FSSAI Registration Process & Requirements

FSSAI- A Introduction 

FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, It is the organisation that monitors and governs the food business in India.

FSSAI ensures that the food products undergo quality checks, curtailing food adulteration and sales of sub-standard products. FSSAI register and license the Food Business Operators in India and lays rules and regulation for running the food business in India.

FSSAI Registration is for food business therefore every food business operator involved in the manufacturing, processing , storage, distribution and sale of food products must obtain FSSAI Registration /License compulsorily.

Registration Number:

A 14- digit registration or license number is given after the registration; this number is printed on all the food packages. This 14 digit registration number gives details about the assembling state, producer’s permit. This registration procedure is aimed to create more accountability on the FBO to maintain the quality of the food products.

FSSAI Registration Requirement:

• FSSAI are issued for businesses that are small in turnover – 12lakh approximately.
• Trades like tea shops, canteens, food processors and small warehouse ideally require this license
• FBO that is at the building stage like a diary with a capacity of less than 500 ltr/day.
• Hotels with a 3 star ratings and above.

Note: catering business is given exception, irrespective of their turnover; they have to apply for a state license and not basic FSSAI license.

Central License:

• Companies that supply food to government offices and departments.
• Trades that have a turnover of over Rs. 20Crores
• Food import and Export commerce.

FSSAI Registration Process:

• FSSAI registration is initiated by submitting Form A that is an application to the food and safety Department.
• This application can be accepted or it may be rejected by the department within 7 days from the date of receipt of an application and the rejection has to be intimated to the applicant in writing.
• Once the application is accepted the department will grant a registration certificate 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 Registration:

The common documents required for basic, and state, central registration is a passport photo and a photo ID proof.

For State and Central License, some additional documents will be needed such as:

• List of food category
• Address proof
• Layout plan
• List of equipment
• NOC from Municipality
• Incorporation Certificate
• Water test report
• Import/ export Code

Penalty for various non-compliance:

•  Extraneous matter in food  1lakh
• Unhygenic processing or manufacture 1 lakh
• Food quality not in Compliance with act 2 lakh , Petty manufacturer-25,000/-
• Misbranded Food 3 lakh
• Sub-standard Food  5 lakh
• Misleading advertisement or false description 10 lakh

Renewal of License:

Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) is the online system launched by FSSAI. The FSSAI license is issued invalidity for 1 year to 5 years. Before 30days of the expiry date, the renewal of the FSSAI license should be applied.

Non-renewal of licenses can fetch a fine of Rs. 100 per day until the renewal is done. Any lapse in renewal within the stipulated date can result in the old license becoming defunct and business will have to apply for a fresh license.

Benefits of FSSAI Registration:

• It help in building goodwill, ensure food safety, create customer awareness and other legal benefits also helps to regulate, manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of import food
• Holding a valid FSSAI License allows a business to enhance, improve and enhance their credibility.
• The important aspects of hygiene and cleanliness are regulated and followed when FSSAI registration is involved.
• FSSAI registration positively influences the dependability and production of the Company, giving it a huge chance to expand and grow.