Food License Documents: Need to Apply for FSSAI Registration

Food license documents are required for registering a food-related business in India. The Food standards and safety authority of India (FSSAI) is the authority that is responsible for regulating and monitoring food safety. So FSSAI Basic Registration is mandatory as per law. If anyone planning to start a food business in India, obtaining an FSSAI license or registration is mandatory.

FSSAI registration is for Small Food and Beverage Organizations (FBOs). On the other hand, medium and large businesses require an FSSAI license. FSSAI is the authority that gives the surety for food safety and quality across the country. To obtain FSSAI registration, certain documents are required to be submitted as per FSSAI guidelines.

FSSAI registration is mandatory for everyone involved in the food business. Be it food processing, food production, packaging, distribution, or sales. It will help to get FSSAI registration to run the business. FSSAI registration is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. This organization monitors food businesses as per the guidelines and regulations listed in the FSSAI Act of 2006.

Food License Documents Required to Get FSSAI Registration

There are three types of FSSAI licenses:

1. Basic Registration/License
2. State License and
3.  Central License.

The process of applying for an FSSAI license is very simple, anyone can do it online through the FSSAI website or FoSCoS portal.

Here are the documents to be submitted compulsorily:

• Application in Form A signed by the owner/authorized signatory of the enterprise
• Certificate of Incorporation or Partnership Agreement or Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Photo ID of Food Business Operator (FBO) i.e. Owner/Authorized Signature of Enterprise like Voter ID Card, Driving License, Passport, PAN Card, Aadhaar Card
• Specific details about the food products produced by the enterprise
• Management Plan for Food and Health Security
• Proof of office and whether factory/unit premises possession certificate or lease agreement
• Any other supporting documents like a No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the local health department, panchayat, or municipality

Documents Required for License Application

Here are the food license documents require for food license application For FSSAI Central License:

• Application in Form B signed by the owner/authorized signatory of the enterprise
• Personal details of authorized signatories, proprietors/partners/directors, along with photo identification such as voter ID card, driving license, passport, PAN card, Aadhaar card, and contact details
• Trade License/Partnership Agreement/Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Proof of office and whether factory/unit premises possession certificate or lease agreement
• Specific details of the food products produced by the enterprise
• Sources of raw materials like meat, milk, etc.
• A water analysis report that confirms the suitability of the water for drinking
• A detailed plan of the unit specifying size and area allocation for each operation
• A list of the machinery and equipment used, including the name, make and model, capacity, and number installed of each
• There are plans to recall manufactured food products from the market
•  If the unit is export-oriented, a certificate to this effect from the Ministry of Commerce
•  Director General of Foreign Trade issues the Code of IE
• Management Plan for Food and Health Security
• Any other supporting documents like a No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the local health department, panchayat, or municipality
• Form IX
• Certificate from the ministry of tourism
• Documents supporting period-wise turnover figures and product movements
•  Self-declaration form

Documents for FSSAI State Licensing

Following are the food license documents listed for state licensing:

• Application in Form B signed by the owner/authorized signatory of the enterprise
• Personal details of authorized signatories, proprietors/partners/directors, along with photo identification such as voter ID card, driving license, passport, PAN card, Aadhaar card, and contact details
• Trade License/Partnership Agreement/Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Proof of office and whether factory/unit premises possession certificate or lease agreement
• Specific details of the food products produced by the enterprise
• Sources of raw materials like meat, milk, etc
• A water analysis report that confirms the suitability of the water for drinking
• A detailed plan of the unit specifying size and area allocation for each operation
• A list of the machinery and equipment used, including the name, make and model, capacity, and number installed of each
• There are plans to recall manufactured food from the market
• Certificate under the Co-operative Societies Act, 1861, or Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002 (in certain cases)
• Management Plan for Food and Health Security

Food License Registration Process

Following is the process for food registration:

• FSSAI registration is initiated by submitting Form A (Application) to the Food and Safety Department.
•  The application may be accepted or rejected by the department within 7 days from the date of application and the fact has to be communicated to the applicant in writing
• If the application is accepted, the department will issue a registration certificate along with the registration number and photograph of the applicant.
• The certificate of registration must prominently display by The FBO at the place of business during business hours.

FSSAI Food License Renewal

This FSSAI license validity period is for one to five years and can be renewed before it expires. Any person or organization having FSSAI registration or license is eligible to apply for renewal of their license by applying 30 days before the expiry of their license.

The renewal process is similar to the application process and requires the same food license documents. Any FSSAI renewal application submitted after the deadline is subject to a late fee of ₹100 per day. A food business operator must cease all operations at that location if the food business license has expired.

If anyone needs to change the business address or any other details on the license, then it is required to apply for a new license. Anybody can do this by filling out the online application form and submitting the required documents.

Fees Payment for Food License Online

While submitting the FoSCoS FSSAI registration form, the applicant or FBO must pay the cost of food license. Following are the FSSAI registration fees related to different types of registration:

• Fee for FSSAI Basic Registration: ₹100
• The fee for FSSAI State License ranges from ₹ 2,500 to ₹ (depending on the type of business run)
• Fee for FSSAI Central License: ₹7,500.

FSSAI License Requirements

Every food business operator engaged in the manufacturing, processing, sale, and storage distribution of food products must obtain FSSAI registration or license compulsorily by submitting the required food license documents. FSSAI license is different from FSSAI registration as depending on the nature and size of the business, the FBO must obtain the necessary registration or license.

This is a 14-digit numerical registration number that is printed on all food packages of the company. The purpose of this registration process is to create greater accountability on FBOs to maintain the quality of food products.

Penalty for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with FSSAI rules may lead to fines and legal action by the authorities. Following are some of the penalties for FSSAI:

• There is a fine of up to ₹5 lakh for selling unsafe or substandard food
• Penalty up to ₹10 lakh for misleading advertisements
• Penalty up to ₹2 lakh for obstructing or failing to cooperate with FSSAI authorities
• Violation of FSSAI norms carries a fine of up to ₹2 lakh
• A fine of up to ₹5 lakh for running a food business without FSSAI registration or license
• Manufacture or sale of misbranded food products carries a fine of up to ₹3 lakh
• Preparation or sale of food containing extraneous ingredients carries a fine of up to ₹1 lakh
• Punishment for injury or death due to consumption of unsafe food: Imprisonment for up to 6 years and a fine of Rs.5 lakh.

What are the required food license documents in Maharashtra?

The following are the documents required for a food license in Maharashtra:

• Photo ID and Address Proof issued by Government Officials of Proprietor/Partner/Director/Authorised Signatory.
• Proof of Possession of Premises (Sale Agreement/Rent Agreement/Electricity Bill) Partnership Agreement/Ownership/Self Declaration for Momentum and Articles of Association for Constitution of Firm.

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