of FSSAI registration is to ensure that the food consumed by the customer is up to the standards by the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.