One of the key aspects of running a food business in India is food safety. The modern world is becoming increasingly conscious and cautious about the quality of food it consumes. In order to provide food in the market that is safe and of good quality, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It works to ensure that food products are safe and healthy for consumers. Not only is the license to operate in the FSSAI a formality, but it is also a necessity to win over the customers’ confidence. Regardless of the scale of your food business, be it a small food stall, a restaurant, a packaged food manufacturing unit, or even an export business to India, you must license with the FSSAI.
Understanding FSSAI License
An FSSAI license is a legal authorization for any food business operator. It determines that the food being prepared, processed, stored, distributed or sold is to the prescribed requirements of cleanliness as well as safety. It is a mandatory license for all persons dealing with food, including hawkers, retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and exporters of food. An FSSAI license is also important to develop a competitive advantage in the market, and there is a focus on whether an organization is in accordance with governmental regulations or not.
Types of FSSAI Registration and License
The kind of FSSAI license needed will be determined by the size of the business and the annual turnover.
- Basic Registration: FSSAI Basic Registration is aimed to serve small food-based enterprises such as small traders, small retailers or other small manufacturers with a yearly revenue of less than 12 lakh.
- Medium-sized: Businesses in restaurants, food distributors and small to mid-level manufacturers whose turnover falls between 12 lakh and 20 crore need an FSSAI State License.
- Businesses with a turnover exceeding 20 crore: Large businesses, in contrast to individual employees, are obliged to possess an FSSAI Central License, provided their turnover is more than 20 crore.
Steps to Get an FSSAI License in India
1. Identify the Correct License Type
A business has to find out before applying whether it is eligible for Basic Registration, State License, or Central License. The right type eliminates delays and rejections.
2. Online Application Process
Application to obtain an FSSAI license may be done online at the official portal of the Food Licensing and Registration system (FLRS) or FoSCoS. The applicant is supposed to create an account on the site, choose the kind of license, and complete the information: the business name, address, the type of product, and turnover.
3. Upload Supporting Documents
Multiple documents, such as identity proof, address proof, business registration proof, a list of food items, and photographs of the applicant, have to be uploaded to be eligible to use the application. In case of higher categories such as State and Central Licenses, there are also possibilities that additional documents such as plant layout, NOC of local authorities, and food safety management plan are also required.
4. Inspection by Authorities
After the application and documents have been provided, FSSAI can visit the premises, physically, to inspect the premises in regard to State and Central licenses. This would make sure that there is adherence to food safety standards in the workplace.
5. Approval and License Grant
Once the verification is successful, the license is issued. The FSSAI license number should be placed on the premises and at the same time on product packaging to indicate that they are in agreement with the food safety regulations.
Documents Required for FSSAI License
- Identity proof, such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or voter ID, of the business owner
- Discuss evidence of the premises in which the food business is operated.
- Business registration certificate, such as a partnership deed, incorporation certificate, or GST certificate
- Food products manufactured, stored, or sold.
- Passport-sized photographs of the individuals operating the business, who are the owners, partners or directors.
- NOC from municipality or local body, if applicable
- An outline to guarantee food safety and a statement that all hygiene regulations are being adhered to appropriately.
Essentials of FSSAI License
- Depending on the size of the business and the amount of revenue the business generates, you can select the appropriate type of license.
- It is best to ensure that your place of work is clean and safe, and well-maintained.
- The license will expire; renew it before it expires, or the business will be suspended.
- Place the FSSAI license number on the packaging of food materials and marketing materials.
- Keep good books and prepare annual returns where you have a State or Central License.
Benefits of Having an FSSAI License
- The FSSAI license protects the law and avoids punishment for non-observance.
- It instils consumer confidence in the minds of consumers by guaranteeing them food hygienic standards and quality.
- Companies can easily expand their operations into different states and bid on large contracts or government tenders.
- The food business licensed by FSSAI can also sell foodstuffs in online stores like Amazon, Flipkart, and Swiggy.
- It increases credibility and the reputation of the brand in a competitive food market.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Operating a food business without an FSSAI license may involve the imposition of penalties that may include a monetary fine and/or imprisonment. The Food Safety and Standards Act is a strict law governing businesses that offer unsafe, inferior, or incorrectly branded food. The license penalty can reach 5 lakh to operate without a license, and in the worst cases, the proprietors of the business can be prosecuted. Therefore, being a licensed businessman and keeping the license is a key to successful business in the long term.
Conclusion
FSSAI license registration is not very complicated, but it is required in all food-related businesses in India. Even in the case of a small food stall or a giant manufacturing facility, you will have to apply the appropriate kind of license according to the size, turnover and operations of your business. There is also a smooth process of acquiring and retaining their licence with the appropriate documents, compliance with the hygiene requirements, and renewal on time. In simple terms, an FSSAI license is not only a matter of keeping the law but also gaining confidence in the customers and increasing confidence in the competitive food market.
FAQ’s
1. Which food companies within India should possess an FSSAI license?
Ans. FSSAI has a duty of issuing a license to anyone, be it individuals or organisations that are involved in the production, processing, packaging, storing, distributing or selling food..
2. How long does an FSSAI license last before it should be renewed?
Ans. The license is one to five years, depending on the choice at the time of application, and the license is likely to be renewed.
3. Are FSSAI registration and FSSAI license different?
Ans. Small businesses are obliged to have FSSAI Basic Registration, medium and large businesses are obliged to have a State or Central License, depending upon the turnover and the operations.
4. Is it possible to apply for an FSSAI license online?
Ans. Yes, the entire procedure can be offered via the Internet through the official FoSCoS portal, and the payment of the fees and submission of the documents.
5. What happens if I operate without an FSSAI license?
Ans. An illegal operation is a punishable crime that may result in the imposition of hefty fines, the shutdown of the business, and even imprisonment.
