Food Registration Under FSSAI

First of all, FSSAI stands for stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is an organization which is responsible for monitoring and governing the food business in India.

Food is major and an emerging industry in India and is consumed by all, our health depends on it that’s why a regulator like FSSAI was established for regulating the food industry in India.

It is responsible for registering and licensing of the food business operators (FBO) in India and lays down the rules and regulation for running the food business in India. Now let us go through its important points, which will help readers to understand it more: –

• it is very important and mandatory for all food business owners. Every food business operator which is involved in the business of manufacturing, processing, storage distribution and sale of food products must compulsorily obtain FSSAI Registration or License. It is a 14-digit registration or a license number which is printed on all the food packages manufactured by the businesses.
• The FSSAI registration or license is generally based on the business volume and premises.
• FSSAI registration fall under any one of the below three categories: a) Central License b) State License and c) Basic Registration.

A) Steps for Obtaining FSSAI basic Registration

 FSSAI registration is obtained by submitting an application under Form A to food and safety department.

• This application may be accepted or it may get rejected by the Department within 7 days from the application date and the fact has to be intimated to the applicant in writing.
• If the application is accepted, then a registration certificate will be granted by the Department with the registration number and the photo of the applicant.
• FBO should prominently display the certificate of registration at the place of business during the business hours.

Documents required for obtaining FSSAI registration

 Application must be completely filled and signed

• Photograph and Identity proof of FBO
• Proof of possession of premises (e.g. Rental Agreement, Ownership Papers, etc.)
• Articles of Association/ Memorandum of Association Partnership Deed / Certificate of Incorporation etc.
• List of food products manufactured or to be dealt with
• Food safety management system plan

B) Steps for Obtaining State License and Central License

 Filing of Form must be completely filled and signed

• Declaration and food items one is dealing in.
• Payment of Departmental fees
• One of the food inspectors will visit your food business place or manufacturing process for the inspection purpose
• Once the FSSAI department has done all the investigation and examination of the documents and business place, FSSAI license will be issued.

Documents required for the obtaining the Central license:

 Form B duly completed and signed

• Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation
• List of Directors/ Partners/ Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID
• Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity
• List of food category to be manufactured
• Authority letter from manufacturer nominated a responsible person name and address
• Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability
• Source of raw material for milk, meat etc
• Recall plan wherever applicable
• Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU
• NOC/PA document issued by FSSAI
• IE code document issued by DGFT
• Form IX
• Certificate from Ministry of Tourism
• Proof of possession of premises
• Partnership deed/ affidavit of proprietorship
• NOC and copy of License from the manufacturer
• Food safety management system plan or certificate
• NOC from the municipality or local body
• Supporting document for proof of turnover  and transportation
• Declaration form

Documents required for the obtaining the state license:

 Form B duly completed and signed

• Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation
• List of Directors/ Partners/ Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID
• Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity
• List of food category to be manufactured
• Authority letter from manufacturer nominated a responsible person name and address
• Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability
• Proof of possession of premises
• Partnership deed/ affidavit of proprietorship
• NOC and copy of License from the manufacturer
• Copy of certificate obtained under Coop Act 1861/Multi state Coop Act 2002
• Food safety management system plan or certificate
• There are different forms and documents which are required to be submitted conversion, renewal, and modification of license.

C) Consequences and Penalty for Non-Compliances

 Any registered or licensed person under the FSSAI has to adhere to the rules and regulation under the FSS Act, 2006. Food safety officer generally conducts the inspection of the food business operator’s facility and identifies the level of compliance with the regulation using a checklist. Some of the for various type of non-compliance:

Disclaimer:  The above article briefs the registration and license under FSSAI, its procedure and documents required for. Depending upon the different food businesses in India, the above documents stated may be inclusive and other documents may be demanded by the Authority. In no case, the author shall not liable for any direct, indirect, special or incidental damage resulting from, arising out of or in connection with the use of the information.

(The Author is Corporate Consultant and provides varied array of services including Start-ups, Secretarial, Legal, Intellectual property, taxation, Audit, GST, Book keeping and other ancillary advisory service in Delhi, Chandigarh as well as The National Capital Region (NCR) and can be contacted through mail:- [email protected])