What is FSSAI License and Registration Process?
Know all about FSSAI and its license
The Food Standards and Safety Authority of India (FSSAI) is the supreme authority which is responsible for regulating and supervising the food safety. It is mandatory for all the Food Business Operators (FBOs) in order to obtain an FSSAI license. A common confusion or a misunderstanding which is among the FBOs is the license which the businessman is required to obtain. FSSAI lays down science-based standards for the articles of food and it also regulates their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and the import in order to ensure the availability of safe and also wholesome food to 130 crore citizens of the country. The authority is thus also responsible for creating an information network across the country so that the public, consumers, etc thus receive rapid, reliable and also accurate information about the food safety and also hygiene and the related issues of concern.
Three different types of food licenses which are:
1. Central License
2. State License
3. Basic Registration
The three licenses, however, differ based on the scale of operation of the food business which is being carried out. The following is detailed information on the three food licenses.
1. FSSAI Registration Central License: Food business operators such as the Importers, 100% Export Oriented Units, large manufacturers, operators in the Central Government agencies, airports, seaports, etc are however required to obtain a Central Food License. The Central license is issued by the Central Government. Furthermore, FBOs have to obtain the Central License for their head office, and if they have operations in more than 1 state. It is thus mostly for the units who are having an annual turnover which is greater than 20 crores.
2. FSSAI Registration State License: Food business operators like small to medium-sized manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, marketers, distributors, etc. are however required to obtain the Fssai State License. The State License is issued by the State Government and you must have operations in only 1 state, to obtain the State license. It is thus mostly for the units having an annual turnover of more than 12 lakh.
3. FSSAI Registration: The Food business operators like petty food manufacturers and also the small-sized manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, marketers, distributors, etc are thus required to obtain the FSSAI Registration. The FSSAI Registration is however issued by the State Government. Depending upon the eligibility, an FBO can thus fall under the State of Registration license. It is thus mostly for the units having an annual turnover which is up to 12 lakh.
Benefits of an FSSAI License
A food license by which is issued by the FSSAI is regarded as a permit which is required to operate a food-related business and also to ensure good quality of food in your business and for the benefits one from government actions on non-compliances.
But, some of the entrepreneurs oversee the importance of FSSAI license as to how this license can be used as an effective marketing tool to boost your business. As, any sound food business operator, you would want your business to be helped by any of the tools that could help to promote sales. You can use an FSSAI license for the same, in the following ways:
1. Consumer awareness: In this age of information, the consumers have become more alert and informative about the quality of the food which they eat. With the number of diets and increasing of the healthy eating food options, people are required to know as to what they are consuming is not just safe but is of really good quality. More so after the recent controversy with Maggi, are proving the consumers have started to take the food safety standard seriously. Thus, food is proving that they have the FSSAI license, which can give you an added advantage of a solid and an increase in the customer base.
2. Legal Advantage: Most of the businesses identify getting an FSSAI license as an expensive, time consuming and an inconvenient process of documentation, thus they try to avoid getting the license. But, in reality, the process is not so cumbersome and there are a lot of consultancies that can help you get the license with ease. The actual cost which is required to achieve the license is less than what you will have to pay for in as the penalties if you are caught. It is thus advisable for any businessman to firstly get the license before you can even officially open your business.
3. Using the FSSAI Logo: Once you have the license, you can skillfully use the FSSAI logo in your menu cards and also in the pamphlets to publicize your food's superior quality over others. This, however, gives you an edge over the many food operators who are not having the license. All the packaged food are thus required to have an FSSAI number. The logo is seen as a mark of validity and also for assurance by the consumers. The selective customers want to consume food products specifically who are having the license. It helps you in developing a brand name.
4. Business Expansion: When the time comes for your business to expand in other areas or outlets, you can easily do so with the use of your FSSAI license. The license will help you to establish your reputation and also qualification to grow your business in a new direction with ease. Moreover, the license can also make it easier for you to get bank loans and for funding which is required for expansion.
It is thus believed that there are more than 5 crore food businesses in the country while only 33 lakhs of them are registered with FSSAI. The importance of the quality standard is ever-growing and it is beneficial in the short as well as in the long run for your business to have an FSSAI license.
Documents required for FSSAI Registration
FSSAI registration For Proprietorship Concern (Single Person)
1. Rental Agreement.
2. Pan card
3. Two photos
4. ID proof
FSSAI registration For Partnership Firm
1. Pan Card of Partnership Firm.
2. Id and Address Proof of all partners.
3. Two Photos of Each Partner.
4. Rental Agreement.
FSSAI registration For Private Limited Company:
1. Pan Card of Private Limited Company.
2. Incorporation Certificate of Private Limited Company.
3. Id and Address Proof of all Directors.
4. Two Photos of Each Director.
5. Rental Agreement.
For the Registration and Licensing related issues or any queries regarding FSSAI contact your nearest GST Suvidha Centers now or call on our toll-free number 1800-8435-500
