FSSAI Registration in West Bengal

Food License in West Bengal- An Overview

The number of businesses engaged in the food industry has dramatically increased in India in recent years Particularly West Bengal produces a wide variety of food goods or imports them from other nations. People have tried and enjoyed a wide variety of cuisines, which has led them to wonder how these businesses got started and how to confirm their legitimacy. Let us know how the West Bengal fssai license registration procedure works and how the FSSAI operates.

Benefits of FSSAI Registration

The FSSAI West Bengal focuses on safeguarding the safety and security of the public's health when providing a food license. It ensures that no food business operating in the state endangers the general population's health. The authorities examine and keep an eye on every part of the food and its quality before granting a license to the company that is undergoing an inspection. Even while many business owners find the process of obtaining a food license to be time-consuming and expensive, a food business operator (FBO) in West Bengal does, in fact, profit greatly from having a food license. The benefits of food license are enumerated below:

Quality Assurance:

As people become more concerned with their health, they are looking for foods of the greatest quality. By obtaining a food authorisation, food operators in West Bengal can ensure that their products fulfil the necessary standards for quality and can be consumed safely. Consumer confidence is boosted as a result. Furthermore, as many FBOs operate without food permits, businesses with licenses will have a competitive advantage in the market.

Penalties:

A few food business owners however opt not to go through the procedure of acquiring a food license due to various assumptions. They assume that the procedure takes too long and is too expensive. Firstly, getting a West Bengal food license doesn't cost anything. Secondly, the procedure is very efficient. Thirdly, no business owner is permitted to omit the requirement to obtain a food license . In the event that they do, the FBOs will be subject to fines and penalties that are far more expensive and time-consuming than obtaining a West Bengal food license

Business Expansion:

It is anticipated that many FBOs will like to grow their operations. With a food permit, this is simpler because the business is legitimately allowed to operate within the city or state in numerous places. Depending on the sort of food license , the business could even extend to other states. Additionally, securing funds from banks or outside sources is beneficial.

Using the FSSAI Mark:

The FSSAI logo assures customers of the quality of their food and inspires confidence in them. Customers are given the essential assurance regarding the food quality and the company itself with the FSSAI mark. The business can advertise the quality of its food using its brand, which is also displayed on packaging.

Checklist Types of Food Licenses Issued in West Bengal

The primary goals of FSSAI food licensing are public health protection and promotion. Different laws and strict control from the authorities are used to accomplish this. The authorities started the procedure and saw to it that the proper standard was set. It aids in reducing and eliminating issues linked to food quality.

The business owner must confirm their eligibility for the various food licenses issued in West Bengal before moving forward with the offline or online FSSAI registration process.

In West Bengal, there are three different types of food licenses issued by FSSAI or the Food Safety and Standards Authority. They are

• FSSAI Central License
• FSSAI State License
• FSSAI Basic Registration

FSSAI Central License

Operators in the food industry, such as importers, 100% export-oriented businesses, major producers, suppliers to airports, seaports, and other central government agencies, must obtain a central food license . The central license is given out by the central government. If the food company conducts business in more than one state, the central license is required for the head office. The food company's annual revenue must exceed ₹ 20 crore. The entities requiring FSSAI central license include:

• FBOs with annual sales of more than Rs 20 crore, such as eateries, shops, dealers, and suppliers
• Units that produce and process vegetable oil using the solvent extraction method, as well as plants that include an oil expeller unit and have a daily capacity of more than 2 metric tonnes.
• 100% of export-oriented businesses that produce or process food.
• All importers, including those that import food additives or components.
• Those who work for the federal government or allied organisations, such as the railway and airport industries, the airline industry, the maritime industry, the defence industry, etc.
• Includes more than 50,000 tonnes of storage space and dairy units with a daily capacity of more than 50,000 litres.
• All food processing and repackaging facilities, excluding those for grains, legumes, and cereals, with a daily capacity of more than 2 tonnes
• The ability to slaughter more than 50 large animals, 150 small animals, or more than 1000 poultry per day.
• Dhaba, club, cafe, and other food-selling businesses having subsidiaries spread over more than one state and with annual sales of more than 12 lakh.
• Wholesalers having minimum annual revenue of 30 crores of rupees.
• Hotels with a 5-star rating or above.
• All FBOs engaged in the production of food products, additives, or parts thereof using any novel procedure or technology that has not yet received FSSAI approval for its protection. It also incorporates the nation's most recent additions to the food ingredient list.

State FSSAI Registration

All small- to medium-sized food businesses with a single state of operation and several branches are required to register for a state FSSAI license . This license is issued by the state administration of that state. These FBOs have an annual revenue of more than Rs 12 lakh and less than Rs 20 crore.

• Hotels of four stars or less.
• Storage facilities with a 50,000 tonne yearly capacity or less.
• Dairy facilities, such as milk chilling machines, with daily handling or processing limits of 500 to 50,000 litres.
• Ability to butcher up to 50 huge animals per day and more than 2 animals.
• Or up to 150 small animals can be handled, so more than 10.
• A minimum of 50 to 1000 poultry birds per day.
• Businesses with an annual revenue of between ₹ 12 and ₹ 20 crores, FBO loves suppliers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, food sales facilities, Dhaba restaurants, clubs, canteens, and eateries.
• Vegetable oil units are produced and processed, including oil expeller units, using refineries and the solvent extraction method having a yearly revenue ranging from ₹ 12 lakh to ₹ 20 crore.
• All food production facilities, including repackagers, have a daily capacity of at least 100 kg/litre and up to 2 tonnes.

Basic FSSAI Registration

The FSSAI Basic Registration is used to register all startups and small companies. The state where the food firm first operates must approve the FSSAI registration. These businesses generate less than or equal to ₹ 12 lakh in annual revenue.

Criteria-

• The FSSAI provides the fundamental registration to all small food businesses that operate in a specific area, city, or state. This form of fundamental certificate must apply to the state in which the company is located. The following list contains the basic FSSAI Registration eligibility requirements:
• FBO prefers hotels, restaurants, and warehouses with less than ₹ 12 lakh in annual revenue as well as wholesalers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers who sell food.
• Retailers selling food products with a small business.
• Small businesses that make produce themselves.
• A food vendor.
• Companies that offer meals during a social or religious gathering besides a caterer
• The buying or processing of milk is done by milk units, which can hold no more than 500 litres of milk solids per day or 2.5 tonnes of milk solids per year.
• Slaughtering of 50 chickens per day, with a maximum daily slaughter capacity of two large animals and ten tiny animals.
• Units for producing or processing vegetable oil, including oil expeller systems in refineries and solvents able to process up to 100 kg/litre each day (excluding milk and meat).

Steps Involved in FSSAI Registration through Vakilsearch

Below are the steps involved in FSSAI registration through Vakilsearch

• Step 1: We collect and verify the documents like Form B, list of partners, processing unit plan, food category list, NOC, etc.
• Step 2: We file the FSSAI application on your behalf
• Step 3: You procure the FSSAI License and enjoy legal benefits, goodwill, and create consumer awareness.

Documents required for the FSSAI Registration Process

Both the offline and online FSSAI registration in West Bengal processes will require the following documents.

Depending on the kind of license one needs,

Central FSSAI Food License in West Bengal

• FSSAI License Declaration Form.
• List and details of all partners, directories, and other dignitaries involved. Details like contact details, permanent addresses, etc.
• An approved person or a signatory details filled in Form-B.
• Proof of sales.
• Proof of ownership (in the case that the premises are owned).
• Equipment list, horsepower details, etc. For production units, this is mandatory.
• IE Code document. It shall be issued by the Directorate-General for foreign trade.
• NOC delivered by the FSSAI.
• NOC granted by a municipality or a local authority.
• Certificate issued by the Ministry of tourism (if the business is a hotel or restaurant).
• In the case of re-labellers and re-packers, the manufacturer must submit a copy of the license issues along with the NOC.
• Chemical bacteriological water review report confirming that hygiene standards are and will be followed in all food ingredients. This is mandatory for produce₹
• List of food produced or sold.
• Certificate confirming the food safety management plan.
• Carriers must provide proof of the number of vehicles involved in the business.

State FSSAI Food License in West Bengal

Many of the documents produced for the FSSAI State License are very similar to those produced for the central license. There are, however, a few additional requirements:

• Name and proof of identification of the applicant.
• Passport-sized photograph of the applicant.
• The applicant's PAN card
• Proof of address of the applicant with required bills such as telephone, electricity bill, etc.
• List of partners, directors, and other executive members with full contact details.
• List of partners, owners, and executive members of the company with full address and contact details.
• NOCs issued by a local authority or municipality.
• NOC is given by the manufacturer (where relevant).
• The e-code document provided by the DGFT.
• Proof of ownership of property (if applicable).
• Copy of the lease agreement (if applicable).
• Firm's MoA and AOA or a partnership deed.
• Details of the nominated person by the owner or company.

Basic FSSAI Registration in West Bengal

As mentioned earlier, the state grants the basic registration for the FSSAI West Bengal license to companies with a turnover of fewer than ₹12 lakhs.

• The form of declaration.
• A letter of authority.
• Owner's identification proof including Aadhaar, PAN, etc.
• Form 10 to nominate the person to the company.
• Evidence of ownership (if owned).
• Copy of the rental agreement (if rented).
• The license of the food safety management system.
• The electricity bill for the business centre.

The online food license application in West Bengal is available in the official FSSAI West Bengal Portal. It is recommended that the FBOs take the help of a legal expert to obtain the license without any concern or confusion.

The overall process of online FSSAI registration in West Bengal is considered very efficient and time-saving.

How can I get a food license in West Bengal?

To get a food license in West Bengal, you need to follow these steps:

1.Register your food business with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). You can do this online or by submitting a hard copy of the application form to the FSSAI office in your state.

2.Obtain a trade license from the local authority. You can do this by submitting an application form to the municipal corporation or panchayat in your area.

3.Get your premises inspected by a food safety officer. The food safety officer will check your premises for compliance with food safety regulations.

4.Submit the required documents to the FSSAI or the local authority. The documents required may vary, but they typically include the trade license, the inspection report, and the FSSAI registration certificate.

5.Pay the application fee. The application fee varies depending on the type of food business you are operating.

What is the cost of a food license in West Bengal?

The cost of a food license in West Bengal varies depending on the type of food business you are operating. For example, the cost of a food license for a restaurant is different from the cost of a food license for a grocery store. The cost of a food license in West Bengal is also subject to change.

Here are the approximate costs of food licenses in West Bengal for different types of food businesses:

• Restaurant: INR 500
• Hotel: INR 1,000
• Caterer: INR 500
• Retail food store: INR 250
• Vending machine: INR 100
• Cloud kitchen: INR 500

** Price subject to vary

Consequences and Penalties

Delay in Renewing the FSSAI License

There will be a penalty of ₹ 100 per day till the FSSAI License renewal process is complete if the application documentation is not finished within the allotted time. West Bengal offers an online food license application that one can use to submit swiftly and stay out of trouble.

Penalty for Delayed Renewal of the FSSAI Registration

In West Bengal, the procedure for renewing a food license is quite significant. Except in cases where a business is closing, license renewals cannot be skipped. If the FBO doesn't comply, there will be consequences. If the renewal of the current license is not finished within the allotted time, the food authority will begin collecting licensing costs again. Between the expiration date and the renewal date, a gap will be taken into account. To continue operating their business, the business operators must submit an application for a fresh license through FSSAI registration.

Both the food license and the FSSAI Registration West Bengal shall be regarded as being in effect up until the confirmation of renewal after 30 days from the license's expiration date. To swiftly renew the license and avoid penalties, follow the FSSAI online renewal West Bengal approach The procedure for renewing a food license in West Bengal is fairly similar to that for West Bengal FSSAI online registration.

Any individual who has obtained a registration with or a license from the FSSAI must abide by the guidelines established by the 2006 Food Safety and Standards Act. The Food Safety Officer conducts a general assessment of the food company's facilities and assesses the level of compliance using a checklist. The food safety officer describes it as follows based on the level of compliance:

• Compliance (C)
• Non-compliance (NC)
• Partial compliance (PC)
• Not applicable/Not observed (NA)

Based on the foregoing, a notice of improvement may be issued by the food safety officer if ever required under Section 32 of the FSS Act, 2006. If the business operator fails to comply with the notice of improvement, the officer may cancel the license after allowing the licensee to show cause. Any food business operator adversely affected by a notice of improvement may appeal to the State Commissioner for Food Safety. The decision may be challenged by an appeal to the Food Safety Appeals Tribunal / High Court.

The penalty for different types of non-compliance is listed:

The penalty for different types of non-compliance is listed:

History of FSSAI and Recent Updates

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established in August 2011 in accordance with the terms of the 2006 Food Safety and Standards Act.FSSAI is regarded as an independent organisation even though the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of the Government of India formed it.

The Indian Food Safety and Standards Authority is a regulatory agency that issues license s to all food businesses in each state in India. As a result, the FSSAI regulatory organisation in West Bengal issues an FSSAI license to every food company operator there. Operators of food businesses can include food producers, traders, owners, etc. The required 14-digit enrollment or licensing number must be obtained and printed on the food packaging.

After its establishment, there have been several updates to the FSSAI legislation. The recent updates are as follows:

• It was confirmed in February 2020 that the FSSAI has established particular standards for the nation's namkeen and the major packaged sweets sector. It is a strategy that would result in the producers and suppliers of these packaged goods using less sugar, fat, and salt and making sure that the right raw materials are used in their products.
• The Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has begun an online training programme in May 2020 to address the difficulties of maintaining the risk of contracting SARS-COV-2 while ensuring an uninterrupted food supply. It is recognised as the root of the coronavirus illness (Covid-19). This is done to safeguard the chain's stakeholders, including employees, clients, and others.

Why Vakilsearch?

Vakilsearch helps you get the FSSAI registration by helping you to navigate through the process with ease. Our experts have experience with managing the documentation meeting the regulatory requirements of the different authorities according to your business. Along with mitigating your problems our experts provide 24x7 support to help guide you through the process.