Food Licence

FSSAI registration is one of the most important registration required by every person involved in the food business, such as persons who wish to open a restaurant, bakery, hotel, cloud kitchen or food stall in India. Every Food Business Operator (FBO), such as entities or persons involved in manufacturing, preparation, selling, transportation, distribution and storage of food articles/products, are also mandatorily required to have an FSSAI registration to carry on their food business.

FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is an organisation that monitors and governs the entire food business in India. It is an autonomous body that is established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act) which is a consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India. It ensures the food products undergo quality checks thereby curtailing the food adulteration and sale of sub-standard products. It is responsible for the registering and licensing of the FBOs in India and it lays down the rules and regulations for running the food business in India.

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.

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.

FSSAI Basic Registration – 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.

FSSAI State License – 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.

FSSAI Central License – 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.

FSSAI Registration Eligibility

FSSAI Registration is a basic license and it is required for all the FBOs involved in the small-scale food business. This category covers the following businesses:
1. Any FBO with an annual turnover of not more than Rs. 12 lakh.
2. Petty retailer dealing in food products.
3. Any person who manufactures or sells any food article by himself.
4. Food sale is done by the temporary stall holder.
5. Any individual who distributes food in any religious or social gathering except a caterer.
6. Small-scale or cottage industries dealing in the food business.

Documents Required For Obtaining the FSSAI Registration/License

1. Photo identity proof of the food business operators.
2. Business constitution certificate, i.e. partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, shop and establishment licence or other business registration certificate.
3. Proof of possession of business premises, i.e. rental agreement, NOC from the owner of the rented premises, utility bills etc.
4. Food safety management system plan.
5. List of food products manufactured or processed.
6. Bank account information.
7. Supporting documents (if required) like NOC by Municipality or Panchayat, Health NOC, copy of License from the manufacturer, etc.
8. Apart from the above-mentioned general documents, certain specific documents are required for 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.
1. Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation.
2. List of Directors/ Partners/ Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID.
3. Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity.
4. Authority letter from manufacturer nominated a responsible person name and address.
5. Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability.
6. Copy of certificate obtained under Coop Act 1861/Multi-State Coop Act 2002.