What is FSSAI Registration?

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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a regulatory body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. Its primary purpose is to ensure food safety and standards in the country. FSSAI registration is a mandatory requirement for all food businesses operating in India, which includes manufacturers, processors, packers, importers, exporters, and retailers. This registration helps in ensuring that food products are safe for consumption and meet the prescribed quality standards.

FSSAI registration involves obtaining a unique 14-digit registration number that must be printed on food packages. This number indicates that the food business complies with the regulations set by FSSAI regarding hygiene, safety, and quality of food products.

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How to Register a Complaint in FSSAI?​

If you encounter issues related to food safety or quality, you can register a complaint with FSSAI through several methods:

1. Online Complaint Registration:

   • Visit the official FSSAI website at fssai.gov.in.

   • Navigate to the “Contact Us” section where you will find options for lodging complaints.

   • Fill out the online complaint form with necessary details such as your name, contact information, description of the issue, and any supporting documents or evidence.

2. Consumer Helpline:

   • You can call the FSSAI helpline number 1800 112 100 or 1800 102 2363 to report your complaint verbally.

   • The customer service representatives will guide you on how to proceed with your complaint.

3. Email:

   • You can also send an email detailing your complaint to complaints@fssai.gov.in. Make sure to include all relevant information for better assistance.

4. State Food Safety Departments:

   • Complaints can also be lodged at local state food safety offices. Each state has its own department responsible for handling such complaints.

Once a complaint is registered, it will be investigated by the concerned authorities who will take appropriate action based on their findings.

 

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How much money is required for FSSAI registration?

The exact fees can vary based on several factors including the scale of operations and specific business activities involved. However, some general guidelines include:

• Basic Registration Fee: Typically around ₹100 to ₹500.

• State License Fee: Generally ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 depending on the state.

• Central License Fee: Fixed at ₹7,500 per year

 

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Which are the three types of FSSAI licenses?

 

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issues three types of licenses based on the scale and nature of food businesses. These licenses are:

1. Basic Registration: This is for small food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs. It is suitable for small-scale operations like home-based food businesses, petty retailers, and hawkers.

2. State License: This license is required for medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores. It applies to manufacturers, processors, and storage units that operate within a single state.

3. Central License: This type is necessary for large-scale food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crores or those operating in multiple states. It includes importers, exporters, and large manufacturers.

 

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What are the benefits of FSSAI registration?​

 FSSAI registration offers multiple benefits to food business operators:

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Legal Compliance: Companies are legally certified by the FSSAI that they are in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and therefore, they can be assured that there will be no legal issues arising.

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Consumer Trust: It has been noticed that the FSSAI license helps to build trust among customers, as it indicates that the products are in compliance with the prescribed safety standards, which are set by the government.

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Market Access: The FSSAI registration is a precondition to access the suppliers, as it has become a necessity for several retail players, after this market entry can be accomplished.

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Quality Assurance: The issuing of certificates is carried out in strict compliance with the hygiene and quality standards aimed at giving consumers safe products.

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Brand Reputation: Being FSSAI certified is a plus for the companies as they get an edge on the quality and safety factor that is associated with their brand, thus making it look more attractive in the market.

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Support from Government Schemes: The mandatory requirement of food licensing by the registered companies is one activity that makes the government play a part in supporting the business enterprises whenever they wish to take part in the sector.

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Who are eligible for FSSAI?

The FSSAI proposes soup to register establishments concerned with food safety and standards in India. Different forms of business have varying eligibility criteria with respect to FSSAI registration.

1. Type of Business:

• Non-Registered Businesses that come under FSSAI are:

Manufacturers, Processors, Packers, Importers, Wholesalers/Retailers, and Food service providers.

2. Scale of Operation:

• Small (for example; below Rs. 12Lakhs)

• Medium (for example; between 12 Lakhs and 20 Crores)

• Large Scale (above 20 Crores)

Each part of it has different terms and conditions regarding the kind of license/registration that is needed.

3. Documentation Requirements:

The following documents will be required as supporting documentation with the application form.

• Identity proof (Aadhaar card, Passport, etc.)

• Address proof (Utility bills, rental agreement)

• Business incorporation documents, if any

• Food safety management plan.

• N.O.C. from a local authority, if any.

4. Compliance with Food Safety Standards:

All applicants need to comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, or related rules which include adherence to hygiene practices and maintaining quality standards throughout food production and handling.

5. Training requirements:

It is widely recommended for employees involved in food handling to attend training programs concerned with food safety, for their convenience with regulations.

6. Application process:

Applying for FSSAI registration is to be processed online through the official FSSAI website or through designated offices. The authority may conduct inspections after submission.

 

In sum, a business will have to stringently follow through defined categories on the scale of operation, provide required documentation, comply with food safety standards, and undergo training programs when possible. The application process must also follow the guidelines laid down by the FSSAI.

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What is the penalty for FSSAI registration?

According to the FSSAI, as per the law, all food businesses in India need to have registration or a license before they are allowed to operate. Failure to do so can entail a heavy penalty. The penalties for a food business operator not being able to get an FSSAI registration include:

Monetary Penalties: The penalty will be from INR 25,000 to INR 5,00,000 for that food business operator, who fails to register with FSSAI.

Imprisonment: In serious cases, they may be sentenced to up to 6 months of imprisonment.

Seizure of Products: These entities are at risk of getting their food products seized, this resulting in financial losses.

Administrative Dissolution/Shut Down With Certain Provisions: Compulsions are there to close operations until compliance is accomplished.

The efforts are made to keep proper food safety provisions in place to ensure consumer satisfaction and also to keep unsafe food practices at bay.

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How to download FSSAI registration certificate?

Here are the various steps to download FSSAI registration.

1. Open Official FSSAI Website: Go to fssai.gov.in.

2. Reach the ‘Food Business Operators’ Section: Look for the section that deals with food business operators.

3. Select ‘Registration’ or ‘License’ Option: Depending on whether you registered or obtained a license, click the corresponding option.

4. Log in With Your Credentials: Enter your user ID and password used at registration.

5. Access Dashboard: After logging in, access your dashboard where options concerning your application status are available.

6. Download Certificate: Click on the link for downloading your registration certificate. The certificate will be available in PDF format.

Ensure to keep this certificate very safe, as it is proof of your compliance with FSSAI regulations. 

 

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What documents required for FSSAI registration?

When applying for FSSAI registration, several documents are required depending on the type of business entity (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, company). Here’s a detailed list:

1. Identity Proof of Applicant:

   • Aadhar card

   • Voter ID

   • Passport

2. Address Proof of Business Premises:

   • Rent agreement (if applicable)

   • Utility bill (electricity/water)

3. Business License/Certificate:

   • Trade license issued by local authorities

4. Food Safety Management System Plan (if applicable):

   • Documentation outlining how food safety will be managed within the business.

5. List of Food Products Being Handled:

   • A detailed list specifying all types of food products that will be manufactured or sold.

6. Declaration Form:

   • A signed declaration stating compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

7. Photographs of Proprietor/Partners/Directors:

   • Recent passport-sized photographs may also be required.

8. Bank Account Details:

   • Information regarding the bank account used for business transactions.

These documents help establish the legitimacy and operational capacity of the food business operator while ensuring adherence to safety standards set by FSSAI.

The reliability of this information is based on established guidelines provided by regulatory authorities over many years.

 

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What is the process of FSSAI registration?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is responsible for regulating food safety in India. The process of FSSAI registration involves several steps:

1. Determine the Type of License Required: Depending on the scale and nature of your food business, you will need to determine whether you require a Basic Registration, State License, or Central License.

   • Basic Registration is for small businesses with an annual turnover of up to INR 12 lakhs.

   • State License is for medium-sized businesses with an annual turnover between INR 12 lakhs and INR 20 crores.

   • Central License is required for larger businesses, including those operating in multiple states or involved in import/export.

2. Gather Required Documents: The following documents are typically required:

   • Identity proof (Aadhaar card, passport, etc.)

   • Address proof of the business

   • Food safety management plan

   • List of food products to be manufactured or sold

   • Partnership deed or certificate of incorporation (if applicable)

   • NOC from the local municipality

3. Online Application Submission:

   • Visit the official FSSAI website (fssai.gov.in).

   • Create an account on the FSSAI portal.

   • Fill out the application form relevant to your type of license.

   • Upload all necessary documents.

4. Payment of Fees: After submitting the application, pay the requisite fees based on the type of license being applied for.

5. Inspection by FSSAI Officials: For State and Central licenses, an inspection may be conducted by FSSAI officials to verify compliance with food safety standards.

6. Issuance of License/Registration Certificate: If everything is in order, you will receive your FSSAI registration or license within a stipulated time frame.

 

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How to Apply for an FSSAI License?

To apply for an FSSAI license:

1. Identify which type of license you need based on your business size and operations.

2. Prepare all necessary documentation as outlined above.

3. Access the FSSAI online portal and register as a user.

4. Complete the application form specific to your business category.

5. Submit your application along with required documents and payment.

6. Await inspection (if applicable) and subsequent approval.

 

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What is the validity of the FSSAI license?

The validity period for an FSSAI license varies depending on its type:

• A Basic Registration is valid for 1 year.

• A State License is valid for 1-5 years depending on what was selected during application.

• A Central License also has a validity period ranging from 1-5 years.

Renewal applications should be submitted before expiration to ensure continuous compliance.

 

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Who Requires a Central FSSAI License?

A Central FSSAI license is mandatory for:

• Food businesses operating across multiple states in India.

• Importers/exporters dealing with food products.

• Large-scale manufacturers producing food items that require stringent regulatory oversight due to their nature (e.g., meat processing units).

This requirement ensures that larger entities adhere to higher standards given their potential impact on public health across state lines.

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