FSSAI (Food) License

Every food business operator must be licensed or registered under FSSAI

There are 3 types of licenses based on turnover:
  1. Basic Registration
  2. State License
  3. Central License

The type of License (Basic, state license, central license) is based on turnover, scale of business and the type of activity. It is 14 digit license number which must be printed on food packages.

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    FSSAI

    What is FSSAI?

    Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA) of 2006 established FSSAI or Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It consolidated numerous acts & orders that existed earlier and used to handle food-related issues under different Ministries and Departments. The basic objective of formulating FSSAI has been to lay down science-based standards for items of food and to regulate their manufacture, distribution, sale, storage, and import to ensure the availability of wholesome adulteration-free food for human consumption.


    Things to know on FSSAI License

    • FSSAI license number and logo must be displayed on the label of food package.
    • FSSAI License is mandatory for both import and Export of food products.
    • One premise with multiple kind of businesses is eligible for one License/ Registration.
    • License is required for any type of food activities including manufacturing, trading, distribution, catering and transportation.
    • Every food business operator must comply with the conditions of License/ registration.
    One Law

    One Nation One Food Law

    To bring consistency in enforcing food safety regulations and standards, covering all States, the FSSAI initiated its “One Nation One Food Law” program. It has leveraged infotech for enforcement of uniform standards for testing and sampling throughout various States and laboratories, in India.

    • Ensure that investors and food establishments have a constant and positive experience across all States while dealing with the regulatory environment.
    • Set a single reference point for all issues related to food safety and standards, by migrating from multi-departmental, multi-level control to a single line of command.
    • Unification of various laws.
    • Regulate the manufacture, storage, packing, distribution, sale, import or any other stages of food products.
    • Ensure the availability of wholesome and adulteration-free food for human consumption.
    Why

    Why you should get Food License Registration

    The buyers, nowadays, are more alert and informed about the quality of the food which they utilize. Due to multiple options of good and healthy food availability, the consumers want to know as to the contents of what they are taking in. Whether it is safe, adulteration-free and of really good quality? Besides, recent controversies of some well-known brands producing and delivering inferior food or using harmful ingredients, the consumers are taking seriously the standards of food safety. In such cases, the FBOs with a Food License has an added benefit of a solid and loyal customer base.
    If you think that getting an FSSAI registration would be a waste of time, efforts, and money. That this is only another certificate. And you have been avoiding to get the license. You must consider it again. You would realize that the ends justify the efforts. The expense is tiny as compared to the penalties that can get imposed upon for not going by the law.
    On getting the certificate, you can use the FSSAI logo to enhance sales and goodwill. You can promote and publicize the superior quality of your product over others. This gives you an advantage over those operating without an FSSAI registration. The FSSAI logo is a mark of validity and an assurance to the consumers. Careful and aware customers prefer to buy only those products that possess the FSSAI logo.
    An FSSAI Registration or License will help in the process of applying for and getting bank loans that boost your business growth.
    Who

    Who requires a Food License?

    Every Food Business Operator is required to be licensed/registered under the FSSAI. FSSAI Registration is required by small businesses like hawkers, petty retailers, etc whose annual turnover is less than Rs.12 lakhs per year. All food businesses exceeding this annual turnover limit of Rs 12 lakhs per year require a FSSAI License.

    Whether you are a small scale or large scale business, you need to obtain FSSAI State License or FSSAI Central License, according to your requirement. Usually, large manufacturers, exporters, importers, etc obtain Central Licence while mid-sized entities like transporters, traders, etc need State Licence.

    If your business falls in any one of the below-listed categories, then a food license is mandatory for you.

    • Procurement
    • Manufacture
    • Distribution
    • Processing
    • Packaging
    • Storage

      • To be more elaborate, any individual or a company that operates with food substances from farm to plate must obtain the FSSAI food license. A more detailed list of those who require FSSAI registration Certificate is here:

    • Hotels
    • Wholesaler
    • Restaurants
    • Food chains
    • Food sellers and resellers
    • Dairy and dairy processing
    • Food importers and exporters
    • Processors like pickle and dry fruit maker
    • Raw material suppliers to food businesses
    • Retailers & establishments who have a retail outlet
    • Simple transporters who transfer items from one location to another
    • Canteens in corporations, schools, colleges, hospitals or government institutions
    • Packaged food manufacturers who produce items such as biscuits and ready to eat products

    Storage units and warehouses require a food safety registration instead of a production license.

    Every food business operator must be licensed/ registered

    If IBO is operating in more than 1 state, one additional central license for head/registered office is required

    Importers to take one single central license of their IE code address

    One premises with multiple kind of business is eligible for one license/registration only.

    Every food business operator must comply with conditions of license/registration

    Documentation

    Documents required for FSSAI Registration Process

    Be it a food safety management registration or production license, there are some documents that should be submitted along with the FSSAI online application. Listed below are the mandatory paperwork for each type of FSSAI registration:


    1. FSSAI Registration
    2. An identity proof that contains a photograph
    3. A passport sized photograph
    4. State & Central License
    5. Proof of address
    6. Import/export code
    7. A passport sized photograph
    8. A list of directors or partners
    9. A certificate of incorporation
    10. The MoA and AoA of the business
    11. An identity proof that contains a photograph
    12. No Objection Certificate from the local municipality

    For manufacturing units, besides the above-listed documents, the following are also required:

    1. The blueprint of warehouse, plant, etc.
    2. A list of all machinery
    3. Report of a water test
    4. List of all food categories
    Documentation

    What are some of the documents needed for the application process?

    We have mentioned a list of documents that applicants should keep handly before they begin the application process for their licences.


    1. Proof of identification such as PAN Card details, Passport, Voter ID, drivers licence and so on.
    2. Proof of residence such as Passport, Voter ID, Government bank account etc.
    3. Proof of ownership or lease documents if the land is being rented.
    4. Registration documents of the company or establishment to prove that it is valid.
    5. Self-attested no objection certificate (NOC) from the owner of the premise, if it is being rented out for an eatery.
    6. Trade License from NDMC/DCB/MCD/Airport Operator depending on the location of the establishment.
    7. Certification of Incorporation of the companies and LLP.
    8. Memorandum of Association of the eating house and LLP.
    9. Complete list of Director or Partner Names and the current Form 32.
    10. The nomination of the Authorised signatory on the company’s letterhead. This could be more than one individual.
    11. Resolution of the board for conducting business.
    12. Copy of the FSSAI license/registration papers.
    13. Updated GST registration certificate.
    14. Certificate of registration issued by the Labour Department, GNCT of the state.
    15. Fire Safety Certification applicable for eating houses, seating a minimum of 50 people at a time.
    16. List of all employees working in the eating house including food handler details – their name, parentage, and address.
    17. Consent Letter from the DPCC (a provisional license provided based on the application submission proof).
    18. Approved site plan with Fire Safety measure certificates.
    19. Self-attested prescribed Affidavit for issuing a fresh license.
    20. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
    21. Permissions from the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), for having amusement activities like DJ, Live Band, and Discotheque.
    22. Proof of CCTV or surveillance systems installed along with at least 30 days of video recording having the details of installation or invoice of CCTV, etc.
    23. Photographs of the allocated space.
    Procedure

    Procedure for FSSAI Registration

    1
    Every small FBO or start-up shall register itself with the Registering Authority (RA) by submission of an application Form-A, along with the fees as applicable.
    2
    A Unique Application Reference Number comes to be generated.
    3
    RA may grant or reject the application – with reasons being specified in writing. Within 7 days of the receipt of the complete application.
    4
    Once granted, the FBO may commence the business operations.
    5
    Or, if deemed necessary, the RA may issue a report for inspection. This comes within 7 days. And the date of the inspection must be within 30 days
    6
    If in the course of the inspection, the inspecting FSO or agency is content, the FSSAI number will be granted.
    Procedure

    Procedure for FSSAI Food License (State or Central)

    1
    Filing of Application Form-B. All associated documents attached and fees, as applicable, paid.
    2
    Unique Application Reference Number is generated.
    3
    Now, there are 3 ways possible:
    1. If the details provided in the application and the documents submitted are as per the provisions. And FSSAI official is content with them, the FBO can commence its business operations.
    2. Or additional documents may need to be submitted or some other information may be required. That was missing in the application. On this submission, a unique application ID will be generated. Now, if no inspection is ordered for, the FBO may begin operations after 60 days. But, if an inspection is ordered, it would be conducted and a report issued. And then the license will be given within 60 days if all the rules have been followed. If however, the inspection report is not processed, the FBO may commence business operations after 60 days.
    3. Last situation is that the FBO gets an Improvement Notice. It will also specify a time limit within which the case is to be modified. If the issue is not resolved by that time, the application would be held under suspension. And another date will be announced on the payment of a penalty. If the issue is not corrected still, the application will get canceled. A new application for Food License can be filed only after 90 days from this cancellation.
    Info

    Things You Must Know

    • FSSAI License or Restaurant License is a statutory obligation that is mandatory for all FBOs.
    • The Name mentioned in the Application Form (A or B) will be the name on the Food License Certificate. So make sure it is clearly and accurately spelled.
    • You will receive all further communication on the mobile number and e-mail ID supplied in the Application Form. Make sure these are working.
    • After applying, a unique reference ID will be generated. This ID will be used during all further communications and processes for obtaining the FSSAI certificate.
    • If the operations of the FBO, e.g. a restaurant or hotel, expand to more than one state, a Central FSSAI license has to be procured for the main Branch/Head Office. And a State License or Basic Registration for each branch, as per their eligibility.
    • The Central License Certificate will be issued to the importers only on the address mentioned on their Import Export Code (IEC).
    • A single unit needs a single certificate only. Whether it is handling/producing different varieties or various processes. Just make sure that the Form (A or B) includes all the Food Items and the Processes.
    • Fee payment, as per the application.
    Advantages

    Advantages of Food License

    The Food Business Operator (FBO) can use the FSSAI logo, which in turn will bring credibility in the stakeholders
    It facilitates food safety and security
    Rules and regulations are laid down for the manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food
    The FBO has the opportunity to expand the business in the future.
    FSSAI has released new guidelines that are compatible with the international organization.
    The registration would create customer awareness about the quality of the food products
    FSSAI has set some science-based principles
    Roles

    Roles and responsibilities of the FSSAI?

    Framing of Regulations to lay down food safety standards.

    Laying down guidelines for accreditation of laboratories for food testing.

    Providing scientific advice and technical support to the Central Government.

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