In India, any FBO or Food Business Operator that is in the business of processing, manufacturing, storing, distributing & selling food must mandatorily apply for and have an FSSAI License. The same way, the dairy units, including milk chilling equipped to handle or process required to obtain Food License. Dairy processing means manufacturing, storing, handling, distribution, processing and transportation of milk & milk products. In this blog, we will discuss Food License for Milk Chilling Units.
Importance of Milk Chilling Units
- Such units help in the reduction of the spoilage & souring of milk. The business owner must be registered with the FSSAI under State or Central to obtain FSSAI License;
- FSSAI License given by FSSAI aims to ensure that the food is healthy and good for human consumption and other food-related issues;
- The role of FSSAI is to secure the law concerning food and establishes the standards for manufacturing, distribution, sale, controls, storage and imports.
Why is it necessary to obtain Food License for Milk Chilling Units?
FSSAI or Food Safety & Standard Authority of India is a government body that supervises & regulates food hygiene and safety in India. It mandates that any industry or business related to food must get an FSSAI Certificate. Such industries include food handling, serving, preparing, and retailing businesses.
Milk Chilling Units store & cool the milk and it comes under the food handling sector. So, milk chilling units must undergo FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License will help your business to stand out from your competitors. If you fail to get FSSAI License, then you may lead your business to lose the credibility of your customers and it may lead to the cancellation of your service under some conditions also.
Benefits of Food License for Milk Chilling Units
Following are some benefits of Food License for Milk Chilling Units:
- This license will make any legal process regarding your business effective & easy;
- You can also use the FSSAI License logo to set up your concern on quality to customers;
- Makes your Milk Chilling Unit an entrusted & quality provider.
- FSSAI License can bring you investments & makes any loan process easy;
- You can also expand your milk chilling units to various places without any hassle.
Criteria for Obtaining Food License for Milk Chilling Units
There are 3 different types of Food Licenses and based on your business cap; you have to apply for FSSAI Registration. Following are the types of FSSAI Licenses and the criteria to apply:
- Basic FSSAI Registration: If your milk chilling unit business turnover is less than Rs. 12 lakhs, you will come under a small business cap. For small or minor businesses, a basic food license is enough and you have to file Form-A for Basic Registration. As the turnover of the business reaches Rs. 12 lakhs, you have to upgrade the food license from Basic Registration to State Registration.
- State FSSAI Registration[1] : If your business turnover is between Rs. 12 lakhs to Rs. 20 crores you will fall under the State FSSAI License category. For this license, you have to fill up Form B to obtain Food License.
- Central FSSAI License: If your milk chilling business turnover is more than Rs. 20 crores, then you must register for a Central Food or FSSAI License. If your mid-cap business surpasses Rs. 20 crores, you must upgrade or enhance from a State License to a Central License.
Documents Required for Food License for Milk Chilling Units
Following are some documents required for Food License for Milk Chilling Units:
- Documents for Basic Registration:
- Address proof;
- Latest passport size photos;
- Details of business;
- FSSAI declaration form.
- Documents for State License:
- Documents of business premises such as Rental or Lease Agreement;
- Owner’s identity proof (Voter ID, Aadhar Card, Passport, Driving License);
- GST Registration or Incorporation Certificate or Trading License;
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Article of Association (AOA);
- Any one of the following is compulsory (Establishment Registration or Corporation License or Trade License or Panchayat License or Municipality License);
- Business details;
- FSSAI declaration forms.
- Documents for Central License:
- Documents of business premises such as Rental or Lease Agreement;
- Owner’s identity proof (Voter ID, Aadhar Card, Passport, Driving License);
- GST Registration or Incorporation Certificate or Trading License;
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Article of Association (AOA);
- Any one of the following is compulsory (Establishment Registration or Corporation License or Trade License or Panchayat License or Municipality License);
- Business details;
- Import and Export Code (IEC);
- FSSAI declaration forms.
Procedure to obtain FSSAI License for Milk Chilling Unit
- Get your business plan;
- Determine your annual turnover;
- Determine which type of license is vital for your unit business;
- Fill out the application and complete documentation;
- Paying the charge;
- Submit the application;
- You must be careful if there is any wrong detail in your application. FSSAI may cancel your registration and if there is any update needed in the form, then it has to be updated. The updated application has to be sent back within thirty days;
- FSSAI may require 15-45 days to approve the license and you have to continuously follow up the process & sort out if there are any discrepancies.
Validity of FSSAI License for Milk Chilling Units
- FSSAI Licenses or Certificates issued to food businesses are valid for a period of 1-5 years as chosen by the FBO;
- It’s mandatory to apply for license renewal 30 days or a month before the expiry of the existing license;
- Non-renewal of FSSAI License can fetch a fine of Rs. 100/day until the renewal is done;
- Any lapse in renewal with the stipulated date can outcome in the old license becoming deactivated & businesses will have to apply for a fresh registration or license.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that diary units which comprise milk chilling and are equipped to process or handle milk are required to obtain Food License. Dairy processing means processing, manufacturing, storing, transportation, handling, and packing of milk & milk products.
Read our Article:How to Get a Food Production License in India?
