In the previous blog, we gave you the brief idea of FSSAI, why it was formed and various other functions of it. In this blog we will discuss an important element of food licensing in India - FSSAI Registration and its complete process.
Food Safety and Standard Authority of India is an autonomous body under the Foods Safety and Standards Act, 2006(FSS Act) established for protecting and promoting public health through food safety measures. It monitors and govern the food business in India. The registration and licensing of food business is governed by Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation, 2011. For operating a food related business in India, FSSAI is foremost permission/license for conducting the business. Even though the FBO may not be eligible for GST registration but is always eligible for FSSAI registration.
FSSAI registration is a basic license and is a 14 digit registered number. As per the above regulation, all Food Business Operators(FBOs) in the country will be allowed to operate only after requisite registration or license has been taken by the business operator. FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License is compulsory for any FBO dealing in manufacturing, storage, transportation, processing etc. related to food.
According to this Licensing and Registration Regulation, every petty food business operator shall register themselves with the FSSAI. Further, any FBO that cannot be classified as a petty FBO shall obtain FSSAI license (State or Central) for operating the said business in India.
Eligible Food Business Operator for basic registration
The following category of FBOs are eligible for FSSAI registration and are classified as petty food manufacturers:
Entity which manufactures or sells any article of food himself or a petty retailer, hawker, itinerant vendor or temporary stall holder; or
Entity which distributes foods including in any religious or social gathering except a caterer;
Small scale or cottage or such other industries relating to food business or tiny food businesses with an annual turnover not exceeding Rs 12 lakhs and whose -
- production capacity of food (other than milk and milk products and meat and meat products) does not exceed 100 kg/liter per day or
- procurement or handling and collection of milk is up to 500 liters of milk per day or
- slaughtering capacity is 2 large animals or 10 small animals or 50 poultry birds per day or less.
Benefits of FSSAI registration
It is mandatory for FBOs to have FSSAI license or basic registration for operating the food business in India. If not complied, then there can be huge penalties involved. FSSAI license helps in the customer confidence in your food brand.
FSSAI registration procedure
Login to website FSSAI Licensing and Registration System and create User ID and Password for first time login.
An application for registration in Form A along with fees of Rs. 100 is to submitted.
Self-attested declaration with regard to adherence to standards in the format provided in Annexure-1
The registration authority will either accept or reject the application within 7 days.
The registration authority may order inspection of the manufacturing unit if desired by the officer.
The registration authority will issue registration certificate along with photo identity card to be displayed at the premises.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Whether FSSAI registration/license is required for medical stores dealing in food supplements?
Yes, it is mandatory for them either to take basic registration/license based on their turnover.
Whether separate license is required to conduct different kind of food business activities under same premises
No, FSSAI is premises based registration and does not depend upon the categories of food business operating in that single premise.
Whether documents are to be physically submitted after making online application?
No physical document submission is required.
How to surrender FSSAI registration?
Login to the website FSSAI Licensing and Registration System and apply for cancellation of license/registration. After approval of the authority, it will be considered as surrendered.
How to check status of FSSAI application?
SMS/Email alerts are being sent to the applicant
