Overview of FSSAI Registration License

There are some essential benefits stating why there is a need of FSSAI Registration as mentioned below:

Legal Compliance

The FSSAI registration for the food business operator is required to maintain regulations and standards set by the government. It helps in compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and to reduce the risk of legal issues and penalties.

Quality Control

The FSSAI registration is for maintaining proper hygiene, food handling practices, and quality control measures. It helps the business in ensuring consistent quality of the food products, and also minimizes the risk of contamination.

Consumer Trust and Confidence

The FSSAI registration enhances the trust and confidence of consumers in food products. It also indicates business adheres to food safety and quality standards, thereby assuring customers that the food is safe and of good quality.

Access to Guidance and Support

FSSAI registration provides training, guidance, and support to licensed businesses in maintaining food safety standards. They create awareness programs by conducting workshops and seminars to enhance the knowledge and skills of food business operators, also assisting them in implementing best practices.

Brand Reputation

The FSSAI registration is a sign of credibility and professionalism in the food business. This builds a positive brand reputation by demonstrating commitment to food safety, and quality. A decent reputation can bring customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth recommendations for the brand.

International Trade

An exporting and importing food product requires FSSAI registration. It is a mandatory requirement for exporting to certain countries and also acts as evidence of compliance with food safety standards. The FSSAI license can facilitate smooth trade and eliminate barriers in international markets.

Improved Market Access

The retailers, distributors, and other businesses prefer to work with FSSAI-licensed food manufacturers and suppliers. Having FSSAI license brings opportunities to new business and helps in collaborations, expanding the market reach which will certainly lead to growth and profitability.

Consumer Complaint Handling

FSSAI Registration gives a platform for consumers to lodge complaints issues related to food safety and quality. The FSSAI license business can seek remedy and have an opportunity to address and resolve consumer grievances through the designated channels. This also helps in maintaining transparency and customer satisfaction for the food brand.

To register for an FSSAI license in India, you will need to submit the following documents:

Form A or Form B: The application form for FSSAI registration, either Form A for basic registration or Form B for state or central license. The form can be obtained from the official FSSAI website or regional FSSAI offices.

Identity Proof: Any government-issued identity proof of the applicant or the authorized signatory, such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID card, passport, or driver's license for the proprietor, partners, or directors of the business.

Address Proof: Any government-issued address proof of the applicant or the authorized signatory, such as a utility bill (electricity bill, water bill, etc.), property tax receipt, rent agreement, or a valid lease agreement. The proof should establish the registered office address of the business.

Photograph: Recent passport-sized photographs of the proprietor, partners, directors or any authorized signatory should be provided.

Declaration Form: A declaration stating that the information provided in the application is true and correct should be submitted.

Partnership Deed or Certificate of Incorporation: In case of a partnership firm or a company, one must require submitting the partnership deed or the certificate of incorporation, respectively to establish the legal entity and ownership structure of the food business.

Food Safety Management Plan: A document for a basic outline of the food safety management system implemented by the food business. It includes details of the quality control processes, storage practices, transportation arrangements, and other procedures in place to ensure food safety.

List of Food Products: A comprehensive list about the category and sub-category of food products to be handled or manufactured, processes, stores, distributes, or sells by the food business.

Food Safety Management System Certificate: If the food business has implemented a food safety management system, such as ISO 22000 certification, a copy of the certificate should be provided.

Proof of Possession of Premises: Documents establishing the ownership or possession of the premises where the food business operates, such as property documents, lease/rent agreement, or possession letter.

NOC from Municipality or Panchayat: One must acquire No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local municipality or panchayat where the food business is situated, confirming compliance with local laws and regulations.

Other Supporting Documents: Additional documents can be required based on the specific category and nature of the food business, such as NOC from the Fire Department, water test report, etc.

It is important to understand that documents required may vary based on the type of FSSAI registration you are applying for (e.g., Basic Registration, State License, Central License) and the nature of your food business.

One has to follow the steps for obtaining FSSAI License process:

• Select the location of the respective food unit i.e. regular premises, railway station, seaport or airport.
• Determine the type of FSSAI license depending upon the kind or nature of the food business.
• Check its eligibility for obtaining FSSAI registration based upon the business size and activities.
• Fill the complete premises details and also ensure to select appropriate food products and categories.
• Afterwards a 17 digit user id will be created based on the application reference number.
• Prepare the required documents, which may include identity proof, address proof, proof of premises, and various other documents depending on the type FSSAI Registration.
• Fill up the communication details and upload the requisite documents.
• Submit the application online through the FSSAI website or a designated portal.
• Complete the application submission by depositing the required fees.
• Await the inspection by a designated food safety officer.
• Once the inspection is completed and the officer is satisfied with the compliance, the FSSAI license is issued.

It is important to understand that specific procedures may vary depending on the state to state and nature of the food business.

Governing authority FSSAI FoSCoS

Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) is an enhanced version for FSSAI License and Registration System (FLRS). The Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS), which was established in 2012 for the issuance of Food Licenses and FSSAI Registration throughout India, which now has been transformed into the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS).FoSCoS is built using latest technology with a vision to have modern on stop pan-India IT platform for food safety regulatory needs.

FoSCoS is conceptualized as the umbrella system which is integrated with FSSAI’s other existing IT platforms such as

• Food Safety Compliance through Regular Inspection and Sampling (FoSCoRIS),
• Food Safety Connect-Complaints Management System,
• Online Annual Return platform,
• Food Import Clearing System (FICS),
• Indian Food Laboratory Network (InFoLNet),
• Audit Management System (AMS),
• Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC),
• Food Safety Mitra (FSM)

These integrations will be done until FoSCoS evolves from a licensing platform to a unified compliance platform. FosCos has the best architecture capable of future extensions and enhancements. FoSCoS must also be integrated with other platforms of Government of India such as GST, PAN, MCA etc. It further eases the processes for businesses and also ensures a best profiling of businesses.

Some of the penalties upon non-compliance of FSSAI registration are mentioned below:

Punishment

In case the food business operates without having an FSSAI licence, they have to face a penalty of Rs. 5 lakh (INR) under Section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Fine: The penalty can also include a heavy fine imposed by the FSSAI or its designated officer in accordance with Section 49 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The food business operator can be held liable to pay the penalty, which can vary depending on the violation or severity of the offence committed, the duration of non-compliance and the size of the food business.

Closure of the Entity

In serious cases of non-compliance or repeated offences, the FSSAI designated authorities have the power to order for the closure of the food business. If also it is found that FBO is operating without having a valid FSSAI licence or FSSAI registration then also business is closed until the necessary licence is obtained. This can result in significant financial losses and reputational damage for the business.

Legal Action and Imprisonment

In extreme cases of non-compliance or when there is a risk to public health and safety, the responsible individuals or food business operators can face imprisonment for a term that can extend up to 6 months under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The concerned authorities can initiate legal proceedings against the food business operator.

Seizure and destruction of food

If the food products being SOLD, manufactured, or distributed by the food business operator is found to be unsafe or not fulfilling the required standards, the authorities have the right to seize and destroy the food products. This can lead to loss of business reputation.

There are specific FSSAI license categories and requirements that can vary based on the size and nature of the food business. It is advisable to consult with us directly to determine the exact licensing requirements for a particular business. We help in obtaining the FSSAI Registration across the nation. We will not only ensure compliance with the law but also enhance your credibility and market prospects in the food business industry.