Introduction: FSSAI License in Uttar Pradesh

If an individual is planning to set up a new food business in Uttar Pradesh, he may already be apprehensive about the visits he will be required to make to government offices to get required clearances and no-objection certificates. There are various formalities and documentation required to be able to run a business unit in Uttar Pradesh. In the earlier days of the 1980s and 90s, one had to spend months, if not years, running from one government office to another, dealing with burley, tobacco-chewing clerks, to get necessary licenses and permits. But the times have changed. Thanks to the age of information technology, one is not required to even get out of his office to get those same licenses and permits.

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If an individual wants to run a food business in Uttar Pradesh, he is required to apply to the Lucknow office of the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).  FSSAI is the apex statutory body that regulates all the activities related to the food business in India. It is created by an Act of the Indian Parliament and is empowered to create, develop, execute and enforce processes and standards to make sure that all the food products available in the Indian market are safe and secure for consumption by the Indian masses. The agency comes under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. If a person or a company starts any kind of food business without the registration or license from FSSAI, it is liable to be penalized by FSSAI.  The license can be applied online at the FSSAI website. 

There are three categories of FSSAI Licenses

• FSSAI Registration/Basic License-If a food business is generating an annual turnover of up to Rs.12 lakhs, an individual can apply for online registration with FSSAI. He will be required to make an online payment of Rs.100 for a license with a validity of one year.
• State License- FSSAI license for food businesses with an annual turnover that is more than Rs.12 Lakh but less than Rs.20 Crore.
• Central License- An FSSAI license for food enterprises or businesses with an annual turnover of more than Rs.20 crore is called a Central License.

The FBO who is running his food business in more than one state need to acquire a Central FSSAI License but if he plans to restrict his business operations to Uttar Pradesh only, he needs to apply for a State FSSAI license.

Step-by-Step Guide for FSSAI Registration

Any Food Business Operator (FBO) who is running a business activity related to manufacturing, procuring, packaging, processing, storing and distributing food items need to apply for an FSSAI license. The registration process is very simple and anyone with a basic understanding of English and computers can apply for online registration. Following is the detailed procedure to apply for an online FSSAI license in Uttar Pradesh:

• An FBO need to open the website of FSSAI and click on the “Licensing & Registration” button. Next, he would have to click on the “Check Eligibility”  button, he would have to write the address of his business unit including state and district.  Here you can check the category of FSSAI License that your business need before starting to fill the application form. If you are filling out the form just to obtain a license for UP, you need to fill up for a state license.
• After the form has been correctly and accurately filled, you need to mail the application form to the concerned state authority. The form needs to be sent along with supporting documents that include document copies as provided in Annexure 2 of the Regulations, a self-attested declaration and fees depending on the food category you have chosen as prescribed in Schedule
• Some other documents that you need to share with the authorities are addressing proof, and photo ID of the directors, proprietors or partners in case of a proprietorship. These proofs must Government of India issued proofs. You need to clearly mention the categories of food wherein you would like to procure, manufacture, store, or package. The layout or a blueprint of the storage, manufacturing or distribution facility needs to be attached. Other things required are a food analysis report, business name, the source of raw material and No Objection Certificate from the local municipality.

There may be some cases wherein some additional information may be demanded by the licensing authority related to your application. Sometimes, your application may be incomplete and you may get revert about the same within 15 days of applying online. In both cases, you may be required to furnish the remaining information within a month of intimation. If you are unable to do so, your application for a food license in UP may get rejected.

Issuance of Application Number

After your duly filled application form along with the supporting documents is received, the Authority issues an Application ID number. This number is to be used as a reference for any future correspondence with the Authority. After the issuance of this Application ID number, your license will be issued within 60 days.

Inspection of the Premises

After the Application ID number issuance, an officer may be directed by the Licensing Authority to carry out the inspection of the premises where you are setting up your business. This is done as per the regulations prescribed by FSSAI. If there are any discrepancies, the Inspecting Officer may guide you regarding the necessary steps to be taken. He may issue a notice where he can ask for changes to be made in the premises so as to ensure hygienic and sanitary conditions. These steps need to be taken within 30 days of notice issuance.

Approval of License

The Licensing Authority approves your license within a month of receiving the inspection report. This time excludes the time that was taken by you in compliance of the feedback shared in the inspection report. The license that is issued by the licensing authority is issued in Format C under Schedule 2 of the regulations. You will be required to display its true copy at all times at a prominent place in your business premises.