How To Get FSSAI Food License In India?

Indian government has taken steps to simplify the FSSAI food license process, but challenges still remain

The subject of food safety comes under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. FSSAI functions as part of this ministry to ensure food safety across the country. It covers various activities such as selling food, manufacturing, processing, transportation, storage and distribution of food. Any entity that is carrying out such activities should have an FSSAI food license. Let us check out more details on this topic.

Types of FSSAI food license

There are essentially three types of FSSAI food license. A basic registration is required for petty / small businesses that have annual turnover of equal to or more than Rs 12 lakh. The next category is state license, applicable for medium-sized businesses operating in one state. For multi-state operators and exporters and importers, and large businesses, a central license is mandatory. The FSSAI food license is a 14-digit unique number. It should be printed on the food packets and the premises of the manufacturers.

What is fee for getting FSSAI food license?

The fees for getting FSSAI license varies based on the type of business. For example, the annual fee for small operators such as hawkers, stalls, small retailers, tea/snack shops and home-based food sellers is just Rs 100 per year. For dairy units, the FSSAI license fee can be in the range of Rs 100 to Rs 7,500, depending on volumes per year.

Similarly, the FSSAI license fee varies for other segments such as vegetable oil processing, meat production, general manufacturing, storage operations, wholesaler, distributor, transporter, hotels, restaurants, caterers, club canteens, e-commerce, food vending machines, etc. The annual FSSAI fee is quite affordable, which ensures that more entities can register with FSSAI.

What are documents required for FSSAI food license?

Documents required for FSSAI license can vary based on the type of business. Some common documents you may need are given below.

• Filled Form A (Registration) or Form B (State/Central)
• Photo of FBO/proprietor
• Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License)
• Address proof of business premises (rent agreement, utility bill, ownership proof)
• Proof of possession of premises
• Partnership deed/AOA/MOA & board resolution (for companies/partnerships)
• List of food products/categories
• Food Safety Management Plan (FSMP) declaration
• NOC from local municipality/panchayat (if required)

For manufacturers and those operating food processing units, some more documents are usually required, as mentioned below.

• Layout plan of premises
• List of machinery/equipment with capacity
• Water analysis report (potable water)
• Pesticide residues report (for certain products)
• Source of raw materials (milk/meat, etc.)

For importers and exporters, the IEC code and product details will be required. Variations may be there, as per the respective state laws and regulations.

Common issues and challenges with getting FSSAI food license

To benefit people and businesses that want to get FSSAI license, the government has made the entire process fully digitized. FSSAI license applications can be submitted online via the FoSCoS portal (https://foscos.fssai.gov.in). Follow the directions to complete the application process. Renewal of FSSAI license and modifications can also be done online.

Even though the FSSAI license process has been simplified and digitized, some challenges still remain. For example, the number of documents required is quite big. The application can be rejected if there is incomplete or incorrect documentation. Mistakes often noted in FSSAI application include the wrong selection of type of business and wrong eligibility.

Users have also reported issues like delays in processing, technical portal issues, frequent regulatory updates and state variations and inspections. The government is aware of these challenges and is making efforts to resolve these.

What happens if I operate without a FSSAI food license?

To ensure compliance, there is provision for monetary fine and jail term under FSSAI. If anyone conducts a food business without FSSAI license, they will be liable to face the consequences. For minor violations, the fine is in the range of Rs 25,000 to Rs 5 lakh. For operating a food business without FSSAI license, the penalty can be up to Rs 10 lakh. Violators can also face imprisonment of up to 6 months.