Online FSSAI License in India
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Online FSSAI License in India – An Overview
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) License is a mandatory requirement for Food Business Operators (FBOs) operating within India, as stipulated by Section 31(1) of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act of 2006. This license is a crucial step in ensuring the quality and safety of food products available in the market. Only individuals or businesses holding a valid FSSAI license are authorized to engage in the sale of food products. FSSAI, established as the apex regulatory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, plays a pivotal role in setting and maintaining standards for food production, storage, and packaging in the country.
The FSSAI license encompasses both FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License, catering to various categories of food business operators, such as manufacturers, traders, and retail store operators. This regulatory framework aligns with the provisions laid out in the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, ensuring compliance with safety and quality norms across the food industry.
The FSSAI license is categorized based on the scale of the food business, offering different types of licenses for small-scale operators, medium-scale operators, and large-scale manufacturers. This tiered approach allows FBOs to obtain licenses that suit their business size and operations while adhering to the standards set by FSSAI.
By requiring FBOs to obtain the FSSAI license, the authority aims to enhance consumer confidence in the safety and quality of food products. This system promotes transparency, accountability, and traceability in the food supply chain, ultimately safeguarding public health and well-being. The FSSAI license plays a vital role in upholding the integrity of the food industry in India, ensuring that all food products meet the prescribed safety and quality standards before reaching consumers.
Types of Food Safety License
There are different types of Food Safety Licenses in India, and the type of license you need depends on factors such as the turnover of your food business, the scale of operations, and the type of activities you’re involved in. Here are the main types of FSSAI Licenses:
Basic FSSAI Registration: This type of registration is required for small food business operators. It applies to businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs. This category includes petty retailers, itinerant vendors, hawkers, and temporary stallholders. This registration is suitable for those with limited operations and a small-scale presence in the food industry.
FSSAI State License: Businesses with an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crores are required to obtain an FSSAI State License. This category covers a broader range of businesses, including those engaged in manufacturing, trading, and storage. Both manufacturing and trading entities fall under the same turnover range for FSSAI State License.
Central FSSAI License: Businesses with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crores are mandated to obtain a Central FSSAI License. This category includes larger food businesses engaged in various activities such as manufacturing, trading, storage, and distribution. This license applies to entities that have a significant presence and turnover in the food industry.
Why does a Food Business need a Food License?
A Food Business needs a Food License primarily for the following reasons:
Quality Assurance: A Food License, issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), ensures that the food items or products being traded and sold by Food Business Operators (FBOs) meet specific quality and safety standards. This helps to maintain the quality of food products available in the market, reducing the chances of substandard or adulterated food items reaching consumers.
Consumer Safety: The main objective of FSSAI is to safeguard consumer health and safety by setting and enforcing food safety standards. Obtaining a Food License demonstrates the FBO’s commitment to adhering to these standards, which in turn protects consumers from consuming unsafe or unhealthy food products.
Regulatory Compliance: Operating a food business without the necessary Food License is a violation of the law and can lead to legal consequences. Having a valid Food License ensures that the business operates within the legal framework set by the Food Safety and Standards Act. It helps in avoiding legal issues and penalties.
Credibility and Trust: A Food License enhances the credibility of the food business in the eyes of consumers. It shows that the business is compliant with regulations, cares about quality and safety, and is committed to providing reliable and trustworthy products.
Market Access: Many retail outlets, distributors, and even online marketplaces require food suppliers to have a valid Food License. Having a license can open doors to various distribution channels and markets, as these entities often prioritize working with compliant and licensed food businesses.
Adulteration Prevention: The FSSAI License process involves scrutiny of the food business’s premises, processes, and ingredients. This helps in preventing adulteration of food products, as FBOs are subject to regular inspections to ensure they maintain proper hygiene, use genuine ingredients, and follow appropriate production processes.
Brand Image: A Food License contributes to building a positive brand image. Consumers are more likely to trust and purchase products from businesses that have obtained the necessary licenses and certifications, as it reflects the business’s commitment to quality and safety.
Public Health: Ensuring that food businesses meet specific safety and hygiene standards contributes to overall public health. By preventing the circulation of unsafe or adulterated food products, the Food License system helps in reducing foodborne illnesses and related health risks.
Documents needed for FSSAI Registration in India
Following is the list of documents required to get your food license:
- Filled and signed Form B
- Photographs of food business operator for identity proof
- Rent agreement for the proof of possession of the premise
- MOA, Partnership deed, AOA, etc. are required as per the type of entity
- List of food items or food products involved
- Complete plan or draft of the food safety management system
Documents Needed For Central FSSAI License
- Filled and duly signed Form B
- Blueprint of the food licensing business unit
- List of equipment and machinery used in the business unit
- Details of partners, directors, proprietors, and so on as per the type of entity
- List of food products or food items to be dealt with
- Sources of raw materials used in the production process
- Form IX
- Copy of certificate from the Ministry of Tourism
- Copy of certificate from Ministry of Commerce for 100% EOU
- Rent agreement is required if the premise is rented place
- NOC or No Objection Certificate issued by FSSAI
- Authority Letter
- Declaration Form
- NOC from Manufacturer and a copy of the license
Documents Required For FSSAI State License
- Completed and duly signed Form B
- Blueprint of Food business unit
- List of equipment and machinery used in the unit
- Complete details of partners, proprietors, directors, etc. as per the type of entity
- List of food products or food items to be dealt with
- Authority Letter
- Proof of possession of the premise such as rent agreement.
- Certificate of Food Safety Management System
- Any other needed document
Additional Documents Needed For Manufacturers
- The layout blueprint of the processing unit
- Complete details of machinery or equipment of the unit
- Details of food license online categories that is to be produced or manufactured
- Report for pesticide residues on the water
Stepwise Procedure to Obtain the FSSAI License in India
Basic Registration:
- Document Verification: All required documents are submitted to the concerned authority for verification.
- Login Creation: A login ID is created for the applicant.
- Form A Submission: The applicant submits the duly filled Form A along with the prescribed fees for approval.
- License Grant: The concerned authority grants the license within 10 to 15 days, based on the business location.
State License:
- Document Verification: All necessary documents are verified by the concerned authority.
- Login Creation: A login ID is generated for the applicant.
- Declaration Submission: In addition to Form B, a ‘Declaration’ document is required, containing the operator’s signed general declaration statement and specified Form 9.
- Form B Submission: Along with the required documents, Form B is filed to complete the process.
- License Grant: The state license is granted within 20 to 30 days, varying based on the business’s operating location.
Central License: The procedure to obtain a Central License is similar to that of a State License. The main difference lies in the type of food business operated by the FBO.
- If the business involves the export or import of food items, an Import Export Code (IEC) is required, regardless of turnover.
- If the business is engaged in the transportation of food items, a central license is needed, with specific mention of this food transportation activity.
penalty for selling food without a license
Selling food without the required FSSAI license can result in penalties as outlined by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The penalties serve as a deterrent to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Here are the penalties for selling food without a license or for non-compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act:
Quality of Food Not in Compliance: FBOs that fail to maintain the required quality standards as per the Act may face penalties:
- Rs. 2 Lakhs for non-compliant food products.
- Rs. 25,000 for petty manufacturers who do not meet the quality standards.
Misbranded Food Products: Selling misbranded food products, where the labeling and information provided do not meet the regulatory requirements, can lead to a penalty of Rs. 5 Lakhs.
Substandard or Low-Quality Food Products: Selling food products that are substandard or of low quality can result in a penalty of Rs. 3 Lakhs.
False Promotion or Misleading Advertisement: If false promotion, misleading advertisement, or false descriptions are used for food products, a penalty of Rs. 10 Lakhs can be imposed.
Not Pertinent Matters in Food Products: Failing to provide relevant information on food product labels as required by regulations can lead to a penalty of Rs. 1 Lakh.
Non-Compliance with Food Safety Officer’s Directions: If an FBO does not follow the directions given by a food safety officer, they may face a penalty of Rs. 2 Lakhs.
Unhygienic Methods of Processing or Manufacturing: Using unhygienic methods for processing, preparing, or manufacturing food items can lead to a penalty of Rs. 1 Lakh.
Renewal of FSSAI License
Renewal of an FSSAI License is a crucial step that every food business operator (FBO) must follow to ensure continued compliance with the rules and regulations set forth in the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. Just like obtaining the initial FSSAI license, renewing it is equally important for maintaining the legal status and credibility of the food business. Here’s why FSSAI License renewal is essential:
1. Compliance with Regulations: Renewing the FSSAI License ensures that the food business continues to operate within the legal framework and adheres to the regulations set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
2. Validity Period: An FSSAI License is not a one-time requirement; it has a specific validity period (usually 1 to 5 years, depending on the type of license). Renewing the license before its expiration ensures uninterrupted operations.
3. Consumer Trust: Displaying a valid and up-to-date FSSAI License reassures consumers that the food products they are purchasing meet quality and safety standards, enhancing consumer trust in the business.
4. Adapting to Changes: Regulations, standards, and industry practices can evolve over time. Renewing the FSSAI License provides an opportunity for businesses to update their processes and procedures to align with the latest requirements.
5. Preventing Penalties: Failure to renew the FSSAI License within the prescribed time frame can lead to penalties, business disruptions, and legal complications. Renewal helps avoid these issues.
6. Regulatory Oversight: The renewal process involves a reevaluation of the food business’s compliance with standards, which contributes to maintaining food safety and quality in the market.
7. Package Information: The 14-digit unique FSSAI License number contains valuable information about the FBO and its operations. Displaying this number on food packaging, along with the FSSAI logo, establishes authenticity and compliance.
To renew the FSSAI License, businesses need to follow the renewal process and submit the required documents within the stipulated time frame. This ensures that the FBO can continue operating legally and maintain its commitment to producing safe and quality food products.