FSSAI Registration is Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirmed on 5 July 2020 that Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra topped an index listing states that ensure food safety.

Introduction:

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a regulatory body responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of food products in India. FSSAI issues licenses to food business operators (FBOs) to ensure compliance with food safety standards. FSSAI registration is mandatory for all FBOs involved in food manufacturing, processing, packaging, distributing, or selling. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the types of FSSAI registration, eligibility criteria, the difference between state and central licenses, and the process of obtaining an FSSAI state license.

What is FSSAI?

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health & Welfare, Govt. of India. FSSAI ensures the safety and reliability to consumers on the consumption of drinks and food products. Getting an FSSAI helps the food production company get more consumers for their product. FSSAI licence and registration system can be procured online from the FSSAI website by filing FSSAI registration form. You can also find the FSSAI login, FSSAI registration form, FSSAI registration process & procedure, FSSAI results, and so on. 

Types of FSSAI Registration:

FSSAI offers three types of registrations or licenses, based on the scale and nature of the food business:

1. Basic FSSAI Registration: Suitable for small-scale FBOs with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs. This registration is typically for petty food manufacturers and retailers.
2. State FSSAI License: Applicable to medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crores. This license is issued by the respective State Authority.
3. Central FSSAI License: Required for large-scale food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crores. The Central License is issued by the Central Licensing Authority.

Food Business Operators (FBOs) Who Require FSSAI Registration:

FSSAI registration is mandatory for various types of food business operators, including:

• Food manufacturers and processors
• Food packagers and repackagers
• Food importers and exporters
• Food storage and distribution units
• Food retailers and wholesalers
• Food catering services
• Food vending establishments

FSSAI Registration Eligibility:

1. a) Basic FSSAI Registration: Small-scale FBOs with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs are eligible for basic registration.
2. b) FSSAI State License: Medium-sized FBOs with an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crores are eligible for the state license.

What is FSSAI State License & who can apply?

Food Business Operators (FBOs) with small to medium-sized manufacturing units, transporters, marketers, traders, etc. need to take FSSAI registration from the respective state government. Food businesses with annual turnover between ₹ 12 lakh and ₹ 20 crore can apply for FSSAI State License. Also, grains, cereal and pulses milling units irrespective of turnover have the liberty to get the FSSAI state licence registration.

Documents required for the FSSAI State License:

1. Form- B is completed and signed by the Proprietor or Partner or authorized Signatory.
2. Blueprint of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation (Mandatory for manufacturing and processing units only).
3. List of Directors / Partners / Proprietors / Executive Members of Society / Trust with full address and contact details (Mandatory for Companies only).
4. Name and list of equipment and machinery along with the number, installed capacity and horsepower used (Mandatory for manufacturing and processing units only).
5. Valid photo identification and address proof.
6. List of food categories. (For manufacturers only).
7. Authority letter with name and address of a responsible person nominated by the manufacturer along with alternative responsible person indicating the powers vested with them viz assisting the officers in inspection, collection of samples, packing, and dispatch. (For manufacturers and processors).
8. Analysis report (Chemical & Bacteriological) of water to be used as an ingredient in food from a recognized / public health laboratory to confirm the portability. (Mandatory for manufacturing and processing units).
9. Proof of possession of premises such as a Rental Agreement (Optional).
10. Partnership Deed or Declaration for Proprietorship or MOA & AOA along with Certificate of Incorporation and List of Directors with the address. (You must upload three pages if it was a company: First Page – Certificate of Incorporation, Second Page – Authorization of food business activity, and Third Page – List of Directors with addresses).
    
    NOTE: A partnership deed or a partnership agreement is a document that has a framework of the rights, laws, and responsibilities of all parties in detail. It acts as a guide.Check Here To More About : Apply Fssai Online
11. Copy of certificate obtained under the Coop Act – 1861 / Multi-State Coop Act – 2002 in case of Cooperatives. (If applicable).
12. NOC (No Objection Certificate) & Copy of Licence from the manufacturer (Mandatory for Relabellers and Repackers).
13. Food Safety Management System Plan or Certificate (if any).
14. Source of milk or procurement plan for milk, including the location of milk collection centers in case of milk and milk products processing units. (if applicable).
15. Source of raw material for meat and meat processing plants. (if applicable).
16. Pesticide residues report of water in case of units manufacturing packaged drinking water, packaged mineral water and/or carbonated water from a recognized / public health laboratory.
17. Recall plan (if necessary)
18. NOC from Municipality or Local Body (optional).
19. FSSAI Form IX: Nomination of Persons by a Company along with the Board Resolution.
20. Certificate provided by the Ministry of Tourism (HRACC). (Mandatory for Hotels).
21. Documentary proof of turnover or self-declaration of the number of vehicles (Mandatory for Transporters).
22. FSSAI Declaration Form (In the case of Delhi and Himachal Pradesh).

Procedure:

• First, the food business operator has to fill the application form B with the required documents and fees. 
• A Unique Application Reference Number will be provided.
• However, on the submission of an incomplete application, the process won’t be further moved. Hence, the required additional information has to be recorded.
• If no such responses are provided, then the FBO may start the business after 60 days. 
• Therefore, a Unique application ID will be provided. 
• Inspection of premises will take place after receiving the food business operator’s application 
• The authorities will issue an inspection report.
• If no inspection takes place, then the FBO may start the business after 60 days. 
• While all the formalities are completed within 60 days of the period, then the licence will be granted.
• If the inspection report is not processed, then the FBO may start the business after 60 days. 
• It is to be noted that if an improvement notice or suspension notice or cancellation notice is provided, then a fresh application has to be processed after 90 days. 

FSSAI Registration Status:

Once the FSSAI registration application is submitted, FBOs can check their registration status online through the Food Safety and Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal. The status will show whether the registration is approved, rejected, or pending for further verification.

Conclusion

Obtaining an FSSAI state license is a crucial step for food business operators to ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulations. FSSAI offers different types of licenses based on the size of the food business, and FBOs must determine the appropriate category for their operations. FSSAI registration status can be tracked online through the FoSCoS portal, providing transparency and ease of verification. Complying with FSSAI requirements not only ensures legal compliance but also enhances the credibility and reputation of the food business in the market. FBOs must adhere to the prescribed guidelines and submit all necessary documents to successfully obtain their FSSAI state license and contribute to the safety and quality of food products in India.

Vakilsearch helps you get your FSSAI State License legally and quickly. Furthermore, we will assist you with all the documentation work for your food business. As your enterprise grows, we will also assist you in obtaining your Central License.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

1. How to download the FSSAI registration certificate from the FoSCoS portal?

After the FSSAI registration is approved, the FBO can log in to the FoSCoS portal and download the registration certificate.

2. What details are mentioned on the FSSAI registration certificate?

The FSSAI registration certificate contains details such as the FBO's name, address, FSSAI license number, and validity period of the registration.

3. What are the requirements for FSSAI state license?

To obtain an FSSAI state license, FBOs need to submit various documents, including identity proof, address proof, a photograph, and the prescribed license fee.

4. What is the difference between state and central FSSAI license?

The state FSSAI license is applicable to medium-sized FBOs with an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crores, while the central FSSAI license is for large-scale FBOs with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crores.

5. Who issues the state license for FSSAI?

The state license for FSSAI is issued by the respective State Authority responsible for food safety.

6. Which are the three types of FSSAI license?

The three types of FSSAI license are basic registration, state license, and central license, based on the scale and nature of the food business.

Also, Read:

• Eligibility Criteria for a Basic FSSAI Registration
• FSSAI Registration for Retailers
• Types of FSSAI Food Licence Registration