What is FSSAI Registration?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It is responsible for regulating and ensuring the safety of food products in the country. The FSSAI Registration or License is mandatory for food businesses to ensure they meet specific standards concerning food production, processing, distribution, and sale. This registration is governed by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Key Features of FSSAI Registration
- Legality: FSSAI registration ensures that food businesses comply with Indian food safety standards.
- Trust: It helps establish a trusted brand image for food businesses, assuring consumers of the safety and quality of the food they consume.
- Scope: FSSAI applies to manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, and any business involved in food processing or distribution.
- Government Regulations: It consolidates various food-related acts and ensures adherence to hygiene and sanitary standards.
Benefits of FSSAI Registration
- Consumer Confidence: An FSSAI license builds trust in the consumers’ minds by assuring them that food safety standards are being followed.
- Marketing and Branding: An FSSAI license serves as a competitive advantage and can boost the business’s reputation.
- Business Expansion: A valid FSSAI registration can help businesses expand by gaining recognition and fulfilling legal requirements.
- Legal Protection: It prevents the misuse of a business’s name and protects it from penalties related to non-compliance with food safety regulations.
- Access to Loans: Registered businesses find it easier to obtain loans from financial institutions.
Types of FSSAI Registration
- FSSAI Basic Registration: Required for small businesses with an annual turnover less than INR 12 lakh.
- FSSAI State License: For medium-sized businesses with an annual turnover between INR 12 lakh and INR 20 crore.
- FSSAI Central License: For large businesses with an annual turnover above INR 20 crore or businesses involved in imports/exports.
Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI Registration
- Basic Registration: Required for food businesses with a turnover less than INR 12 lakh annually.
- State License: For businesses with a turnover between INR 12 lakh and INR 20 crore annually.
- Central License: For businesses with a turnover above INR 20 crore annually or those dealing in imports/exports.
Documents Required for FSSAI Registration
- Identity Proof: Aadhar Card, Passport, or any government-issued ID.
- Address Proof: Electricity bill, Rent Agreement, etc.
- Photograph of the Applicant: Passport-size photo.
- Business Registration Proof: For companies or partnerships, the business registration certificate is required.
- List of Food Products: Details about the food products being manufactured, processed, or sold.
- Entity Proof: Documents related to the structure of the business entity (Company, Partnership, etc.).
Knowledge Base
Food Business Operators (FBO) who manufacture, process, distribute, or sell food products must obtain FSSAI registration, especially if their annual turnover exceeds INR 12 lakh.
- Basic Registration: For small businesses with turnover less than INR 12 lakh.
- State License: For businesses with turnover between INR 12 lakh and INR 20 crore.
- Central License: For large businesses with turnover above INR 20 crore or those involved in import/export.
Typically, FSSAI registration can take anywhere from 7 to 30 days, depending on the complexity of the application.
Yes, small food businesses (with an annual turnover exceeding INR 12 lakh) are required to obtain FSSAI registration.
Operating without FSSAI registration can lead to penalties and the risk of being shut down. It may also affect the credibility of your business.
Yes, FSSAI registration needs to be renewed periodically. The validity depends on the type of registration granted.
