Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) is the only authority that regulates the food business in India, and it plays a very vital role with regard to the manufacturing, distribution and selling of food products towards consumers. Ensuring a proper standard is very important with regard to the establishment of a food business which helps sustain the business and provide quality food towards the consumers. In order to do food business in the Indian market you need to get FSSAI License after providing proper FSSAI application paperwork to the authorities.
Understanding of FSSAI License Registration in India
The registration of food business after submitting proper FSSAI compliance documents as well as information with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India which governs or we can say regulates the food safety standards in India is called FSSAI License Registration. Mainly there are three types of food licensing in India. Which license will be suitable for which food business that completely depends on the business like nature of the business, turnover of the business, type of the business etc. hence it can be concluded that business to business food license may vary. Three key FSSAI license are given or discussed below:
- Basic Registration
- State FSSAI Licence
- Central FSSAI Licence
What are the Key Documents for FSSAI License in India?
Documentation is one of the key requirements to do any kind of business anywhere in the world. Thus for food businesses as well you need to have the proper documents as per the requirement of the type of food license applicable on your business. The below mentioned are the key FSSAI documents requirement:
Basic Documents of the Applicant and Business
- Form B
- Photographs
- Identity proof
- Address proof
- Constitution of business certificate
- The list of directors, partners, proprietors
- Food safety management system plan
- The declaration form
- Proof of the possession of business premises
- The list of food products
- Reports for water testing
- The Importer Exporter Code
- NOC from local body
- Proof of annual turnover
Specific Documents Related to Food Products
- List of food products which includes the manufactured, processed, packed, stored, distributed or sold foods by the business.
- Product labels
- Name of the product
- Ingredients list
- Nutritional information
- Net weight
- Manufacturing and expiry date
- Batch or lot number
- FSSAI logo and license number
- Name and address of the manufacturer
- Instruction for use and side effects.
- Specification of the product
- Food Safety Management System Plan
- Shelf life and stability data
- Test report
- Process flow chart
- Packaging material to be specified.
FSSAI State and Central Registration Documentation
- Form B (application form)
- Identity and address proofs
- Food safety management plan
- List of partners/proprietors
- MOA/AOA (for companies)
- Certificate of Incorporation (for companies)
- NOC from Municipality
- Authority letter (if applicable)
- Layout plan of the processing unit
- List of food products
- FSMS plan
- Declaration form
- Photographs of operator
- Ministry of Tourism certificate (for hotels)
Key Regulatory Compliances of FSSAI Businesses
Some of the key regulatory compliances of the FSSAI businesses are:
- FSSAI Licensing: In order to do any kind of food business in India you need to take a license from the FSSAI without which you cannot work in the food market. In case you work without his license and are caught then you have to pay heavy fines as well as penalties.
- Food Safety Management System: In order to maintain the food safety this FSMS must be there with your business. This is applicable on the big businesses only.
- Food Product Standards: FSSAI has prescribed food product standards for different products to make sure to maintain that standard properly.
- Hygiene and Sanitation: It is the duty of all the food business owners to maintain proper hygiene as well as sanitation on the food business place.
- Packaging and Labeling: Proper packaging as well as labeling must be by the food business owner without ignorance as it is one of the most important compliance of the FSSAI.
- Training and Awareness: Proper training as well as awareness must be spread by the government regarding food safety and non compliance with the food safety laws of India.
- Food License Renewal: Renewal of food license is compulsory as it is not a one time licensing. This license can be taken for a minimum of one year and maximum for 5 years. It depends on the business owner.
Conclusion
The trust of consumers significantly contributes to the overall reputation and credibility of the food business. It stands very much essential in obtaining an FSSAI license after providing proper FSSAI application paperwork which is also an essential requirement for food business operators only to make sure that the food is manufactured, (compliance with food safety regulations in India). This not only enhances the trust of consumers but significantly contributes to the overall reputation and credibility of the food business.
FAQs
- What is FSSAI registration?
This registration stands as a crucial part of the business operations and regulates the food safety standards, protects the consumer’s trust and helps in avoiding legal issues.
- What are the different FSSAI License registrations?
Basic registration, State registration and Central Registration.
- What are the essential documents for FSSAI registration?
The documents required for Food registration vary based on the type of license. The common documents include identity proof, address proof, proof of business ownership, a list of food products, a food safety management system plan, and NOC from local authorities.
- What is the time taken to obtain FSSAI License registration?
It takes around 7 to 60 days depending on the submission of the application, the license type and the time taken by FSSAI authorities depending on workload.
- Does a home-based food business require FSSAI registration?
Yes, any home-based food business is required to obtain an FSSAI License registration certificate.
