FSSAI
FSSAI Registration
FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. FSSAI license is mandatory before starting any food business. All the manufacturers, marketing companies, or sellers of packaged food products must obtain a 14-digit registration or a license number, which must be printed on food packages.
This step is taken by the government to ensure that food products undergo certain quality checks, thereby reducing instances of adulteration, substandard products, and improving accountability of manufacturers.
3 Types of FSSAI Registration - Based on Turnover
- FSSAI Basic Registration: For small businesses or startups with an annual turnover below Rs. 12 lakhs. Basic registration can be upgraded to state license with an increase in sales.
- FSSAI State License: This license is applicable to mid-sized companies with an annual turnover between Rs. 12-20 crores.
- FSSAI Central License: This license is applicable to large businesses with an annual turnover above Rs. 20 crores. It is also required in cases where you need to supply to government offices, import/export food products, or operate in more than 2 states.
Legal Requirements for FSSAI (Food License) Registration
Regulations Apply on Food Business
Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006; Food Safety and Standards Rule, 2011; FSS (Licensing & Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations 2011
Registration/License is Mandatory
No person shall commence or carry on any food business except under a license.
Return Filing
- Every licensee must submit an Annual return (Form D-1) within 30 days from the end of the period for each class of products.
- Manufacturers of milk and/or milk products must submit a half-yearly return.
- A separate return must be filed for every license issued.
- Delay in filing a return beyond 31st May of each year shall attract a penalty of Rs. 100 per day.
Responsibility
The food business operator must comply with the responsibilities as per the provisions of the Act (Responsibility mentioned below):
Sanitary & Hygienic Practices
The establishment in which food is being handled, processed, manufactured, packed, stored, and distributed by the food business operator and the persons handling them should conform to the sanitary and hygienic requirements, food safety measures, and other standards as specified below. It shall also be deemed to be the responsibility of the food business operator to ensure adherence to necessary requirements.
In addition to the specified requirements (case to case), the food business operator shall identify steps in the activities of the food business that are critical to ensure food safety, and ensure that safety procedures are identified, implemented, maintained, and reviewed periodically.
License Validity & Renewal
Registration or license can be taken for 1 to 5 years at your choice. Government fees are applicable on a yearly basis.
Apply for renewal within 30 days before expiry.
Documents Required for FSSAI (Food License) Registration
- Pan Card/Aadhar Card/Voter ID/Passport/Driving License of Applicant
- Photograph of Applicant
- Business Address Proof - Water/Electricity/Telephone Bill or Rent Agreement
- List of Directors with full address and contact details (For Company/LLP)
- Memorandum & Articles of Association (For Company) OR Partnership Deed (For Firm/LLP)
- Certificate of Incorporation (For Company/LLP) or Registration Certificate (For NGO or any registered NPO)
- IEC Code in case FSSAI license is to be applied for Export/Import
- Detail about the business activity
