Procedure for FSSAI Registration in India

FSSAI stands for Food Safety & Standards Authority of India is the regulatory body established by the Government of India. It regulates & monitors food safety standards in India. All FBOs & owners must register with FSSAI and get FSSAI Registration Certificate or FSSAI License. The FSSAI License ensures that FBOs are following best safety & hygiene practices. The FSSAI Registration grants a 14-digit Registration or License Number to the business operator and it should be mentioned on all food packages. If you are looking to start a food business, then it is compulsory to get a FSSAI License. In this article, we will discuss the detailed procedure for FSSAI Registration in India.

Who Requires FSSAI Registration/License in India?

FBOs in India carrying on the following types of food business must have FSSAI Registration or Licence:

1. Importers & exporters of food products and ingredients;
2. Proprietary & novel food;
3. Slaughtering house;
4. Meat & fist processing unit;
5. Dairy units including milk vendors, milk chilling units & petty milkmen;
6. Vegetable oil processing units;
7. Cold or refrigerated storage unit;
8. Petty retailers, snack shops, bakery shops, retail shops, etc.;
9. Temporary stalls, food premises or fixed stalls are involved in storing, selling, preparing & distributing food products;
10. All food manufacturing units that include Repacking food;
11. Transporter of food products;
12. Bars, hotels & restaurants;
13. Food vending agencies & caterers;
14. E-commerce food suppliers including cloud kitchen;
15. Suppliers, marketers, wholesalers, and distributors of food items.

Eligibility Criteria for the Procedure for FSSAI Registration

Before starting the procedure for FSSAI Registration, you must know the eligibility criteria. The following are the eligibility criteria for FSSAI Registration:

• Criteria for FSSAI Basic Registration:

1. This Licence is only for small manufacturers, marketers, storage units, cake shops, distributors, retail shops, transporters, restaurants, etc., basically, any small business having an annual turnover of Rs. 12 lakhs or less than Rs. 12 lakhs.
2. This Licence is valid for a maximum of 5 years and a minimum of 1 year.

• Criteria for FSSAI State License:

1. FSSAI State License is for SMEs (Small-Medium Enterprises) such as storage houses, marketers, distributors, transporters, etc.;
2. The Company must have its operation in only one state;
3. The business must have an annual turnover of more than  Rs. 12 lakhs and less than Rs. 20 crores;
4. FSSAI State License is issued for 5 years & a minimum of 1 year.

• Criteria for FSSAI Central License:

1. Companies operating as importers in the food business or export-oriented business, large manufacturers, and operators in the Central Government Agencies, ports, or airports must have FSSAI Central License;
2. A Company must have a Licence for the Head Office in case it is operational in different states or cities;
3. FSSAI Central License is for all Food Business Operators having an annual turnover of Rs. 20 crores or more;
4. This license is issued for 5 years and a minimum of 1 year.

Online Step-by-step Procedure for FSSAI Registration in India

Following is the step-by-step procedure for FSSAI Registration in India:

Step 1: Filing the Application Form: First, the Food Business Operator can get FSSAI Registration online by simply filling & submitting the Form (Form-A for Basic Registration, Form-B for State & Central License) on the FoSCoS portal. The Food Business Operator can also file & submit the Form offline to the Department.

Step 2: Documentation: After filing the application form for the Registration/License, the documents must be uploaded to the portal.

Step 3: Examination of application and Documents: The form can be accepted or it may be rejected by the Food Department within 7 days from the date of receipt of FSSAI application either online or physically via the FoSCoS portal. If the FSSAI application is rejected it has to be intimated to the FBO in writing. Also, the department will examine the documents submitted.

Step 4: Inspection of the Food Premises: The Food Department may conduct a proper inspection of the food premises, before obtaining the FSSAI Certificate or License, if necessary.

Step 5: Issuance of FSSAI Certificate: If the Food Department is completely satisfied that the Food Business Operator meets all the criteria, then it will issue an FSSAI Certificate along with the Registration Number & the applicant’s photo and email id. Also, after getting the Certificate, all FBOs should display the Certificate at the premises during business hours.

Conclusion

The procedure for FSSAI registration in India is a critical step in ensuring the safety and quality of food products in the country. With a focus on hygiene and compliance, it promotes healthier and safer food consumption. The simplified registration process accommodates small and large businesses alike, encouraging entrepreneurial growth. It not only safeguards public health but also boosts consumer confidence in food products. By adhering to these regulations, businesses can thrive, contributing to a thriving food industry in India. FSSAI registration is not just a legal requirement; it’s a commitment to the well-being of the nation, reflecting the importance of safe and nutritious food for all.