How to Apply for an FSSAI License / FSSAI Registration?

FSSAI is an autonomous statutory body established by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. FSSAI works under the regulations of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. It protects and promotes public health by implementing various standards and guidelines and supervising food safety. It sets science-based and evidence-based standards for food articles. It regulates the manufacture, import, storage, sale and distribution of food items ensuring maximum possible food safety.

Who requires an FSSAI License or Registration?

All FBOs engaged in manufacturing, processing, distribution, storage, sale, import, export and other such activities related to food products should possess a valid FSSAI License to conduct their business. The type of FSSAI License required by each FBO depends on the annual turnover, production capacity and kind of business.

Some such examples are mentioned below:

• Petty retailers and retail shops (Bakery, Snacks Shops, etc.)
• Temporary or fixed stalls (Gol Gappa, chat, tea stall, etc.)
• Hawkers selling packaged or freshly prepared food
• Dairy Units (Milk vendors, etc.)
• Meat Processing and Fish Processing units
• Vegetable Oil Processing Units
• Dhaba, PG provides food, Banquet halls, Home-based canteen
• Meat shops, mutton shops, chicken shops, etc.
• Hotels, Restaurants and Bars
• Canteens and Cafeteria, including mid-day meal canteens
• E-Commerce food suppliers, including cloud kitchens, etc.
• Manufacturer, relabeller, repackers of food products, ingredients, additives, supplements etc.

Types of FSSAI Food Licenses / FSSAI Registration

Based on the business types, productioncapacity and an annual turnover of the company,  FBO must obtain one of the below from FSSAI:

FSSAI Forms For Food License/Registration

The application form required during the FSSAI License application process includes the following:

• Form A: It is the application form required for applicants to fill out to obtain FSSAI Basic registration.
• Form B: It is the application form needed for the applicant to fill out to obtain an FSSAI State License and FSSAI Central License.

Documents Required For FosCos FSSAI Food License

The following essential documents are required to acquire an FSSAI License based on the KoB and category:

• Photo identity proof of the FBO
• List of food products manufactured or processed.
• Food safety management system plan.
• Proof of possession of business premises (rental agreement, NOC of the rented premises, utility bills, etc.)
• Business constitution certificate (certificate of incorporation, partnership deed, etc.)
• Supporting documents (NOC by Municipality, etc.)
• Duly completed Form B 
• Form IX
• Supporting document for proof of transportation and annual turnover
• Sources of raw material for meat, milk, etc.
• Name and list of equipment and machinery 
• A plan of the processing unit with dimensions and operation-wise area allocation
• Authority letter from the manufacturer with the responsible person’s name and address
• List of Directors/ Partners/Proprietors with address, contact details, and photo ID
• Analysis report of water portability
• Copy of certificate of Coop Act 1861/Multi-State Coop Act 2002/Memorandum and Articles of Association
• NOC/PA document issued by FSSAI
• Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU
• E-code document issued by DGFT
• Recall plan
• Import Export Code document

FSSAI Fees For Food Registration/License

The Government charges specific fees for obtaining FSSAI License. FBOs are required to pay the fees while submitting the FSSAI application form. 

The FSSAI application fee for different types of food licenses are as follows:

• FSSAI Food Registration – Fee of 100 rupees plus taxes per year
• FSSAI Central License – Fee of 7,500 rupees plus taxes per year
• FSSAI State License – Fee between 2,500 to 5,000 rupees plus taxes per year (depending upon the business type).

FSSAI Application process

The following process can be followed to apply for an FSSAI License:

• The applicant must fill out Form A (application for Registration) or Form B (application for State and Central License) online on the FoSCoS portal.
• The applicant must submit and upload the mandatory documents and pre-requisite fee online on the FoSCos portal or at the time of applying.
• FSSAI may accept or reject the application form within 7 days of receiving the application in case of registration (In the event of an inspection being ordered, the registration shall be granted by the Registering Authority after being satisfied with the safety, hygiene and sanitary conditions of the premises as contained in Part I of Schedule 4 within a period of 30 days) and 60 days in case of license.In case the application is rejected, the applicant is intimated in writing.
• After scrutinising all the submitted documents, FSSAI Officers may raise a query to the FBO for additional details or documents or clarification. FSSAI may also inspect the food premises, if required, before providing the FSSAI License.
• If satisfied, then FSSAI will grant an FSSAI License/ FSSAI Basic Registration Certificate in Form C.
• The applicant can download the FSSAI License/ Registration Certificate by logging into the FoSCoS portal. 
• FBOs are required to display the FSSAI License at the business premises during working hours.
• The registration/license number also needs to be stated on invoices, cash memos, and receipts.

Validity Of FSSAI Registration or License

FSSAI issues the FSSAI license for a validity of 1 year to 5 years which must be filed for renewal thirty days before the expiry. 

FSSAI Timeline For Registration/License

FSSAI issues the FSSAI License Usually within sixty days of submitting a complete and correct application. In the meantime, the Authority scrutinises applications and inspects the premises of the concerned FBOs. So, it usually takes around two to three months to obtain a license.

Reference:

1. Documents required for license/registration. Available from: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/assets/docs/DocumentListMarch.pdf

2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | FSSAI LICENSING and REGISTRATION [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2022 Nov 10]. p. 1–14. Available from: http://fda.uk.gov.in/document/fssai-licensing-and-registration.pdf