Overview

The FSSAI is responsible to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India responsible for issuing food licenses to food business operators. It is the apex body incorporated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; The Government of India is responsible for setting standards for the sale, packaging or storage of food items in India. Additionally, it was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

It is necessary for food business operators such as manufacturers, traders and food store owners to obtain FSSAI license. In addition, there are two types of food licenses, such as FSSAI license and FSSAI registration, depending on the size or scale of the food business. The FSSAI license is further divided into two parts.

Types of food safety license

All businesses involved in the food sector must apply for a food license. The type of food safety license you need to run a food business depends on factors such as business turnover, scale of business and the type of activity you are involved in..

Basically, food safety licenses are of two types. One is FSSAI registration, and the other is FSSAI license. But, how do you determine which one of them is right for you?

• Basic FSSAI Registration

  Basic FSSAI registration is required by Paytm food business operators. The turnover of such business should not exceed Rs. 12 lakhs per year. Examples of this category are a petty retailer, hawker, iterant vendor or temporary stallholder..

• FSSAI State License

  A business in which Rs. Is traded 12 lakhs. 200 million. The state is eligible for a food license. Additionally, the turnover limit is the same for FSSAI State Trading License or FSSAI State Manufacturing License..

• Central FSSAI License

  This license is for food businesses whose turnover is Rs. More than. 20 crores Rs. Manufacturing, trading and storage units beyond the specified limits are some examples of FBOs that fall under the category of obtaining this license..

Why do you need a food license?

The purpose of obtaining a food license is to ensure that food products packaged, sold, or sold by food business operators conform to the quality standards set by the FSSAI. Therefore, the ultimate goal of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is to reduce the possibilities of substandard products, food adulteration, and to improve the accountability of manufacturers by issuing food licenses to them for food service..

the FSSAI license fee

In practice, there are two types of FSSAI license fees that need to be paid to obtain a food license. The first is a government fee, and the second is the professional fee you will have to pay.

Other Information

The provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act do not apply to the following group of food business operators;

• A small manufacturer, manufacturing foods at home for commercial purpose
• Paytm retailer
• Hawker
• Traveling salesman
• Temporary stall owner
• Small Scale or Cottage FBO / Small FBO

Consequences of not obtaining food license

The consequences of not having a valid food license are as follows:

• The FFSAI logo is helpful in increasing the credibility of food items sold, distributed or stored by your unit. However, without a valid registration, you will not be able to use the FSSAI logo on your food products..
• You may face some difficulties in getting a loan for your food business. The reason for this is that most investors, banks and lenders hold a certificate above the borrowers who do not hold FSSAI license while issuing credit.
• Not having the relevant FSSAI license can lead to loss of opportunities to apply for tenders or events organized by the government, etc.
• You experience a lack of trust from your target consumers.
• In addition, you can be liable for a fine which can be up to five lakh rupees or up to six months in jail for doing food business without possessing a valid certificate of registration..

FSSAI license renewal

All food businesses operate under rules and regulations under the FSSAI Act 2006. Obtaining FSSAI license is a must for every food business operator. However, the majority of the population don and rsquot know that obtaining an FSSAI license renewal is as important as obtaining an FSSAI license. FSSAI license renewal is required to be done within the stipulated time period. Whether you are a processing unit or manufacturing unit or food packaging or distribution unit as an entrepreneur, it is necessary for you to obtain an FSSAI license and do so every 1-5 years with its renewal..

Decoding 14 digit FSSAI license number

The FSSAI license number is a 14-digit number issued to registered food business operators (FBOs); It consists of five sections, each of them providing different information about the food business operator. Introductory information is provided on the food product package with the FSSAI logo.

Required Documents

List of documents:

• Form B completed and signed
• Photo identity proof of food business operator
• A copy of the proof of possession of the base, such as a rental agreement
• MOA, AOA, partnership deed, etc. - depending on the type of entity
• List of food products included
• Food Safety Management System Plan

• Duly signed and form B.
• Unit layout
• List of machinery and equipment used in the unit
• A list of partners, directors, proprietors etc. depending on the type of entity
• Complete list of foods to be dealt
• Source of various raw materials
• Form IX
• Certificate from Ministry of Tourism
• Certificate from Ministry of Commerce for 100% EOU
• Rental agreement or any other proof of possession of Aadhaar
• Letter of authority
• PA / NOC document provided by FSSAI
• Manufacturer’s NOC and a copy of the license
• Manifesto

• Duly signed and completed form B
• Entity Blueprint
• List of machinery and equipment used in the unit
• A list of partners, directors, proprietors etc. depending on the type of entity
Complete list of foods to deal with
• Letter of Authority
• Rent agreement or any other proof of possession of Aadhaar
• Food Safety Management System Certificate
• Any other required document

Additional documentation for manufacturers

• Layout of the processing unit
• A list of all machinery or equipment
• A list of categories of food to be made
• Report on water for pesticide residues

• Basic registration

  After your documents have been verified by the regulatory body, the login creation phase ensues, and when your login ID is created, we will send you a duly filled Form A for approval. Also, when you send us your approval, we will process your application. Finally, we will submit your application with the prescribed fee. Your license will be issued within ten to fifteen days depending on your place of business.

• State License

  After your documents have been verified by the regulatory body, we will create your login ID. For obtaining a State License, an additional document called the ‘Declaration’ is required to be submitted along with the prescribed Form. Moreover, the ‘Declaration’ contains the signed general declaration statement of the client along with prescribed Form 9, Declaration of Food Safety Management System {FSMS} and declaration depending on the kind of business carried on by the client.

  Then, Form B is filed by us with the necessary documents. Depending on your place of business, you will receive your license within twenty to thirty days.

  However, if there is an error or any other problem in your application, you will have to get it fixed, and the application has to be filed within thirty days. Otherwise, your application will be rejected, and you will have to repeat all the steps from the initial stage.

• Central License

  The process of obtaining a central license is almost similar to obtaining a state license. The difference is only due to the type of business performed by the FBO. Additionally, the timing of central license issuance is also similar.

  If your unit is involved in the import or export of food items, then you need an IEC, namely the Import Export Code regardless of your business of business. Likewise, if you are involved in the business of transporting food items from one source to another, then you will need a central license specifying that the business of transporting food items involves FBO.

Penalty

• Not in compliance with Food Quality Act: Rs. 2 lakhs, Rs. 25 thousand for Paytm manufacturers
• Incorrect foods: Rs. 5 lakhs
• Substandard Food Products: Rs. 3 lakhs
• Misleading advertisement / incorrect statement Rs. 10 million
• Excessive Cases in Food: Rs. 1 Lac
• Failure to follow instructions of food safety proposal: Rs. 2 lakhs
• Using unhealthy methods of processing or manufacturing of food products: Rs. 1 Lac