FSSAI Registration Process – Documents Required, Benefits, Penalty

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an association that manages and controls the food industry within India.

According to Mr. Krutarth, who provides a leading trademark registration service from Ahmedabad, it is a representative body underneath the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Indian government.

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act), a consolidating regulation associated with India’s food safety, established the FSSAI.

It establishes the guidelines for operating a food business in India. It is in charge of registering and licensing India’s Food Business Operators (FBO).

It ensures that food products are subjected to quality checks, reducing food adulteration and the sale of substandard goods.

FSSAI Registration

Every food business operator who manufactures, processes, stores, distributes or sells food products must obtain an FSSAI Registration or License.

FSSAI Registration varies from FSSAI License in that FBOs must receive the proper registration or license based on the scope and their business’s nature.

On all food packages, there is a 14-digit registration or license number.

The 14-digit registration number describes the assembling state producer’s permit.

This registration procedure aims to make the FBO additionally responsible for preserving food products’ quality.

Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, govern the licensing and registration process and requirements.

FSSAI Registration is Required for Food Business Operators (FBOs)

FBOs engaged in the following types of business are required to obtain an FSSAI Registration/License:

• Retail shops and petty retailers such as Retail Shops, Snack Shops, Bakery or Confectionery Shops, and so on
• Momentary stalls or set stall or foodstuffs premises involved in the trial, allocation, repository, and food product’s sales like Chat stall, Gol Gappa stall, fruits/vegetable vendors, snacks stall, Bread pakoda stall, Tea Stall, Samosa stall, Chinese food stall, Sweet stall, South Indian food stall, juice shops, etc.
• Hawkers sell freshly prepared or packaged food by moving from one location to another (usually on foot or in movable carts). 
• Dairy Units include Milk Chilling Units, Petty Milkman, and Milk Vendors.
• Units for the Production of Vegetable Oil
• Slaughtering houses include meat shops, mutton shops, chicken shops, lamb meat, etc.
• Units for the processing of meat and fish
• All food processing/manufacturing facilities that include Food repackaging
• Novel foods and proprietary foods
• A storage facility that is cold/refrigerated
• Several specialized vehicles are used to transport food products, including protected refrigerated wagons/vans, milk tankers, food trucks, food wagons, and so on
• Food wholesalers, suppliers, distributors, and marketers
• Resorts, restaurants, and pubs
• Cafeterias and canteens, including canteens for mid-day feasts
• Caterers and food selling companies
• A Dhaba and a PG provide food. Food stalls at fairs or religious institutions, banquet halls with food catering arrangements, and home-based canteens
• Food importers and exporters, as well as food ingredients
• Cloud kitchens and other e-commerce food suppliers

Each of the businesses listed above requires a different type of FSSAI license/registration depending on their eligibility criteria.

The FSSAI lists the eligibility requirements for each type of business and license/registration.

FSSAI Registration Types

According to Mr. Krutarth, who provides a top trademark registration service from Ahmedabad, the FSSAI registers businesses based on their: 

• Type 
• Turnover 
• Production capacity

Depending on their installed capacity and turnover, FBOs may be eligible for essential, central, or state licenses.

• FSSAI Basic Registration: FBOs with a yearly turnover of less than Rs.12 lakh must register with the FSSAI. Form A is the FSSAI registration form that the applicant must complete to obtain FSSAI essential registration.
• FSSAI State License: FBOs with a yearly turnover of more than Rs.12 lakh but less than Rs.20 crore must obtain a state license from the FSSAI. FORM B is the FSSAI registration form that the applicant must complete to obtain a state license from the FSSAI.
• FSSAI Central License: FBOs with more than 20 crores yearly must obtain an FSSAI central license. Form B is the FSSAI registration form that the applicant must complete to obtain an FSSAI central license.

How to Apply for FSSAI Registration Online

FBOs can apply for FSSAI registration online by filling out Form A (application for registration) or Form B (application for State and Central License) on the FoSCoS portal and submitting it. 

• FBOs can also register by submitting Form A or B to the Department of Food and Safety.
• The required documents must accompany the FSSAI registration form. 
• When filling out the application, the documents must be uploaded online through the FoSCos portal or physically submitted to the Food and Safety Department with the application.
• Within seven days of receiving an application, either physically or online through the FoSCoS portal, the Department can accept or reject the FSSAI registration form. 
• If the application is denied, the applicant must be notified in writing.
• The Department will examine the documents.
• Suppose the Department decides that the FBO meets all of the conditions.
• In that case, it will give an FSSAI registration certification that involves the registration number and a photo of the applicant’s email ID. 
• Before granting the FSSAI registration certificate, the Department may inspect the food premises if necessary. 
• By logging into the FoSCoS portal, the applicant can also download the FSSAI registration certificate.
• The FSSAI registration certificate should be prominently displayed at the FBO during business hours.

Eligibility for FSSAI Registration

FSSAI Registration is a basic license that must be obtained by all FBOs operating in the small-scale food industry. The following businesses are included in this category:

• Any FBO with an annual turnover of not more than Rs. 12 lakh
• Petty retailer dealing in food products
• Any person who manufactures or sells any food article by himself
• The temporary stallholder makes food sale
• Any individual who distributes food in any religious or social gathering except a caterer

Eligibility for an FSSAI License

Apart from small businesses, all other FBOs must obtain an FSSAI license.

FSSAI Licenses are split into two types: Central FSSAI Licenses and State FSSAI Licenses, depending on the size of the business, whether it is small or large.

FBOs with large-scale food businesses, such as manufacturers, importers, and exporters, must get FSSAI enrollment from the central government. 

In contrast, FBOs with smallish to medium-sized manufacturing divisions, marketers, transporters, and traders must get FSSAI enrollment from the state government.

The FBO must maintain a turnover of between Rs twelve lakh and Rs twenty crore to apply for a State License.

Other conditions include manufacturing divisions with a capability of 2MT per day and dairy divisions with a day-to-day volume of up to five thousand liters.

Regardless of their turnover, 3-star hotels, and above, the following businesses must apply for the license:

• Repackers
• Clubs 
• Catering businesses
• Canteens 
• Relabeling units 

The license is valid for a max of five years and at least one year.

To apply for a central license, the FBO must have a turnover of more than Rs. Twenty crores and operations in two or more states are required.

This license is required for all importers and exporters. 

The maximum term is five years, with a one-year minimum.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration and Licensing

To obtain FSSAI essential registration, FSSAI state license, and FSSAI central license, you’ll need the following documents:

• Operators of food businesses must provide photo identification.
• Business constitution certificate, i.e., partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, shop and establishment license, or other business registration certificate.
• Proof of business premises possession, such as a rental agreement, a letter of authorization from the rented premises’ owner, utility bills, and so on.
• Plan for a food safety management system
• Food products that have been manufactured or processed.
• Information about your bank account
• Supporting documents (if needed), such as a municipal or panchayat NOC, a health NOC, a copy of the manufacturer’s license, and so on.

Apart from the available documents mentioned above, specific documents must obtain FSSAI state and central licenses.

The following documents are required to obtain a state license from the FSSAI:

• Form B adequately filled out and signed
• The dimensions and operation-wise area allocation of the processing unit are shown in this diagram.
• List of Directors/Partners/Owners, including address, phone number, and photo ID
• Name and inventory of used equipment and machinery, including the number and installed capacity 
• Authority letter from manufacturer naming and addressing a responsible person
• Report on water analysis to be used in the process to ensure portability
• Copies of certificates obtained under the Cooperative Act of 1861 and the Multi-State Cooperative Act of 2002

Apart from the general license, the FSSAI central license requires the following specific documents:

• Form B duly completed and signed
• Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation   
• List of Directors/ Partners/ Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID
• Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity
• Authority letter from manufacturer nominated a responsible person name and address
• Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability
• Source of raw material for milk, meat, etc
• Recall plan wherever applicable
• Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU
• NOC/PA document issued by FSSAI
• IE code document issued by DGFT
• Form IX
• Certificate from Ministry of Tourism
• Supporting document for proof of turnover and transportation
• Declaration form

Fees for FSSAI Registration

When submitting the FSSAI registration form, the applicant/FBO must pay the fees. The following are the FSSAI registration fees for various types of registration:

• The price of Rs.100 for FSSAI Basic Registration
• Fees for FSSAI State Licenses range from Rs.2,500 to Rs.5,000 (Depends on the type of business carried out)
• The cost of Rs.7,500 for FSSAI Central License

Status of FSSAI Registration

At various FSSAI’s application processing stages, an applicant is notified by SMS/Email alert.

The applicant can also check the status of their FSSAI registration by going to the FoSCoS website and entering the application reference number they received after applying for FSSAI under the ‘Track Application Status’ tab.

The application status can be tracked to see the different stages of the FSSAI registration status.

The FSSAI registration status of ‘Application Reverted’ indicates that the application has been reverted for necessary modification or clarification.

To avoid the risk of application rejection, the applicant must respond within 30 days of the reverted date.

When the FSSAI management issue the FSSAI enrollment certification, the registration status will be displayed as ‘Registration Certificate Issued.’

By logging into the FoSCoS website, applicants can download the certificate.

The Advantages of Obtaining an FSSAI Food License

According to Mr. Krutarth, who provides an exceptional trademark registration service from Ahmedabad, obtaining a license can provide the following: 

• Legal benefits
• Build goodwill
• Ensure food safety
• Raise consumer awareness
• Aid in business expansion for a food business

It also aids in the following:

• Regulating the production
• Storage 
• Distribution 
• Sale of imported foods 

When an FBO is registered with the FSSAI, it is simple to raise funds from investors.

The FSSAI logo on food products ensures that customers receive high-quality food.

The FSSAI registration number displayed on the food establishment indicates that the establishment meets the required hygiene and quality standards.

Noncompliance’s Consequences

Any licensed or registered with the FSSAI must adhere to the FSS Act’s rules and regulations.

The food safety officer inspects the food business operator’s facility and uses a checklist to determine the level of compliance with the law.

The food safety officer assigns a grade based on the level of compliance:

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

According to Section 32 of the FSS Act, 2006, the food safety officer may issue an improvement notice if necessary.

If the business owner does not comply with the improvement notice, the officer may revoke his license after giving him a chance to explain himself.

Any food business owner who’s an improvement notice has harmed the right to file a complaint with the State Commissioner of Food Safety.

An appeal to the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal/High Court can be made against the decision.

FSSAI License Renewal

To start a food business, you’ll need an FSSAI license. It is also necessary to renew the license.

The license is issued for a validity of 1 year or five years, so the company must apply for renewal 30 days before the expiry of the current license.