Difference Between FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License

Any significant food business that manufactures, processes, transports, and imports food products requires a central FSSAI license, while medium-sized food manufacturers, processors, and transporters need a State License. Large food manufacturers, processors, and transporters, as well as importers of food products, require a central FSSAI license. A state FSSAI license is necessary for medium-sized food manufacturers, processors, and transporters. The fee and procedure for obtaining an FSSAI license are more extensive than those for an FSSAI registration.

Businesses having an annual turnover above 20 crore can apply for an FSSAI license. Eligible food business operators, such as importers, Manufacturers, and operators in the central government, Railways, airports, seaports, etc., are required to obtain a Central FSSAI license from the Food Standards and Safety Authority of India.

According to the regulations, all food business operators in India must obtain an FSSAI registration or license if they are involved in the manufacturing, storage, transportation, or distribution of products. Based on the size and nature of the business, FSSAI registration or an FSSAI license may be required.

FSSAI Registration

FSSAI registration is mandatory for all food businesses operating within India. The basic registration differs from a license or endorsement. Individuals can complete the FSSAI basic registration online by filing a registration form through the Food Licensing and Registration System. Moreover, the FLRS system also enables food business operators to track their application and learn more about updates and changes. Almost 35 states and union territories in India now issue licenses or registration certificates online.

The FSSAI registration remains valid for a period of one to five years, depending on the type of business. Individuals can choose the time frame for their registration at the time of application; all operators must apply for renewal at least 30 days before their license expires.

Perpetuating food safety and satisfaction must be the ultimate goal for every food bus operator. The government established the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to help achieve this goal. There are three types of FSSAI registrations that business owners can avail of, depending on the nature of their business license for large food businesses.

1. State license for medium food businesses
2. Basic registration for small food businesses

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

1. Photo identity proof of the food business operator: ration card, voter ID card, PAN card, driving license, passport, Aadhaar card, senior citizen card, or department-issued ID
2. List of product categories
3. Duly filled and signed Form B
4. Partnership Deed / Certificate of Incorporation / Articles of Association / Memorandum of Association
5. Furthermore, proof of address of the business premises: tax receipts, sale deed, rent agreement
6. Food safety management system plan
7. NOC from the municipality/panchayat, health department
8. Source of raw materials
9. Duly filled Form IX
10. Water test reports
11. Import Export Code for businesses that wish to trade internationally
12. Equipment list
13. List of partners and directors, along with their contact details

FSSAI License

FSSAI is an abbreviation of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is an agency regulated by the Indian Government and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. FSSAI is recognized under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.

The Food Licensing Authority has taken action to safeguard the food industry, ensuring that food products are checked against various parameters to guarantee their quality and safety for consumption  This results in a reduction in cases of adulteration and contamination of sub-standard quality food  Thus, it is mandatory to obtain a food license or registration, depending on location and the annual turnover of the food business operator.

How to apply for an FSSAI License?

Those who want to commence a food business have to apply for an FSSAI state license, as this is a necessary document required to be submitted.

• For licensing, he must have an active phone number as well as an email ID for submission of Form A.
• Food business operators must provide accurate details of their names in the application, as these will be required for the license.
• After the submission of the application, the system will give you a unique reference ID, which is to be used in every application.
• The next step is to pay a fee. It can be paid by taking a printout of the acknowledgement and online application form, and then making a demand draft from the specified bank.

What are the documents required for the FSSAI license?

These are the documents required for basic registration:

1. Form B – completed and signed
2. Photo Identity of FBO
3. Proof of possession of premises (eg, Rental Agreement )
4. Partnership Deed / Certificate of Incorporation / Articles of Association, etc
5. List of food products to be dealt with
6. Food safety management system plan

Documents required for the state license:

1. Form B duly completed and signed
2. Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation
3. List of Directors/ Partners/Proprietors with address, contact details, and photo ID
4. Name and list of equipment and machinery used, with the number and installed capacity
5. List of food categories to be manufactured
6. An authority letter from the manufacturer named a responsible person and provided their address.
7. Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability
8. Proof of possession of premises
9. Partnership deed/ affidavit of proprietorship
10. NOC and a License from the manufacturer
11. Copy of certificate obtained under the Coop Act 1861/Multistate Coop Act 2002
12. Food safety management system plan or certificate