FSSAI License in India

All about FSSAI License in India

FSSAI license is mandatory for anyone in the food industry, including those looking to start a food stall, restaurant, bakery, hotel, or cloud kitchen in India. It is mandatory for all Food Business Operators (FBOs), including those that manufacture, prepare, sell, transport, distribute, and store food items, to be registered with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to conduct business.

The FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority. This organization oversees and regulates the food industry in India as a whole. It is an independent organization that was founded within the Government of India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This FSSAI application is submitted by the owner of the food businesses on the FSSAI website to obtain an FSSAI license. It is to ensure the quality of food they provide.

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act), a consolidated legislation on food safety and regulation in India, provides the legal basis for the establishment of the FSSAI. It makes sure food products go through quality inspections, which reduces food adulteration and the sale of inferior goods. It establishes the guidelines for operating the food industry in India and is in charge of registering and licensing FBOs in that country. At Corpbiz, we assist in obtaining an FSSAI license in India.

Understanding FSSAI Registration

It is mandatory for all individuals, whether natural or artificial, engaged in the food industry to get an FSSAI Registration or License. It includes producing, processing, storing, distributing, and selling food items. Depending on the size and kind of the firm, an FSSAI License is not the same as an FSSAI Registration. FBOs should, based on the size of their companies, acquire the required license or Registration.

Every food packaging bears the 14-digit FSSAI Registration number, which serves as a licensing number. Information regarding the producer's permission and the assembly state may be found on the 14-digit registration number. The purpose of this registration process is to increase the FBO's accountability for maintaining the food items' quality.

The Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011 govern the standards and process for licensing and registering a food business.

Law Pertaining to FSSAI License in India

All food business operators (FBO) in India are eligible to apply for an FSSAI license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which is a legal body.

Every food business operator in the country is required by Section 31(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, to hold a license from the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011 govern the FSSAI licensing, registration process and standards. This can also be known as FSSAI regulations.

FBOs Who Require FSSAI License

The FSSAI License or Registration is required for Food Business Operators (FBOs) operating the following types of food businesses

• Petty sellers, retail stores, snack shops, bakeries or confectioneries, etc.
• The storage, preparation, distribution, and sale of food items are done at food establishments, temporary booths, and permanent stalls.
• Hawkers wander from place to place selling packaged or freshly prepared meals.
• Dairy Units: Petty Milkmen, Milk Vendors, and Milk Chilling Units.
• Processing of fish, meat, and units in slaughterhouses.
• Every food manufacturing facility comprises repackaging food.
• Units for Processing Vegetable Oil.
• Foods that are unique and exclusive.
• Refrigerated or cold storage space.
• Food product transporter with several specialized vehicles, including food trucks, insulated refrigerated vans and wagons, milk tankers, and so on.
• Food product distributors, suppliers, wholesalers, and marketers.
• Bars, Hotels, and Restaurants.
• Cafeterias and canteens, which include those for midday meals.
• Food Distributors and Providers.
• Food available at Dhaba, PG, a banquet facility with catering services, a home-based canteen, and food booths at fairs and religious establishments.
• Food products and ingredient importers and exporters.
• Online food vendors, such as cloud kitchens.
• Qualifications for Food Industry Registration and Licensing

Types of FSSAI License in India

The basis for the FSSAI license is the kind of business, sales, and manufacturing capacity. FBOs are qualified for licenses such as basic, central, and state licenses based on their capacity of production and turnover.

Basic FSSAI Registration

FBOs that make less than Rs. 12 lakh annually are required to get the basic FSSAI registration. An applicant can simply fill out and submit Form A to receive basic FSSAI registration.

State FSSAI Food License

FBOs that generate more than Rs. 12 lakh in revenue annually but less than Rs. 20 crore annually are required to apply for an state FSSAI Food license. To receive an FSSAI license, the applicant must fill and submit Form B.

Central FSSAI License

FBOs that earn more than Rs. 20 crore in revenue annually are required to apply for the FSSAI central license. To receive an FSSAI central license, the applicant must fill and submit Form B.

FSSAI Registration Eligibility

All FBOs operating in the small-scale food industry must get an FSSAI Registration, which is a fundamental license. This category includes the following companies:

• Any FBO with a maximum yearly revenue of Rs. 12 lakh.
• Small merchants are offering food items.
• Someone who independently produces or markets any food item.
• The person in charge of the temporary stand sells food.
• Somebody who serves meals at a social or religious event, excluding caterers.
• Cottage or small-scale businesses involved in the food industry.

FSSAI License Eligibility

Except for small firms, all other FBOs must get an FSSAI license. Depending on the size of the company, medium or large-scale, FSSAI licenses fall into one of two categories: state and central licenses for FSSAI.

FSSAI State License

The State Government must provide FBOs with medium-sized manufacturing units, transporters, marketers, merchants, etc., with a State FSSAI license. You can obtain the FSSAI state license depending on the size of your business if your business falls under this category

• FBOs must have an annual revenue of between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 20 crore (or Rs 30 crore for transportation companies and wholesalers).
• All milling units that process grains, cereals, and pulses must have an unlimited output capacity.
• Medium-scale business with the specified food capacity limits.

FSSAI Central License

Large manufacturers, importers, and exporters (FBOs) engaged in large-scale food companies must register with the Central Government under the Central FSSAI. The following companies are included in this category

FBOs are required to have a revenue of at least Rs 20 crore (Rs 30 crore for wholesalers and transportation businesses).

Irrespective of revenue or company size, the following FBOs require a central FSSAI License.

• Food companies with operations in many states.
• Those who import and export.
• Food that is proprietary and unspecified.
• Food, nutritional supplements, and health care products.
• Food processing using radiation.
• Food-related Business Activities at Central Government Agency Locations.
• Railway station premises are home to hawkers, restaurants, canteens, caterers, and small stores.
• Online food retailing.
• Large-scale companies with the ensuing food capacity restrictions.

Benefits of Obtaining an FSSAI License in India

There are several advantages to obtaining an FSSAI license in India

• Increase consumer awareness.
• You can use the FSSAI logo to foster goodwill among your clientele.
• Establish principles based on science.
• Control the production, distribution, import, and storage of food.
• To promote food safety.
• The research and development industry bears the responsibility for ensuring safety.
• There are new regulations that align with international organizations.
• Establish evidence-based research for construction policies.
• There is a great possibility for company growth.

Documents Required for FSSAI License or Registration

Every food business owner can apply online along with these Documents required to obtain the FSSAI license or registration and to get the FSSAI license number

Documents for the New FSSAI Registration Certificate

• Photograph of the applicant
• Applicant's photo ID from the government.
• Proof of business address

Documents Needed to Change Your License or Registration

Modifications to the following records or information that were submitted to get the existing food business FSSAI license

• A certificate attesting to the Food Safety Management System's adoption.
• Certificates of medical fitness for each employee in the company.
• Detailed information on the technical staff managing the process FSSAI license or registration renewal can be done by submitting the following Documents
• Any modifications to the records or data submitted when the prior Registration was granted

Documents required for State/Central FSSAI License

• Form - B
• Proof of address for the production site
• Production site layout
• Proof of rent for the premises
• Business License
• Factory license, if applicable
• Contact information for partners, directors, members and other key personnel
• Proof of identity and address for signatories or management
• Report on water testing from a licensed laboratory
• Form IX (should the company owner designate you)
• NOC from the producer
• List of menu items
• Plan for managing food safety

FSSAI License Cost

The price of getting an FSSAI license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will vary as per several criteria, including the kind of license, the size of the firm, and the time taken to get the license. State licenses, central licenses, and registration costs are also subject to change. For the most recent and correct price structure, it is recommended that you connect with an expert at Corpbiz.

How do you check the FSSAI Registration Status?

At several points during the FSSAI's application procedure, the applicant receives email or SMS alerts. By inputting the application reference number provided after submitting the application to FSSAI on the FoSCoS website's Track Application Status button, the applicant can also verify the status of their FSSAI registration.

By monitoring the application status, one may examine the various steps involved in FSSAI registration status. If the FSSAI authorities have returned the application for any necessary change or explanation when the FSSAI license status is shown as Application Reverted. To prevent rejection of the application, the applicant must revert with a valid answer within 30 days after the reversed date.

After the FSSAI authorities have issued the FSSAI registration certificate, the FSSAI registration status will be shown as Registration Certificate Issued. By visiting the FoSCoS website, the applicants can download the certificate.

FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchen

FSSAI License is needed for cloud kitchen business in India. The cloud kitchen is among the most well-liked concepts for food businesses. Another name for a cloud kitchen is a ghost or dark kitchen. Only food intended for delivery or takeaway is made in this commercial kitchen. At its core, it's a restaurant that delivers food to customers' homes after accepting online meal orders. It serves cuisine from a base kitchen that is sent to customers' doorsteps; it does not have a physical location.

In India, the FSSAI governs the food sector. All Food Business Operators, including cloud kitchens, are required to register. For cloud kitchens, the FSSAI license is thus required. Cloud kitchens are eligible to apply for the FSSAI Central License, FSSAI State License, or FSSAI Basic Registration, contingent on their yearly turnover.

Through the FoSCoS portal, cloud kitchens can apply for FSSAI Licenses/Registration. To submit the registration application, they must choose the kind of food company, determine the yearly turnover, complete Form A or Form B, upload supporting paper works, and make an online payment.

The corresponding department will check the application and carefully review the supporting paper works after receiving the registration application. A registration certificate of FSSAI with the registration number sent to the applicant's email address will be issued by the department once it has determined that the cloud kitchen satisfies all necessary requirements.

Procedure for Obtaining FSSAI License Online

The FSSAI license or registration procedure is mentioned below

• As per Schedule 2 of FSSAI rules, each small FBO needs to apply and register with the Registering Authority (RA) by providing a registration form (Form A) and the standard cost mentioned in Schedule 3.
• The small food business in India must adhere to the fundamental safety and hygiene standards listed in Part I of Schedule 4 of FSSAI standards and provide a self-attested statement of conformity to these standards using the form in the format specified in Annexure-1 under Schedule.
• Within seven days of receiving a registration form, the Registering Authority (RA) will review it and decide whether to approve the FSSAI license or Registration, cancel it with specific Documented reasons, or provide notification for inspection.
• If an inspection is conducted, the Registration will be granted by the Registering Authority as soon as they are satisfied that the facilities meet the basic requirements for safety, hygienic conditions, and sanitation as stated in Part I of Schedule 3, which should happen within 30 days.
• The business owner may begin their business if Registration is not granted or revoked, if an inspection does not occur within the seven days specified in the above sub-regulation (3), or if no decision is communicated within the thirty-day timeframe specified in the above sub-regulation (4). However, it will be the responsibility of the FBOs to comply with any improvement directed by the RA even later.
• As long as the applicant is given a chance to be heard and the refusal is Documented in writing, Registration cannot be denied.
• If the person is operating a small food business, the Registering Authority (RA) will provide a picture ID card and a registration certificate that must be displayed at all times in the business, on a cart, in a vehicle, or at any other location.
• The registered business location must be inspected at least once a year by the Registering Authority (RA) or any other organization approved for this purpose.

Who Needs an FSSAI License?

An FSSAI license is mandatory for every person involved in the food sector, from street sellers to large restaurant franchises, who must register with the FSSAI. It is required to register with the FSSAI, whether you are a local player, operating online or offline, or involved in the import or export of food items. They must obtain one of the three registration/licensing categories that are covered below, depending on their location and size.

An FSSAI license is required for you if your business fits into any of the following categories.

• Purchasing
• Manufacturing
• Distribution
• Processing
• Packaging
• Storage
• Sales

To put it another way, a person or business that deals with food products from farm to plate has to have a FSSAI food license.

Difference between FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License

FSSAI registration or FSSAI license may appear to be the same, but its usage differs from business to business. Let's discuss the same

Criteria	FSSAI Registration	FSSAI License
Applicability	Small-scale food businesses	Medium and large-scale food businesses
Turnover	FSSAI registration is required for businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs	Businesses with annual turnover of more than ₹12 lakhs
Scope	Limited to a specific local area	Allows activities across the country
Stringency	Less stringent	More comprehensive and mandatory
Validity	Valid for five years	The license is valid for five years

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Any individual who is licensed and has food safety registration is required to abide by the rules of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, which offers an FSSAI license to all food businesses in India. A food safety officer often inspects the facility of the operator of the food business and uses a checklist to determine the extent of compliance with the regulations. The food safety officer classifies it as follows based on the degree of compliance

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

In light of the aforementioned, the food safety officer may issue an improvement note as per Section 32 of the FSS Act of 2006 when necessary. After allowing the licensee a chance to explain themselves, the officer has the authority to revoke the license if the business owner disregards the improvement notice. A complaint about an improvement notice can be sent to the State Commissioner of Food Safety by any operator of a food company. One may contest the ruling by filing an appeal with the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal or High Court.

Penalty for non-compliance

If an FBO is found guilty of conducting business without a current FSSAI license, they might face a sentence as well as a fine of up to Rs. 5 lakhs.

The following criminal clauses are enclosed by the FSS Act and prohibit the following conduct as crimes

• Anyone caught trafficking unbranded food items, whether directly via their own independent third party or through another one, faces a fine of up to Rs. 5 lakhs.
• In this case, anyone caught selling low-quality food items either directly to consumers or through an independent third party will be responsible for the associated fines.
• Individuals who trade, sell, store, or import food commodities that are accessible to the general public, either independently or via another party, may be subject to an FSSAI penalty of up to Rs 1 lakh if they are found to be involved in an extraneous issue.
• A person will be subject to a fine of Rs. 1 lakh if they are found to have manufactured or processed food goods intended for the general public in an unsafe or unclean manner, either directly or through an independent third party.
• In extreme circumstances, when the food item has put the customer in danger of dying, the defaulter may be fined up to Rs 5 lakh.

FSSAI License Validity and Renewal

Before starting a food company, every operator in India must get a food license or register with the FSSAI. It is also essential that the FSSAI License be renewed on time or before it expires. The food business operator's license may be valid for one year or a maximum of five years. The cost of registering with FSSAI varies depending on the license's duration. The FSSAI regulations require each operator of a food company to apply for renewal thirty days before the expiration of their current food license.

Penalty for FSSAI License Renewal: FSSAI Licenses are subject to a fine of Rs. 100 per day if the FSSAI renewal application (state and central) is not submitted within the allotted period.

Why Choose Corpbiz for FSSAI License in India?

Corpbiz is an Indian professional service provider. You can choose Corpbiz for FSSAI license or Registration due to the following reasons

Expertise and Experience

Our team of 400+ FSSAI experts with 10+ Years of experience are familiar with the FSSAI laws and processes. They can effectively assist you with the registration procedure and make sure that all standards are met.

End to End Support

They provide complete support, taking care of every step of the FSSAI registration procedure, from preparing the Documentwork to submitting the application and getting the registration certificate.

Saves Thousands of Hours

Corpbiz strives for prompt service delivery, cutting down on registration time while maintaining Document correctness and completeness.

Legal and Compliance Knowledge

Complying with certain food safety rules and regulations is a prerequisite for FSSAI license and registration. Corpbiz can guarantee compliance with these regulatory standards and offer insights.

Customized Solutions

We provide customized solutions throughout the FSSAI license acquisition process and provide solutions that are designed to meet the demands of your organization.

Online procedure Facilitation

Corpbiz makes it easy for customers to submit papers and monitor the status of their applications by facilitating the FSSAI registration procedure online.

Additional Services

In addition to FSSAI registration, Corpbiz could provide several additional associated services, including GST registration and trademark registration, that might be useful for companies.