FSSAI Registration Process in India 2024 | How to register FSSAI?

Understanding FSSAI and Its Importance

FSSAI is tasked with the implementation of food safety standards across India. The organisation’s primary objective is to ensure that food products are safe for consumption and to prevent the sale of substandard or hazardous food items. FSSAI plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality and safety of food through various regulations and guidelines.

Key Functions of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India 

• Framing Regulations: FSSAI drafts regulations and standards related to food safety, labelling and packaging.
• Licensing and Registration: It mandates that all food business operators (FBOs) obtain FSSAI registration or licence based on the nature and scale of their business.
• Inspections and Compliance: FSSAI conducts regular inspections and ensures that FBOs comply with food safety standards.
• Public Awareness: The body also works to spread awareness about food safety and hygiene among consumers and businesses.

Who Needs FSSAI Registration?

FSSAI registration is mandatory for all food business operators (FBOs) in India. This includes a wide range of entities, from large-scale manufacturers to small vendors and hawkers. Essentially, anyone involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution and sale of food products must register with FSSAI.

Categories of Food Business Operators

• Manufacturers: Those involved in producing food products.
• Retailers and Wholesalers: Shops, supermarkets and wholesalers who sell food items.
• Food Stalls and Vendors: Small roadside stalls, food trucks and mobile vendors.
• Caterers and Restaurants: Businesses offering food services, including hotels, cafes and restaurants.
• Exporters and Importers: Entities involved in the export or import of food items.
• E-commerce Platforms: Online food delivery platforms and cloud kitchens.
• Transporters and Warehouses: Businesses involved in transporting and storing food products.

Types of FSSAI Registrations

The type of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India registration or licence required by a food business depends on its size and turnover. There are three main types of FSSAI registrations:

• Basic FSSAI Registration: This registration is for small businesses with an annual turnover of less than Rs. 12 lakh. It is suitable for petty food manufacturers, small retailers and hawkers. The basic registration is also known as FSSAI Registration.
• State FSSAI Licence: Businesses with an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore need to obtain a State FSSAI Licence. This category covers medium-sized food businesses, including small to medium-scale manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers and restaurants.
• Central FSSAI Licence: For large businesses with an annual turnover of more than Rs. 20 crore, a Central FSSAI Licence is required. This includes large manufacturers, exporters, importers and businesses operating in multiple states. The Central Licence is also necessary for businesses supplying food to government offices, railways or catering services.

Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI Registration and Licence

The eligibility criteria for FSSAI registration and licensing depend on the type of food business and its scale of operations. Understanding these criteria is essential for determining the appropriate registration or licence.

Eligibility Criteria for Basic FSSAI Registration

• Annual Turnover: Less than Rs. 12 lakh.
• Business Type: Petty food manufacturers, small retailers, hawkers, temporary stallholders, cottage industries and small-scale home-based businesses.

Eligibility Criteria for State FSSAI Licence

• Annual Turnover: Between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore.
• Business Type: Medium-sized manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers and food services operating within a single state.

Eligibility Criteria for Central FSSAI Licence

• Annual Turnover: More than Rs. 20 crore.
• Business Type: Large-scale manufacturers, importers, exporters, businesses operating in multiple states and entities supplying food to government institutions.

Documentation Required for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India Registration and Licence

To apply for FSSAI registration or licence, businesses must submit specific documents. The documentation requirements vary depending on the type of registration or licence.

Documents Required for Basic Food Safety and Standards Authority of India Registration

• Photo Identity Proof: A government-issued ID like Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID or passport.
• Proof of Address: Utility bill, rent agreement or any other document proving the business address.
• Business Details: Nature of the business, types of food handled and the business model.

Documents Required for State and Central FSSAI Licence

• Form B: Duly completed and signed application form.
• Photo Identity Proof: As mentioned above.
• Proof of Business Premises: Rent agreement, sale deed or lease document.
• Food Safety Management System Plan: A detailed plan outlining the safety protocols followed by the business.
• List of Food Products: A list detailing all food items handled by the business.
• NOC from Municipality: A No Objection Certificate from the local municipal authority.
• Water Testing Report: A report confirming that the water used in the food processing is potable.
• Proof of Turnover: Financial statements or a certificate from a Chartered Accountant (CA).
• Partnership Deed/Company Incorporation Certificate: For partnerships and companies, respectively.
• Supporting Documents: Additional documents such as an import-export code, Ministry of Tourism certificate (for hotels), etc., depending on the nature of the business.

Step-by-Step FSSAI Registration Process

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India registration process can be completed online through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the FSSAI registration process:

Step 1: Determine the Type of Licence Before beginning the registration process, determine whether your business requires a Basic Registration, State Licence or Central Licence based on its turnover and scale.

Step 2: Visit the FoSCoS Portal Go to the official FoSCoS portal (https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/) to start the registration process. The portal is user-friendly and guides applicants through the steps.

Step 3: Sign Up/Log In If you are a new user, sign up on the portal by providing your details such as email ID, phone number and business type. If you already have an account, simply log in.

Step 4: Fill in the Application Form Based on the type of registration or licence, fill out Form A (for Basic Registration) or Form B (for State and Central Licences). Provide all necessary details such as business name, address, type of business and food products handled.

Step 5: Upload Documents Upload the required documents as specified for the type of registration or licence you are applying for. Ensure that all documents are clear and legible.

Step 6: Pay the Fee The registration fee varies depending on the type of licence. Pay the fee online using the available payment methods. Keep a copy of the payment receipt for future reference.

Step 7: Submit the Application After completing the form and payment, submit your application. You will receive an acknowledgment receipt with a reference number, which can be used to track the status of your application.

Step 8: Inspection (If Applicable) In some cases, an FSSAI officer may inspect your premises to verify the details provided in the application. This step is more common for State and Central Licences.

Step 9: Issuance of FSSAI Registration/Licence Once the application is approved, the FSSAI registration or licence certificate will be issued. You can download the certificate from the FoSCoS portal. This certificate must be displayed prominently at your business premises.

FSSAI Licence Renewal Process

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India licences are typically valid for 1 to 5 years, after which they must be renewed. It is crucial to renew your licence 30 days before its expiry to avoid penalties.

Steps to Renew FSSAI Licence

1. Login to FoSCoS Portal: Log in to your account on the FoSCoS portal.
2. Select Renewal Option: Choose the ‘Renewal’ option and select your existing licence.
3. Fill in the Renewal Form: Provide updated details in the renewal form if necessary.
4. Upload Documents: If there are any changes in the business, upload the relevant documents.
5. Pay the Renewal Fee: Pay the renewal fee online.
6. Submit the Application: Submit the renewal application and download the acknowledgment receipt.
7. Inspection (If Applicable): An inspection may be required depending on the nature of changes in the business.
8. Issuance of Renewal Licence: Once approved, the renewed licence will be issued and you can download it from the portal.

Penalties for Non-Compliance with FSSAI Norms

Compliance with FSSAI regulations is mandatory and non-compliance can lead to severe penalties. FSSAI inspectors regularly visit food businesses to check for compliance and based on their observations, businesses may face the following penalties:

• Failure to meet food safety standards: Up to Rs. 2 lakh (Rs. 25,000 for petty manufacturers).
• Sale of substandard food products: Up to Rs. 5 lakh.
• Misbranding of food products: Up to Rs. 3 lakh.
• Misleading advertisements: Up to Rs. 10 lakh.
• Presence of foreign matter in food products: Up to Rs. 1 lakh.
• Non-compliance with FSSAI directives: Up to Rs. 2 lakh.
• Unsanitary manufacturing practices: Up to Rs. 1 lakh.

In severe cases, the FSSAI may suspend or cancel the food business operator’s licence, leading to a complete shutdown of the business.

Key Benefits of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI registration offers several benefits to food business operators, helping them build credibility and trust with consumers while ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.

• Legal Recognition: Obtaining an FSSAI licence or registration gives your business legal recognition. It allows you to operate your food business without any legal hindrances.
• Consumer Trust: An FSSAI-certified business is perceived as trustworthy by consumers. It assures them that the food products they are consuming are safe and meet quality standards.
• Business Expansion: With FSSAI registration, you can easily expand your business into new markets, both domestic and international. The licence is a mark of adherence to global food safety standards.
• Brand Reputation: An FSSAI licence boosts your brand’s reputation, making it easier to attract and retain customers. It also enhances the brand’s credibility in the market.
• Simplified Supply Chain: FSSAI registration ensures that your supply chain operations are streamlined and compliant with safety standards. This reduces the risk of supply chain disruptions due to regulatory issues.
• Access to New Markets: FSSAI registration opens doors to new markets, including institutional and government contracts that require stringent food safety compliance.
• Continuous Improvement: FSSAI encourages continuous improvement in food safety and quality standards, helping businesses stay competitive in the market.

Common Challenges in the FSSAI Registration Process

While the FSSAI registration process is designed to be user-friendly, food business operators may face certain challenges during the process:

• Documentation: Gathering and preparing the necessary documents can be time-consuming. Incorrect or incomplete documentation is one of the most common reasons for delays or rejections in the registration process.
• Understanding the Eligibility Criteria: Small businesses, in particular, may struggle to understand which type of licence or registration they need. Misinterpretation of the eligibility criteria can lead to applying for the wrong licence.
• Online Application Process: While the FoSCoS portal is designed to facilitate online registration, technical glitches or lack of familiarity with the process can pose challenges.
• Inspection Delays: For State and Central Licences, inspections are often required. Delays in scheduling or completing inspections can prolong the registration process.
• Renewal Process: Businesses may overlook the renewal deadline, leading to penalties or licence lapses. Keeping track of renewal dates is essential for uninterrupted business operations.

Tips for a Smooth FSSAI Registration Process

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free FSSAI registration process, consider the following tips:

• Start Early: Begin the registration process well in advance to avoid last-minute rushes. This gives you ample time to gather documents and address any issues that may arise.
• Double-Check Documentation: Ensure that all documents are complete, accurate and up-to-date before submission. Any discrepancies can lead to delays or rejection.
• Seek Professional Help: If you’re unsure about the registration process or eligibility criteria, consider seeking help from professionals who specialise in FSSAI registration. They can guide you through the process and ensure compliance.
• Monitor the Application Status: After submission, regularly check the status of your application on the FoSCoS portal. This helps you stay informed about any additional requirements or inspections.
• Keep Track of Renewal Dates: Set reminders for licence renewal dates to ensure timely renewal and avoid penalties.

Conclusion

FSSAI registration is a crucial requirement for any food business operator in India. It ensures that food products meet the necessary safety and quality standards, thereby protecting public health. Whether you are a small vendor or a large manufacturer, understanding the FSSAI registration process is essential for the successful operation of your food business. By staying informed and proactive, you can deal with the registration process smoothly and enjoy the numerous benefits that come with FSSAI certification.

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