If a person is in a food business in India, then the terms FSSAI license and FSSAI license renewal are well to him/her. The FSSAI license is mandatory for starting a food business in India. Every Food Business Operator (FBO) should obtain the FSSAI license. The Renewal of FSSAI License is equally an important thing as that of getting an FSSAI License in India. The Food Business Operator (FBO)[1] is required to renew the FSSAI License within the validity period. In the article, we will discuss the procedure followed for FSSAI License Renewal.
What is FSSAI?
FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. FSSAI is an organization that governs and monitor the food business in India. The FSSAI undergo quality checks of foods products and ensure curtailing in food adulteration and sale of sub-standard products in the market. The FSSAI regulates and administer the running of food businesses in India and is responsible for the registration and licensing of Food Business Operators (FBO) in India.
What is a FSSAI License?
The FSSAI issues a 14-digit License Number to the Food Business Operators (FBO) who are in compliance with the FSS Act. The Food Business Operator (FBO) must imprint the FSSAI License number on the food products along with the FSSAI logo on the manufactured products. The FSSAI License is required by the Food Business Operator (FBO) before the commencement of the business. It is not only necessary to only get FSSAI License, but the FSSAI License Renewal from time to time is also as mandatory as getting FSSAI License. The validity of the FSSAI License extends from 1 to 5 years as chosen by the Food Business Operators (FBO). The cost of License increases with the increase in the number of years the FSSAI License is applied for.
What is the procedure for FSSAI license Renewal in India?
The process of FSSAI License Renewal can be done in two ways:
Online Renewal
The online procedure of FSSAI License Renewal is as follows:
- Visit the portal of the Food Licensing Authority.
- Login using your Username and Password
- Apply for Renewal by clicking on the relevant links.
- A warning message will appear on screen stating, “Are you sure that you want to continue for the renewal of License”. Click on the ‘OK’ button.
- Upload the Required Documents as required by the portal.
- Submission of the Application after reviewing and submitting all the required documents.
- After submission of application, a reference number will be provided for tracking the status of the application for FSSAI license renewal.
Offline Renewal
The offline procedure of FSSAI License Renewal is as follows:
- Fill the Form
The very first step for FSSAI License Renewal is to fill the Form A (Basic Registration) or Form B (Central or State Registration). The Forms consist of business activities of Food Business Operator (FBO) which should be filled with the self-attested declarations as mentioned by the Food Safety and Standard Act. A photo identity proof such as Driving License, Aadhar Card, Passport, Voter ID is also required to be attached.
- Verification
After receiving the application, the food authorities will examine the application. The authorities can also arrange for an inspection of your premises in order to check that Food Business Operator (FBO) has disclosed all the required information and information submitted is correct. A report will be formed by the inspection authorities.
- Completion
The authorities if are satisfied, after successful inspection of premises of the Food Business Operator (FBO), can issue FSSAI License in favour of FBO.
- Getting License
The required authorities have to issue the FSSAI License within 60 days. In case no response is received by the authorities within 60 days, then the Food Business Operator (FBO) can run the business without wasting time. The Food Business Operator (FBO) need not be waiting for any further communication or reply from the authorities.
Read our article:FSSAI Rules and Regulations for Food Sector
What are the consequences of Non-Renewal of FSSAI License?
To avoid any fine, the FSSAI License Renewal should be done as per the FSSAI guidelines. The FSSAI license Renewal should be done before the expiry of the License. The Food Business Operator (FBO) should better apply for the License Renewal the time notification for Renewal is received.
The FSSAI License Renewal is not done in the stipulated time period, then Rupees 100 per day will be charged. The application if not filed for the License Renewal within the specified time period, then it is inspected as expired, and a new license has to be applied by the Food Business Operator (FBO).
FSSAI License of Food Business Operator (FBO) will continue to be in force, during the time orders for FSSAI License renewal is passed in favour of the Food Business Operator (FBO). It must not be beyond the period of 30 days from the date of expiration of the FSSAI License.
What are the Documents required for FSSAI License Renewal?
The Documents required for filing the application for the FSSAI License Renewal are as follows:
For Basic FSSAI Registration
- A latest Passport-sized Photograph of the applicant;
- Identity Proof like Aadhar Card, Voter ID, or Driving License;
- PAN Card of Applicant;
- Address Proof like Electricity Bill, Phone Bill, or Gas Bill;
- A Copy of Property papers (if the property is owned);
- A Copy of Rent Agreement;
- NOC Letter from Landlord (if the property is rented).
For FSSAI Central/State Registration
- A latest Passport-sized photograph of the applicant;
- Identity Proof like Aadhar Card, Voter ID, or Driving License;
- PAN Card;
- Address Proof like Electricity Bill, Phone Bill, or Gas Bill;
- A Copy of Property papers (if the property is owned);
- A Copy of Rent Agreement;
- NOC Letter from Landlord (if the property is rented);
- A list of Directors/ Partners/ Proprietor/ Executive Members of Society with their Addresses and Contact Details;
- Food Processing Unit Layout Plan;
- List of Food Category (In case of Manufacturers);
- NOC from Municipal Body or Local Body;
- A copy of Partnership Deed;
- A copy of MoA and AoA of the Firm;
- A cancelled Cheque.
- An E-Code Document issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) (applicable in case of Central FSSAI License);
- A Nomination of Persons by a Company along with the passed Board Resolution in Form IX
- A Proof of turnover (applicable in case of Central FSSAI License);
- A Ministry of Commerce certificate for EOU 100% (applicable in case of Central FSSAI License)
- Analysis Report of water from recognized by the manufacturer (applicable in case of Central FSSAI License);
For Manufacturing and Processing Units
- The Layout Plan of the premises showing the dimensions and operation wise area of the unit;
- List Name and Equipment and Machinery along with the number of them, horsepower used by the machinery and installed capacity of the machinery;
- The total list of food categories desired to be manufactured by the unit;
- The Report of Analysis of the water used in the food from a recognized public health laboratory;
- Letter of Authority with the name and address of the responsible person nominated by the manufacturer.
What are the benefits of FSSAI License?
The benefits of the FSSAI License are as follows:
- Consumer Awareness
The consumers these days are keener, and more moved towards healthy foods in the market. The consumers also know about the good and bad qualities of the food. The FSSAI License spreads awareness among the consumers that the food the consumers are consuming is safe and healthy for them.
- Legal Advantage
FSSAI has set some rules and regulations for the Food Business Operators (FBO). The rules and regulations are all legal in the eyes of the law. The FSSAI registration is a legal process now to ensure that the food people are eating is fit for consumption.
- Acceptance by Public
The public accepts the food from your business as the FSSAI certificate makes the consumer think that the food is fit for eating. The FSSAI also makes the consumer believe that the Government also approves the food of your business.
- Check on Quality
The inspection done by the FSSAI authorities for the food of your business provides a quality check to the food of Food Business Operator (FBO). The consumers are gain confidence after seeing that the brand is registered under FSSAI, hence making them think that the food is of pure quality.
- Expansion of Business
The FSSAI license makes it easier for the Food Business Operator (FBO) to get bank loans for the Expansion of Business. With the help of the FSSAI License, the FBO can build a good reputation in the market and expand the business.
- Logo of FSSAI
The FSSAI is validity and assurance of good quality food to the consumers. The logo adds the advantages that the food is secure and safe for people for consumption.
Conclusion
Having the FSSAI License is a security for the people that the business is running under all the regulations and rules prescribed by the FSSAI Licensing System. An FSSAI License is a guarantee of one’s safety and health. Hence, it becomes mandatory for the Food Business Operator (FBO) to get FSSAI License Renewal in time. The process of License Renewal is time-consuming and lengthy. We at Corpbiz have professionals to help and assist you with the process of FSSAI License Renewal. Our professionals will assure successful and timely completion of your work.
Read our article:A Full Guide on How to set up a Food Business in India
