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FSSAI REGISTRATION

"GST registration is essential for legal business operations and unlocking tax benefits."

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FSSAI Registration

Oh, hey! So, FSSAI registration is basically this really important thing for anyone who's planning to dive into the food business scene in India. FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, and registering with them is sort of like getting a stamp of approval to show that your food products meet safety and quality standards. It's not something you can skip if you’re, say, opening a café, running a manufacturing unit, or even selling homemade goodies—it’s that crucial! The process involves filling out an application, submitting a bunch of documents like your business details, product specifics, and sometimes even undergoing inspections. The whole idea is to make sure the food people eat is safe and there's a minimum standard set across the industry. Plus, having that registration gives your customers a sense of trust, knowing that what you’re serving is up to mark. Sounds like quite a bit of hassle, but definitely worth it to get your food business up and running smoothly, right?

Types of FSSAI registration

1.Basic Registration

For: Micro (food businesses/establishments having a turnover of less than 12 lakhs/year).
Applicable to:
• Small food vendors.
• Home-based food businesses.
• Local food producers and small-scale food sellers.
• Temporary or seasonal food businesses.

Process: Easy and fast registration, usually not preceded by a scan.
Validity: Typically good for up to 5 years, subject to the renewal scheme.

2. State License

• For: Medium-scale food sector enterprises with annual turnover above 12 lakhs and below 20 crores.

• Applicable to:
• Manufacturers, distributors, and sellers operating within a specific state.
• Medium-sized food retailers or restaurants.
• Micro-food processing facilities or packaging companies targeting retail customers reaching beyond the facility.

• Process: Needs a more elaborated application with, amongst others, documentation about the business premises, hygiene, the methods of cleaning, and food safety. It may involve an inspection of the premises.
• Validity: Generally valid for 1 to 5 years.

Documents of FSSAI registration

1) For Basic registration -

• Passport-size photograph of the food business operator (FBO).

• Proof of identity of the applicant:
1. Aadhaar card
2. Passport
3. Voter ID
4. Driver’s License

• Proof of address of the applicant or business premises:
1. Utility bill (Electricity bill, Water bill, etc.)
2. Rent agreement (if the premises are rented)

• Business details:
1. Name and type of business (e.g., home-based food business, small-scale manufacturing, etc.
2. Details of the food product(s) being sold or manufactured.
• Food safety management system (FSMS) plan or affidavit indicating the applicant will adhere to the FSSAI regulation.
• Self-declaration of food business compliance.

2) For State License -

• Comprehensive floor plan of the food business premises with detailed layout design of processing areas, storage areas, and other facilities.
• Inventory of food items to be processed, manufactured, or sold by the enterprise.
• Food safety management plan which maintains hygiene and safety levels.
• Partnership deed (if the business is a partnership).
• Certificate of incorporation (for companies or legal entities).
• List of machinery and equipment used in food processing or manufacturing (if applicable).
• Declaration regarding the source of raw materials.
• Certificate of training in food safety for the responsible person (when applicable).
• Financial details, such as turnover information, balance sheet, etc.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local municipality or health department.

3) For Central License -

• GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) or HACCP certification for food processing units (if any).
• Food safety management system plan according to the international codes (HACCP, ISO 22000, etc.).
• Certificate of incorporation (for companies or legal entities).
• Import/export code (for businesses involved in international trade).
• All beverages provided a frozen dairy ice container, a small ancillary container, and labels suggesting calories, sugar, fat, sodium, and lacking protein.
• Information on food processing/storage conditions and supply chain management.
• Financial statements, such as annual turnover, balance sheets, etc.
• Health or NOC certificate from relevant authorities.
• Documents related to the storage and transport facilities used for handling food products.

Benefits of FSSAI registration

1. Legal Compliance:
Possession of a license guarantees that the food enterprise is functioning within the framework of the law and it's complying with the food safety law established by the government.
2. Goodwill and Trust:
FSSAI registration creates confidence and reliability in the eyes of consumers because it indicates that foodstuffs have all of the necessary quality and safety requirements.
3. Food Safety Assurance:
The presence on food items of an FSSAI logo guarantees to customers that food has been subjected to required quality tests and is safe for consumption.
4. Consumer Awareness:
In food premises, the display of the FSSAI registration number elevates the awareness and confidence concerning hygiene and safety of practices adopted by the business.
5. Business Expansion:
Registration from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) frequently acts as a necessary condition to increase the food business e.g., by opening new branches or signing contracts with institutional customers.
6. Access to Funds:
The possession of an FSSAI license can facilitate the struggle for food businesses to obtain investments from investors, due to the compliance with the regulatory norms evident through their license.
7. Access to More Markets: The acquisition of an FSSAI license from a small-scale food enterprise allows them to reach a larger number of markets. Retailers and distributors typically need this license to sell food products. It allows companies to expand operations and, thus, grow sales and revenue.
8. Improved Business Processes: Getting an FSSAI license can improve small-scale food businesses. It promotes improved processes, less waste, and greater product quality. Inspection by FSSAI is the gateway to identifying loopholes and thus enabling better compliance and food safety. 9. Effectiveness of Operations: minimizes contamination and waste by promoting appropriate food preparation, handling, and storage. 10. Outreach to Customers: Products with the FSSAI brand gain more market awareness and draw in new clients.

Cost of FSSAI registration

1.Basic Registration

This is for micro-level food businesses with an annual turnover of not more than 12 lakhs.
Cost: Generally from 100 to 500 (for small eating establishments or local producers).
Applicable for: Small food manufacturers, home-based food businesses, and small restaurants.

2. For State License:

This is the case for a food business with annual turnover in the range of 12 lakhs and 20 crores.
Cost: 2,000 to 5,000 per year (according to the state and size of the business).
Applicable for: Medium-sized food businesses like mid-level manufacturers, distributors, and restaurants.

3. For Central License:

This is required for food businesses having annual turnover above 20 crores or for food products, manufactured, exported, or imported in large scale way.
Cost: 7,500 to 15,000/year (depending on the kind of business and the state).
Applicable for: Large-scale food manufacturers, exporters, and importers.

Renewal of FSSAI License -

The FSSAI license (both for getting into the food business and for the ongoing activity) is of utmost importance, and so also the renewal of the license. The license is granted for 1 or 5 year’s validity and thus, the enterprise has to participate in the renewal process 30 days before the license expiration of the current authorization.

Penalty for Non-Compliance -

• Food, but not such as for and of the kind or composition or grade required - Seller - 5 Lakhs.
• Penalty for Petty food business operator if non-compliance under Section 50 shall not be more than - 25,000.
• Sub-standard foods - Manufacturer, Seller, Storage, Distributor, Importer - 5 Lakhs.
• Misbranded foods - Manufacturer, Seller, Storage, Distributor, and Importer – 3 Lakhs.
• Misleading advertisement - Publisher or anyone involved in publishing - 10 Lakhs.
• Food is comprised of extraneous material - Manufacturer, Seller, Storage, Distributor, Importer - 1 Lakhs.
• Failure to follow direction - Food business operators or importers - 2 Lakhs.
• Unhygienic or unsanitary - Manufacturer or processor - 1 Lakhs.
• The one company that also owned the Manufacturing, Seller, Storage, Distributor, Importer - Adulterant not dangerous to health - 2 Lakhs, Adulterant dangerous to health – 1 Lakh and Imprisonment to the end of life. • Contraventions for which a fixed penalty is not stipulated any individual - 2 Lakhs.
• Punishment for unsafe food Manufacturer, Seller, Storage, Distributor, Importer - No injury - 1 Lakh and 6 months, Non-Grievous injury - 3 Lakhs and 1 year, Grievous injury - 5 Lakhs and 6 years.
• Punishment for access of seized items Any 20 Lakhs and 6 months.
• Penalization of dishonest communication - Any individual as per the provisions relevant to the FSSAI Act - 2 Lakhs and 3 months.
• Punishment for causing blockage or impersonating an FSO - Any Individual - 1 Lakh and 3 months.
• Punishment for conducting a business without a license Any Person, Food Business operator - 5 Lakhs and 6 months.
• Penalty on further offenses Any Persons Fine on daily rates – 1 Lakh.
• Financial compensation accident or death to consumer - Any person - 5 Lakhs in death, 3 Lakhs if grievous injury, 1 Lakh for other injuries.

Who are exempted from FSSAI registration?

i. Personal members carrying out, producing, or performing food business-related activity at home for registration as a registered Cooperative Society or Mahila Udyog, Self Help Group, Gruh Udyog or any other similarly registered society.
ii. The Direct Selling branch is happy to shoulder the responsibility for its Direct Sellers and has formally authorized them to do so.
iii. A milkman/vendor registers him to a Cooperative society and sells his entire milk production directly to that society.
iv. The delivery person, direct selling agent, or owner of food vending machines, water vending machines, food ATMs, or food carts.

  • FAQ
1. What details are mentioned on the FSSAI registration certificate?

The FSSAI registration certificate will carry the name and address of the FBO, the address of the food business premises, the nature of the business, and the validity period.

Yes, you can use the FSSAI Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) to apply online.

The FSSAI license cannot be transferred. If a business is sold, a new license needs to be acquired.

As soon as the FSSAI authorities issue the FSSAI registration certificate they will transmit the certificate on the mail ID of the FBOs. FBOs (as well as printing and storing the registration certificate of FSOs) can also download the registration certificate of FBOs by accessing the FoSCoS website and choosing the 'Issued' tab on the dashboard.
Registration details of the FSSAI will be shown on the screen. Clicking on the FSSAI registration number and FSSAI Registration certificate opens the download option on the screen. See here for the full details on downloading the FSSAI registration certificate.

The validity period varies from one to five years, depending on the applicant's request. Before it expires, renewal must be completed.

1. Open the FoSCoS portal and log in.
2. At least 30 days prior to the expiration date, submit the renewal application.
3. The renewal charge must be paid.

Yes, FSSAI registration is required for home-based food enterprises that sell food commercially.

It is illegal to operate a food business without FSSAI registration, which can result in:
1. the maximum penalty is ₹5 lakhs.
2. Business closure.
3. Imprisonment in extreme circumstances.

No, depending on their location and turnover, each food business branch or outlet needs its own FSSAI license.

Yes, you have to file for an enhanced State or Central license if your company expands and your turnover above ₹12 lakhs.