In the Indian food business sector, companies may feel the need to move to a new address. But in terms of food safety laws, this change might be a little complex. Food businesses operating in the country are governed by specific Food Safety & Standards Authority of India guidelines i.e. FSSAI regulations and changing the address of your licensed premises is a major action which must be observed as per laws and rules.
In case you’re a food business owner and wish to know how to change address in FSSAI license, then this blog can help you. Let us understand and list the documents needed and provide you a clear process for address change in FSSAI license.
Why Update Your FSSAI License Address?
The FSSAI license is a legal requirement for the food industry in India along with a confirmation that your establishment meets specific food security requirements. In case you move to an alternative address for your food unit, you must update your FSSAI license.
Failing to update your license could lead to great fines, suspension of activities or revocation of your license. Following the correct procedures regarding how to change address in food license ensures compliance with all the law and also shows you’re dedicated to offering the very best food safety for your customers.
FSSAI New Provisions for Address Change
In a bid to assist food companies, the FSSAI has added provisions which permit FBOs to keep their current FSSAI license or registration number even in case they shift the premise address. What this means is you are able to now alter your current license to reflect the brand new address rather than giving up your license and requesting a brand new one.
This change was announced in an FSSAI order dated September 30th, 2021 and aims to simplify the procedure for FBOs while lessening the administrative burden and letting them continue their activities.
How to Change Address in FSSAI License?
Now let us understand the importance and also the new provisions, we need to see for how to change address in FSSAI license.
Step 1: Log into Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS)
Step one is logging onto the FoSCoS portal, the online site used by the FSSAI for licensing and registration. Upon signing in, you will notice a dashboard.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Modification’ Option
Find and click the ‘Modification’ option from the dashboard. This will let you modify the address field on your current FSSAI license or registration certificate.
Step 3: Select the License or Registration Certificate to Modify
Once you click ‘Modification’, you will be directed to pick the license or registration certificate you wish to alter. Pick the one which corresponds with the address change.
Step 4: Update the Address Details
After you choose the license or registration certificate, you can modify the address information. Type in the new address information properly and check for errors.
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
Along with the address change application, you must upload the following supporting documents :.
1. A letter on the company letterhead outlining the address change along with other details.
2. Any additional documents the licensing body might require to confirm the food safety of the new premises.
Step 6: Pay the Applicable Fee
The FSSAI has developed a fee structure for the address change in FSSAI license process. The fees as per the FSSAI notification dated June 16th, 2021 are as follows:
– Modification of License: Rs. 1,000
– Modification of Registration: Rs. 100
However the FSSAI had waived those fees through October 31st, 2021. Keep in mind the changes or updates to the fee structure before applying.
Step 7: Submit Application
After filling in the necessary information and uploading the necessary documents, you can apply for a change of address in the FSSAI license. Your application will be issued a 17 digit application reference number as a receipt.
Step 8: Wait for Approval
When your application is submitted, you visit the approval phase. What happens next is:
- The present licensing body will review your application within fifteen days from receipt.
- In case the existing authority has no objections or comments, the system will approve your application automatically.
- In case the existing authority has some concerns, they’ll make comments and you have to address those first.
- When approved at the initial location, your application is going to be forward to the proper licensing expert in the brand new location.
- The new Licensing authority is going to examine your application and also approve it under the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing & Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
Step 9: License Update & Transfer
In case the licensing authority approves your application, your license’s record and history is going to be transferred to the destined licensing authority. Your FSSAI license will reflect the new address and you can continue operating at the brand new premises.
Important Note
If the FSSAI supervisor denies your application for ‘FSSAI license address change,’ you must halt your business until the modification is completed. Doing this without permission for FSSAI address change can lead to legal action and penalties.
Conclusion
FSSAI address change is a major step which must be planned and done based on the FSSAI guidelines. Stick to the clearly given process in this article to make the transition simple and prevent disruption of your operations.
Remember that food safety is vital, and the FSSAI’s regulations are meant to safeguard customers and uphold standards within the market. When you promptly update your FSSAI address change, you show that you care about compliance and your customers’ health and wellbeing.
FAQs
1. How can one update the address on an FSSAI license?
The update of the address on a FSSAI license is as follows:
- Step 1: Log into the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal.
- Step 2: Click the ‘Modification’ button.
- Step 3: Pick the license or registration certificate to modify.
- Step 4: Update new address info.
- Step 5: Upload required documents.
- Step 5: Now adhere to the following instructions to finish the procedure. Pay the relevant fee (if any).
- Step 6: Submit application.
- Step 8: Wait for approval by existing and new licensing authorities.
2. What documents are needed to change the address on an FSSAI license?
Yes, please upload the supporting documents below:
- A letter on company letterhead describing reasons for address change.
- Any other documents the licensing authority might require to guarantee food safety at the new premises.
3. What is the time of processing for a change of address request for an FSSAI license?
The timeline given for the same is:
- Existing licensing authority will examine the application within 15 days.
- It will be forwarded to the new licensing authority After initial approval.
- The new authority will examine and approve it as per regulations.
Thus overall processing time might vary, but existing authority performs initial scrutiny within 15 days.
4. Can I update the address on my FSSAI license online or must I visit a regulatory office?
The whole address update procedure is online at the FoSCoS portal. No one needs to visit a regulatory office in person.
5. Are there costs for changing the address on an FSSAI license?
Yes, per the FSSAI notification of June 16th, 2021 the fees were:
- Modification of License: Rs. 1,000
- Modification of Registration: Rs. 100
