FSSAI license online registration – when, how and where to get food license

Introduction

Food safety and standards authority of India (FSSAI) is the license provided to manufacturers, retailers, distributors, transporters for the operation of their food business in India. It has been made mandatory for all food business by ministry of health and family welfare to get this license.

FSSAI license was made compulsory for protection of public health and safety. With cases of adulterated food increasing day by day this step was taken to ensure the wellbeing of all the people. It is only because of FSSAI license that food products undergo quality checks now.

In this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know before applying for a food license.

FSSAI license – when to apply?

Are you a thinking of starting a business with food items? Do you have a running business where you sell food products? Are you planning to get FSSAI license for selling or manufacturing of your products? Then don’t worry we will clear all your doubts in this article.

Anyone starting their business in India related to food products has to get food license. You could be a manufacturer, transporter, retailer, marketer or distributor it is applicable for all. From the one who is manufacturing to the one selling it in the market, everyone has to register under FSSAI.

Small food business from home – Need FSSAI license?

Some of you might be thinking that ‘ I operate a business from home and I do not have a huge business why should I get FSSAI license?’ In that case, you still need to register under FSSAI, however you shall only need basic registration.

Below we will be discussing the types of businesses and type of registration for each business so that you can understand the same in a better way.

FSSAI license – Types and forms

There are three types of FSSAI license in India which are explained as under:

• FSSAI basic registration – If you are a small business with turnover below 12 lakhs then you are only required to get registration in FSSAI. It is not necessary for a business to get FSSAI license for starting a business, mere registration is sufficient.

For eg – you make pickle at home and sell them from your house itself. Your turnover is not more than 12 lakhs then you will only have to register with FSSAI.

Now if you are sure that your turnover will be more than 12 lakhs then you can also apply for a state license.

• State FSSAI license – If you have a business of food products with turnover above 12 lakhs but not more than 20 crores then you will register undr state FSSAI license.

For those who have branches in different states, you are required to get a state license for each one of them. For e.g. hotels, restaurant etc.

• Central FSSAI license – This license is for anyone who has a turnover of 20 crores or having branches in more than one state or doing an export/import of food products then the central license is compulsory.

For e.g. – if you export mango products to Dubai, you are required to get a central FSSAI license for export.

FSSAI license fees structure – Government fees for FSSAI license

The fee structure provided below is the prescribed government fee. The professional fee for FSSAI license is additional and may vary in each case.

The license can be obtained for a maximum period of  5 years. Additional charges would be there for more than 1 year’s registration/ license.

After the expiration of the license, renewal can be obtained with the same registration number. The fee structure for renewal of FSSAI license is the same as for new registration.
 

FSSAI license documents requirements

The following are some documents required for FSSAI license -

• Passport size photo of the applicant
• Identity proof like voter ID card, pan card, driving license etc.
• Address proof – rent agreement if rented or electricity bill if owned.
• Authority letter with name and address of the nominated person
• Declaration form          
• List of food category desired to be manufactured.
• Layout plans and measurement etc.

 There are other different documents required for the different business type.
 

FSSAI license registration procedure

The following is the procedure for registration in FSSAI –

• The first step is to visit the official website. Here is the link to the website –  https://foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in/index.aspx 
• Once you have opened the website click on ‘online registration’  and you will be redirected to a new page.
• After accepting the declaration and selecting your state, you will be required to select the type of business you do for eg – manufacturer, importer, exporting etc. Then you will have to choose from the different food items given on the website according to your food product.
• Once you have selected the correct details you will be required to fill the form depending on your turnover type. For eg- Form A is used for basic registration in FSSAI.
• After filling the form you are required to pay the fees and submit your application. The payment of fee is different for every state department but in most of the cases, it is done by either DD or cash payment at the department.
• Once the application is submitted it takes up to 45-60 days to get a license.

In the meantime, the government may send your application back for amendments which have to be responded within 15 days otherwise your application will be rejected.
 

Important things to keep in mind for applying FSSAI license

Registration in FSSAI is a long procedure you would be required to wait patiently for any reply or objection from the food department. There are certain things to keep in mind –

• Once you have submitted your application you will be provided with a receipt of payment and submission.
• An officer might visit your premise for inspection and checking
• After registration is complete you will receive a 14 digit unique number which will be your license number.
• The owner of the FSSAI license number has to print this number on his food products.

Conclusion

Getting FSSAI license can be complicated and fussy. To make it easier for you email us at info@hubco.in for free consultation on food licensing.

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