FSSAI Registration

A Complete Guide on FSSAI Registration

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an Indian regulatory organization that regulates and supervises food-related industries nationwide with regard to their standards of manufacturing quality.   Given its high standards and scientific methodology, a food product with the FSSAI certification label makes sense. 

It is mandatory for all Food Business Operators (FBOs), including those that manufacture, prepare, sell, transport, distribute, and store food items, to be registered with the FSSAI to conduct business. Lawgical Adda is here to give you a comprehensive view on FSSAI registration!

Food Business Operators (FBOs) Required to Register with the FSSAI

Obtaining an FSSAI Registration/License is mandatory for FBOs engaged in the following types of business:

1. Small merchants and retail establishments, such a store selling snacks, confections, baked goods, etc.
2. Food products are prepared, distributed, stored, and sold at these temporary or permanent food stalls. Examples of these types of businesses include gol Gappa stands, chat rooms, fruit and vegetable vendors, tea shops, snack shops, bread pakoda stands, samosa stands, Chinese food stands, South Indian food stands, sweet shops, and juice shops. Food vendors travel from one place to another, usually on foot or with portable carts, to sell packaged or freshly made food.
3. Dairy businesses, such as milk dealers, petty milkmen, and chilling units.
4. Units for processing vegetable oil.
5. Slaughterhouses, including stores that sell lamb, mutton, chicken, and other meat.
6. Units for processing fish and meat.
7. Any facilities that produce or process food and involve repackaging it.
8. Cuisine that is unique and proprietary.
9. A cold storage or refrigeration facility.
10. Food product transporter with various specialized vehicles, including food trucks, insulated refrigerated vans and wagons, milk tankers, and food wagons.
11. Food product supplier, distributor, wholesaler, and marketer.
12. Bars, restaurants, and hotels.
13. Cafeterias and canteens, which serve midday meals.
14. Catering companies and food vendors.
15. Food is served in dhabas, PGs, banquet halls with catering services, home-based canteens, and food stands at fairs and religious places.

Steps for FSSAI Registration

Verification of Eligibility

A vital Eligibility Check is the first step in determining which registration category is best for your food business. Depending on the size of your operations, you'll need to decide between basic registration, a state license, or a central license. Small enterprises and startups with an annual revenue of under INR 12 lakhs are eligible for Basic Registration. 

Make an Account

Accessing the official FSSAI Licensing and Registration System website is the first step in the online process. You can select the "Sign-up" option on the webpage. By clicking the link, you can start the account creation process. You will be asked to provide some facts as you go along, which will serve as the basis for your account.

Register and Submit an Application

Once your account has been successfully created, using the FSSAI portal will be simple. Fill out an online application to access the procedure's primary elements. Within the site, you will be able to choose from a wide variety of registration and license options. It is up to you to choose the best choice for your company.

Complete the Information

You will be asked to submit an application that includes a detailed description of your food business. This description must include information about your company's operations, location, type of business, and relevant contact details.

Provide the Necessary Documentation

The production of supporting documentation is important, contingent upon the particular registration or license type you selected. The required documents could include identification verification, paperwork attesting to your business address, a comprehensive inventory of the food items your company deals with, a thorough schematic of your processing facility, and possibly more.

Remittance of Charges

After carefully completing the application and gathering the necessary paperwork, the next step is to pay the application fee. The cost is dependent on the type of license selected. The process is made easier by the availability of online payment through the FSSAI portal.

Submission and Inspection

Upon submission of your application and payment, the FSSAI must be carefully examined. This step verifies that your submission is accurate and complete. An FSSAI officer may occasionally organize an on-site inspection of your food business to verify the quality of the food ingredients.

Obtain the License

The ultimate goal of this quest is to obtain an FSSAI license or registration certificate. If your application fulfills all the necessary standards and conditions, you will receive a certificate from the FSSAI with a special registration or license number. This concrete evidence of compliance shows your dedication to quality and safety. The certificate, which signifies the successful completion of your online FSSAI registration process, is usually mailed to you.

Documents Needed to Get an FSSAI License or Registration

To obtain an FSSAI state license, an FSSAI central license, or an FSSAI basic registration, the following documents are needed:

1. The food company owners' photo identity proof.
2. Certificates of establishment and shop licensing, partnership agreements, certificates of incorporation, and other business registration documents are examples of business constitutions.
3. Evidence proving ownership of the business space, such as a lease, a letter of intent from the landlord, utility bills, etc.
4. Plan for the food safety management system.
5. A list of prepared or produced food items.
6. Details about a bank account.
7. Supporting documentation (if needed), such as a copy of the manufacturer's license, an NOC from the municipality or panchayat, or a health NOC.

Why should you get an FSSAI Food License?

Getting a license can help the food industry legally, foster goodwill, guarantee food safety, raise consumer awareness, and facilitate business growth. Additionally, it aids in producing, distributing, storing, and selling imported food. When an FBO has an FSSAI license, it is simple to raise money from investors.

Customers are guaranteed high-quality food when they see the FSSAI seal on food products. The prominently placed FSSAI registration number on the property indicates the food establishments' adherence to quality and sanitary requirements. When necessary, the food safety officer may, in accordance with Section 32 of the FSS Act of 2006, issue an improvement notice. After allowing the licensee to explain themselves, the officer can revoke the license if the business owner disregards the improvement notice.

Pro tip: The FSSAI license is a permission that can be obtained for one to five years. It is renewable, and you must apply for a new license at least thirty days before the existing one expires.

That being stated, the specific procedure and prerequisites may differ slightly depending on the local regulations and the nature of the food business. Checking the current regulations on the FSSAI website is necessary, and speaking with a consultant or legal professional may also be helpful. Lawgical Adda is here to help you register easily in a matter of few days!