FSSAI, or the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, is a government agency responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of food in India. It sets standards for food products, regulates their manufacturing and distribution, and ensures compliance with these standards. Its main goal is to protect the health of consumers by ensuring that the food available in the market is safe, hygienic, and of good quality.
BENEFITS
ENSURES FOOD SAFETY
FSSAI sets and enforces stringent standards for food safety, hygiene, and quality. This helps in reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and ensures that consumers have access to safe and healthy food.
PROTECTS CONSUMER HEALTH
By regulating food manufacturing, processing, and distribution, FSSAI safeguards the health of consumers. It sets limits for contaminants, additives, and residues in food, thereby minimizing potential health risks.
PROMOTES TRUST AND CONFIDENCE
FSSAI's stringent regulations and regular inspections instill trust and confidence in consumers. It assures them that the food they purchase and consume meets established standards, fostering a positive relationship between consumers and food businesses.
FACILITATES TRADE AND COMPLIANCE
FSSAI harmonizes food safety standards with international regulations, promoting smoother trade and export opportunities for Indian food products. Compliance with FSSAI regulations also helps food businesses gain credibility and access to a wider market./p>
ENCOURAGES FOOD INDUSTRY ACCOUNTABILITY
FSSAI's licensing and registration requirements ensure that food businesses operate with accountability. They need to adhere to food safety practices, maintain proper hygiene, and comply with labeling and packaging regulations, which enhances overall industry standards.
PROMOTES CONSUMER AWARENESS
FSSAI actively educates consumers about food safety, labeling, and nutrition. It provides information through campaigns, guidelines, and initiatives, empowering consumers to make informed choices and lead healthier lifestyles.
TYPES OF REGISTRATIONS AND LICENSES
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has several types of registrations and licenses, depending on the nature and scale of food business activities. The main types of registrations and licenses issued by FSSAI are as follows:
- BASIC REGISTRATION:This applies to small food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh. It is suitable for businesses such as small-scale manufacturers, petty retailers, and food stalls.
- STATE LICENSE:This license is required for medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore (approximately $16,000 to $2.7 million). It applies to businesses such as medium-sized manufacturers, storage units, transporters, caterers, and restaurants.
- CENTRAL LICENSE:This license is applicable to large food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore. It is required for businesses engaged in activities such as import/export of food products, large-scale manufacturers, 100% export-oriented units, and food businesses operating in airports or seaports.
PROCEDURE FOR REGISTRATION OR LICENSE
The online procedure for obtaining a registration or license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) can be summarized as follows:
- VISIT THE FSSAI WEBSITE:Go to the official FSSAI website (www.fssai.gov.in) and navigate to the "Registration and Licensing" section.
- CREATE AN ACCOUNT:Create an account on the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) portal by providing the required details, such as your name, email address, and mobile number. Verify your account through the confirmation email or SMS.
- LOGIN TO FLRS:Log in to the FLRS portal using your credentials to access the online application system.
- SELECT THE APPLICATION TYPE:Choose the appropriate application type based on your business category, such as Basic Registration, State License, or Central License.
- FILL IN THE APPLICATION FORM:Fill in the online application form with accurate details, including the nature of your business, location, turnover, and other relevant information. Upload the necessary documents, such as proof of identity, address proof, and supporting documents specific to your business category.
- PAY THE FEES:Calculate and pay the required fees for the registration or license application online through the FLRS portal. The fee amount will depend on the type and scale of your business.
- SUBMIT THE APPLICATION:Review all the entered information and documents. Once you are satisfied, submit the application electronically through the portal.
- TRACK THE APPLICATION:After submission, you can track the progress of your application online. FSSAI may conduct inspections and may request additional information or documents if needed.
- ISSUANCE OF REGISTRATION/LICENSE:If your application is approved and meets all the requirements, FSSAI will issue the registration certificate or license in electronic format. You can download and print the certificate for display in your food business premises.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- FSSAI Registration - Basic:
- Authorized person's passport-sized photograph (self-attested)
- Authorized person's Aadhaar card (front and back) (self-attested)
- Address proof of the business premises (rental agreement, previous month's electricity bill, or NOC from landlord)
- Declaration signed by the authorized person
- FSSAI Registration - Basic:
- Passport-sized photograph of directors/partners/proprietor
- Identity proof of directors/partners/proprietor (Aadhaar and PAN)
- Address proof of the business premises (rental agreement, previous month's electricity bill, or NOC from landlord)
- Photographs of the premises (8-9 photos)
- Blueprint of the premises
- List of food products on the company letterhead (with seal and signature)
- List of machines (if any) on the company's letterhead (with seal and signature)
- Manufacturing Units:
- Blueprint of the warehouse, plant, etc.
- List of all machinery
- Report of a water test
- List of all food categories
FAQs
FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is an autonomous body responsible for regulating and supervising food safety and hygiene standards in India.
FSSAI registration/license is necessary to ensure that food businesses comply with food safety standards, maintain hygiene practices, and provide safe and quality food products to consumers.
All food businesses, including manufacturers, processors, distributors, retailers, and food service providers, need to obtain FSSAI registration/license based on their business scale and turnover.
The different types include Basic Registration, State License, and Central License, which are based on the scale and nature of the food business.
The application can be submitted online through the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) portal of the FSSAI. It requires filling out the application form, providing necessary documents, and paying the applicable fees.
The processing time can vary, but it generally takes 20-45 days for Basic Registration, 30-60 days for State License, and 60-90 days for Central License.