The Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown inspired a new breed of entrepreneurs – home bakers, chefs and food hobbyists who transformed their hobby into a business selling homemade food. However as these home based food businesses become much more popular, it is essential to follow food safety requirements and regulations.
The regulatory body for Food Safety rules will be the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Any food business operator (FBO) in India should have FSSAI registration or license, even for homemade products. Failure to get FSSAI registration could lead to fines exceeding Rs. 5 lakhs or even the business closure. Let us understand if there is FSSAI required for homemade food in India.
What is FSSAI?
The FSSAI is a statutory organization established under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006, by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Its objective is to regulate and keep track of the manufacturing, processing, distribution and selling of food items in India as per defined standards.
FSS registration / license is a 14-digit unique identification number assigned to each FBO and required to show up on all food packaging and product labels.
Kinds of FSS registration/License
The kind of FSS registration or license depends upon the turnover of the food business annually. There are 3 categories:
- Basic FSSAI certificate: This is for small scale businesses with a turnover below Rs. 12 lakhs. They generally include home based businesses and startups.
- State FSSAI License: Businesses having an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakhs & Rs. 20 crores must get a state level FSSAI license out of the state’s FSSAI office.
- Central FSSAI License: Businesses having a yearly turnover over Rs. 20 crores have to obtain a central FSSAI license from the central FSSAI office.
Benefits of FSS Registration for Homemade Food Products
FSSAI registration or license is needed for home food businesses for the following reasons:
1. Legal Compliance:
FSSAI registration is a legal requirement and can lead to substantial fines or closing of the food industry.
2. Food Safety:
FSSAI registration verifies the food products meet specified safety requirements and therefore are fit for human consumption.
3. Credibility of Brands:
The inclusion of the FSSAI license number on product packaging and advertising materials increases credibility and trust for the brand.
4. Business Growth:
FSSAI registration is often required for listing products on food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato and for business expansion to several locations.
5. Access to Funding:
FSS registration could help home based food businesses attract investment money and get business loans.
How to Get FSS registration for Homemade Food Products?
The steps to obtain FSS registration or license for homemade food products are as follows:
- Evaluate your business turnover to figure out the necessary Basic, State, or Central registration/license.
- Get all the documents needed – address proof, identity proof, business incorporation documents (if needed), and rental/lease agreement for the premises.
- Complete the proper application Form (Form A Basic Registration, Form B State or even Central License).
- Pay the applicable FSSAI license cost – depending on the type of registration/license and yearly turnover of the business.
- Send application along with supporting documents online or offline to the FSSAI office.
- Hang on for your application to be processed – and that could take 15 to forty five days.
- Renewal the FSS registration/license before it expires to avoid penalties.
Points to Remember for Homemade Food Products Business in India
Some important points to keep in mind for homemade food products business in India are:
- Make a hygienic workspace for food preparation with sufficient air flow, light and regular cleaning.
- Access clean water and follow appropriate procedures to avoid bacteria and dirt from accumulating on equipment and utensils.
- Provide protective clothing for workers (aprons, hairnets and gloves) and also emphasize personal hygiene.
- Place the FSSAI license number on all product packaging and marketing materials.
- Renewal of the FSS registration/license well before expiry date to stay away from penalty for late submission.
Closing Thoughts
In the growing Indian market for homemade food products FSSAI license is mandatory. It ensures legal compliance and food safety guidelines and plays a role in a good brand image and business growth. With the appropriate FSS registration, home based food businesses can operate safely and with high quality products for their clients and pursue expansion and expansion.
FAQs
1. How to get FSSAI registration to sell homemade products in India?
The steps to obtain FSS registration to sell homemade products in India are as follows:
a) Select the kind of Registration based on your yearly turnover – Basic registration (less than Rs. Twelve lakhs), State License (Rs. Twelve Lakhs – to Rs. 20 crores), or Central License (over Rs. (20 crores)).
b) Prepare the identity proof, address proof and business incorporation documents (in case applicable).
c) Complete the proper application Form (Form A for Basic Registration and form B for State or Central License).
d) Pay the FSS registration fee.
e) Apply on the internet or offline in the FSSAI office.
f) Wait for your application to get processed (fifteen to forty five days).
g) Renew the registration before it expires.
2. Are there requirements or criteria for homemade product sellers to register with FSSAI?
Yes, there are specific requirements and criteria for homemade product sellers to register with FSSAI:
a) The food preparation workspace should be hygienic and clean, provided with air flow, regular and light cleaning.
b) Clean water and methods to stay away from contamination of equipment and utensils.
c) Protection of workers (aprons, hairnets and gloves) and emphasis on personal hygiene.
3. What documents are needed to apply for FSS registration to sell homemade goods?
Documents needed for FSS registration to sell homemade products are:
a) Identity proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving License or Passport)
b) Address proof
c) Business incorporation papers (when appropriate)
d) Rental/lease agreement pertaining to use of premises
e) FSSAI declaration forms
4. How long does it take to get FSS registration to sell homemade products & what’s the validity period?
Following application and supporting documents it takes 15 to forty five days to obtain FSS registration for selling homemade products.
Validity period of FSS registration ranges from one to five years, based on registration type and FSSAI office guidelines.
5. Are small scale homemade products sellers exempt from FSS registration requirements in India?
No, small scale homemade product sellers are not subjected to FSS registration requirements in India. Even when yearly turnover is less than Rs. 12 lakhs, they must obtain a Basic FSS registration (FSSAI certificate) to operate legally.
