FSSAI State License Registration Process

In India, the FSSAI is responsible for ensuring that the food we eat is safe and of high quality, aligning with national safety standards. Every person or company that manufactures, processes, stores, distributes or sells food should be licensed or registered under the FSSAI. Depending on the scale and type of your food business, you may need a Basic Registration, a State License, or a Central License. In the case of medium-sized enterprises whose work is in one of the states, the FSSAI State License is obligatory.

This paper provides a detailed description of the FSSAI State License registration procedure, including eligibility criteria, required documents, and compliance conditions.

What is an FSSAI State License?

Food businesses whose annual turnover lies between 12 lakhs and 20 crores are granted the FSSAI State License. It is used on companies located in a single state but with a size larger than small businesses or small retailers.

The following are just some of the common businesses that need a State License:

1. The mid-sized food manufacturers and processors.
2. Storages, transports and distributors.
3. Hotels, catering and restaurants.
4. Retail chains and mid-sized traders.
5. Dairy farms producing between 501 and 50,000 litres of milk each day.

The license will be used to ensure that the food business meets hygienic, safety, and quality standards stipulated by FSSAI.

Eligibility for FSSAI State License

To apply for an FSSAI State License, a food business operator (FBO) must first ensure they meet all the necessary requirements:

1. Turnover on the scale between 12 lakhs and 20 crores annually.
2. Only one state of operation.
3. Conduct food manufacturing, food processing, storage, transportation, catering, or distribution on a medium scale.

In case of turnover more than 20 crores or business is in more than one state, then an FSSAI Central License is mandatory.

Documents Required for FSSAI State License Registration

The registration process usually requires the following documents:

1. Form B – Application form that is completed and signed.
2. Photo ID and Address Proof of the owner of the food business.
3. Evidence of ownership of premises (rent contract, sale deed or electricity bill).
4. Food products to be manufactured, processed or sold.
5. Processing unit blueprint/layout, including size and area distribution.
6. Municipal or local authority NOC.
7. Directors/partners/proprietors list, including contacts.
8. Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan.
9. Water analysis report (to manufacturing units).
10. Code of importation/ exportation (when needed).

Depending on the nature of the business, some states might require more documents.

FSSAI State License Registration Process

The registration is to be executed online using the FoSCoS portal (https://foscos.fssai.gov.in) or can be performed offline by sending the application to the State Food Safety Department.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

The applicant should first identify whether his business can be characterised by State License guidelines according to turnover and working volume.

Step 2: Prepare Documents

Gather and collate all the mandatory documents according to FSSAI requirements and keep them correct and current.

Step 3: Submit Application Online

• Visit the FoSCoS portal.
• Create a user login ID.
• Select the State License application type in line with your food business.
• Complete the details in Form B, such as the type of business, where the business is located, and what the business deals in.
• Send scanned documentation.
• Pay a required license fee online (between 2,000 and 5,000, depending on the type of business).

Step 4: Application Scrutiny

The state food safety department checks the application and might demand some extra documentation or explanations.

Step 5: Inspection (if required)

In some companies, such as manufacturing units, the FSSAI officials physically inspect the facility to verify whether it meets the hygiene and safety standards.

Step 6: Grant of License

Provided that the application satisfies all the requirements, the State License is issued in 30-60 days. Depending on the amount of the fee paid, the license will cover between 1 and 5 years. Before the expiry date, renewal has to be made.

Benefits of FSSAI State License

1. Legal Recognition – Makes sure that the food business is operating within the standards of the law of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
2. Consumer Trust – Establishes trust with the customers by guaranteeing them the quality and safety of food.
3. Business Expansion – Partnership collaboration, supply chain, and e-commerce listing.
4. Government Support – Loans, subsidies and bidding on government tenders are open to them.

Compliance and Renewal

The owner of such a license shall, at the time of issuance of such a license, be under the FSSAI regulations, which include:

1. Businesses dealing with food are expected to put the FSSAI license number on the packaging of the food they deal with, and put it on the premises as well. Hygienic and sanitary care.
2. Annual returns in the case of manufacturing units.
3. A license renewal of 30 days prior to expiry.

Failure of any kind is punishable, and the licence may be lost or the business may be closed.

Conclusion

Registration of the FSSAI State License is a key action for medium-scale food facilities in India. Not only does it provide legal sanction, but it also gives the consumer confidence and access to wider markets. The accurate accomplishment of the registration process, adherence to it, and its renewal in due time by the operators of food businesses will provide the opportunity to ensure the legal and the company and ensure it operates completely legally while strictly following food safety regulations.

FAQ

1. What is an FSSAI State License?

It is a compulsory food certification granted to medium-sized food establishments working in a single state.

2. What is an FSSAI State License?

It is needed by the businesses operating with a turnover of 12 lakh to 20 crore annually.

3. What do I do to apply for an FSSAI State License?

The online applications are submitted on the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS).

4. What is the validity period?

Depending on the tenure selected, it is valid for 1-5 years.

5. Can it be renewed?

Yes, it has to be renewed prior to expiry.