FSSAI Registration Online

Overview

FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is a government body responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of food products sold in India. Any individual or organization that deals with food products, such as manufacturers, distributors, and food business operators, must obtain an FSSAI registration or license.

Registration

FSSAI Registration is mandatory for all individuals, whether natural or legal entities, involved in the food industry. This includes activities such as producing, processing, storing, distributing, and selling food items. The type of FSSAI approval required varies depending on the size and type of the business.

FBOs (Food Business Operators) must obtain the appropriate license or registration based on the scale of their operations. An FSSAI License differs from an FSSAI Registration and is determined by the size and nature of the enterprise.

Each food package bears a 14-digit FSSAI Registration number, serving as a licensing identifier. This number contains information about the producer’s authorization and the state of manufacture. The registration process aims to enhance FBO accountability for maintaining food quality standards.

The Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011 govern the standards and procedures for licensing and registering food businesses. These regulations establish the framework for ensuring food safety and quality across the industry.

The legal framework governing FSSAI licenses in India mandates that all food business operators (FBOs) are eligible to apply for a license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

According to Section 31(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, every food business operator in the country is obligated to hold a license issued by the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The licensing and registration process, as well as the standards to be adhered to, are governed by the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011, commonly referred to as FSSAI regulations.

Eligibility for FSSAI Registration:

FSSAI Registration is mandatory for all Food Business Operators (FBOs) operating in the small-scale food industry, serving as a fundamental license. This category encompasses various entities, including:

1. FBOs with a maximum annual turnover of Rs. 12 lakh.
2. Small merchants selling food items.
3. Individuals engaged in the independent production or marketing of any food item.
4. Vendors operating temporary food stalls.
5. Individuals serving meals at social or religious events, excluding professional caterers.
6. Cottage or small-scale businesses involved in the food industry.

These eligibility criteria ensure that FSSAI Registration is accessible to a wide range of small-scale food businesses, promoting food safety and compliance within the industry.

Documents for New FSSAI Registration Certificate

1. Photograph of the applicant.

2. Applicant’s government-issued photo ID.

3. Proof of business address.

How to Check FSSAI Registration Status

Throughout the FSSAI application process, applicants receive email or SMS alerts at various stages. Additionally, applicants can check the status of their FSSAI registration by entering the application reference number provided after submitting the application to FSSAI on the FoSCoS website’s “Track Application Status” button.

By monitoring the application status, applicants can track the progress of their FSSAI registration. If the FSSAI authorities return the application for any necessary changes or clarifications, the status will be shown as “Application Reverted.” To avoid application rejection, the applicant must provide a valid response within 30 days of the reversal date.

Once the FSSAI authorities issue the FSSAI registration certificate, the status will be displayed as “Registration Certificate Issued.” Applicants can then download the certificate from the FoSCoS website.

FSSAI State License

FSSAI, or the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, serves as the principal regulatory body overseeing the food sector in the country. With a mission to uphold food safety standards nationwide, FSSAI has established numerous guidelines and provisions. It mandates that every food business operating in India obtains the requisite food license to conduct its operations legally. Operating without a valid food license is considered a punishable offense under the FSS Act of 2006. FSSAI operates in accordance with this Act and follows the directives of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a crucial role in ensuring food safety and hygiene across the country. Its responsibilities include:

Guidelines and Norms: FSSAI develops guidelines and norms for the food sector to establish standards for food safety and quality.

Initiatives for Food Safety Awareness: FSSAI introduces initiatives to raise awareness about food safety among consumers, businesses, and other stakeholders.

Issuing Directions for Food Business Operators: FSSAI provides directions and guidelines for food business operators (FBOs) to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

Norms for Food Testing Labs: FSSAI sets out norms and rules for food testing laboratories to ensure accurate and reliable testing of food samples.

Data Collection on Contaminants: FSSAI collects data on contaminants in food articles to monitor and address potential health risks.

Recommendations to Government: FSSAI recommends new provisions and regulations to the Indian government based on collected data and emerging food safety issues.

Rapid Alert System: FSSAI utilizes a rapid alert system to promptly identify and address issues related to food safety in articles available to the public.

Regulation of Proprietary Food Units: FSSAI mandates proprietary food units to obtain FSSAI licenses to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Rules and Regulations: FSSAI enforces mandatory provisions for FBOs and regulates the manufacturing, storage, sale, and distribution processes to uphold food safety and hygiene standards.

Information Network for Awareness: FSSAI establishes legitimate information networks to educate the public about food safety and hygiene, providing accurate and reliable information to promote awareness and compliance.

Benefits of FSSAI State License

Obtaining an FSSAI State License offers several benefits to food businesses:

Brand Recognition: It helps in building a strong brand image among target consumers and the general public, highlighting the commitment to food safety and quality.

Credibility: Having an FSSAI State License enhances the credibility of the business, instilling trust and confidence in customers, suppliers, and stakeholders.

Customer Base: Businesses with an FSSAI State License tend to attract more customers due to the assurance of food safety and quality standards, thereby expanding their customer base.

Legal Stability: It provides legal stability and compliance, offering protection against potential legal issues that unregistered businesses may face.

Facilitation of Best Practices: FSSAI State License encourages businesses to adopt best practices for food safety and hygiene, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and safeguarding consumer health.

Eligibility for State FSSAI License

Annual Turnover: Businesses operating within a single state with an annual turnover exceeding Rs 12 lakhs but not exceeding Rs 20 Crores.

Facility Dealing with Proprietary Foods: Facilities involved in the production or processing of proprietary foods fall under the purview of State FSSAI License requirements.

Vegetable Oil Production & Processing Facility: Vegetable oil production and processing facilities utilizing solvent extraction methods, meeting the turnover criteria specified above, require a State FSSAI License.

Hotels: Hotels with a rating of 4 stars or lower are mandated to obtain a State FSSAI License.

Dairy Product Facilities: Facilities involved in dairy product processing, including milk chilling units with production capacities ranging from 500 to 50,000 liters, fall under the State FSSAI License requirement.

Storage Facilities: Storage facilities with an overall capacity of less than 50,000 metric tons annually are required to obtain a State FSSAI License.

Slaughterhouses: Slaughterhouses with capacities exceeding 2 and up to 50 large animals, or handling capacities exceeding 10 and up to 150 small animals, or daily capacities exceeding 50 and up to 1000 poultry birds need a State FSSAI License.

Food Processing Facilities: All food processing facilities, including re-packing units, with a per-day capacity ranging from not less than 100 kg/l to up to 2 metric tons, require a State FSSAI License.

Documents Required for State FSSAI

Details of Key Management Personnel: Information regarding Directors, Partners, Proprietors, and Executive Members of the Society, including their real addresses and contact details.

Passport-sized Photos: Passport-sized photographs of the individual applying for the license.

Identification and Address Proof: Valid identification and address proofs of the individual applying for the license.

Applicant’s PAN Card: Copy of the PAN card of the applicant.

Property Documents: Copy of property documents if the business premises are owned by the applicant.

Rent Agreement and NOC: Copy of the rent agreement and No Objection Certificate (NOC) provided by the landlord if the business premises are rented.

Details of Raw Material Suppliers: Information regarding raw material suppliers for the business operations.

Form B: Form B duly completed and authenticated by the applicant.

List of Machinery: List of machinery installed at the facility.

NOC from Local Municipality: No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the local Municipality.

Food Category Details: Details of food categories and proposed food articles to be produced at the plant.

Import Export Code (IEC): Import Export Code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade

Form IX: Form IX, which is the form for nomination of persons.

Authorization Letter: Authorization letter containing the name and address of the responsible individual.
Food Safety Management System (FSMS): Details of the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) implemented by the business to ensure food safety standards are met.

The fee structure for obtaining an FSSAI State License varies based on the production capacity of the food business. Applicants can make the payment via Demand Draft (DD), Treasury Challan, or Cash. The applicable fees are as follows:

It’s important to note that the fee structure is subject to change, and applicants should verify the current fee schedule from the official FSSAI website or relevant authorities before making the payment.

Procedure for Obtaining State FSSAI License

Prepare Documents and Fill Application (Form B): Gather all the required documents and fill out the application form (Form B) accurately.

Submit Application Online via FOSCOS Portal: Submit the application form through the online portal FOSCOS (Food Safety and Compliance System).

Payment of Standard Fees: Pay the standard fees applicable for the State FSSAI License.

Scrutiny of Application and Documents: FSSAI officials conduct a thorough scrutiny of the application and submitted documents to ensure compliance with regulations.

On-Site Inspection (if necessary): In some cases, FSSAI officials may conduct an on-site inspection of the business premises to assess compliance with food safety standards.

Grant of State FSSAI License: Upon satisfactory review of the application and completion of any necessary inspections, the licensing authority grants the State FSSAI License. It’s important to note that the application may be revoked by the licensing authority in case of non-compliance.

Commencement of Business Operations: After obtaining the license, the business owner can commence their food business operations. The license holder must display the license prominently at their business premises.

It’s crucial for businesses to adhere to all the requirements and guidelines specified by FSSAI throughout the application process to ensure a smooth and successful licensing procedure.

Non-compliance with FSSAI’s norms can lead to severe penalties for Food Business Operators (FBOs) in India. FSSAI officials have the authority to conduct surprise audits of business premises without prior notice. If any compliance violations are identified during these audits, penalties are imposed as per the provisions outlined in the FSS Act of 2006. The following table illustrates the types of penalties that may be imposed in case of non-compliance:

FSSAI Product Approval

FSSAI Product Approval is the official endorsement process through which a product or item is approved by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This approval is necessary for products containing additives or ingredients that deviate from the suggested standards outlined in the Food Safety & Standards Act and Regulations. Approval is granted by the Central Government.

To apply for Product Approval of ingredients, FBOs (Food Business Operators) can utilize the online FPAS (Food Product Approval System) provided by FSSAI. This streamlined application process enhances convenience for FBOs.

FSSAI establishes standards and regulations to ensure the availability of wholesome and safe food for consumption. To uphold this, FSSAI mandates that manufacturers must obtain approval before introducing any new food items or products into the market, apart from standard products. Product Approval by FSSAI validates the compliance of products traded in Indian markets, ensuring consumer safety.

With the enforcement of FSSAI Regulations, it has become imperative for Food Business Operators to obtain valid FSSAI registration and licenses for conducting business in the food industry. Additionally, FBOs must obtain FSSAI food consent before introducing any new food items or products to the market for consumer use. This regulatory framework aims to uphold food safety standards and protect consumer health.

The FSSAI Product Approval process used to be manual, requiring applicants to submit their applications along with a Demand Draft for the applicable fee to the FSSAI Office in New Delhi. However, to address the growing number of FSSAI Product Approval applications and enhance transparency, FSSAI recently introduced the FPAS (Food Product Approval System). This online system allows applicants to submit and track their FSSAI Product Approval applications online.

Central FSSAI License 

All FBOs with a yearly revenue of over INR 20 Crore and businesses with an annual turnover of INR 30 Crore (transportation and wholesaler) require a Central FSSAI License to function legally in India. It covers:

• FBOs operating in two or more than two states
• Importers and exporters
• Proprietary and non-specified food 
• Food or health supplements
• Nutraceuticals
• Radiation processing of foods
• Food Business Activities at the premises of Central Government Agencies
• Caterers, restaurants, canteens, hawkers or petty retailers at the premises of railway stations
• E-commerce food business
• Large-scale businesses with the following capacity:

Scenarios where FSSAI Product Approval Required

In India, you need FSSAI Product Approval in the following scenarios:

Current License Owner without Safety Evaluation: If the current license owner’s product or item has not undergone safety evaluation.

Introduction of New Ingredients or Products: When introducing ingredients or products that are new to the industry and have not been previously evaluated for safety.

Approval for Proprietary Products: For proprietary products that require approval before being introduced to the market.

Lack of Previous Safety Evaluation: If the safety evaluation of the product was not conducted previously.

Products or Ingredients Not Used/Produced Internationally: When the product or ingredient has not been used or produced in any nation across the world, necessitating a safety evaluation by FSSAI.

These points highlight the situations where FSSAI Product Approval is required to ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulations in India.

Benefits of FSSAI Product Approval

Organized Examination Processes: Organized examination processes ensure minimal time loss and regulatory risk, streamlining the approval process for your products.

Brand Reputation: Your brand will gain heightened public confidence as a seller of products deemed entirely safe for consumption by FSSAI.

Recognition and Trust: Safety and quality tests are conducted accurately and benchmarked to global standards, instilling confidence in both domestic and global customers regarding the quality of your food products.

Expanded Network and Opportunities: Engaging with stakeholders across the industry through the approval process can lead to an expanded network and increased opportunities for your business.

Information Required for FSSAI Product Approval

To make an FSSAI Product Approval application, the following information is required:

1. Business Name

2. Business Address

3. Brand Name

4. Method of Manufacturing

5. Claims (if any)

6. Product’s Shelf Life

7. Pack Size

8. Serving Details

9. Ingredients Details

10. Email

11. Phone Number

12. Manufacturer’s Address

13. Type of Business (Manufacturer / Importer / Retailer / Marketer)

14. Product Origin

15. Country of Origin

16. Existence in the Market

17. Common Name

In addition to the application form for FSSAI Product Approval, the following documents should also be submitted:

1. Manufacturing method details

2. Datasheet of real-time stability

3. Analysis Certificate from an NABL Lab

4. Form-9 & Undertaking

5. Accelerated stability datasheet

6. Label for the food item or product

7. End-Use Declaration Document

Procedure for Obtaining FSSAI Product Approval in India

Company Incorporation: FSSAI Product Approval is considered an intangible asset for any business or company, granting authority to manufacture or market specific food products in India. It’s advisable to file the FSSAI Product Approval application from a legal entity such as a Private Limited Company or LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) for ease of future business transfers, if needed.

FBO License: A Food Business Operator (FBO) License is essential for businesses involved in selling, manufacturing, or handling food items. A copy of the FBO License Certificate should be submitted along with the food product approval application. Obtaining an FBO License in the business name is recommended, if required.

Test Reports: The Food Product Approval application must be supported by test reports from NABL accredited labs. These reports authenticate claims, label claims, and other aspects of the food product. The specific tests required will vary depending on the nature of the product.

Product Label: A product label meeting FSSAI food product labeling standards is mandatory for FSSAI Product Approval. The label can be a prototype and does not need to be printed at the time of application. Ensuring compliance with labeling standards is crucial.

Submitting the Application: After gathering all necessary documents and information, the application for FSSAI Product Approval can be submitted through the FPAS (Food Product Approval System). It’s advisable to seek assistance from an expert during the preparation and submission of the application to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.

Why Choose Corporate Raasta Consulting for FSSAI License in India?

Corporate Raasta Consulting is a trusted Indian professional service provider offering FSSAI license or registration services for various reasons:

Expertise and Experience: Our team comprises over 400 FSSAI experts with over 10 years of experience in navigating FSSAI laws and procedures, ensuring smooth registration and compliance.

End-to-End Support: We provide comprehensive support throughout the FSSAI registration process, handling all aspects from document preparation to application submission and obtaining the registration certificate.

Time Saving: Corporate Raasta Consulting prioritizes prompt service delivery, minimizing registration time while ensuring document accuracy and completeness, thereby saving clients valuable time.

Legal and Compliance Knowledge: We ensure compliance with food safety rules and regulations, offering insights and guidance to meet regulatory standards.

Customized Solutions: Our services are tailored to meet the specific requirements of each client, offering personalized solutions throughout the FSSAI license acquisition process.

Online Procedure Facilitation: Corporate Raasta Consulting streamlines the FSSAI registration process by facilitating online document submission and enabling clients to monitor application status conveniently.

Additional Services: In addition to FSSAI registration, we offer various related services such as GST registration and trademark registration, providing comprehensive support to businesses.

With Corporate Raasta Consulting, clients can expect efficient, reliable, and hassle-free FSSAI license acquisition services tailored to their needs.