What Is FSSAI License? Types & Eligibility Explained

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an independent organisation that reports to the Indian government's Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. This article focuses on the various types of FSSAI license that are issued.

There are three types of FSSAI licenses: Basic Registration, State License, and Central License. The type of license required depends on the turnover, production capacity, and scale of operations of the food business. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates food businesses to ensure quality and compliance. To operate legally, every food business operator (FBO) must obtain an FSSAI license.

Types of FSSAI License in India

FSSAI in India issues the following three types of license:

• Basic Registration
• State License
• Central License

Basic FSSAI Licence

• This license is issued by the State Government and is given to small manufacturers, storage units, transporters, marketers, and distributors.
• The company has an annual turnover of less than ₹12 lakh.
• The license issuance is for 5 years and a minimum of 1 year.

State FSSAI License

• This license is for SMEs like transport, storage houses, transport, distributors, marketers, etc. 
• The State Government issues this license.
• The company must have its operations in only 1 state.
• The business must have an annual turnover of  ₹12 lakh.
• The permit is issued for 5 years and a minimum of 1 year.

Central FSSAI License

• Companies operating as importers in the food business or export-oriented business, large manufacturers, operators in the Central Government Agencies, ports or airports, etc. need to have central licenses issued by FoSCos FSSAI
• The Central Government issues this license
• A company in a food business needs to have a license for the head office in case it is operational in different states or cities
• This license is for the FBOs having an annual turnover of ₹20 crore
• It is issued for 5 years and at least  for 1 year

Documents Required for FSSAI License Registration:

• Address Proof
• Identity proof
• List of food categories
• Layout plan
• Details of all the equipment
• Passport photograph
• NOC from municipality
• MoA and AoA
• Import Export Code
• Water Test Report

Besides, you would need the following documents:

1. Signed and filled out Form B
2. Additionally, a complete plan of the processing unit
3. List of all the directors and members of the company along with their contact details address proof and photo ID
4. List of food category that is manufactured by the company
5. Authority letter from the manufacturer
6. A complete report of the water that is in manufacturing the food
7. Source of raw materials like meat, milk, etc.
8. Additionally, the Ministry of Commerce Certificate
9. NO
10. IE code document issued by DGFT
11. Moreover, Proof of ownership of the premises
12. NOC and copy of the license from the manufacturer
13. Form IX
14. Form IX
15. Certificate from the Ministry of Tourism   
16. Partnership Deed
17. Further, the declaration from
18. Certificate of Food Safety Management System

The documentation for central, state, and basic registration are almost similar.

Step by Step Process of FSSAI License Registration

There are certain formalities that one needs to fulfill before going ahead for an FSSAI license in India. we have categorized these requirements based on the types of FSSAI license you need:

• FBOs need to submit Form A (basic registration and FBO has a turnover of less than  ₹12 lakh) and Form B for FBOs having a turnover of less than  ₹20 crore
• Moreover, it takes seven days for the validation and verification of information.
• Additionally, once the application is accepted, the applicant will get the registration certificate, which will have the registration number and the photo of the applicant
• This certificate has information like the place of business and operation time

Benefits of Obtaining FSSAI License

• It will provide legal benefits
• Helps in building goodwill
• Ensures food safety
• It will help in regulating the storage, sale, or import of food, manufacturer, etc.

Principal Goals of FSSAI

• Creation of scientifically based food standards
• Regulation of food production, distribution, storage, sales, and imports
• Assistance with food safety

Conclusion

The FSSAI License’s most significant feature is that, if processing takes longer than 60 days, the applicant may begin without the license without having to wait for additional processing. The Food Safety & Standards Act of 2006 has brought about significant changes to safeguard and improve food quality and hygienic practices. A person must obtain an FSSAI Registration and License by the Act before starting a food business. Depending on your operations, you must choose from the appropriate types of FSSAI license for activities such as production, processing, storage, packaging, and distribution of food.

If you are in search of the best expert to help you register for an FSSAI license, then Vakilsearch is the right choice. They have legal experts who help you to understand the importance of having any legal paper as well as will help you to register any legal papers for you.