Central FSSAI License

Businesses that deal with food-related products having annual turnover that exceeds more than 20 crore can register under Central FSSAI License Registration. Qualified food Business Operators such as Importers of food products, manufacturers of food products, Operators in central government, Railways, seaports, airports, and so on. need to obtain a Central FSSAI license under Food Standards and Safety Authority of India.

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Central FSSAI License - Overview

The Food Standards and Safety Authority of India (FSSAI) is the regulatory body overseeing food security in India. To prevent adulteration in food products, all FBOs must get a 14-digit FSSAI registration/license number based on their business activity and turnover, which they must then display on food packaging. All of India’s major FBOs have Central Licenses issued by the FSSAI. It is the primary prerequisite for food enterprises that manufacture, store, distribute, transport or sell food items.

Importance of FSSAI Central License:

It is mandatory by the FSSAI department for all large food business operators to obtain a Central FSSAI license to run their business legally in India. There are various reasons for FSSAI obtaining a Central License, which are as follows:

FSSAI monitors the food license of FBOs on a random basis and takes strict actions over those businesses whose licenses have expired or food businesses that don’t have an FSSAI license.
There is a considerable level of consumer trust in the safety and quality of food, so it has been mandatory to continue that trust of the public. So, licensing is an essential factor in keeping that trust.
To maintain consumers’ trust, FBOs must print a 14-digit FSSAI License number on their food packages.
Central License promotes trade without compromising consumer protection and a larger share.
Central FSSAI License assures that the food products undergo quality checks by reducing adulteration and selling sub-standard products.

Who Needs FSSAI Central License?

Restaurant
Club
Dhaba
Distributor
Food Processor
Canteen
Wholesaler
Storage
Supplier
Transporter
Retailer
manufacturer
Hawkers
Marketer
And others

Eligibility for FSSAI Central License

The following food business operators are eligible for Central FSSAI License:

FBOs like restaurants, retailers, distributors, and suppliers with an annual turnover of over Rs. 20 Crores.
Plants that produce and process vegetable oil by solvent extraction method and factories, including oil expeller units, with a capacity of over two metric tonnes per day.
Food vending facilities, including canteens, dhabas, and clubs in many states, have an annual revenue above Rs. 12 lakhs.
Wholesalers with a minimum annual revenue of Rs. 30 crores.
Hotels with a rating of 5 stars or more.
100% export-oriented food production or processing units.
All importers, including those that bring in food additives or components.
Those who serve as caterers for the Central Government or associated organisations like the railroads, aviation, ports, defence, etc.
Storage facilities capable of holding over 50,000 metric tonnes,
Facilities for handling or processing dairy products (including chilling units) with a daily capacity of more than 50,000 litres,
A daily ability to butcher more than fifty big animals, 150 small animals, or more than a thousand chicken birds.
Controlled Atmosphere + Cold Storage with the capacity of 1,000 MT or more.
Carriers with more than a hundred cars. Or an annual revenue of more than Rs. 30 crores.
All food processing facilities, including repackers, except those that mill grains, pulses, and cereals and have a daily capacity of more than two metric tonnes.
All FBOs engaged in producing a food product, additive, or ingredient employing a novel technique, technology, or a combination of these, the safety of which the FSSAI has not yet determined.

Documents Required for FSSAI Central License:

NOC from Municipality or Local body(optional).
Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU.
NOC issued by FSSAI.
Import Export Code issued by DGFT.
Nomination of person(s) by a company (Form IX).
Certification by the Ministry of Tourism.
Detailed proof of income in writing.
Self-declaration of the number of Vehicles.
FSSAI Declaration form.
NOC & Copy of License from the manufacturer (Mandatory for relabellers and repackers).
Food safety management system plan or certificate (if any).
Source of milk or milk procurement strategy, includes where milk collecting centres are located in the case of processing facilities for milk and milk products. (If relevant).
Supply of raw materials for facilities that produce meat (if applicable)
Pesticide protection report of water from a recognised laboratory if manufacturing packaged water.
A copy of the certificate obtained under the Multi-State Coop Act of 2002 or the Coop Act of 1861, if applicable for cooperatives.
Enumerate all machinery and equipment, noting its name, installed capacity, and horsepower. For production and manufacturing units alone, it is mandatory.
Examine the chemical and bacterial report from a public health laboratory that certifies the water’s suitability as a food component to ensure its mobility. It’s Necessary for manufacturing and processing units.
Documentary proof of the self-declaration or turnover of many automobiles. It’s a compulsory document for Transporters.
Certificate of Food Safety Management System Plan (FSMSP) if needed

Procedure for Obtaining FSSAI Central License:

Following are the eligible entities having the above-stated turnover for applying for state license:

According to the eligibility criteria, you are expected to get a Central FSSAI License; they must complete application form B according to the FSSAI’s requirements. Ensuring that all submitted data is accurate, relevant, and legitimate is essential.
Remember that generic names, not brand names, should be used when referring to the items.
Every product in the licence must be certified per the FSSAI Act of 2006.
Finally, you will be asked how long you want to apply for a central licence. It would help to choose a suitable time frame (from one to five years).
Once the form is filed, the required costs must be paid through an online site or by bringing the demand draft to the FSSAI state office.
Your licence will arrive by postal mail in 25–30 days.

Validity of FSSAI Central License:

The Central FSSAI license is valid for a period ranging from 1 to 5 years. The food business can opt between this period for its central license. After that, it requires renewal. It is up to the FBOs whether they want to continue. But if they intend to continue their business, they require its renewal.

The food license renewal must be applied for from either Form A or Form B before 30 days of the expiry of the existing registration. Any FSAI License Renewal application filed beyond the expiry date will be charged a late fee of Rs—100 for each delayed day.

In the case of the expiry of the food license, the food business operator should mandatorily terminate all the business activities at the premises.

FSSAI Timeline:

FSSAI issues the FSSAI License usually within sixty days of submitting a complete and accurate application. In the meantime, the Authority scrutinises applications and inspects the premises of the concerned FBOs. Getting a license usually takes around two to three months.

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At Kanakkupillai, we use our industry experience and knowledge to guide companies through intricate laws, reduce risks, and streamline processes for optimal productivity and profitability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Central FSSAI License? +

FBOs include restaurants, retailers, distributors, and suppliers with an annual turnover of over Rs. 20 Crores. Even importers and exporters of food products need an FSSAI Central License.

Is an FSSAI license compulsory for 100% export units? +

Yes, In the case of the import & export of food products, the FSSAI Central license is mandatory.

How can I convert my Central licence from FSSAI? +

You can submit a formal request for such a licence conversion on the official FSSAI website.

How much does an FSSAI Central Licence cost? +

The maximum amount the government would pay to obtain an FSSAI Central Licence is Rs. 7000 annually.

Does the FSSAI central licence have to be visible at the company location? +

The FSSAI central licence must be prominently displayed within the business premises.

What kind of food licence is needed for units that are 100% exported? +

An FSSAI Central licence is needed for food product imports and exports. Every unit that is 100% focused on exports must apply for an FSSAI Central Licence.

FSSAI central licence: what is it? +

For food business operators (FBOs) doing interstate commerce, an FSSAI central licence is necessary.

Does importing food goods for sale in India require an FSSAI licence? +

To import food commodities, including food additives, for sale in India, an importer must get an FSSAI Central licence at the address specified in the IEC certificate issued by the DGFT.

How long is an FSSAI licence or registration valid? +

Registration could be for five years at one time.

What is e-commerce FBOs? +

E-commerce is defined as FBOs offering an online platform for transactions, sales, or activities as specified under section 3(n) of the FSS Act, 2006. They must apply for an FSSAI Central Licence at the head office or registered office address.