Food License: FSSAI Registration Process - Documentation, Benefits, Penalty

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OVERVIEW

What is a FOSCOS or FSSAI Food license?

FoSCoS, which stands for Food Safety Compliance System, is an online tool created by the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) offering a single solution for food businesses across the country to improve their compliance with regulations in the constantly changing food industry landscape.

What is an FSSAI or FSSAI registration?

FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is like the guardian of food safety in India.

It is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. FSSAI is responsible for regulating and supervising the safety and standards of food products in India to ensure they meet the prescribed quality benchmarks and are safe for consumption.

They set rules and guidelines for how food should be produced, processed, and sold to keep us healthy and prevent food-related illnesses.

TYPES OF LICENSE

What are the different types of licenses?

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In India, the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) issues different types of licenses for food businesses based on their scale of operation and nature. Here are the main types of licenses:

1. FSSAI Registration

This is required for small food businesses whose annual turnover is less than ₹12 lakh. It's a basic registration process that ensures compliance with food safety standards.

This is for food businesses like petty retailers, small-scale manufacturers, and hawkers. It's suitable for businesses with limited operations and turnover.

2. State FSSAI License Online

Food businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore need to obtain a state-level FSSAI license. This license is issued by the state government.

Suitable for mid-sized food businesses operating within one state.

3. Central FSSAI License

Food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore require a central-level FSSAI license. This license is issued by the Central Government.

Mandatory for large-scale food businesses operating across multiple states or having an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore.

These licenses ensure that food businesses comply with food safety standards and regulations set by the FSSAI, thereby ensuring the safety and quality of food products available on the market.

BENEFITS

Benefits of FSSAI registration

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Here are the benefits of getting an FSSAI registration, in simple terms:

Following the Law

Getting a food license means you're following the rules set by the government for selling safe food. It keeps you from getting into trouble for not following these rules.

People Trust You

When customers see your food license, they feel confident that your food is safe to eat. It helps them trust your business more.

More Places to Sell

Many stores and shops will only sell your products if you have a food license. So, having one means you can sell your food in more places.

Your Business Looks Good

Having a food license makes your business look professional and responsible. It shows that you care about making safe and quality food.

Grow Your Business

With a food license, it's easier to expand your business to new areas or make more of your products because you're already following the rules.

Good Reputation

Following food safety rules and having a license makes people think highly of your business. It helps build a good reputation.

Government Help

Once you're registered, the government might help you with things like training and making sure you're following the rules.

Safety First

Following food safety rules means you're less likely to make people sick or have to recall your products, which could hurt your business.

So, getting a food license isn't just about following rules; it's about building trust, growing your business, and keeping your customers safe and happy.

PROCESS

FSSAI Registration Online process

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The FSSAI registration process online involves several steps:

Preparation

Before starting the registration process, ensure you have all the necessary documents ready, such as identity proof, address proof, and details about your food business.

Visit the FSSAI website

Go to the official website of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Create an Account

If you haven't already, create an account on the FSSAI website.

Choose Registration Type

Determine the type of registration you need based on the scale and nature of your food business (Basic, State, or Central).

Fill out the Application Form

Fill out the online application form with accurate details about your business, including contact information, food category, and production capacity.

Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of the required documents, such as identity proof, address proof, and supporting documents related to your food business.

Payment of Fees

Pay the applicable registration fees online using the available payment methods.

Submission

Review all the information provided and apply.

Application Processing

After submission, the FSSAI authorities will process your application. This may involve verification of documents and inspections if required.

Issuance of Registration Certificate

Once your application is approved, you will receive the FSSAI certificate via email or downloadable from the website.

Documents Required For FSSAI License Online

  1. Declaration through Form A
  2. ID Proof: A document that shows who you are, like your Aadhar card, PAN card, or passport.
  3. Address Proof: Something that proves where your business is located, like a utility bill or rental agreement.
  4. Details of the Kind of Business (KoB)
  5. Form IX in case of nomination of a person by a company along with a board (not required in case of proprietor)
  6. A photograph of the applicant, in the case of an individual.
  7. A list of proprietors along with their nominee details.
  1. FORM B application for a license
  2. ID Proof: A document that shows who you are, like your Aadhar card, PAN card, or passport.
  3. Address Proof: Something that proves where your business is located, like a utility bill or rental agreement.
  4. Details of the Kind of Business (KoB): A list of all the food products you make or handle.
  5. Form IX in case of nomination of a person by a company along with a board
  6. A photograph of the applicant, in the case of an individual.
  7. Photographs of the premises inside and outside
  8. Recall Plan: Details about how you make sure your food is safe to eat
  9. Layout Plan: A drawing of your business place showing where everything is.
  10. Manufacturer's Approval: If you're not the original maker of the food, you'll need a certificate from the manufacturer saying it's okay for you to sell it.
  11. Water Test Results: If you use water in your business, you'll need to show it's clean with a test report.
  12. Source of Meat or Milk: If you deal with meat or milk products, you'll need a certificate showing where you get them from
  13. Partnership Paperwork: If you're in a partnership, you'll need documents showing your agreement.
  14. Authorized signatory letter for filling out the FSSAI application.
  15. In the case of a company, required COI, MOA, AOA, and PAN of the company.
  16. Name & list of equipment and machines, along with the numbers.
  17. List of directors with full details in the case of the company.
  1. Self-Declaration Form through Form B
  2. ID Proof: A document that shows who you are, like your Aadhar card, PAN card, or passport.
  3. Address Proof: Something that proves where your business is located, like a utility bill or rental agreement.
  4. Details of the Kind of Business (KoB): A list of all the food products you make or handle.
  5. Form IX in case of nomination of a person by a company along with a board
  6. Certificate of incorporation of the company
  7. PAN card of a company
  8. If the applicant is a private limited company MOA & AOA
  9. An authority letter from the company letterhead to the concerned person stating that he is authorized to file an FSSAI application.
  10. Importer-exporter code issued by the DGFT in case of import/export.
  11. E-commerce business: A mandatory live website will be required in the case of e-commerce business.
  12. Photographs of the premises inside and outside
  13. Recall Plan: Details about how you make sure your food is safe to eat
  14. Layout Plan: A drawing of your business place showing where everything is.
  15. Manufacturer's Approval: If you're not the original maker of the food, you'll need a certificate from the manufacturer saying it's okay for you to sell it.
  16. Water Test Results: If you use water in your business, you'll need to show it's clean with a test report.
Having these documents ready will make it easier to apply for your food license.
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Who needs a food license?

Anyone who makes, sells, stores, transports, or distributes food in India needs a food license. This includes:
  1. Food manufacturers: People or companies that make food products, like snacks, drinks, or packaged foods.
  2. Food Processors: Those who process raw food materials to make finished products.
  3. Storage Places: Warehouses or cold storage places where food is kept before it's sold.
  4. Wholesalers: People or companies who sell food products in bulk to retailers.
  5. Retailers: Shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and any place where food is directly sold to customers.
  6. Transporters: People or companies that move food from one place to another.
  7. Importers and Exporters: People or companies that bring food into India or send it out of India.

No matter the size of your business, whether big or small, if you're involved in any part of the food supply chain, you need to get a food license. It's a way to make sure that the food people eat is safe and healthy.

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FSSAI License Government COST

The applicant/FBO is required to pay the specified fees upon submission of the FSSAI registration form. The government fee structure for different types of registration is outlined as follows:
  • FSSAI Basic Registration: Rs. 100
  • FSSAI State License: The fee ranges from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000, depending on the nature of the business.
  • FSSAI Central License: Rs. 7,500+ 18% GST annually
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Renewal of FSSAI License

Getting the FSSAI license is important when starting a food business, and it's also really important to renew it. The license lasts either 1 year or 5 years, so businesses need to apply for renewal 30 days before it runs out.
PENALTIES

Penalties for non-compliance with FSSAI regulations

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Here are the penalties for violations of food safety regulations outlined point by point:

Operating Without License/Registration

Fines can range from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 5,00,000, depending on the severity of the violation.

Substandard or unsafe food

Penalties can lead to up to Rs. 5,00,000 and imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months.

Misleading advertising or labeling

Fines can range from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 3,00,000

Non-compliance with Food Safety Standards

Penalties can reach up to Rs. 2,00,000 and imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months.

Adulteration of Food

Penalties can extend up to Rs. 10,00,000 and imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years.

Non-compliance with Food Recall Procedures

Fines can reach up to Rs. 10,00,000.

Failure to Maintain Hygiene and Sanitation Standards

Penalties can range from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 10,00,000, depending on the extent of the violation.

Failure to maintain records and documentation

Fines can range from Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs. 10,00,000.

Non-compliance with Packaging and Labeling Regulations

Penalties can go up to Rs. 3,00,000.

Failure to provide safe drinking water

Penalties can range from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 5,00,000.

These penalties are indicative and can vary based on the specific circumstances of each case. It's crucial for food business operators to strictly adhere to food safety regulations to avoid these penalties and ensure the safety of consumers.

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Why JustStart

At JustStart, we can streamline the FSSAI registration process for businesses, saving them time and effort while ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.

Throughout the process, we will provide friendly and helpful assistance to make everything as easy as possible for the business.

JustStart offers convenient online services, allowing businesses to complete the registration process from anywhere at their own pace.

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