For obvious reasons, human body requires food and water for the promotion of their holistic development and growth. Though, Food and water are pertinent for the above-mentioned reason, but at the same time need to be safe, nutritious and free from any adulteration. However, there may be chances that certain food business entities/ operators may indulge into dishonest practices of mixing toxic substances to quick their profits while risking your lives at the same time, which caused the introduction of the legislation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 of FSSAI Registration.

In pursuance of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act) and FSS regulations 2008, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare launched the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), an authority which has been bestowed with power and authorities to grant registration/licenses for the operation of food related businesses in India at the same time monitoring their working and other compliances in the interest of the consumers.

Therefore, every food business operator whether having large food business in one or more states, or a small scale business as a hawkers, retailer, hawker, itinerant vendor, or a temporary stall owner, is required to either obtain a FSSAI basic registration or a state/central license from the FSSAI. So if you are one considering to start a food business of your own, it might be necessary for you to go through the following and understand the process of acquiring a registration before starting your business-

FSSAI Registration with Legalmart

As a food business entrepreneur, it is highly unlikely for you to be fully aware of the process of FSSAI registration and the registration process may take your time, which you intend to work towards your business. Thus, with Legalmart you can get expert assistance which can help you in acquiring registration and making it an easy and seamless process.

Benefits of FSSAI Registration

Assurance of Quality & Safety: Building trust and maintaining a healthy relationship with the customers could be of chief importance for any food business and one slight defect/deficiency could overturn their profits into losses. Thus, possessing an FSSAI certificate can assure follow of safety standards, quality in food articles and could create a long term happy relationship between the FBO and the consumers upon the food article manufactured, produced, distributed or offered for sale.
Legal Advantages: As aforesaid, an FSSAI License/ registration holds value for a business in establishing credibility of the food products manufactured and for those who hold the same, may find it easier to establish the authenticity of the same and it could act as a strong weapon to save their business against unnecessary accusations and vague legal actions against the business.
Assistance in Business Expansion: It is obvious to observe that a business related to manufacture, sale, import or export of food articles or related to the former in any way will get credibility for quality products, goodwill, a large consumer base and expansion opportunities. Further, investors will further choose to invest with these kind of businesses, which have viability and profits onto their hands.
Use of FSSAI Logo: Gaining a FSSAI registration or license for food business allows such businesses to use the FSSAI logo, which is a strong sign that the concerned business holds a valid registration, which assures consumers of its quality and safety and also helps in business expansion.
Builds Consumer Awareness: FSSAI in itself is a strong indicator of strict compliances in the preparation and sale of the food products and thus, it creates awareness among consumers to not to purchase products without FSSAI certifications and builds a sense of trust for those registered FSSAI products.
Helps to build Business Goodwill: Strict adherence to safe food preparations and quality assurance through FSSAI approved standards makes a food article/product best choice for consumers and hence more business prospects for profits in the consumer market. Thus, FSSAI registration helps a business to create business goodwill in the concerned market.
Ease in getting funds & investments: As said before, FSSAI registration ensures better products are manufactured with standard techniques, and better quality ensures consumer trust and profitability. In turn, such businesses can easily bank loans approved or funds from sponsors or investors due to business goodwill and profitability prospects.

Eligibility Criteria of FSSAI Registration

Any individual or Food Business Operator (FBO) who is either already dealing in or is in the process of initiating a business related to food whether on a smaller or a larger scale must necessarily acquire either an FSSAI Registration or License depending upon the presence of the business in one or more states, size of the business and the yearly turnover of the same.

Besides, the FSSAI license/registration is also required to be obtained by those individual or businesses who intend to prepare and distribute food repeatedly even at religious or social gatherings. Further, FSSAI issues food safety certification on the basis of food safety compliances adhered to by the entity such as-

Compliance – C
Non-compliance – NC
Partial compliance – PC
Not applicable – NA

Types Of FSSAI And Documents Required

Before you initiate the process of FSSAI registration for your food business, it is pertinent to know the type of registration you will require depending on the size, annual turnover and the presence of your business in the parts of the country.

There Are Three Types of FSSAI Registration/Licenses:

FSSAI Basic Registration: Generally food businesses smaller in size or turnover require this type of registration including such petty food businesses or related businesses having annual turnover up to Rs. 12 Lacs and holding-

Such production capacity up to 100kgs/litres per day.
Handling and/or Procuring milk collection up to Rs. 500 litres of milk per day.
Animal slaughtering capacity up to (2 large animal/ 10 small animals / 50 poultry birds per day) or lesser in a day.

Need to obtain a basic registration through the FSSAI Authority in India by making an application to the authority in form A. On verification, the applicant business may obtain a Registration Certificate that has all complete details submitted along with a QR Code, an image of FBO with an allotted 14-digit Registration number.

Documents Required For Basic Registration

Photo identity of the Food Business Operator.
Identity proof documents of the food business operator i.e. Aadhaar Card, driving license, PAN Card, Driving License etc.
Layout of the manufacturing premises and details of machinery.
Form – B (completed and signed).
Partnership Deed / Certificate of Incorporation / Articles of Association / Memorandum of Association.
Proof of ownership of property i.e. ownership documents like sale deed or rental agreement.
Food safety management system plan(FSMS).
Supporting Documents (if any) like NOC by Municipality/Panchayat, Health NOC.
Source of the raw materials.
Form IX duly filled and completed.
Water test reports.
Codes for import and export.
Equipment list.
Partners and directors list.

FSSAI State License: Food business operators/businesses/start-ups or entities apart from those falling in the above category need either a State or a Central License. Other than this, food businesses having an annual turnover between Rs. 12 Lakhs to Rs. 20 Crores and presence limited to one state need to apply for a State License by submission of Form B along with the documents in prescribed format.

Documents Required For State FSSAI License

Duly filled, signed and completed Form B.
Address proof of the business operator and business premises.
List of food category and products proposed to be manufactured.
Layout plan of the proposed premises.
List of equipment.
NOC from municipality.
Certificate of incorporation in case of company and certificate of registration in case of partnership firm including memorandum and articles of association.
List of directors/partners including their identity proofs and address.
Food safety management system plan.
FSSAI Self-declaration for proprietorships.
Import Export Code.
Form IX duly filled containing details regarding Self-declaration for proprietorships (where applicable).
Declaration and undertaking by Food Business Operator.

FSSAI Central License: This is generally for large scale food operators or businesses related to food and serving the needs of larger corporations like the Indian railways and more. A FBO having his business operations expanded to two or more states and a turnover above Rs. 20 crores need a central license. However, all importers or exporters compulsorily need a central License by submission of Form B along with the documents in prescribed format.

Documents Required For Central License

Form- B duly filled and signed by representative of the entity i.e. sole Proprietor, partner or authorized director.
Layout Plan of the processing unit premises.
List of Directors in case of company or applicable officers in case of other entities along with their proof of identity and their address proof issued by Government of India.
List of Directors in case of company or applicable officers in case of other entities along with their proof of identity and their address proof issued by Government of India.
List of machinery & equipment’s proposed to be used by the food operator.
Proof of Identification and address proof for the Authorized Signatory of the proposed business entity.
List of food articles proposed to be prepared/manufactured.
Letter of Authority containing details of the authorized officer along with an alternative officer authorized for the purpose of giving assistance to officers for inspection or for other purposes.
Water Analysis report (Chemical & Bacteriological) along with the source to be used in preparation of food articles.
Proof of ownership of premises i.e. Sale deed or rental agreement.
Certificate of registration of the entity along with the documents of constitution of the entity such as Declaration for Proprietorship or MOA & AOA in case of company.
Food Safety Management System Plan to be followed by the business.
Source of raw material or procurement plan for products processing units. (if applicable).
NOC from nearby municipal officer or any local body where the business is proposed to be located.
Documentary proof of turnover.
NOC/PA documents issued by FSSAI.
IEC Code document issued by DGFT.
Duly filled and submitted form of Nomination of authorized person by a Company along with the Board Resolution in Form IX.
A self-declaration regarding number of vehicles (Mandatory for Transporters).
A self- Declaration along with the undertaking from the food business owner or authorized representative.

How To Apply FSSAI Registration/License Online

FOR BASIC REGISTRATION
- The process is initiated by logging onto the Food Licensing & Registration System (FLRS) online portal through submission of user credentials and creating a user id password for the same.
- Submission of necessary documents with duly filled Form A.
- This application can be accepted or it may be rejected by the Department within 7 days from the date of receipt of an application and the rejection has to be intimated to the applicant in writing.
- If the application is accepted, then the department will grant a registration certificate with the registration number and the photo of the applicant.

FOR STATE/CENTRAL LICENSE
- The process of acquiring license is initiated by submitting Form B (application) to the Food and Safety Department online on the Food Licensing Regulatory System portal, initiated by the FSSAI portal along with above-mentioned documents and requisite govt fee.
- On receipt of the application, the FSSAI authority will verify documents and will carry out inspection of the business promises.
- This application can be accepted or it may be rejected by the Department within a period of 30-90 days from the date of receipt of an application and the rejection will be intimated in writing.

On grant of FSSAI registration, it shall be necessary for the FBO to display the FSSAI certificate of registration at any prominent place in the business premised during the working business hours.

Time Period Of Approval & Validity Of FSSAI

On receipt of duly filled forms with other documents, the FSSAI authority shall conduct a thorough verification of documents and an inspection of the premises of the business, where business operations are proposed to be conducted including the source of water supply, SOPs followed while preparation of food articles etc.

For basic registration, the minimum time period is between 7-30 days, whereas for state/central license, the issue of license can take up to 2-3 months.

On issue of registration certificate or state/central license shall be valid for minimum 1-5 years and shall be subject to renewal after the end of such validity period.

Why you Choose Legalmart

Therefore, if you intend to start a food business of your own, it could be necessary for your business to avail FSSAI certification for establishing credibility and for further expansion purposes. However, there is a long list of documents and processes required for registration, which could be an unnecessary hassle for you, especially when you are already burdened with other business establishment functions. Thus, we at Legalmart, we are committed to provide end-to-end support in preparation of documents and successfully receiving certificate of registration. Good Luck!