Importance of FSSAI Registration for Repackers in Food Industry

The Food Business Operators and sellers of food items in India are regulated and governed by the Food Standards and Safety Authority of India (FSSAI). The body is responsible for enforcing and supervising the implementation of food safety and hygiene standards by these food businesses as per the Food Standards and Safety Authority of India Act, 2006. Food repackers are entities that buy food products from manufacturers and producers and repack them under their own packing or labelling to sell in the market. FSSAI Food Safety Registration is compulsory for anyone who wishes to do food business. Regulation 31(1) of the FSSAI Act, 2006, mandates that every food business operator must get licensed by the FSSAI in order to operate its business. This not only involves preparing food but everyone who handles food at various stages before it ultimately reaches the customer, like raw materials, manufacturing, processing, mess, canteen distribution, and packing as well as the agencies who have the authority to sell them. There are different categories of FSSAI licenses based on the type and size of the food business. The three categories of FSSAI Registration for Repackers are –

1. Basic Registration

This type of registration is applicable to businesses that operate with an annual turnover of less than Rs. 12 Lakhs. 

2. State Registration

This type of registration is applicable to businesses that have an annual turnover of s. 12 lakh to 20 crores.

3. Central Registration

This registration is applicable for businesses that have an annual turnover of more than Rs. 20 crores.

FSSAI Registration is a 14-digit number that has to be printed on the packing or labels of all the food items sold or distributed by the repacker. Depending upon the size and nature of food business activity, the FSSAI license is different for each category.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration for Repackers

In order to apply for FSSAI Registration for repackers, the applicant must meet the required annual thresholds as prescribed under the Food Standards and Safety Authority of India. The FSSAI Registration for Repackers and licensing process is regulated by the Food Safety and Standards (Likening and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011. The documents that are required for basic, state, and central FSSAI Registrations are –

Basic Registration

Basic FSSAI Registration for Repackers is applicable to FBOs and producers whose business has an annual turnover of less than Rs. 12 lakhs. It includes small food retailers, bakeries, food stalls and temporary food establishments, and small and cottage industries dealing with food businesses. This also includes individuals who are engaged in distributing or supplying food for any religious or social institutions, except for caterers. The documents that are required to be submitted by the repacker to obtain a basic registration are –

• Photograph, AADHAR, and Address proof of the applicant
• Name and registered address of the business
• AOA, MOA, LLP/Partnership Deed along with MOA, AOA of the business
• NOC by the manufacturer or supplier of food products
• List of food products manufactured or packed
• Proof of Ownership of business premises – Rental Agreement, electricity and utility boils, NOC from Municipality, etc.

State Registration

State FSSAI Registration for Repackers is applicable to FBOs and producers whose business has an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakhs and 20 crores, with the exception of 30 crores in transportation business and wholesaling. This kind of registration is applicable to medium-sized businesses such as packers and labellers of grains, pulses, food production units, slaughterhouses, hotels and restaurants, vending machine storage, and transportation businesses.

Apart from basic registration, the state registration requires the following additional documents to be submitted to the licensing authority along with From B –

• Proof of expected annual turnover.
• Layout of manufacturing units or plants.
• Details of machinery used for processing or packing food items in the unit.
• Trade license, municipality license or proof or registration of establishment.
• Details of the repacking business.

Central Registration

State FSSAI Registration for Repackers is applicable to FBOs and producers whose business has an annual turnover of more than 20 crores. Most food businesses do not fall into this category as they involve large, multi-state or even multinational food businesses such as the import and export of food items, food or nutritional supplements, food business catering premises for central govt agencies or caterers, restaurants or retailers at railway station premises across the country and e-commerce food businesses. The following documents are required to be filed with the licensing authority in order to obtain a central FSSAI Registration for Repackers –

• Import Export Code Certificate issued by DGFT (if applicable)
• NOC and Letter of consent from manufacturers or producers of food items
• List of business partners or co-owners and their details
• List of franchises or branches of the business

Importance of FSSAI Registration for Repackers

Getting a license may help the food industry legally, foster goodwill, guarantee food safety, raise customer awareness, and facilitate business growth. It also aids in controlling the production, handling, shipping, and retailing of imported food. When an FBO has an FSSAI license, it is simple to raise money from investors.

Compliance with laws

FSSAI Registration for Repackers is a necessary compliance for food business operators under the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2018 and other relevant regulations and legislations. It ensures that the business owner has the relevant permits and licenses as required by the law to operate without legal implications.

Signifies adherence to packing standards

Food repackers have to adhere to packing and labelling standards set by several regulations, such as the Legal Metrology Act. Adherence to these standards ensures that the Food repacking business complies with the protocols related to packing material and method, food safety, weight, measures, labelling methods, etc.

Assures consumers for Safety

The significance of FSSAI Registration is that it creates a sense of trust and reliability among the consumers of the food products. It ensures that the products used and consumed by the customers conform to the quality standards as laid down by safety and nutrition laws.

Ease of Import-Export

FSSAI Registration for Repackers enables the entity to gain a reputation in the national as well as international markets and increase the commercial value of the food products. FSSAI Registration in the Food Industry. FSSAI registration, hence, enables business expansion and makes it easier for the business to attract investment from investors.

Conclusion

The importance of FSSAI Registration is that it ensures that the food business complies with the food safety standards as laid down by the FSSAI. Moreover, the FSSAI license or registration is a necessary compliance required by all categories of Food Business Operators, including Repackers. Furthermore, repackers are entities who order food from manufacturers or producers and sell it to the producer by using their own branding or packing. To obtain an FSSAI License, the business owner must submit an application to the authority, along with the required forms and documents, to the licensing authority.

Based on the nature and scale of your food business, we can help you submit the necessary documents and forms to the licensing authority to streamline your FSSAI registration process. To learn more about our comprehensive licensing services, visit us today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Read Our Article: RADURA Mark On Irradiated Food