The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, popularly known as FSSAI, operates to maintain the standards of food safety. If you are going to run a food business, either by way of manufacturing it, or storing it, or transporting it or distributing it, then it becomes worthwhile to understand what FSSAI registration and an FSSAI license is all about.
Hence, FSSAI registration is mandatory for anyone into the food business - this not only involves preparing food but everyone who handles food at various stages before it reaches the end consumer as well as the agencies who have the licence to sell them.
FSSAI Registration is provided based on the business type, turnover and production capacity. Based on such criteria, such business owners become eligible for FSSAI Licences - either basic, state or central licences.
Here's a detailed overview for you:
FSSAI Registration is mandatory for such food manufacturers, small scale industries, shop owners or FBO having a turnover of up to INR 12 Lakhs, annually, unless the manufacturers or FBO are covered under mandatory licensing.
The aforesaid food manufacturers, small scale industries, shop owners or FBO having such annual turnover complying with the below conditions, must obtain FSSAI Registration certificate.
Annual Turnover should not exceed INR 12 Lakhs;
Slaughtering capacity is not more than two large animals, ten small animals, or fifty poultry birds in one day.
Food Distributors excluding caterer;
Production capacity of food products upto 100 litres or kg per day (other than milk / milk products and meat / meat products);
Milk handling and collection is up to 500 liter per day.
Documents Required:
Application form (Form A).
Their Aadhaar or PAN card;
Address Proof
If the business is a partnership firm, copy the partnership deed.
Nature of Business;
Any other document(s) that the authority may call for.
Validity:
The registration is 1-5 years valid in general and depends on the category.
A 14 digit FSSAI Registration number will be granted by the State Licensing authority once the application is approved.
Businesses engaged in Food Processing, manufacturing, importers or exporters having an annual turnover above INR 12 Lakhs annually, are mandatorily required to obtain FSSAI License.
FSSAI License is broadly divided into 2 categories: State License and Central License, based on the size of the business.
Types of Licenses:
Documents Required:
Validity:
Particulars |
FSSAI Registration |
FSSAI License |
Scale of Business |
Small business and companies not having an annual turnover above INR 12 Lakhs, |
Medium and large scale businesses having an annual turnover exceeding INR 12 Lakhs |
Type of Registration |
Basic |
State or Central License |
Application |
Form A |
Form B |
Validity |
Depends on case to case |
Minimum 1 year to maximum 5 years |
Publication |
Display the FSSAI registration number in the office and product package |
Display the FSSAI license number on the product package |
FSSAI Registration or Food Safety and Standard Authority of India registration has emerged as a foremost priority for food businesses in India due its strict food safety guidelines and their enforcement.
The importance of FSSAI compliance can be explained as follows:
Consumer Safety: It helps to check on the food products to make sure that they have met the anticipation of safety and quality.
Legal Requirement: It is compulsory for the functioning of a food business activity in India.
Trust Building: Having an FSSAI registration or license is confidence and goodwill building to the consumers.
Ensures Quality: The FSSAI License or Registration number restores assurity on the quality of the product
Risks and Penalties of Operating without FSSAI License / Registration
Cases where FSSAI Registration or FSSAI license is mandatory and where such entities are operating without obtaining such registration or license or proper authorisation, may lead to fine of up to INR 5 Lakhs and imprisonment of up to 6 months.
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