In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India functions as the regulatory entity entrusted with the task of upholding the safety and excellence of food commodities. Every food-related enterprise is mandated to secure an FSSAI licence as a prerequisite for conducting operations within the nation.
An FSSAI licence, which signifies compliance with food safety standards and is mandatory for all food-related businesses, has a set licensing process. The process is categorized into Basic, State, and Central licences, each tailored to the scale and impact of the enterprise. The time required to obtain these licences varies due to factors like application completeness, licence type, FSSAI office jurisdiction, application volume, and potential premises inspection, and thus, it becomes essential to know exactly how much time does it take to get FSSAI licence in India.
Need for FSSAI Registration
Before delving into the question of how much time does it take to get FSSAI licence, it must be clear why there is need for FSSAI registration. For any individual, be it a natural person or a legal entity, engaged in the realm of food-related operations encompassing activities like food production, processing, warehousing, distribution, and sales, it is imperative to secure proper FSSAI Enrollment or Licence.
Delineating between FSSAI Enrollment and FSSAI Licence is contingent on the dimensions and character of the enterprise. It is incumbent upon Food Business Operators (FBOs) to acquire the requisite enrollment or licence that corresponds to their business scope.
Types of FSSAI Licence
FSSAI issues different types of licences to food businesses based on their annual turnover. These licences are essential to ensure the compliance of businesses with food safety regulations and standards and also to answer the essential question i.e. how much time does it take to get FSSAI licence. There are three primary categories of FSSAI licences:
1. Basic FSSAI Licence
This licence is designed for food businesses with a modest annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs. It is suitable for small-scale operations and ensures that businesses maintain the required food safety standards and regulations.
2. State FSSAI Licence
For food businesses with a larger annual turnover, ranging from more than Rs. 12 lakhs to up to Rs. 20 crores, the State FSSAI Licence is applicable. This category of licence addresses the needs of businesses operating at a state level, requiring them to adhere to specific guidelines to ensure food safety.
3. Central FSSAI Licence
The Central FSSAI Licence is the highest tier of licence and is mandatory for food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crores.
Factors Affecting the Time to Get an FSSAI Licence
Before going into how much time does it take to get FSSAI licence, one must realise that the duration can be influenced by various contributing factors. The following are key factors that impact the processing time:
1. Completeness of Application
The efficiency of FSSAI licence processing heavily relies on the completeness of the submitted application. When all essential documents are provided and the application is comprehensive, the process can be expedited. Conversely, an incomplete application may result in delays.
2. Type of FSSAI Licence
The category of FSSAI licence sought significantly impacts the processing duration. Basic FSSAI licences usually undergo swifter processing compared to the more intricate State and Central licences.
3. Jurisdiction of FSSAI Office
The geographical jurisdiction of the FSSAI office handling the application also influences processing time. Offices with higher efficiency might process applications faster than others.
4. Volume of Applications
The influx of applications received by the FSSAI office can be a determining factor in processing time. If there is a substantial backlog of applications, the time required to acquire a licence might extend.
5. Premises Inspection
In certain cases, the FSSAI office might conduct a physical inspection of the premises before granting the licence. The need for an inspection adds an extra layer to the processing time.
Awareness of these factors is crucial for businesses to realise how much time does it take to get FSSAI licence. By addressing these aspects effectively, applicants can potentially streamline the process and obtain their licences in a more timely manner.
How Much Time Does It Take to Get FSSAI Licence for Different Categories?
The duration required to obtain an FSSAI licence may fluctuate contingent upon the aforementioned variables. Nonetheless, the average duration for securing an FSSAI licence in India is approximately 20-45 days. This timeframe is subject to variation based on the aforementioned factors.
Comparatively, the processing period for Basic FSSAI licences is swifter than that for State and Central FSSAI licences. Basic FSSAI licences can be acquired within 7-10 days subsequent to the submission of a duly completed application, assuming all requisite documentation has been furnished.
For State FSSAI licences, the processing period may extend to about 30-40 days, whereas the acquisition of Central FSSAI licences might necessitate up to 45 days for processing.
Thus, to simply answer the question i.e. how much time does it take to get FSSAI licence, the duration is influenced by a variety of factors and is different in case of all three licence categories – basic, state and central. So, one must carefully evaluate these factors when opting for FSSAI registration in any of the categories.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the timeline associated with acquiring an FSSAI licence holds pivotal significance for enterprises operating within India’s food industry. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India assumes a critical role in overseeing and ensuring the safety of food products that reach the public. The journey towards obtaining an FSSAI licence encompasses various pivotal aspects that necessitate careful consideration before delving into the question of how much time does it take to get FSSAI licence for different categories in India.
On average, the timeline for securing an FSSAI licence ranges from 20 to 45 days. Basic licences can be acquired relatively swiftly within 7 to 10 days, whereas State and Central licences may take longer, extending up to 30 to 40 days and 45 days respectively.
For more information on how much time does it take to get FSSAI Licence, connect with us at StartupFino.
