FSSAI (Food Safety Registration)

FSSAI Registration is a mandatory license for any business involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, and sale of food products. It ensures that the food products are safe for consumption and meet the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Any business or individual involved in the food business, including manufacturers, traders, restaurants, grocery stores, importers, exporters, home-based food businesses, and caterers, must obtain an FSSAI License. This also applies to food businesses operating for a single day, such as temporary food stalls at events or fairs.

There are three types of FSSAI Licenses based on the scale of operations and production capacity:

• FSSAI Basic Registration (Local Level): For small food businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs or a production capacity of up to 100 kg/liters per day.
• FSSAI State License (State Level): For medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crores or a production capacity of 101 kg/liters to 2 metric tons per day.
• FSSAI Central License (Central Level): For large food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crores or a production capacity of more than 2 metric tons per day, and for those engaged in the import/export of food products.

The FSSAI License can be applied for online through the FSSAI Food Licensing & Registration System (FLRS) website. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the FLRS website and select the ‘Food Registration’ option.
2. Determine the type of license required based on your business turnover and production capacity.
3. Fill out the application form with the required details.
4. Upload the necessary documents (identity proof, address proof, business details, etc.).
5. Pay the application fee online.
6. Submit the application. You will receive a confirmation and the FSSAI License will be issued after verification.

The required documents vary depending on the type of business entity:

Proprietorship:

• Form B (completed and signed)
• Passport-sized photograph of the proprietor
• Photo ID proof (Aadhar card, Voter ID, Passport)
• Address proof (Utility bill, Rental agreement)
• Proof of possession of premises (rental agreement, utility bill)
• Food safety management plan
• List of food products manufactured or processed

Partnership Firm:

• Form B (completed and signed)
• Passport-sized photographs of all partners
• Photo ID proof of all partners (Aadhar card, Voter ID, Passport)
• Partnership deed
• Address proof of the firm (Utility bill, Rental agreement)
• Proof of possession of premises (rental agreement, utility bill)
• Food safety management plan
• List of food products manufactured or processed

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP):

• Form B (completed and signed)
• Passport-sized photographs of all designated partners
• Photo ID proof of all designated partners (Aadhar card, Voter ID, Passport)
• LLP Agreement
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Address proof of the LLP (Utility bill, Rental agreement)
• Proof of possession of premises (rental agreement, utility bill)
• Food safety management plan
• List of food products manufactured or processed

Company (Private/Public):

• Form B (completed and signed)
• Passport-sized photographs of directors and authorized signatory
• Photo ID proof of directors and authorized signatory (Aadhar card, Voter ID, Passport)
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA)
• Address proof of the company (Utility bill, Rental agreement)
• Proof of possession of premises (rental agreement, utility bill)
• Food safety management plan
• List of food products manufactured or processed
• Board resolution authorizing the person to apply for the FSSAI license

Hindu Undivided Family (HUF):

• Form B (completed and signed)
• Passport-sized photographs of the Karta
• Photo ID proof of the Karta (Aadhar card, Voter ID, Passport)
• Address proof of HUF (Utility bill, Rental agreement)
• Proof of possession of premises (rental agreement, utility bill)
• Food safety management plan
• List of food products manufactured or processed

The FSSAI License is typically issued within 60 days from the date of application, provided all documents are in order and the inspection, if required, is satisfactory.

The FSSAI License is valid for a period ranging from 1 to 5 years, depending on the application and fee paid. The license must be renewed before the expiry date.

To renew your FSSAI License:

1. Login to the FLRS website using your credentials.
2. Select the ‘Renewal’ option.
3. Fill out the renewal form and update any necessary information.
4. Submit the renewal application along with the required fee.
5. The renewal process should be completed before the expiration of the current license to avoid penalties.

FSSAI License holders must adhere to the following compliance requirements:

• Maintain proper hygiene and sanitation at the premises.
• Ensure that all food products meet the safety standards prescribed by FSSAI.
• Keep records of raw materials, production, and sales.
• Display the FSSAI License at a prominent place at the business premises.
• Submit annual returns and periodic reports as required.
• Conduct regular food safety audits and inspections.

Yes, non-compliance with FSSAI regulations can result in penalties, including fines, suspension, or cancellation of the FSSAI License, and even imprisonment in severe cases.

You can check the status of your FSSAI License application by logging into the FLRS website and navigating to the ‘Track Application Status’ section.

No, the FSSAI License is not transferable. In case of a change in ownership or structure of the business, a new FSSAI License must be obtained.

If your FSSAI License application is rejected, you will receive a notification stating the reasons for rejection. You can address the issues mentioned and reapply for the license.

While specific training is not mandatory, it is recommended that FSSAI License holders and their staff undergo training on food safety and hygiene practices. FSSAI provides various training programs under the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) initiative.

FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) is the integrated platform for FSSAI licensing, registration, and regulatory compliance. It is the upgraded version of the FLRS system and provides enhanced features for food businesses.

Certain small-scale food businesses with petty sales may be exempt from obtaining an FSSAI License but must register with FSSAI. Examples include small hawkers, street vendors, and cottage industries with an annual turnover below Rs. 12 lakhs.

To update or modify your FSSAI License details:

1. Login to the FLRS/FoSCoS portal using your credentials.
2. Select the ‘Modification’ option.
3. Update the required details and upload supporting documents.
4. Submit the modification request.
5. The modifications will be processed and updated accordingly.

If you lose your FSSAI License certificate, you can download a duplicate copy from the FLRS/FoSCoS website by logging into your account and accessing the ‘License Dashboard’.

Yes, foreign entities intending to import food products into India must obtain an FSSAI Central License.

To reactivate a suspended FSSAI License, you must address the reasons for suspension and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements. Then, submit a request for reactivation through the FLRS/FoSCoS portal.

You can verify the authenticity of an FSSAI License through the FLRS/FoSCoS website by entering the license number in the ‘Verify License’ section. This will provide details about the registered license and its validity.

The government offers various schemes and benefits to businesses with an FSSAI License, such as subsidies, training programs, and assistance with food safety compliance.

A Food Safety Supervisor is responsible for ensuring that the food business complies with FSSAI regulations. They oversee food safety practices, conduct regular inspections, and ensure that staff are trained in hygiene and safety protocols.

The frequency of food safety audits depends on the type and scale of the food business. Generally, audits are conducted annually, but high-risk businesses may require more frequent inspections.

You can apply for an FSSAI License through the FLRS/FoSCoS website. This portal provides all necessary forms, guidelines, and support for the application process.