The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the regulatory body that governs food safety and hygiene in India. Any business involved in the manufacture, processing, storage, distribution, and sale of food products must obtain an FSSAI license or registration, depending on the size and scale of its operations.
Here are the different types of FSSAI licenses and registrations:
- FSSAI Basic Registration: This is required for small food businesses that have an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs. These businesses are required to submit basic information about their food products and operations to obtain registration.
- FSSAI State License: This is required for medium-sized food businesses that have an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crores. These businesses are required to submit more detailed information about their food products and operations to obtain the license.
- FSSAI Central License: This is required for large food businesses that have an annual turnover above Rs. 20 crores. These businesses are required to comply with more stringent regulations and submit extensive information about their food products and operations to obtain the license.
To obtain an FSSAI license or registration, businesses must submit an application along with the required documents and fees to the FSSAI. The FSSAI will then conduct an inspection of the business premises and food products to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Once the inspection is successful, the FSSAI will issue the license or registration.
It is important for all food businesses to obtain the appropriate FSSAI license or registration to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and avoid penalties and legal issues.
Food Business Operators Who Require FSSAI Registration?
All food businesses in India, regardless of their size and scale of operations, are required to obtain FSSAI registration or license. However, the type of registration or license required depends on the turnover and nature of the food business.
Here is a breakdown of the types of food business operators (FBOs) who require FSSAI registration:
- Petty Food Business Operators: FBOs that have an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs are categorized as petty food businesses. These businesses are required to obtain FSSAI Basic registration.
- Food Businesses: FBOs that have an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crores are classified as food businesses. These businesses are required to obtain FSSAI State License.
- Large Food Businesses: FBOs that have an annual turnover above Rs. 20 crores are categorized as large food businesses. These businesses are required to obtain FSSAI Central License.
It is important to note that even if a business is operating from home, it still requires FSSAI registration or license, as it is considered a food business. Additionally, food businesses that operate across multiple states require FSSAI Central License.
Furthermore, all FBOs must comply with the food safety and hygiene standards set by FSSAI, including proper storage, handling, and labeling of food products. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties and legal action.
Difference between FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License
The main difference between FSSAI registration and FSSAI license is the scale of the food business. The FSSAI registration is required for small-scale food businesses, while FSSAI license is required for medium and large-scale food businesses.
Here are the key differences between FSSAI registration and FSSAI license:
- Annual Turnover: FSSAI registration is required for food businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs, while FSSAI license is required for food businesses with an annual turnover above Rs. 12 lakhs.
- Type of Application: FSSAI registration requires the submission of basic information about the food business, while FSSAI license requires more detailed information about the food business and its operations.
- Stringency of Regulations: The regulations for FSSAI registration are less stringent compared to FSSAI license. Food businesses with an FSSAI license are subject to more stringent regulations and inspection requirements.
- Renewal: FSSAI registration is valid for up to 5 years and can be renewed as per the requirements, while an FSSAI license is valid for up to 5 years and requires renewal every year.
In summary, FSSAI registration is required for small-scale food businesses, while FSSAI license is required for medium and large-scale food businesses. The regulations for FSSAI license are more stringent compared to FSSAI registration, and FSSAI license requires more detailed information about the food business and its operations.
Benefits of Procuring FSSAI Food License
Procuring an FSSAI food license has several benefits for food businesses. Here are some of the key benefits of obtaining an FSSAI food license:
- Legal Compliance: Obtaining an FSSAI food license is mandatory for food businesses in India. By obtaining the license, businesses can ensure legal compliance and avoid penalties and legal issues.
- Consumer Trust: The FSSAI license is a mark of food safety and hygiene standards, and obtaining it demonstrates that the business is committed to providing safe and high-quality food products to consumers. This can help build trust and confidence among customers and increase sales.
- Business Expansion: FSSAI license is required for businesses looking to expand their operations, as it allows them to operate in multiple locations across India. This can help businesses grow and reach a wider customer base.
- Brand Value: Obtaining an FSSAI food license can add value to the brand and enhance its reputation. Consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of food safety and hygiene, and a business that has an FSSAI license is seen as more credible and trustworthy.
- Access to Export Markets: An FSSAI license is a prerequisite for exporting food products to other countries. By obtaining the license, businesses can access export markets and expand their business globally.
In summary, obtaining an FSSAI food license is essential for food businesses to ensure legal compliance, build consumer trust, expand their operations, enhance brand value, and access export markets.
Documents Required
The documents required for obtaining an FSSAI registration or license can vary depending on the type of food business and the scale of operations. However, here are some common documents that are required for the FSSAI registration or license application:
- Form A or Form B, as applicable, duly completed and signed by the proprietor or authorized signatory.
- Photo ID and address proof of the proprietor or authorized signatory.
- Proof of possession of premises, such as rent agreement or property papers.
- Food safety management system plan or certificate (for FSSAI license only).
- Declaration of food safety management system plan implementation (for FSSAI license only).
- List of food products and the category of the food business.
- Proof of turnover or self-declaration of turnover for FSSAI registration.
- Passport size photograph of the proprietor or authorized signatory.
- In case of partnership firm or company, documents such as Memorandum and Articles of Association, partnership deed, and incorporation certificate.
- Manufacturing, storage, and transportation equipment and machinery details.
- Water source analysis report and certificate of analysis for packaged drinking water (if applicable).
- NOC from the municipality or local body.
- Copy of the property tax receipt.
- Copy of the health trade license.
- Copy of the PAN card or TAN card.
These are some of the common documents required for obtaining an FSSAI registration or license. However, the list of documents may vary depending on the nature and scale of the food business. It is advisable to check with the FSSAI or consult with a qualified FSSAI consultant to ensure that all the required documents are in order.
FSSAI Registration FAQ’s
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to FSSAI registration:
Q.1 What is FSSAI registration?
FSSAI registration is a mandatory requirement for food businesses in India. It is a basic registration process for small-scale food businesses that have an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs.
Q.2 What is the validity of FSSAI registration?
The FSSAI registration is valid for up to 5 years.
Q.3 What is the procedure for FSSAI registration?
The procedure for FSSAI registration involves filling up the Form A, submitting the required documents, and paying the prescribed fee. The application can be submitted online or offline.
Q.4 What is the fee for FSSAI registration?
The fee for FSSAI registration is Rs. 100 for basic registration.
Q.5 Who needs to obtain FSSAI registration?
Small-scale food businesses such as petty food manufacturers, small food retailers, and food stalls or vendors, with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs, need to obtain FSSAI registration.
Q.6 Can FSSAI registration be renewed?
Yes, FSSAI registration can be renewed before the expiry of the validity period. The renewal process is similar to the registration process.
Q.7 Can FSSAI registration be upgraded to FSSAI license?
Yes, FSSAI registration can be upgraded to FSSAI license if the food business grows and exceeds the annual turnover limit of Rs. 12 lakhs.
Q.8 Is FSSAI registration mandatory for home-based food businesses?
Yes, even home-based food businesses need to obtain FSSAI registration if their annual turnover exceeds Rs. 12 lakhs.
Q.9 Is FSSAI registration mandatory for catering services?
Yes, catering services need to obtain FSSAI registration if their annual turnover is up to Rs. 12 lakhs.
Q.10 Is FSSAI registration mandatory for food importers?
Yes, food importers need to obtain FSSAI registration or license, depending on the scale of operations. These are some of the commonly asked questions related to FSSAI registration. It is advisable to check with the FSSAI or consult with a qualified FSSAI consultant to ensure that all the required formalities are in order.
