What is FSSAI?
FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. FSSAI is responsible for regulating and supervising food safety and standards in India. Its primary objective is to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food for consumption and to protect the health and interests of consumers.
Types of FSSAI Licenses and Registration
FSSAI Licensing and registration refer to the process by which food businesses in India obtain the necessary approvals and permissions from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to operate legally and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. The licensing and registration requirements vary based on the scale of operations and the nature of the food business.
Here are the three categories of FSSAI Licenses and Registration:
Registration: Small food businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs are required to obtain a basic registration. This applies to businesses such as petty retailers, small-scale manufacturers, and food processors. The registration can be obtained online through the FSSAI website or portal.
State License: Medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crores fall under the State License category. This includes businesses such as manufacturers, processors, storage units, transporters, and retailers operating within a single state. State Licenses are issued by the respective State Food Safety Departments.
Central License: Large-scale food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crores, businesses involved in import/export, and those operating in multiple states fall under the Central License category. This includes food manufacturers, processors, exporters, importers, and large retailers. Central Licenses are issued by the Central Licensing Authority, which is the FSSAI.
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration
To obtain FSSAI licensing and registration in India, the following documents are typically required:
Identity proof of the applicant: Any government-issued identification document such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License.
Address proof of the business premises: Any valid document indicating the address of the premises, such as electricity bill, water bill, property tax receipt, lease agreement, or rent agreement.
Form-B: This is the application form for FSSAI licensing or registration. It includes details of the food business, such as name, address, contact information, type of business, category of food, etc.
Partnership deed or Certificate of Incorporation: For partnership firms or companies, the partnership deed or Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum, and Articles of Association need to be provided.
List of food products: A comprehensive list of the food products manufactured, processed, stored, or sold by the business entity.
Food Safety Management System Plan: Depending on the scale and nature of the business, a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan may be required. This plan outlines the procedures, controls, and practices to ensure food safety and hygiene.
Manufacturing unit or processing unit layout: For manufacturing or processing units, a layout plan indicating the dimensions, area, and allocation of different sections and equipment within the premises.
List of machinery and equipment: A detailed list of all machinery and equipment used in the food business, along with their specifications and capacity.
Water testing report: A water testing report from a recognized laboratory, indicating the water quality and suitability for the food business.
Supporting documents for specific categories: Depending on the specific category of the food business, additional documents may be required. For example, for importers, an Import-Export Code (IEC) certificate may be needed.
It’s important to note that the exact document requirements may vary depending on the nature of the food business, location, and specific guidelines provided by the FSSAI or respective State Food Safety Departments. It is recommended to refer to the official FSSAI website or consult with professionals well-versed in FSSAI regulations for accurate and updated information regarding document requirements for FSSAI licensing and registration.
FSSAI Registration Process
The FSSAI licensing and registration process typically involve the following steps:
Application submission: The food business is required to submit an online application with the required information, including business details, premises address, nature of operations, food category, etc.
Documentation: Supporting documents such as identity proof, address proof, proprietor/partnership deed, incorporation certificate, NOC from municipality/local authority, and other relevant documents need to be provided along with the application.
Inspection: The FSSAI or State Food Safety Department may conduct an inspection of the premises to verify compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
License/Registration issuance: Upon successful verification and compliance, the FSSAI issues the license or registration certificate, along with a unique FSSAI license number, which needs to be displayed at the food business premises.
It is important for food businesses to comply with the relevant FSSAI regulations, maintain food safety standards, and renew their licenses or registrations periodically as per the prescribed timelines. Non-compliance with FSSAI regulations can result in penalties, fines, or even closure of the business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to FSSAI Licensing and registration
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to FSSAI Licensing and registration in India, along with their answers:
Q1: What is FSSAI Licensing?
A1: FSSAI Licensing refers to obtaining the necessary approvals and licenses from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to legally operate a food business in India. It ensures compliance with food safety regulations and standards.
Q2: Who requires FSSAI registration or license?
A2: All food businesses operating in India, including manufacturers, processors, storage units, transporters, retailers, and importers/exporters, are required to obtain either FSSAI registration or license based on their scale of operations and turnover.
Q3: What is the difference between FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License?
A3: FSSAI Registration is applicable to small food businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs. FSSAI License is required for medium to large-scale food businesses with turnover above Rs. 12 lakhs or engaging in specific activities like import/export or operating across multiple states.
Q4: How can I check if a food business has a valid FSSAI license?
A4: The FSSAI provides an online portal where you can verify the validity of a food business’s FSSAI license. Simply enter the license number or search using the name or address of the business to check its status.
Q5: What are the documents required for FSSAI registration or license?
A5: The documents required for FSSAI registration or license may include identity proof, address proof, PAN card, proprietor/partnership deed, incorporation certificate, NOC from municipality/local authority, food safety management plan, and other relevant documents as per the specific category of the food business.
Q6: How long does it take to obtain an FSSAI license?
A6: The processing time for FSSAI registration or license may vary depending on the completeness of the application, verification process, and inspection requirements. It generally takes around 20-45 days for the issuance of an FSSAI license.
Q7: Is it mandatory to display the FSSAI license number at the food business premises?
A7: Yes, it is mandatory to display the FSSAI license number at the food business premises, such as the manufacturing unit, storage facility, retail outlet, or any other place where food-related activities are conducted.
Q8: Do FSSAI licenses need to be renewed?
A8: Yes, FSSAI licenses need to be renewed periodically. The validity of the license depends on the category of the food business. Generally, FSSAI licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years, and renewal should be initiated before the expiry date.
Q9: What are the penalties for non-compliance with FSSAI regulations?
A9: Non-compliance with FSSAI regulations can result in penalties, fines, suspension, or cancellation of the license. The penalties can range from monetary fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the violation.
Q10: Can a single FSSAI license be used for multiple locations or states?
A10: No, a single FSSAI license is generally valid for a specific location or state. If a food business operates in multiple locations or states, separate licenses or registrations need to be obtained for each location or state.
Please note that the above answers are general in nature, and the specific requirements and procedures may vary. It is advisable to refer to the official FSSAI website or consult with professionals well-versed in FSSAI regulations for accurate and updated information related to licensing and registration.
Looking for the Best FSSAI Consultants in India? Get reliable and most up to date information on FSSAI License, Eligibility criteria, FSSAI Documents required, FSSAI License Fee, FSSAI License Registration process from India’s leading Consultants. These consultants can provide you with reliable and up-to-date information on the eligibility criteria, documents required, license fee, and registration process for obtaining an FSSAI License.
They can also help you in preparing the necessary documents, filling out the application form correctly, and submitting the application to the FSSAI. They can assist you in liaising with the FSSAI officials and ensuring that your application is processed smoothly and efficiently.
By engaging the services of experienced consultants, you can save a lot of time, effort, and money in the FSSAI License procurement process. It is important to choose a consultant who has a good track record and reputation in the industry, and who can provide you with personalized and professional services.
Given below is the list of Top 5 FSSAI Consultants in India
Raag Consultants
RAAG Consultants is a comprehensive consultancy service provider in India, offering a wide range of solutions such as Company Registration, GST Registration, ISO Certification, Accounting Services, Audit Services, ROC Compliance, Ayush License, Copyright Registration, Trademark Registration, Trade License, Shop and Establishment Registration, Import Export Code Registration, MSME Registration, FSSAI Registration, and Consultancy Services. Their team comprises experienced Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, and Advocates who provide effective financial solutions and advice related to GST, Income Tax, Audit, TDS, Outsourcing Accounting, Corporate Compliance, Starting up Business, Trademarks, ISO Certificates, Secured and Unsecured Loans, and other financial services.
The partners of the firm have extensive experience working as Statutory Auditors and Internal Auditors for reputed companies such as Deloitte, Earnest & Young, NEC India Private Limited, SLV Securities Services Private Limited, Dezan Shira & Associates, and more. They offer services in New Delhi and other major cities in India, including accounts outsourcing, auditing, company formation, business taxation, corporate compliance, registration of foreign companies, taxation of expatriates, and more.
Contact Raag Consultants
Office: D-11/104, First Floor, Nanda Devi Tower,Central Market, Prashant Vihar,Near PVR Prashant Vihar, Rohini, Delhi-110085, India
Call: 8800463370
Email: info@raagconsultants.co.in
Website: https://www.raagconsultants.co.in/
Lexus Consultants
Lexus Consultants provide a range of services including FSSAI License, manpower outsourcing, payroll management, TDS management, Employment and Labour law consultancy, Labour Compliances, Registrations and Renewals, Trade Licenses, Statutory Registers and Records, Manpower Audit, Annual Returns and Reports services in India. With over 30 years of experience, they are a reliable Labour Law Consultancy firm offering services in Delhi, Delhi NCR, and all across India. The focus of Lexus Consultants is to offer personalized services to each client across India at a competitive price. They are Advocates and Management Consultants for Industrial Matters, providing industry-leading legal research and compliance advice to help leading corporates and organizations comply with legal requirements.
Contact Lexus Consultants
Office: GG-1-23 B, Vikas Puri, New Delhi – 110018
Call: 9818111609
Website: http://lexusconsultants.in
License Registration
License Registration is a legal consultancy firm established in 2002 that provides a range of services in India, including TradeMark Registration, ISO Certification, SSI Registration, Company Formation, FSSAI, MSME, Special Marriage, Drug License, IEC Code, NGO, Trust / Society, AGMARK, ESI and EPF, EPF, and BAR CODE consultancy services.
License Registration is known for their expertise in providing efficient and personalized services to clients. They offer expert advice that delivers quick returns and satisfaction within the agreed timeframe. If you are searching for a lawyer who can help you avoid legal consequences, License Registration is the right place to go.
Contact License Registration
Office: S-557, 3rd Floor, Heera Complex, Office No.8, School Block, Shakarpur, Delhi-110092
Call: 8588952500, 9911434920
Website: https://www.licenceregistration.com
Jahazgarhia Consultants
Jahazgarhia Consultants Pvt Ltd provides FSSAI registration consultancy services to a wide range of businesses in India, including food manufacturers, importers and exporters, caterers, restaurants, hotels, retailers, wholesalers, and food processing units.
Located in Delhi, India, Jahazgarhia Consultants Pvt Ltd is committed to delivering high-quality and specialized services to all clients, regardless of their size and volume. With over 2000 successful submissions, Jahazgarhia Consultants has gained expertise and resources to provide a complete range of professional services.
As a leading service provider for FSSAI registration and licensing, Jahazgarhia Consultants Pvt Ltd offers a comprehensive range of services, including FSSAI License, FBO License, Food safety license consultants, License for Food items Importer or Exporters, and Food Safety and Standard Authority India registration. Their team of experts is dedicated to providing top-notch consultancy services to ensure their clients’ compliance with FSSAI regulations.
Contact Jahazgarhia Consultants
Office: D-14/20, Sector-3, Rohini, Delhi
Call: 9999798333
Website: https://www.fssailicense.net
FSSAI Online – MAS Services
MAS Services, with over 20 years of experience, is a trusted food industry consultant offering FSSAI food license, FSSAI license renewal, barcode, and IEC import/export code registration consultancy services in India. Their philosophy is based on providing complete satisfaction to their clients and keeping them informed with the latest updates to help them obtain their license quickly and easily.
The experienced professionals at MAS Services assist new clients in determining the appropriate license for their business and assist them in gathering the necessary documents for FSSAI License filing. They keep their clients informed throughout the process until registration is complete, and the client is satisfied with their service. Their services are professional and reasonably priced.
Contact FSSAI Online – MAS Services
Office: C-8/67 Lawrence Road Keshav Puram Delhi
Call: 9810957767
Website: http://www.fssaionline.in
How to Find the Right FSSAI Consultant?
- Don’t fall into Free Consultation Trap. They might ask you to add your 5 star review to their fake business listing. Refuse. It will harm others.
- Find out if they have an office. Visit their office, meet in person, check credentials before making a decision. Make sure, their business is legitimate!
- Find out if the consultancy business is registered company. If not registered, walk away, period.
- Don’t trust blindly. Read Business Reviews. Seek References – Real people with real numbers. Call and check credibility.
- Avoid, random, work from home, smooth talking, self proclaimed honest story weaver consultants selling licenses for lowest prices!
- Take your time. Don’t rush. Consult with a number of consultants before you choose the best.
- Don’t pay advance. Be firm on this.
- Check and verify the validity of your license registration directly with the authority before making the payment.