Easy FSSAI Registration Process – Documents Required, Benefits, Penalty

FSSAI Registration Process

FSSAI registration is a crucial requirement for individuals involved in the food business, including those planning to open restaurants, bakeries, hotels, cloud kitchens, or food stalls in India. It is mandatory for every Food Business Operator (FBO), encompassing entities or individuals engaged in manufacturing, preparation, selling, transportation, distribution, and storage of food articles/products, to obtain FSSAI registration in order to operate their food business legally.

FSSAI, which stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, is an organisation tasked with monitoring and regulating the entire food industry in India. It operates as an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

  The FSSAI operates under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act), which serves as a comprehensive statute governing food safety and regulation in India. Its primary objective is to ensure that food products undergo quality checks to prevent food adulteration and the sale of sub-standard products. Additionally, FSSAI is responsible for registering and licensing Food Business Operators (FBOs) in India, and it establishes rules and regulations governing the operation of food businesses across the country.

FSSAI Registration

  FSSAI Registration Process Every individual or entity engaged in food-related activities, including manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, and sale of food products, must obtain FSSAI Registration or License as mandated by law.

FSSAI Registration and License vary depending on the size and nature of the business. Food Business Operators (FBOs) must acquire the suitable registration or licence corresponding to the scale of their operations.

 FSSAI Registration entails a 14-digit registration or licence number that is printed on all food packages. This unique 14-digit number provides information about the manufacturing state and the producer’s permit. The registration process aims to enhance accountability among FBOs and ensure the quality of food products.The procedures and requirements for licensing and registration are governed by the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011.

Food Business Operators (FBOs) Who need Required FSSAI Registration

The following types of businesses are mandatorily required to obtain an FSSAI Registration/License:

• Petty retailers and retail shops, such as retail shops, snacks shops, confectionery or bakeries, etc.
• Temporary stalls or fixed stalls or food premises involved in the preparation, distribution, storage, and sale of food products, such as Gol Gappa stalls, chat stalls, fruit/vegetable vendors, tea stalls, snacks stalls, bread pakoda stalls, samosa stalls, Chinese food stalls, South Indian food stalls, sweet stalls, juice shops, etc.
• Hawkers who sell packaged or freshly prepared food while forward from one location to another.
• Dairy units, comprising milk chilling units, small-scale milk vendors, and milk suppliers.
• Vegetable oil processing units.
• Slaughtering houses, including meat shops, mutton shops, chicken shops, and lamb meat outlets, among others.
• Meat processing and fish processing units.
• All food manufacturing or processing units, including repacking of food.
• Proprietary food and Novel food.
• Cold/refrigerated storage facilities.
• Transporters of food products need a number of specialised vehicles like insulated refrigerated van/wagon, milk tankers, food wagons, food trucks, etc.
• Wholesalers, suppliers, distributors, and marketers of food products.
• Hotels, restaurants, and bars.
• Canteens and cafeterias, including mid-day meal canteens.
• Food vending agencies and caterers.
• Dhabas, PG accommodations providing food, Banquet halls with food catering arrangements, home-based canteens, and food stalls in fairs or religious institutions.
• Importers and exporters of food items, including food ingredients.
• E-commerce food suppliers, including cloud kitchens.

The type of FSSAI licence/registration required by each of the above-mentioned businesses depends on their eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria for each type of business and licence/registration are available on the FSSAI website.

Types of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI registration is determined by factors such as Organisation type, turnover, and production volume. Depending on these criteria, Food Business Operators (FBOs) are eligible for various types of licences, including basic licence, central licence, and state licence.

FSSAI Basic Registration: FSSAI Registration Process FBOs with an yearly turnover of less than Rs. 12 lakh must obtain FSSAI basic registration. The registration form required for obtaining FSSAI basic registration is Form A.

FSSAI State License: FBOs with an yearly turnover of more than Rs. 12 lakh but less than Rs. 20 crore must obtain an FSSAI state licence. The registration form for obtaining an FSSAI state licence is Form B.

FSSAI Central License: FBOs with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crore must obtain an FSSAI central licence. The registration form required for obtaining an FSSAI central licence is also Form B.

Procedure for Obtaining FSSAI Registration Online

• Food Business Operators (FBOs) can obtain FSSAI registration online by completing and submitting the FSSAI registration form, either Form A (for Registration) or Form B (for State and Central License), on the FoSCoS portal. Alternatively, FBOs can opt for offline registration by submitting Form A or Form B to the Food and Safety Department.

• Along with the FSSAI registration form, the required documents must be provided. These documents can be uploaded online on the FoSCoS portal during the registration process or submitted physically to the Food and Safety Department.

• The Department will review the submitted documents and may accept or reject the registration form within 7 days from the date of receipt, whether submitted physically or online through the FoSCoS portal. In case of rejection, the Department will inform the applicant in writing.

• Further scrutiny of the submitted documents may be conducted by the Department. If necessary, an inspection of the food premises may also be carried out before granting the FSSAI registration certificate.

• Upon satisfying all criteria, the Department will issue an FSSAI registration certificate to the FBO, including a registration number and the applicant’s photo email ID. The certificate can be downloaded by the applicant from the FoSCoS portal.

• It is mandatory for the FBO to prominently display the FSSAI registration certificate at the business premises during business hours.

FSSAI Registration Eligibility

FSSAI Registration is a basic licence required for Food Business Operators (FBOs) engaged in small-scale food businesses. This category includes the following:

• FBOs with an annual turnover not exceeding Rs. 12 lakh.
• Petty retailers selling food products.
• Individuals involved in manufacturing or selling food articles.
• Temporary stall holders selling food products.
• Individuals shared food at religious or social gatherings, excluding caterers.
• Small-scale or cabin industries in the food business.
• Small businesses meeting specific food capacity limits.

FSSAI License Eligibility

For Food Business Operators (FBOs) other than small-scale businesses, an FSSAI licence is required. FSSAI License is Provided into 2 types: State FSSAI License and Central FSSAI License, based on the size of the business, whether it is medium or big scale.

State FSSAI License

Medium-sized manufacturing units, transporters, marketers, traders, etc., are required to obtain State FSSAI registration from the State Government. This category includes the following businesses:

• FBOs with a turnover between Rs 12 lakh to Rs 20 crore (Rs 30 crore in the case of transportation business and wholesaler)
• All grains, cereals, pulses milling units without unlimit on production capacity
• Medium-scale businesses with the following food capacity limits:

The duration of the licence issued ranges from a minimum of 1 year to a maximum of 5 years.

Central FSSAI License

Large manufacturers, importers, exporters, and other entities engaged in large-scale food businesses must acquire Central FSSAI registration from the Central Government. This category encompasses the following types of businesses:

FBOs with a turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crore (Rs. 30 crore in the case of transportation businesses and wholesalers).

FBOs, regardless of turnover or business size:

• Food businesses functioning in two or more states.
• Importers and exporters.
• Proprietary food and non-specified food.
• Food or health supplements and nutraceuticals.
• Radiation processing of foods.
• Food organisation activities at places of Central Government agencies.
• Caterers, restaurants, canteens, hawkers, or petty retailers at the premises of railway stations.
• E-commerce food businesses.
• Large-scale businesses with the following food capacity limits:

The licence issued is valid for a maximum of 5 years and a minimum of 1 year.

Documents Required For Obtaining the FSSAI Registration/License

The following documents are required to obtain FSSAI basic registration, FSSAI state licence, and FSSAI central licence:

• Photo identity identity of the food business motorists.

• Business constitution certificate, such as partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, shop and establishment licence, or other business registration certificate.

• Proof of possession of business premises, such as rental agreement, NOC from the owner of the rented premises, utility bills, etc.

• Food safety management system plan.

• List of food products manufactured or processed.

• Bank account information.

• Supporting documents (if required), such as NOC by Municipality or Panchayat, Health NOC, copy of Licence from the manufacturer, etc.

Apart from the general documents mentioned earlier, specific documents are required for obtaining the FSSAI state licence. These include:

• Form B duly completed and signed.

• Action of the processing unit showing the extent and operation-wise area allocation.

• List of Directors/Partners/Proprietors with addresses, contact details, and photo IDs.

• Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed volume.

• Authority letter from the manufacturer nominating a responsible person with Details.

• Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm potability.

• Mock of certificate obtained under Coop Act 1861/Multi-State Coop Act 2002.

In addition to the general requirements, the following specific documents are needed to obtain the FSSAI central licence:

• Form B duly completed and signed.
• Action of the processing unit showing dimensions and operation-wise area allocation.
• List of Directors/Partners/Proprietors with addresses, contact details, and photo IDs.
• Name and list of equipment and machinery used with numbers and installed capacity.
• Authority letter from the manufacturer nominating a responsible person with name and address.
• Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm potability.
• Source of raw material for milk, meat, etc.
• Recall plan where applicable.
• Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU.
• NOC/PA document issued by FSSAI.
• IE code document issued by DGFT.
• Form IX.
• Certificate from the Ministry of Tourism.
• Supporting documents for proof of turnover and transportation.
• Declaration form.

FSSAI License Cost

The Govt. fees for FSSAI registration depending on the type of registration:

• FSSAI Basic Registration – Fee of Rs.100
• FSSAI State License – Fee between Rs.2,000 to Rs.5,000 (depending on the type of business)
• FSSAI Central License – Fee of Rs.7,500

FSSAI Registration Status

An applicant receives SMS/email alerts at various stages of the FSSAI application process. To check the FSSAI registration status, the applicant can enter the application reference number issued after submission on the ‘Track Application Status’ tab on the FoSCoS website. Detailed steps for tracking FSSAI application status can be found by clicking here.

Different stages of the FSSAI registration status can be viewed during the tracking process. When the status shows ‘Application Reverted’, FSSAI Registration Process it means the FSSAI authorities have reverted the application for necessary modifications or clarifications. Applicants must respond within 30 days to avoid application rejection.

The status will change to ‘Registration Certificate Issued’ when the FSSAI authorities issue the registration certificate. FSSAI Registration Process Applicants can download the certificate from the FoSCoS website after logging in.

FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchen

Cloud kitchens, also known as dark kitchens or ghost kitchens, are a popular food business model where food is prepared exclusively for delivery or takeout. Unlike traditional restaurants, cloud kitchens do not have physical dining spaces and operate solely through online platforms, delivering food directly to customers’ homes from a central kitchen.

As part of its regulation of the food industry in India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates the registration of all Food Business Operators (FBOs), including cloud kitchens. Therefore, obtaining an FSSAI licence is essential for cloud kitchens. Depending on their Yearly turnover, cloud kitchens can obtain either the FSSAI Basic Registration, FSSAI State License, or FSSAI Central License. FSSAI Registration Process

Cloud kitchens can apply for FSSAI licence/registrations through the FoSCoS portal. They need to select the type of food business, annual turnover, fill out either Form A or Form B, upload required documents, and make an online payment to submit the licence/registration application.

Once the application is submitted, the respective department will verify it and scrutinise the submitted documents. If the department determines that the cloud kitchen meets all necessary criteria, it will issue an FSSAI registration certificate containing the registration number, which will be sent to the applicant’s email ID.

Benefits of Procuring FSSAI Food License

FSSAI Registration Process Acquiring an FSSAI licence offers several advantages to food businesses. It ensures legal compliance, enhances goodwill, promotes food safety, raises consumer awareness, and supports business growth. Additionally, it facilitates the regulation of food manufacturing, storage, distribution, and importation. Having FSSAI registration also improves access to funding from investors.

The presence of the FSSAI logo on food products assures customers of their quality. Likewise, displaying the FSSAI registration number at food premises signifies compliance with hygiene and quality standards.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Any registered or licensed individual under the FSSAI must comply with the rules and regulations outlined in the FSS Act, 2006. During inspections, food safety officers assess the facility of the food business operator and evaluate compliance levels using a checklist. Depending on the level of compliance observed, the officer categorises it as:

• Compliance (C)
• Non-compliance (NC)
• Partial compliance (PC)
• Not applicable/Not observed (NA)

Based on the above, the food safety officer may issue an improvement notice wherever necessary, as per Section 32 of the FSS Act, 2006. If the business operator fails to comply with the FSSAI Registration Process improvement notice, the officer, after giving the licensee an opportunity to show cause, may cancel his licence. Any food business operator who is dissatisfied with an improvement notice can appeal to the State Commissioner of Food Safety. FSSAI Registration Process The decision thereon can be challenged through an appeal to the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal/High Court.

Penalty for Non- Compliance

penalty for various types of non-compliance:

These fines are applicable as per the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Renewal of FSSAI License

Renewing the FSSAI licence is as crucial as obtaining it initially. The licence is typically issued with a validity of 1 year or 5 years, requiring businesses to apply for renewal at least 30 days before the current licence expires.

Conclusion

FSSAI Registration Process In conclusion, obtaining registration or a licence from the FSSAI is a vital step for any food business operator in India. Whether it’s a small-scale enterprise or a large-scale establishment, compliance with FSSAI regulations ensures food safety, legal compliance, and consumer trust. From the initial application process to renewal, adherence to FSSAI guidelines is essential for sustaining a successful and responsible food business.

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