In the powerful scene of the food business, guaranteeing the well-being and nature of items is of central significance. This responsibility has been delegated to the regulatory body known as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). FSSAI provides two essential procedures for food industry businesses: enrollment and permitting. Although both aim to maintain food safety standards, their scales of operation differ. In this blog, we’ll dig into the qualifications between FSSAI registration and licensing, assisting you with getting a handle on their importance.
What is FSSAI Registration?
FSSAI registration and licensing is a process that is mandatory for all food businesses operating in India. This is required to ensure that the food products being sold are safe and meet the required quality standards. The process is simple and can be completed online. FSSAI registration is a basic regulatory requirement for small-scale food businesses. It is suitable for businesses with modest operations and turnover. This category includes petty retailers, street food vendors, small eateries, and individual food producers. The purpose of registration is to ensure that these entities follow basic hygiene standards and maintain a minimal level of food safety.
Requirements for FSSAI Registration:
- Annual Turnover: Businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs are eligible for FSSAI registration.
- Eligible Activities: Small-scale food businesses involved in activities such as manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale, or import of food products can apply for registration.
- Application Process: The application for FSSAI registration can be submitted online or offline, accompanied by necessary documents such as a photo ID and address proof.
- Scope: FSSAI registration and licensing is local in nature, restricting the business to operate within the jurisdiction of the specific State or Union Territory.
Benefits of FSSAI registration
FSSAI registration provides several benefits to food businesses, such as:
Legal Compliance:
FSSAI registration is mandatory for all businesses involved in the manufacturing, processing, packaging, distribution, and sale of food products. Obtaining registration ensures that your business is operating within the legal framework and helps avoid penalties and legal troubles.
Consumer Trust:
FSSAI registration and licensing shows that your food items meet the essential security and quality principles set by the public authority. As a result, sales and customer loyalty can rise as a result of increased customer trust and confidence in your products.
Quality Assurance:
FSSAI sets rules and principles for food handling and quality, including bundling and marking necessities. Sticking to these norms guarantees that your items are safe for utilization and meet the predefined quality benchmarks.
Business Expansion:
If you plan to expand your business, especially across state lines, FSSAI registration becomes crucial. It helps in establishing a consistent brand image and credibility across different regions.
Export Opportunities:
FSSAI registration is often required for exporting food products to other countries. It demonstrates that your products comply with international food safety and quality standards, facilitating smoother export processes.
Differentiation:
FSSAI registration and licensing can set your business apart from unregistered competitors, as consumers are increasingly becoming more conscious about the quality and safety of the food products they consume.
Regulatory Support:
Registered businesses receive support and guidance from FSSAI in terms of complying with food safety regulations, which can be especially helpful for startups and small businesses.
Collaboration and Tie-Ups:
Many retailers and suppliers prefer to collaborate with registered businesses due to the assurance of food safety and quality. This can lead to potential partnerships and collaborations in the food industry.
Marketing Advantage:
FSSAI registration can be used as a marketing tool to showcase your commitment to food safety and quality. It can be highlighted in packaging, promotional materials, and advertising campaigns.
Recalls and Traceability:
In case of any quality issues or product recalls, having FSSAI registration can help authorities and consumers trace the source of the problem more efficiently, minimizing potential harm.
FSSAI Licensing
FSSAI licensing, on the other hand, pertains to medium to large-scale food businesses. These businesses typically have a wider reach, higher turnover, and greater complexity in their operations. FSSAI licensing and registration ensures that these establishments adhere to more stringent food safety regulations due to their broader impact on public health.
Requirements for FSSAI Licensing:
- Annual Turnover: Businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹12 lakhs are required to obtain an FSSAI licence.
- Eligible Activities: Medium to large-scale food organisations participated in exercises like assembling, handling, appropriating, and selling food items needed to apply for licensing.
- Types of Licences: Depending on the scale and nature of operations, businesses can apply for either a State License (intra-state operations) or a Central License (inter-state operations or import-export).
- Application Process: The application process for FSSAI licensing and registration is more comprehensive and involves detailed documentation, food safety management plans, and facility inspection.
- Scope: FSSAI licensing extends the business’s scope across state and national boundaries, allowing for wider operations and distribution.
Types of FSSAI Licence
FSSAI offers three types of licences based on the size and nature of the food business:
- Basic FSSAI License: A basic FSSAI licence is required for food businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakh.
- State FSSAI License: A state FSSAI licence is required for food businesses with an annual turnover of more than Rs. 12 lakh and up to Rs. 20 crore.
- Central FSSAI License: Central FSSAI licence is required for food businesses with an annual turnover of more than Rs. 20 crores.
Benefits of FSSAI licensing and registration
FSSAI licensing and registration provides several benefits to food businesses, such as:
Consistency with security and quality norms:
FSSAI licensing requires food organisations to follow the security and quality principles set by FSSAI. This could make sure that the food products that are sold are safe and meet the quality standards that are needed.
Business expansion:
FSSAI licensing is mandatory for obtaining other licences and permits required for the food business. By obtaining FSSAI licensing, food businesses can expand their operations and reach a wider market.
Competitive advantage:
FSSAI licensing and registration indicates that the food business is complying with the safety and quality standards set by FSSAI. This can help the business gain a competitive advantage over other businesses that are not licensed by FSSAI.
Conclusion
FSSAI registration and licensing are two important processes that ensure the safety and quality of food products in India. FSSAI registration is mandatory for all food businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakh, while FSSAI licensing is mandatory for all food businesses with an annual turnover of MORE than Rs. 12 lakh.
FSSAI registration is a simple process, while FSSAI licensing involves a more detailed process, including submission of various documents and inspection of the food business premises. Both FSSAI registration and licensing provide several benefits to food businesses, such as legal compliance, consumer trust, and business expansion.
