Overview Of FSSAI License And How to Obtain It

What is the FSSAI license?

The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license is a mandatory certification required by food businesses operating in India. It is a 14-digit registration number that indicates that a food business complies with the food safety and quality standards set by the FSSAI. Obtaining an FSSAI license is necessary for ensuring food safety and consumer protection in India.

Importance Of FSSAI License In India

The FSSAI license is an important aspect of food safety regulation in India and has several important functions:

Legal Compliance: Obtaining an FSSAI license is a legal requirement for food business operators (FBOs) in India, and it helps to ensure that FBOs comply with the food safety and standards regulations set by the government.
Consumer Confidence: Having an FSSAI license helps to build consumer confidence in the food products manufactured or sold by FBOs, as it demonstrates that the FBOs are committed to providing safe and hygienic food.
Quality Assurance: The FSSAI license is issued only after the FBO’s facilities and products have been inspected and verified to meet the necessary food safety standards and requirements.
Brand Reputation: FBOs with an FSSAI license are able to leverage their license as a marketing tool, as it demonstrates their commitment to food safety and quality.
Improved Business Operations: Having an FSSAI license helps FBOs to streamline their food safety management systems and processes, which can lead to improved business operations and increased efficiency.

Overall, obtaining an FSSAI license is an important step for FBOs in India to ensure compliance with food safety regulations, build consumer confidence, and improve their business operations.

History Of FSSAI

FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, with the primary responsibility of regulating and supervising food safety and standards in India. The FSSAI is responsible for setting food safety standards, as well as providing scientific, technical, and administrative support to the Central Government and the State Governments in matters related to food safety and nutrition. The FSSAI also issues licenses and registration certificates to food business operators (FBOs) to ensure that their facilities, products, and processes meet the necessary food safety and standards requirements.

Types Of Fssai License

There are three types of FSSAI licenses in India, based on the scale and nature of a food business operator’s (FBO) operations:

Basic FSSAI License: This type of license is for small-scale food business operators with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs.
State FSSAI License: This type of license is for FBOs with an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crores, and it is issued by the state-level FSSAI office.
Central FSSAI License: This type of license is for FBOs with an annual turnover of over Rs. 20 crores, and it is issued by the central FSSAI office.

The type of license an FBO needs to obtain depends on their specific circumstances, including the scale and nature of their operations, the type of food products they manufacture or sell, and the location of their business.

Overview Of FSSAI Central License

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the central government agency responsible for regulating and supervising food safety in India. FSSAI central license is a legal requirement for food business operators (FBOs) that operate at a national level, such as large-scale food manufacturers, importers, and exporters. The FSSAI central license is issued for a period of five years and is renewable.

The license is granted after the FBO submits an application, along with supporting documents and a fee, to the FSSAI. The FSSAI then reviews the application and inspects the FBO’s facilities to ensure that they meet the necessary food safety standards and requirements. The FSSAI also verifies that the FBO has a food safety management system in place and that its products are tested regularly.

Having an FSSAI central license is important for FBOs because it demonstrates that they are committed to providing safe and hygienic food to consumers, and it helps to build consumer confidence in their products. The FSSAI also provides regular updates and training to FBOs to help them maintain high food safety standards.

How To Obtain FSSAI License

To obtain an FSSAI license in India, the following steps should be followed:

Determine the type of license required: Based on the scale and nature of operations, the FBO should determine if they need a Basic, State, or Central FSSAI license.
Fill out the application form: The FBO should fill out the relevant FSSAI license application form, available on the FSSAI website, and submit it along with the required supporting documents.
Provide supporting documents: The FBO should provide supporting documents such as the business registration certificate, PAN card, and food safety management system documentation.
Pay the fee: The FBO should pay the required fee for the FSSAI license, which varies based on the type of license and the scale of operations.
Inspections: FSSAI officials will conduct inspections of the FBO’s facilities, products, and processes to ensure that they meet the necessary food safety and standards requirements.
Issuance of license: If the FBO meets all the required food safety standards, the FSSAI will issue the relevant license, which is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the type of license and the specific circumstances of the FBO.

It’s important to note that the process of obtaining an FSSAI license can take several weeks or months, so FBOs should plan accordingly and allow sufficient time for the license application process.

Documents Require For FSSAI License

The following documents are required for obtaining an FSSAI license in India:

Business registration certificate: Proof of incorporation, such as a Company registration certificate, Partnership Deed, or Sole Proprietorship declaration.
PAN card: PAN card of the company, partnership firm, or proprietorship.
Proof of address: A recent utility bill or rental agreement that confirms the business address.
List of food categories: A list of food categories that the FBO will manufacture, store, distribute, or sell.
Blueprints or layout plan: Detailed blueprints or layout plan of the food business premises that shows the dimensions of the premises, location of machinery, and placement of utilities.
Food safety management system documentation: Documentation that outlines the FBO’s food safety management system, such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) or Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certificates.
List of directors or partners: If the FBO is a company or partnership firm, a list of directors or partners is required.
Photos of food business premises: Recent photographs of the food business premises, including the front view and inside view.
NOC from local authorities: No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local authorities such as the Municipal Corporation or Panchayat, if required.
FSSAI license fee: Payment of the FSSAI license fee, which varies based on the type of license and the scale of operations.

It’s important to note that these requirements may vary based on the specific circumstances of the FBO and the type of FSSAI license being sought. FBOs should consult the FSSAI website or consult with a professional for more information on the specific documents required for their license application.