Demystifying FSSAI: Registration vs. Licence for Your Food Business

Introduction

In the fiercely competitive food sector, product quality and safety assurance are of utmost significance. This responsibility has been assigned to the regulatory body known as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The FSSAI registration facilitates two essential procedures that businesses in the food industry may take advantage of: permission and enrollment. Although they share the goal of maintaining food safety rules, their operating scales are not the same. In order to further explain their relevance, we shall examine the distinctions between FSSAI registration and licensing in this blog article.

How does FSSAI Registration work?

Every food business that operates in India must complete the FSSAI’s registration and licensing procedure. In order to ensure that the food products being sold are safe and meet quality standards, this is required. You may complete the simple procedure online. The FSSAI registration process is an essential legislative requirement for small-scale food operations. It is appropriate for companies with low turnover and activities. This category includes small business proprietors, food cart operators, diners, and independent food manufacturers. The purpose of registering is to guarantee that these businesses follow basic hygiene guidelines and maintain the barest minimum of food safety. 

Requirements for FSSAI Registration:

• Turnover Annually: Businesses that generate up to ₹12 lakhs in revenue annually are eligible to register with the FSSAI.
• Eligibility: Small-scale food businesses that manufacture, store, sell, or import food products are eligible to apply for registration.
• Application Process: To register with the FSSAI, you can apply online or offline as long as you have the necessary documents (such as a photo ID and proof of address).
• Scope: The business’s capacity to operate within the jurisdiction of a specific State or Union Territory is restricted by FSSAI registration and licensing, which are mostly local in nature.

The advantages FSSAI registration

Food firms can gain many advantages from FSSAI registration, including:

• Adherence to the Law: The FSSAI requires registration from all businesses that manufacture, process, package, distribute, or sell food products. Enrolling can help save penalties and legal problems while ensuring that your business is operating legally.
• Customer Credibility: Your food items compliance with the essential security and quality standards set by the government is evidenced by your FSSAI registration and licence. Sales and customer loyalty may grow as a consequence of heightened consumer confidence and trust in your products.
• Guarantee of Quality: Food handling and quality requirements are set by the FSSAI, and these include the required labelling and packing. These recommendations will help you ensure that your goods meet established quality standards and are safe for consumer usage.
• Commercial Growth: If your company is going to expand, especially beyond state lines, FSSAI registration becomes imperative. It makes it easier for a brand to establish a trustworthy and recognizable identity worldwide.
• Prospects for Exports: When exporting food products to other countries, FSSAI registration is usually required. Export processes are made simpler as it demonstrates that your products fulfil international standards for food safety and quality.
• Distinctiveness: As consumers grow increasingly concerned about the quality and safety of the food they eat, FSSAI registration and licensing helps set your business apart from unregistered competitors.
• Regulatory Assistance: Regarding compliance with food safety regulations, registered businesses can obtain guidance from the FSSAI. This might be very helpful for startups and small businesses.
• Cooperation and Linkages: Many suppliers and retailers prefer to work with registered firms because they can ensure the quality and safety of the food they supply. This might lead to potential partnerships and collaborations in the food industry.
• Marketing benefit: You may show that you are committed to providing food that is both safe and of excellent quality by using your FSSAI accreditation as a marketing tool. It may be presented prominently in advertisements, promotional materials, and packaging.
• Accountability and Recalls: When there are quality issues or product recalls, an FSSAI registration helps authorities and consumers find the source of a problem faster, therefore minimising potential harm.

FSSAI Licensing

Large to medium-sized food businesses, however, are subject to FSSAI licence. Larger client bases, greater personnel churn rates, and more complex operational frameworks characterise these businesses. Owing to their increased impact on public health, these businesses are guaranteed to adhere to tighter food safety regulations by virtue of their FSSAI licence and registration. 

Requirements to Acquire an FSSAI License:

• Annual revenue: Companies need to apply for an FSSAI licence if their annual revenue exceeds ₹12 lakhs.
• Activities That Qualified: Medium-to-large-scale food companies that performed responsibilities including assembling, overseeing, receiving, and serving food items that needed a licence.
• Types of Licences: Depending on their size and kind of company, corporations can apply for a state licence for intrastate operations or a central licence for import-export or interstate activity.
• Application procedure: The registration and certification procedures for the FSSAI are more involved and call for facility inspections, copious amounts of documentation, and food safety management plans.
• Scope: By operating outside of state and federal borders, the company is able to distribute and operate more broadly as a result of its FSSAI permission.

Categories of FSSAI Licence

Three types of licences are issued by FSSAI based on the size and nature of the food industry:

• Basic FSSAI Licence: Food businesses are required to obtain a basic FSSAI licence if their yearly income exceeds Rs. 12 lakh.
• State Food Safety Authority (FSSAI) Licence: Food enterprises that generate more than Rs. 12 lakh but less than Rs. 20 crore annually are required to get a state Food Safety Authority (FSSAI) license.
• Central FSSAI License: Food businesses need to obtain a Central FSSAI licence if their yearly income exceeds Rs. 20 crores.

The advantages of FSSAI registration and licensing

Food businesses who obtain an FSSAI licence and register can benefit from a number of advantages, such as:

• Adherence to security and quality standards consistently: Food establishments that hold an FSSAI licence must adhere to the security and quality criteria of the organisation. This might provide assurance regarding the food items safety and adherence to essential quality standards.
• Growth of the business: FSSAI licensing is required in order for the food firm to obtain further licences and authorization. Obtaining an FSSAI licence allows food businesses to expand and reach new customers.
• Competitive advantages: The food company’s FSSAI licence and registration serve as proof of its adherence to the standards for quality and safety set out by the organisation. Having an FSSAI licence might provide the business a competitive advantage over other businesses.

Conclusion

The FSSAI licence and registration processes are two essential steps that ensure the safety and quality of food products in India. Food businesses need to register with the FSSAI if their annual income is less than Rs. 12 lakh, and they need to obtain an FSSAI licence if it exceeds that amount. 

While the FSSAI licence process is more complicated and requires the submission of several documents in addition to a site inspection of the food industry, the registration method is quite simple. Gaining both FSSAI registration and licence may benefit food businesses in many ways, such as boosting client confidence, adhering to regulations, and expanding their business.