FSSAI Central License

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an organization that oversees and regulates the food industry in India. It is a self-governing body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of India.

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act), which is a consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India, established the FSSAI. It ensures that food products are subjected to quality checks, reducing food adulteration and the sale of substandard goods. It is in charge of registering and licensing Food Business Operators (FBO) in India, as well as establishing the rules and regulations for operating a food business in the country.

Central FSSAI license is given to food business operators who operate on a large scale/are a large scale manufacturer, or have a yearly turnover of more than 20 crores. Company/Business/Food Operators should have the following central FSSAI license/registration key points:

• Annual Sales should be Above 20 Crores.
• Import/Export worldwide.
• Sells their products on their own e-commerce website.

A Company With Yearly Revenue of More Than 20 Cr Per Annum

A Central License is required for food business operators with an annual turnover of more than Rs. 20 crores. When filling out the FSSAI Central License application, such businesses must attach a self-declaration about their turnover or an account statement.

Wholesaler With Yearly Revenue of More Than 30 Cr Per Annum

Because wholesalers make frequent deliveries to retailers and suppliers, their turnover is usually quite high. As a result, they are placed in a separate category, and their annual turnover threshold is raised to Rs. 30 crores in order for them to apply for a Central License. As previously stated, application filing will require supporting documents such as a self-declaration of turnover or an account statement.

Food Vending Company With Over 100 Machines Across Multiple States

Any food vending company with more than 100 machines that operate in multiple states is required to have an FSSAI Central License. During the application process, you must provide information on all food vending machines, including their locations.

Transporters With a Fleet of More Than a Hundred Vehicles

All transporters whose vehicles are directly involved in the transportation of food products must have an FSSAI license. Transporters with more than 100 such vehicles must have an FSSAI Central License. It is necessary to submit supporting documents such as proof of turnover or a self-declaration of a large number of vehicles. During the application process, a copy of each vehicle's registration certificate (RC) would be required. Under that license number, only registered vehicles would be allowed to operate.

Hotels With a 5-star and 7-star Rating

An FSSAI Central License is required for all hotels with a 5 or 7-star rating.

The following documents are provided as backup:

• A certified copy of a certificate from the Ministry of Tourism
• A copy of the certificate issued by the Hotel and Restaurant Approval and Classification Committee (HRACC) regarding the Star rating classification.

Exporters and Importers

A Central License is required for food business operators who are directly involved in the import or export of any food products. When filing an application under this business category, a copy of the IE code (issued by DGFT) certificate is required. After obtaining IEC Registration, FSSAI Import License can be obtained in 20-30 working days.

Manufacturing and Processing Units of Vegetable Oil

Manufacturing and processing units of vegetable oil using the solvent extraction method, and factories having the capability of manufacturing/producing more than 2 metric tonnes per day.

Importance of FSSAI Central License

The Central license issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) plays a pivotal role in guaranteeing the commendable quality and safety of food products within the country. By adhering to legal requirements and promoting market growth, this license safeguards the reputation of your firm. It is imperative to maintain compliance and operate within the legal framework to mitigate the risk of penalties. 

The following are some of the factors, which can help you realise its potential. 

• Based on business requirements, a Food license is issued for 1 year to 5 ¬years validity. 
• Every individual or Food Business Operator (FBO) who is in any way related to the manufacturing, transportation, storage, or distribution of food products must obtain FSSAI Registration or License.
• In India, allotting registration certificates or licenses to food businesses is governed by the Food Safety and Standards Regulations 2011.
• The size and nature of your business define whether you have to obtain an FSSAI registration or FSSAI License.

FSSAI Central vs State license

Just when you think of obtaining the FSSAI License, you need to be aware of the differences that exist between Central and State License, which include- 

• FSSAI Central License

The FSSAI Central license is essential for food businesses that operate in multiple states and have a turnover of more than 20 crores. This license is issued by a central authority and is applicable to large-scale manufacturers, operators, and exporters. Its primary purpose is to ensure that these businesses comply with national standards and guarantee the safety and quality of their food products.

• FSSAI State License

FSSAI State License is applicable to those food businesses, which are functioning within a single state and recording an annual turnover within the range of Rs 12 lakhs and Rs 20 crores. As a result, this license is issued by the State Food Safety Department, which is held suitable for medium-scale food manufacturers, retailers and storage units. 

Understanding the differences between the FSSAI Central and State licenses is crucial for food business owners in India. While the Central License is suitable for large-scale operations with a national presence, the State License caters to medium-scale businesses operating within a single state.

Failure of registration for FSSAI Registration / License may charge heavy penalties and be considered a legal offence.

• Calculate your business annual turnover/revenue
• Check criteria for FSSAI registration/license
• Understand whether you require FSSAI registration or FSSAI License (State /Central)
• Complete the documentation process
• Submit application and make payment
• Go through the Inspection/Audit process
• Coordinate with FSSAI for audit/inspection results
• After fulfilling audit compliances, receive FSSAI certificate

A FSSAI license issued by the FSSAI is regarded as a permit that is required to operate a food-related business, as well as to ensure good food quality in your establishment and to protect you from government enforcement actions for non-compliance.

However, some entrepreneurs overlook the significance of the FSSAI license and how it can be used as an effective marketing tool to help grow your business.

Although, both the Producer and Consumer get the advantage of FSSAI Central License.

Producer Advantages:

• Legal Advantage

Most businesses consider obtaining an FSSAI license to be an expensive, time-consuming, and inconvenient documentation process, so they try to avoid it. However, the process is not as difficult as it appears, and there are numerous consultancies that can assist you in obtaining the license quickly. The actual cost of obtaining the license is less than the penalties you will have to pay if you are caught. It is therefore advisable for any businessperson to obtain a license before officially opening their doors.

• Company Expansion

When the time comes for your business to expand into new areas or outlets, your FSSAI license will make it simple. The license will assist you in establishing your reputation as well as provide you with the necessary qualifications to expand your business in a new direction. Furthermore, the license may make it easier for you to obtain bank loans and other forms of funding for expansion.

Consumer Advantage:

• Builds Trust

Consumers have become more aware and informed about the quality of the food they consume in this age of information. With the rise in the number of diets and healthy eating food options, people need to know that what they're eating is not only safe, but also of high quality. Consumers have begun to take food safety standards seriously, especially in light of the recent Maggi controversy. As a result, food is demonstrating that they have the FSSAI license, which can provide you with the added benefit of a stable and growing customer base.

• Usage of FSSAI Logo

Once you have the license, you can use the FSSAI logo in your menu cards and pamphlets to advertise your superior food quality. This, on the other hand, gives you an advantage over the many food vendors who do not have a food license. As a result, all packaged foods must have an FSSAI number. Consumers regard the logo as a mark of legitimacy as well as assurance. In fact, only the most discerning customers want to eat food produced by companies with a license. It aids in the creation of a brand name.

For Manufacturers:

• Copy of Aadhaar Card/ Voter identity card of Proprietor/ Partners/ Director 
• Electricity/ Water bill (Business Place) 
• Proof of possession of premises 
• Partnership Deed/Affidavit of Proprietorship/MOA & AOA 
• NOC & Copy of License from the manufacturer (mandatory for re¬labelers and re¬packers only) 
• Food Safety Management System plan or certificate 

For Traders:

• Address proof issued by Government authority
• Copy of Rent agreement (If the property on Rent) 
• Partnership Deed/Affidavit of Proprietorship/MOA & AOA 
• NOC & Copy of License from the manufacturer (mandatory for re¬labelers and re¬packers only) 
• Food Safety Management System plan or certificate 
• Blue Print of Processing Unit & Equipment/Machinery 
• List of Equipment and Machinery

It is imperative to realise the superpower the FSSAI license holds and the ways in which it protects our food business like a shield. Nevertheless, let us look at how we can apply for the FSSAI Central license-

• To obtain the FSSAI Central License the Food Business Operator shall make an application to the Licensing Authority. 
• This application is made in Form B. 
• The application should be annexed with self-declaration, affidavit, and Annexure as applicable. 
• This license is granted for a period of 1 to 5 years as the time limit requested by the food business operator. 
• Higher the period for which license is obtained the higher would be the application fees. 
• The license can be renewed by making an application. 
• The application for renewal should be made not later than 30 days prior to the expiry of the FSSAI License.

Status of FSSAI Registration

At various stages of the FSSAI's application processing, an applicant is notified by SMS/Email alert. 

The applicant can also check the FSSAI registration status by using the 'Track Application Status' tab on the FoSCoS website. 

Enter the application reference number received after submitting the application to FSSAI.

The application status can be tracked to see the different stages of the FSSAI registration status. The FSSAI registration status of 'Application Reverted' indicates that the application has been reverted back to the FSSAI authorities for necessary modification or clarification. To avoid the risk of application rejection, the applicant must respond within 30 days of the reverted date.

When the FSSAI authorities issue the FSSAI registration certificate, the registration status will be displayed as 'Registration Certificate Issued.' By logging into the FoSCoS website, applicants can download the certificate.

Validity of Central FSSAI License 

A FSSAI license is required to start a food business, and it is also required to renew the license. The license is valid for one year or five years, so the business must apply for renewal 30 days before the current license expires.

• Step 1: Fill out Form A (Basic FSSAI Registration) or Form B (Central or State FSSAI Registration) and submit it with the self-attested documents required by the Food Safety and Standards Act, Regulations and Laws.
• Step 2: The authority will inspect the FSSAI License renewal application once it has been received.
• Step 3: The authority must send its responsible officers to supervise the FBOs' examination.
• Step 4: FSSAI officers conduct a thorough investigation and inspection of the food business location, thoroughly inspecting the standards and other guidelines, and compiling a report.
• Step 5: The proper authority is expected to distribute the FSSAI/Food license within 60 days.

Renewal Procedure for Central FSSAI License

FSSAI Renewal can be done online, which is the most convenient and comfortable method. Understand the steps for renewing your food license online. The FBO must complete a few steps in order to obtain the license online, and the license will be delivered within 30-60 days.

To register with the FSSAI, you must first create a user id and password. You can begin the application process once you have created an online account with the authorities. Please upload all required documents. After successfully submitting the application, you will be given an application reference number with which you can track the status of your application for a food license renewal.

The generated user ID is only good for 30 days. As a result, make sure you finish all of the formalities and documentation within 30 days, or your ID will be revoked.

With an extensive background and profound expertise in FSSAI Central License, the team at Corpseed possesses years of experience in this field. Our adeptness in the intricacies of the process enables us to provide comprehensive consultation services to our clients, encompassing meticulous desk-based research, thorough documentation, and efficient coordination. Our ultimate objective is to facilitate businesses in successfully navigating the FSSAI central registration process. Consequently, Corpseed stands as the ultimate solution for all your Business requirements.