FSSAI

The Food Safety and Standard Act had been commenced in India in 2006 and as per The FSSAI Act, 2006 license from Food safety and standard authority  is compulsorily required to operate business in food sector. 

FSSAI Registration

Every person (natural or artificial) involved in food business, such as manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution and sale of food products must compulsorily obtain FSSAI Registration or License.
FSSAI Registration is a 14-digit registration or a license number that is printed on all the food packages. The 14-digit registration number gives details about the assembling state and producer’s permit. This registration procedure is aimed to create more accountability on the FBO to maintain the quality of the food products. The licensing and registration procedure and requirements are regulated by Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011.

The FBOs carrying on the following kinds of business are mandatorily required to obtain an FSSAI Registration/License:

  • Petty retailers and retail shops such as Retail Shop, Snacks shop, Confectionery or Bakery Shop, etc.
  • Temporary stalls or fixed stall or food premise involved in the preparation, distribution, storage and sale of food products such as Gol Gappa stall, chat stall, fruits/vegetable vendors, Tea Stall, snacks stall, Bread pakoda stall, Samosa stall, Chinese food stall, South Indian food stall, sweet stall, juice shops, etc.
  • Hawkers who sell packaged or freshly prepared food by travelling (usually on foot or movable carts) from one location to another.
  • Dairy Units including Milk Chilling Units, Petty Milkman and Milk Vendors.
  • Vegetable Oil Processing Units.
  • Slaughtering houses such as meat shops, mutton shops, chicken shops, lamb meat, etc.
  • Meat Processing and Fish Processing units.
  • Proprietary food and Novel food.
  • All Food Manufacturing/ Processing units that include Repacking of food.
  • Cold/refrigerated storage facility.
  • Transporter of food products having a number of specialised vehicles like insulated refrigerated van/wagon, milk tankers, food wagons, food trucks, etc.
  • Wholesaler, supplier, distributor and marketer of food products.
  • Hotels, Restaurants and Bars.
  • Canteens and Cafeteria including mid-day meal canteens.
  • Food Vending Agencies and Caterer.
  • Dhaba, PG providing food, Banquet halls with food catering arrangements, Home Based Canteens and Food stalls in fairs or religious institutions.
  • Importers and Exporters of food items including food ingredients.
  • E-Commerce food suppliers including cloud kitchens.

Types of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI registration is based on the business types, turnover and capacity of production. Depending upon the installed capacity and turnover, FBOs are eligible for license such as basic license, central license, and state license.

FBOs having a turnover of less than Rs.12 lakh p.a must obtain FSSAI basic registration. The FSSAI registration form that the applicant has to fill to obtain FSSAI basic registration is Form A.

FBOs having a turnover of more than Rs.12 lakh p.a and less than Rs.20 crore p.a must obtain the FSSAI state license. The FSSAI registration form that the applicant has to fill to obtain an FSSAI state license is Form B.

FBOs having a turnover of more than Rs.20 crore p.a must obtain the FSSAI central license. The FSSAI registration form that the applicant has to fill to obtain FSSAI central license is Form B.

Documents Required For Obtaining the FSSAI Registration/License

The following documents are required to obtain FSSAI basic registration, FSSAI state license and FSSAI central license:

• Photo identity proof of the food business operators.
• Business constitution certificate, i.e. partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, shop and establishment license or other business registration certificate. Proof of possession of business premises, i.e. rental agreement, NOC from the owner of the rented premises, utility bills etc.
• Food safety management system plan.
• List of food products manufactured or processed.
• Bank account information.
• Supporting documents (if required) like NOC by Municipality or Panchayat, Health NOC, copy of License from the manufacturer, etc.

Apart from the above-mentioned general documents, certain specific documents are required obtaining the FSSAI state license and FSSAI central license. The specific documents required to obtain the FSSAI state license are:

• 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 the manufacturer nominating a responsible person’s name and address.
• Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability
• Copy of certificate obtained under Coop Act 1861/Multi-State Coop Act 2002

Apart from the general license, the following specific documents are required to obtain FSSAI central license:

• 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
• ICE code document issued by DGFT
• Form IX
• Certificate from Ministry of Tourism
• Supporting document for proof of turnover and transportation
• Declaration form