The duration of validity for your FSSAI licence spans from one to five years. When the time comes to extend your FSSAI licence, the protocol involves submitting a renewal application via either Form A or Form B. It’s vital to note that this application needs to be initiated at least 30 days prior to the current registration’s expiration. Should you surpass this deadline, a charge of Rs. 100 per day will be incurred for each day of delay.
Upon the FSSAI licence’s expiry, it becomes mandatory for the business owner to cease all ongoing commercial operations at the premises. The timely renewal of your FSSAI licence is a must before its designated term concludes. In this article, we will discuss how to renew FSSAI licence after expiration.
Understanding Food Licence Renewal Requirements
Before understanding how to renew FSSAI licence after expiration, it is first necessary to know the categories of entities necessitating FSSAI renewal. These are:
1. Hotels:
Hotels, whether large establishments or boutique lodgings, are among those entities that are required to undergo the FSSAI renewal process. This ensures that the food they serve maintains the required standards of safety and quality.
2. Procurement:
Entities engaged in the procurement of raw materials and ingredients for food production fall under the ambit of FSSAI renewal requirements. This includes businesses that source ingredients for further processing.
3. Manufacturers:
Food manufacturers, ranging from large-scale production facilities to smaller processing units, are obligated to undergo the FSSAI renewal process.
4. Processors:
Entities engaged in processing raw food materials into consumable products are an integral part of the food industry. FSSAI renewal for processors validates that their processing methods align with food safety regulations.
5. Packaging and Storage:
Ensuring the safety of food products extends to their packaging and storage. Those involved in these aspects are required to undergo FSSAI licence renewal to maintain hygiene and quality standards.
6. Wholesalers:
Wholesalers, who act as intermediaries between manufacturers or processors and retailers, are subject to FSSAI renewal. This step is taken to verify the maintenance of food safety during distribution.
7. Restaurants:
From fine dining establishments to fast-food outlets, restaurants of all types must undergo FSSAI renewal. This guarantees that the food served to customers meets the necessary safety and hygiene benchmarks.
8. Food Vendors and Distributors:
Entities engaged in the direct vending or distribution of food products also fall under the purview of FSSAI renewal requirements. This encompasses a wide range of individuals and businesses engaged in food sales.
9. Dairy Production and Processing:
The dairy sector, encompassing both production and processing, requires FSSAI renewal. This is imperative to ensure the safety of dairy products reaching consumers.
10. Canteens in Various Institutions:
Canteens operating within businesses, colleges, hospitals and government institutions are included in the list of entities necessitating FSSAI licence renewal. This guarantees the provision of safe and wholesome meals to the institution’s stakeholders.
11. Transporters:
Transporters responsible for moving food products from one location to another are integral to maintaining the food supply chain. FSSAI renewal for transporters ensures that the products are handled and transported in compliance with food safety regulations.
In essence, the process on how to renew FSSAI licence after expiration encompasses a comprehensive array of stakeholders within the food industry. By categorically addressing the renewal requirements based on their respective roles, the regulatory body endeavors to uphold the highest standards of food safety and quality throughout the supply chain.
Essential Guidelines for Food Business Operators (FBO)
In order to know how to renew FSSAI licence after expiration and ensure compliance with the regulatory framework, the following information is vital for all Food Business Operators (FBOs):
1. Renewal Application Process and Annual Returns Submission:
FBOs seeking to understand how to renew FSSAI licence after expiration must adhere to a crucial provision. This entails the electronic submission of the required Annual Returns via the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS). This step is fundamental for initiating the renewal application process.
2. Renewal Period Duration:
The renewal period for licences shall not surpass 80 days beyond the initial expiration date. FBOs are advised to initiate the renewal process within this stipulated timeframe to avoid unnecessary delays and operational disruptions.
3. Operational Constraints During Renewal Process:
During the interlude between the original expiration date and the subsequent granting of a renewed licence, FBOs are prohibited from engaging in any food-related activities. It is important to note that any violation of Section 63 of the FSS Act, 2006 during this period will attract penalties and punitive actions against the non-compliant food business.
4. Creation of New Validity Date:
After realising how to renew FSSAI licence after expiration and upon successful renewal of the licence or registration, a fresh validity date will be assigned. This updated validity date reflects the renewed compliance status of the FBO and the continued authorisation to conduct food business activities.
5. Duration of Policy Implementation:
The present policy will remain effective until the operationalisation of the FSS (licencing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment laws. FBOs should ensure adherence to these guidelines until the amended regulations come into force.
6. Exploiting the Policy Advantage:
FBOs that have experienced licence or registration expiration within the 180 days leading up to the issuance of this order can capitalise on this policy. Such entities are encouraged to initiate the process of licence/registration renewal via the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS).
Before knowing how to renew FSSAI licence after expiration, it is equally important to meticulously follow these guidelines, so that Food Business Operators can ensure a seamless renewal process, maintain regulatory compliance and continue their operations in alignment with the established food safety standards and regulations.
Required Documents for Updating a FSSAI licence
To know how to renew FSSAI licence after expiration in case of a basic or state or central FSSAI licence, the following documents are required:
Documents Needed for Renewing a Basic FSSAI licence
To know how to renew FSSAI licence after expiration in case of a basic license, upload these documents:
- Applicant’s Identity Verification:
– Image of the applicant in passport size.
– Valid identification documents such as Voter ID card or Aadhar Card.
- Address Proof:
– Copy of PAN card.
– Proof of address documents such as Telephone bill, Mobile bill, Electricity bill, Gas bill.
- Rental Agreement and NOC (For Business Owners):
Documents Needed for Renewing a Central or State FSSAI licence
To know how to renew FSSAI licence after expiration in case of a central or state licence , the following documents must be submitted along with the completed and signed Form B:
- Photographs and Address Verification:
– Photographs of the applicant, partners, directors, or allowed signatories.
– Address verification documents for the aforementioned individuals.
- Director Information and Facility Details:
– List of directors with proof of identification.
– Diagram of the food processing facility.
– List of food categories for manufacturers.
- Manufacturer-specific Information:
– If the applicant is a manufacturer, provide the name and quantity of equipment, along with its installed capacity and horsepower.
- Legal Documentation:
– Copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA and AOA) or partnership deed.
- Authorisation Letter:
– Authorisation letter from the manufacturer allowing the designated individual to act on their behalf.
- Ownership Proof:
– Proof of ownership documents, such as Electricity bill, sales deed, etc.
- Bank Details:
– A voided check.
Additional Documents for Central FSSAI licence Renewal:
- Specific Industry Certifications:
– Certificate from the Ministry of Commerce for 100% Export Oriented Units (EOU).
– Importer Exporter Code (IEC) publications published by DGFT.
These documents, when accurately provided, ensure a smooth process for updating or renewing your FSSAI licence. Adhering to the necessary requirements is essential for maintaining compliance with food safety regulations and facilitating the continued operation of your food business.
How to Renew FSSAI licence after expiration: Step-by-Step Process
The process on how to renew FSSAI licence after expiration with a comprehensive guide to the steps involved in renewing a FSSAI licence are:
Step 1: Form Submission and Documentation
Depending on your previous licence, complete either Form A (Basic FSSAI Registration) or Form B (Central or State FSSAI Registration). Alongside the application form, ensure you provide self-attested documents as mandated by the Food Safety and Standards Act, Regulations and Laws.
Step 2: Application Review and Inspection
Once your application is submitted, the regulatory authority undertakes a comprehensive review. This involves verifying the accuracy of the provided information and documents.
Step 3: Establishment Inspection
Authorised personnel are dispatched to your establishment to conduct a thorough investigation. This step is crucial to ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulations.
Step 4: In-Depth Inspection and Report Creation
During the establishment visit, an FSSAI officer conducts a meticulous inspection of your food business. The findings of this inspection are compiled into a detailed report.
Step 5: Licence Issuance
Upon completion of the inspection and report, the authorised authority processes your renewal request. A renewed FSSAI/Food licence is typically issued within 60 days from the submission of your application.
Final Thoughts
To learn how to renew FSSAI licence after expiration is a crucial step in ensuring the continuity and credibility of your food business. The process involves checking the status of your licence, gathering the required documents, submitting the renewal application, waiting for the renewal certificate and displaying the renewed licence prominently.
To circumvent the need for a completely new licence application, it is crucial to ensure the timely renewal of your FSSAI licence before its designated term concludes.
For more information on how to renew FSSAI licence after expiration, connect with our experts at StartupFino.
