Discover key insights into FoSCoS FSSAI: objectives, services, regulations, and procedures. Learn about registration, licensing, renewal, eligibility, documents needed, fees, and checking renewal status.
FoSCoS stands for ‘Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.’ FSSAI is an acronym for the same thing. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous organisation established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. It is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through regulating and supervising food safety. The FSSAI sets food safety standards, guidelines, and regulations in India, and it is responsible for enforcing these regulations. This includes issuing licenses and registrations to food businesses, monitoring and inspecting food products, and investigating and taking action against businesses that violate food safety regulations. It also plays a key role in creating awareness about safe food practices. Building the capacity of food business operators and stakeholders in the food sector.
It is important for all food business operators, including manufacturers to sellers, to comply with FSSAI regulations and to get a valid FSSAI registration or food & safety license per their business activities and size. Generally, the food sector is considered the most critical sector for the population and economy. Thus FSSAI aims to ensure safe and wholesome food for human consumption and to maintain and improve the health of the people of the country through regulation and supervision of food safety.
Objectives for FoSCoS FSSAI
The main objectives of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FoSCoS or FSSAI) are to:
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- Protect public health: The primary objective of FSSAI is to protect and promote public health by regulating and supervising the safety of food products in India.
- Ensure safe and wholesome food: FSSAI is responsible for ensuring that food products in India are safe and wholesome for human consumption. This includes setting food safety and standards guidelines and inspecting and monitoring food products to ensure they comply.
- Regulate food businesses: FSSAI is responsible for issuing licenses and registrations to food businesses and monitoring their compliance with food safety regulations. This includes inspecting food manufacturing and processing facilities and investigating and acting against businesses that violate food safety regulations.
- Create awareness: FSSAI plays a key role in creating awareness about safe food practices among consumers, food business operators, and other stakeholders in the food sector. This includes educating the public about food safety and nutrition and training food business operators to comply with food safety regulations.
- Building capacity of food business operators: FSSAI strives to build the capacity of food business operators so they can comply with regulations and ensure food safety and hygiene.
- Facilitate international trade: FSSAI also facilitates international trade by ensuring that food products exported from India comply with importing countries’ food safety and standards regulations.
- Provide scientific and technical support: FSSAI also provides scientific and technical support to various stakeholders in the food sector, including food business operators, other government agencies, and researchers, to promote food safety and improve the overall quality of food products in India.
Features Of FoSCoS
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FoSCoS or FSSAI) has several key features that help it fulfill its main objectives of protecting public health and ensuring safe and wholesome food in India. Some of the main features of FSSAI include the following:
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- Autonomous Organization: FSSAI is an autonomous organisation established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. This autonomy allows it to carry out its functions and make decisions independently, without interference from other government agencies.
- Setting Standards: FSSAI is responsible for setting food safety and standards guidelines for all food products in India. These standards are based on international guidelines and are regularly reviewed and updated as necessary.
- Licensing and Registration: FSSAI issues licenses and registrations to food business operators, which are mandatory for all businesses that handle, process, manufacture, store, distribute or sell food products.
- Inspection and Enforcement: FSSAI has the authority to inspect food manufacturing and processing facilities, investigate complaints and enforce compliance with food safety regulations.
- Scientific and Technical Support: FSSAI provides scientific and technical support to food business operators, other government agencies, and researchers to improve the overall quality of food products in India.
- Creating Awareness: FSSAI creates awareness about safe food practices among consumers, food business operators, and other stakeholders in the food sector through education, campaigns, and training
- Risk Management: FSSAI also undertakes risk management to ensure that food products in India are safe and wholesome for human consumption. This includes assessing and managing food safety risks and taking appropriate action to minimise or eliminate these risks.
- Facilitation for International Trade: FSSAI also facilitates international trade by ensuring that food products exported from India comply with importing countries’ food safety and standards regulations. This can be achieved through mutual recognition agreements, equivalence agreements, and other forms of technical cooperation.
Services Offered by FoSCoS – FSSAI
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the Indian government agency responsible for ensuring food safety and regulating the food industry in India.
Some of the services offered by FSSAI include:
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- Licensing and Registration: FSSAI issues licenses and registration certificates to food businesses, which is mandatory for them to operate in India.
- Standards and Regulations: FSSAI sets food safety standards and regulations for different types of food products and food business operations.
- Surveillance and Enforcement: FSSAI conducts inspections and audits of food businesses to ensure compliance with food safety laws and regulations.
- Adjudication and Penalties: FSSAI has the authority to impose penalties on food businesses found to be non-compliant with food safety laws and regulations.
- Capacity Building and Training: FSSAI conducts training programs and workshops to build the capacity of food safety officials and food business operators.
- Public Awareness: FSSAI engages in various activities to create awareness about food safety among the general public.
- Scientific Research & Development: FSSAI facilitates and supports R&D activities in food safety, technology transfer, and knowledge management.
- International Cooperation: FSSAI works with other countries and international organisations to share information and best practices on food safety.
The FSSAI is continuously updating and adapting as per the need to ensure food safety in India.
Types Of FSSAI Registration
FSSAI registration is mandatory for all food business operators (FBOs) in India who produce, store, distribute, transport, and sell food products. There are different types of FSSAI registration depending on the type and scale of the food business operation:
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- Basic FSSAI registration: This type of registration is for small-scale food business operators with an annual turnover of less than 12 lakhs.
- State FSSAI registration: This type of registration is for food business operators with an annual turnover between 12 lakhs and 20 crores.
- Central FSSAI registration: This type of registration is for food business operators with an annual turnover exceeding 20 crores and for specified categories of food businesses such as imported food, milk and milk products, slaughtering, and meat processing.
FSSAI Licensing
In this case, a food business operator which doesn’t fall in the above category and has certain types of food products which FSSAI regulates needs to apply for FSSAI licensing.
It’s important to note that the type of FSSAI registration required for a food business may vary depending on the specific food products being produced, stored, or sold, as well as the scale of the operation. It’s recommended that FBOs should consult with FSSAI officials or legal experts to determine the appropriate type of registration or licensing for their food business.
Issuance of FSSAI Certificate
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an agency of the Government of India established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to regulate and supervise food safety and standards in India.
To do business in the food industry, food business operators must obtain a license or registration from FSSAI. The type of license or registration required depends on the nature and scale of the food business.
The process for obtaining an FSSAI license or registration typically involves the following:
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- We are applying along with the required documentation and fees.
- Undergoing an inspection of the food premises.
- Passing an evaluation by the FSSAI authorities.
Once the license or registration is granted, it must be renewed periodically, usually on an annual basis.
FSSAI also issues a certificate to the compliant food business operator who has successfully undergone a food safety audit or inspection.
Please note that the FSSAI license/registration is different from the FSSAI certificate as the FSSAI certificate is issued only after inspection and food safety audit and is not mandatory for all food businesses. Still, it serves as credible proof of compliance with food safety standards.
FoSCoS Fee Structure
The fee structure for FoSCoS depends on the type of food business, their turnover, and the category of food business as per FSSAI; the fees for FSSAI license/registration and audit/inspection vary and can be checked on the FSSAI official website.
Generally, a food business operator must pay an application fee along with the required documentation and a license or registration fee, which varies depending on the category of the food business and the turnover.
The FSSAI license/registration fee for small-scale food business operators is relatively lower than for large-scale food business operators.
It’s important to note that the FSSAI fee structure may change from time to time, so it’s always a good idea to check the official website of FSSAI for the most current fee structure. To know more, get in touch with a Vakilsearch FSSAI expert!
Eligibility Criteria for Food Business Registration
The eligibility criteria for food business registration can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific laws and regulations in place. However, some common criteria that may be used to determine eligibility include:
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- Compliance with the relevant food safety and sanitation laws and regulations.
- Compliance with any licensing or permit requirements for food businesses.
- Compliance with any zoning or land-use regulations.
- Compliance with any building codes or other construction requirements.
- Compliance with any relevant insurance or bonding requirements.
- Compliance with any relevant labour laws and regulations.
- Maintaining a food safety management system as per FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)
It’s always recommended to check the local laws and regulations or consult with a legal professional to ensure that the business meets the eligibility criteria for food business registration.
Documents Required for FoSCoS Registration
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- Licensing new/renewing/modifying
- New Registration
- Declaration of Proprietorship
- The CGWA NOC dated 02.01.2018 and the CGWA NOC dated 11.01.2021 is attached.
- Online Sale of Alcohol under FSSAI License by E-Commerce FBO || Draft Declaration for E-Commerce FBO
- Self-Declaration for Exporting FBOs – Additional Document
- Recall Guidelines and Sample Plan
- Manufacturers’ BIS license/receipt for packaged drinking water
- Repacker – Declaration/Undertaking to own full compliance with food product when the exemption is sought [Read Lic/Reg FAQ no. 120].
Documents Required for FoSCoS FSSAI New License
The documents required for an application for a new license under the Foreign Company Services of Company Act (FoSCoS) will vary depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances of the company. However, some common documents that may be required include the following:
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- The company’s articles of incorporation or formation documents.
- The company’s bylaws or similar governing documents.
- A certificate of good standing or equivalent document from the company’s home jurisdiction.
- A list of the company’s current directors and officers.
- Proof of registered office address.
- Any other documents required by the jurisdiction where the company is seeking to register.
It’s always best to check the specific requirements with local authorities or attorneys.
Documents Required for FoSCoS for Renewal/Modification of License
The documents required for the renewal or modification of a license under the Foreign Company Services of Company Act (FoSCoS) will depend on the specific circumstances of the company and the jurisdiction where the company is registered. However, some common documents that may be required for a renewal or modification application include the following:
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- The local authorities issue the current, valid license.
- An application form for the renewal or modification of the license.
- A list of the company’s current directors and officers.
- Proof of the company’s registered office address.
- Annual reports and Audited financial statements
- Any other document required by the local authority or jurisdiction.
It’s always best to check with the local authorities or attorney for specific requirements.
How do I Create a FoSCoS Account?
The process for creating a Foreign Company Services of Company Act (FoSCoS) account will depend on the specific jurisdiction where the company is seeking to register. However, generally, the process will involve the following steps:
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- Determine if your company is eligible for registration under the FoSCoS: Review the specific laws and regulations in the jurisdiction where the company will be registered, to ensure that your company meets the eligibility criteria.
- Collect the required documents: You will typically need to provide a set of documents, such as articles of incorporation or formation, a list of directors and officers, and proof of registered office address. It’s always best to check the specific requirements with the local authorities.
- Fill out the application form: There will be a registration form to fill out and submit. Make sure you fill it out correctly and attach all required documents.
- Pay the registration fee: Submit the application form along with the fee, which varies by jurisdiction.
- Wait for approval: After the registration form is submitted, it will be processed by the local authority and approved if your application is complete and meets the eligibility criteria.
- Obtain the license: Once the application is approved, you will receive the license and a registration number, which will be required to start operating your business in the jurisdiction.
It’s always recommended to check with the local authorities or consult with a legal professional for further guidance in creating the FoSCoS account.
Steps for Applying FoSCoS FSSAI New License/Registration
The steps for applying for a new license or registration under the Foreign Company Services of Company Act (FoSCoS) will depend on the specific jurisdiction where the company is seeking to register.
However, the general process for applying for a new license or registration typically involves the following steps:
- Step 1: Determine if your company is eligible for Registration under the FoSCoS: Review the specific laws and regulations in the jurisdiction where the company will be registered, to ensure that your company meets the eligibility criteria.
- Step 2: Collect the required documents: You will typically need to provide a set of documents, such as articles of incorporation or formation, a list of directors and officers, and proof of registered office address. Make sure to check the specific requirements with the local authorities.
- Step 3: Fill out the Application Form: There will be a registration form to fill out and submit. Make sure you fill it out correctly and attach all required documents.
- Step 4: Pay the registration fee: Submit the application form along with the fee, which varies by jurisdiction.
- Step 5: Wait for approval: After the registration form is submitted, it will be processed by the local authority and approved if your application is complete and meets the eligibility criteria.
- Step 6: Obtain the License: Once the application is approved, you will receive the license and a registration number, which will be required to start operating your business in the jurisdiction.
It’s always recommended to check with the local authorities or consult a legal professional for further guidance in applying for a new license or registration under FoSCoS.
How to check FSSAI renewal status?
There are several ways to check the status of an FSSAI renewal application. The most common method is to check the status online by visiting the official website of FSSAI.
Here is the general process to check the FSSAI renewal status:
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- Visit the official website of FSSAI: https://fssai.gov.in/home/
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fssai step 1 - Click on the ‘Licensing & Registration’ tab
fssai reg license - Click on the ‘Application Status’ button
- Click on the ‘Licensing & Registration’ tab
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fssai status button - You will be redirected to a new page where you can check the status of your application
- To check the status, you will need to enter your application number, or your FSSAI license/registration number, and the security code as shown in the image
- Click on the ‘Search’ button
- The status of your application will be displayed on the screen
Alternatively, you can also check the status of your FSSAI renewal application by contacting the FSSAI office that processed your application. You can find the contact information for your local FSSAI office on the official website of FSSAI.
You also have the option to check the status of your application by providing an email id and mobile number while applying, in such case you will be sent updates through the mail and message respectively. Please keep in mind that processing of an FSSAI application may take some time, so it’s best to check the status of your application at least a few days after you’ve submitted it.
FAQ’s
What does FoSCoS stand for?
FoSCoS stands for 'Foreign Company Services of Company Act' it is a provision under the Indian company law (Companies Act, 2013) that governs the registration and compliance requirements for foreign companies that operate or want to operate in India. The provision enables foreign companies to conduct business in India, by providing certain exemptions and simplifications on compliance requirements.
Why register FoSCos FSSAI Registration?
FoSCoS replaces the existing online Food Licensing and Registration System, and users of these States/UTs are now required to visit the official website of FoSCoS and log in through the same user ids and passwords for any services.
Will the existing FSSAI credentials be valid in the new FoSCoS portal?
In such cases, the existing FSSAI license/registration will be valid and will be used in the new FoSCoS portal. Businesses are still required to renew their FSSAI license/registration in order to comply with the new FoSCoS regulations.
What is the validity of the FSSAI registration?
The validity of an FSSAI registration certificate depends on the type of food business and the category of the food business operator. For most types of food business, the FSSAI registration certificate is valid for a period of one year. After that, the food business operator must renew their registration certificate in order to continue to do business. This can be done by submitting a renewal application along with the required fees and any updated documentation. However, in certain cases, the registration certificate is valid for a period of 5 years. The FSSAI has established different categories for food businesses based on the turnover, nature of business and size of the unit.
What are the documents required for the online application of a Food License?
The documents required for the online application of a Food License may include proof of identity, proof of address, and a food safety management plan. The specific requirements may vary based on the type of license and the regulatory authority in the respective state or region.
How long does it take to receive the Food License after applying online?
The time taken to receive the Food License after applying online can vary depending on the state or region. In general, it may take several weeks to a few months to process the application and receive the license.
Is there a specific validity period for the Food License, and how can it be renewed online?
Yes, there is a specific validity period for the Food License, which may vary based on the type of license and the regulatory authority. The validity period is typically 1-5 years. The license can be renewed online by submitting a renewal application along with the required documents and fees before the expiry of the current license.
What are the consequences of operating a food business without a valid Food License?
Operating a food business without a valid Food License can result in penalties, fines, or legal action by the authorities. The business may also face closure or suspension of operations until the necessary licenses are obtained.
Can the details on a Food License be modified or updated online, and what is the procedure for doing so?
Yes, the details on a Food License can be modified or updated online by submitting a modification application along with the required documents and fees. The procedure for modification may vary based on the type of licence and state.
What are the fees associated with obtaining a Food License online, and how are they paid?
The fees associated with obtaining a Food License online can vary based on the type of license. There are different categories of licenses with varying fees. The fees can be paid online through the designated payment gateway or through other modes of payment as specified by the authorities.
What is the difference between FoSCos and FSSAI?
FoSCos (Food Safety Compliance System) is an integrated platform facilitating food business operators' compliance, while FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is the regulatory body ensuring food safety and standards adherence, overseeing FoSCos and implementing policies for a robust food safety ecosystem.
What is the 14 digit FSSAI number?
The 14-digit FSSAI number is a unique identification code assigned to food business operators by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. This number signifies compliance with food safety regulations and helps in tracking and verifying the authenticity of food products, ensuring consumer safety.
What are the objectives of FoSCos?
FoSCos aims to streamline and automate the compliance process for food business operators, fostering transparency and efficiency. It strives to enhance regulatory adherence, simplify licensing procedures, and provide a centralised platform for monitoring and managing various aspects of food safety compliance seamlessly.
What is the main function of FSSAI?
The primary function of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is to regulate and monitor the safety and quality of food products in the country. FSSAI establishes and enforces standards, licenses food business operators, and ensures that food-related regulations are adhered to, safeguarding public health.
What are the principles of FSSAI?
FSSAI operates based on key principles such as ensuring food safety and quality, promoting consumer awareness, and regulating the food industry to meet international standards. It emphasises collaboration with stakeholders, scientific advancements, and continuous improvement to create a robust framework for a safe and wholesome food supply chain.
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