FSSAI License Types and Requirement

by Swarit Advisors Company Registration

FSSAI license is the need of every food business operator (FBO) for operating the business. You might be thinking what it is so. Okay, let me answer then.

Under the provisions of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), it is mandatory for every FBO to obtain the FSSAI License or food license. The ignorance of which can cause the food business operator to pay substantial fine or penalty imposed by the FSSAI department.

Therefore, if you're starting a food business of any kind be it opening a hotel or restaurant, transportation, manufacturing, packaging, import or export of food items, etc. you are supposed to obtain the license first. It is to ensure that the food that 130 crores of people of India are eating is safe to consume.

In this blog, our prime focus would be to highlight the types of FSSAI license and its requirements. However, we will also discuss the purpose of FSSAI. The topics covered in the blog are as follows:

· The prime objective of FSSAI

· Types of FSSAI license in India

· Basic documents for FSSAI registration

· Documents required for obtaining State FSSAI license

· Necessary documents for Central FSSAI license

The Prime Objective of FSSAI

FSSAI established under Food Safety and Standards, 2006 to lay down science-based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import to ascertain the availability of food that is wholesome and safe for human consumption. Apart from this, FSSAI's prime objectives are:

· To protect and promote public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.

· To promote general awareness about food safety and food standards.

· To contribute to the development of international technical standards for food, sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards.

· To lay down procedure and guidelines for accreditation of laboratories and notification of the accredited laboratories.

· To offer training to people involved or tending to involve in any food business, etc.

Similarly, FSSAI has been designed to serve many purposes related to food and public health.

You can learn how to obtain FSSAI license for Hotels.

Types of FSSAI License in India

FSSAI issues three types of license in India. Based on the scale of operation of the business carried out, these licenses differ from each other. They are as follows:

· Basic/FSSAI Registration,

· State License, and

· Central License.

· Basic/FSSAI registration

FBOs such as manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, marketers, distributors, etc. are supposed to obtain the FSSAI registration. However, the State Government issues the FSSAI registration, but depending on the eligibility, an FBO can fall under the State or basic registration license. The maximum tenure for FSSAI registration is 5 years and a minimum of 1 year.

· State License

The State license is mandatory to be obtained by FBOs whose annual turnover is more than Rs. 12 Lakhs. Like basic registration license, the maximum tenure of the State fssai License is 5 years, and a minimum of 1 year. The State government is responsible for issuing the state license. But you need to operate the business only in one state in order to obtain the license.

· Central License

FBOs like importers, exporters, large manufacturers, operators in the Central Government agencies, airports, seaports, etc. must obtain Central Food license to operate the food business in India. The Central government is responsible for the issuance of the license. Moreover, if FBOs have business in more than 1 state, then they have to obtain the Central license. It is mandatory for especially those whose annual turnover is more than Rs. 20 crores. The validity of Central license is 5 years and 1 year.

Learn about FSSAI License renewal procedure.

Basic documents for FSSAI registration

· A scanned copy of PAN card;

· A scanned copy of Aadhaar card;

· A scanned copy of signature;

· Scanned photographs;

· A document including details about the business activity;

· A declaration about the business place in Form A.

Documents required for obtaining State FSSAI License

· Business registration certification that could be COI (Certificate of Incorporation), GST (Goods and Services Tax) or Partnership Deed;

· A list of Plant and Machinery;

· ID proof of the person liable for FSSAI compliance;

· Photographs of Machinery;

· And, rest documents are as same as described in the FSSAI registration.

Necessary Documents for Central FSSAI license

· Audited balance sheet in case Food Manufacturers are applying for a Central License;

· Rest documents are same as required for obtaining the State license.

If you still have concerns on FSSAI license, then contact Enterslice. Our hardworking team of experts will help you overcome your doubts and any confusion regarding the FSSAI registration and license.