The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the authority that regulates food safety and quality in India. If you want to start a food business in India, you will need a Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) registration or food license from FSSAI.
This applies to all types of food businesses, such as manufacturers, traders, retailers, caterers, restaurants, hotels, or online food delivery platforms. FSSAI registration or license is a 14-digit number that is printed on all the food packages and shows the state and license of the producer.
Why is FSSAI Registration Important?
FSSAI registration or food license is important for several reasons.
- It is mandatory for any food product-based business. It is required that you register under FSSAI to manufacture, retail, wholesale or distribute any food-based product.
- It ensures that your food business complies with the food safety and hygiene standards set by the FSSAI. This helps to protect the health and well-being of your customers and avoid any legal issues.
- FSSAI registration or license also helps in improving your reputation and reliability among your customers and stakeholders. It demonstrates that you are committed to the quality and safety of your food products and services.
- FSSAI registration or license is beneficial for your business development and prospects. You can expand your market reach, increase your customer base, and stand out from your competitors in the industry with an FSSAI registration or license.
How to Get FSSAI Registration or License?
To get an FSSAI registration or license, you need to follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of FSSAI.
- Click on “Apply for new license/registration”.
- Select the premises of your business.
- You will be redirected to the next page where you can select the state where you are applying for and the kind of Business(KoB) you are applying for.
- You can select multiple KoBs so select accordingly. Click on Proceed.
- You will be redirected to the FSSAI registration form (Form B). Complete the online application form with the required details such as your name, address, etc.
- Upload the necessary documents such as identity proof, address proof, business proof, etc.
- Pay the applicable fees online through a debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
- Apply and wait for the verification and approval from the FSSAI authorities.
- Receive your FSSAI registration certificate or license registration number through email or SMS.
You can also apply for an offline FSSAI food license by visiting the nearest FSSAI office and submitting the application form and required documents in person.
What is the eligibility for obtaining an FSSAI license?
The process of getting an FSSAI registration or license depends on the type and size of your food business. There are three types of FSSAI registration or license:
- FSSAI Basic registration is for small-scale food business operators (FBO) with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs.
- A state license is for medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover of more than Rs.12 lakhs but less than Rs. 20 crores.
- Central license is for large food businesses with an annual turnover of more than Rs. 20 crores or those that operate across multiple states or import or export food products.
Which documents are required for applying for the FSSAI license?
Basic Registration:
- Pan Card
- Photo Identity
- Declaration of Business details in Form A
- NOC by Municipality/Panchayat, Health NOC
- Proof of possession of the business premises
- Certificate of Incorporation/ Articles of Association /Partnership deed, etc.
State License:
- Form-B Duly filled and signed
- Blueprint/layout plan of the processing unit (For Manufacturing and processing unit only)
- List of Directors / Partners / Proprietor / Executive Members with contact details and photo ID ( For Companies only)
- Details of the machines to be used for operations (For Manufacturing and processing unit only)
- List of categories of Food to be manufactured (Manufacturing unit only)
- Authority letter from the manufacturer in favour of the nominated person with authority
- The analysis report of the amount of water to be used in the manufacturing of food items (For Manufacturing and processing units)
- Proof of possession of premises
- Partnership Deed/Affidavit of Proprietorship/MOA /Incorporation
- Copy of certificate obtained under the Coop Act (Co-operatives only)
- NOC & Copy of License from the manufacturer (For re-labellers and repackers only)
- Food Safety Management System Plan and Recall Plan (If applicable)
- Source of milk and meat (If applicable)
- NOCs from Municipality or local body
- Certificate provided by the Ministry of Tourism (HRACC). (Mandatory for Hotel Only)
- Form IX
Central License:
- Form-B Duly completed and signed
- Blueprint/layout plan of the processing unit (Manufacturing and processing unit only)
- List of Directors / Partners / Proprietor / Executive Members with contact details and photo ID (Companies only)
- Details of the machinery to use for operations (Manufacturing and processing unit only)
- List of Food categories to be manufactured (Manufacturing unit only)
- Authority letter from the manufacturer in favour of the nominated person with authority
- The analysis report of water to be used in the manufacturing of food items (For Manufacturing and processing units)
- Proof of possession of premises
- Partnership Deed/Affidavit of Proprietorship/MOA /Incorporation
- Copy of certificate obtained under the Coop Act (Co-operatives only)
- NOC & Copy of License from the manufacturer (For re-labellers and repackers only)
- Food Safety Management System Plan and Recall Plan (If applicable)
- Source of milk and meat (If applicable)
- NOCs from Municipality or local body
- Certificate provided by the Ministry of Tourism (HRACC). (Mandatory for Hotel Only)
- Declaration Form
- Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU
- Supporting documentary proof for turnover
- NOC/PA document issued by FSSAI
- IE CODE document issued by DGFT (For exporters and importers)
What is the validity of the FSSAI FoSCoSLicense?
The FSSAI FoSCoS license can be obtained for a period of 1 year to 5 years. While applying for an FSSAI license, one may decide for how long one wishes to obtain the FSSAI License. The fees for the FSSAI License shall also vary as per the number of years chosen for FSSAI registration. All Food business operators must start their food business only after obtaining a valid FSSAI license.
It is necessary to renew the FSSAI license before expiration to continue the business. Penalties will be imposed if you forget the FSSAI registration renewal, so it is always recommended to keep a check on the FSSAI license expiry date.
What are the fees to be paid for the license?
During the submission of the FSSAI registration form, the applicant/FBO is required to pay the corresponding fees. The fee structure for different types of FSSAI registration is as follows:
- FSSAI Basic Registration: Rs.100
- FSSAI State License: Rs.2,500 to Rs.5,000 (depending on the nature of business)
- FSSAI Central License: Rs.7,500
For FSSAI license modification and renewal application, you will have to pay similar fees.
Depending on the chosen Kind of Business (KoB), there may be additional annual charges for different licenses. For more details, refer to this FSSAI website.
Also, the registration and licensing process, along with its requirements, are regulated by the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011.
What are the Benefits of a FoSCoS License?
The FoSCoS license has many benefits for your food business. Some of them are:
- It ensures that food business operators (FBOs), products and services meet the quality and safety standards set by the FSSAI.
- It prevents any food adulteration, contamination, or spoilage that can harm your customers and reputation.
- It helps to avoid any penalties or legal actions from the FSSAI authorities in case of any non-compliance or violation.
- It helps to increase your customer satisfaction and loyalty by providing them with safe and hygienic food products and services.
- It helps in increasing brand image and value by displaying your FSSAI registration certificate or license number on your premises and packaging.
- It helps to expand your business opportunities by enabling you to sell your food products and services across different states or countries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. How to download the FSSAI registration certificate from the FoSCoS portal?
Ans: Once the FSSAI authorities issue the registration certificate, it will be sent to the FBOs’ email ID. Alternatively, FBOs can download the certificate by logging into the FoSCoS website, clicking on the ‘Issued’ tab on the dashboard, and viewing the details. Simply click on the registration number to open the certificate and find the download button. For detailed instructions, click here.
2. Can a license be modified? What is the modification fee?
Ans: Yes, you can make changes to your license. To modify the information in the FSSAI license, submit an application for modification. A modification fee, equal to a one-year license fee, may apply. However, there are no charges for changes to other parts of the license.
3. How to renew your registration or license after it expires?
Ans: To ensure continuous operations, you must renew your FSSAI registration or license before it expires. If you miss the renewal date, you’ll need to apply for a fresh license to continue your food business.
4. Can I convert a manually issued license to online? How?
Ans: Yes, you can convert a manually issued license to an online license during the renewal process. Contact the designated officer in your area who will create a user ID and issue a system-generated license number. This number can then be renewed online.
5. I own businesses in different states, so do I require multiple licenses or one license shall be enough?
Ans: Each state requires a separate license number, so you will need different licenses to operate your business in various states.
6. What if someone does not obey the terms and conditions or rules defined by FSSAI?
Ans: FSSAI has the authority to seize or dispose of both movable and immovable property. They can impose substantial penalties and take strict actions against those who violate their rules and regulations.