What are the types of FSSAI license?

TEvery business deal with the food activities is required to apply for either simple FSSAI registration or FSSAI license. The different type of FSSAI licenses based on business turnover, type of activity and scale of business.

FSSAI State License- This type of FSSAI license is required for the medium size companies with annual turnover of Rs.12 crores to 20 crores.

FSSAI Central License- This license is required for the typically large size businesses which have an annual turnover above Rs.20 crores. Also, in case of food products supply at the government offices or import-export of food products, the central license is applicable.

What are the benefits of FSSAI registration?

The FSSAI registration or FSSAI license:

• Enhance the credibility of a business in terms of safety and quality of the food.
• Promoted the food innovations
• On approvals remove the multiple regulations
• Facilitate trade without compromising food safety

What is FSSAI registration number?

FSSAI registration or license number is a 14 digits number which is required to obtain by every food business operation. This registration number bearing the information of registration or license details of the manufacturer. The format of registration number read as:

• The first digit indicates the status of the manufacturer whether he is a license holder or simply registered
• The next two digits represent the state code
• The following two digits represent the year of FSSAI registration or license
• The next three digits disclosed the registering or licensing authority
• The remaining six digits are the registration or license number of the manufacturer

Is FSSAI registration applicable to only food manufacturers?

The applicability of FSSAI registration is not limited to food manufacturers. It is applicable to all small operators who manufacture store, distribute food. Even the restaurants and street food vendors come under the scope of FSSAI registration.

Are FSSAI and FDA two separate bodies deal with the food industry?

FSSAI refers to a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India which established to improve the hygiene and quality of the food. Whereas, FDA works to ensure the safety of the food as well as medical products. So, there is no such difference in FASSAI and FDA. In fact FDA is a helping hand of FSSAI.

Do I need an FSSAI registration if I am just selling the food?

Any business activity deals with food needs to get an FSSAI registration. The purpose of the registration is just to ensure that the food is hygienic and clean.

How long is the FSSAI registration valid in India?

FSSAI registration/ license including state and a central license issued by the FSSAI authority with the validity of minimum one year to maximum 5 years. The registration/ license required to be renewed within 30 days from the date of expiry.

Is it compulsory to have FSSAI registration number on the packaging of the food products?

According to the packaging and labelling provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act India (FSSAI), 2006, it is necessary for every food business operator to print an FSSAI registration number or license number and FSSAI logo on the packaging of the food products.

What grievance can be addressed to the FSSAI authority?

• Food poisoning
• Food adulteration
• Violation of the provisions of FSSAI Act
• Food contaminations
• Sub-standard quality of food
• Unhygienic malpractices by FBOs
• Misleading labelling, packaging and advertisements
• FSSAI registration and licensing grievances
• Unauthorised use of food ingredients

What is the difference between FSSAI registration and FSSAI license?

FSSAI registration and license, both are governed by the Food Safety and Standards Regulation. Every food business operator required to obtain either FSSAI registration or FSSAI license.

FSSAI registration is required for the small food business operators with maximum annual turnover of Rs.12 lakhs.

FSSAI license is required for mid and large sized food businesses. FSSAI state license applies to mid-sized companies with annual turnover between Rs.12 to 20 crores. Whereas FSSAI central license applies to large food businesses with annual turnover above Rs. 20 crores.

Can an expired FSSAI license be renewed?

If the renewal application has been filed later than the 30 days, but before the expiry date, the renewal request can be considered if accompanied by a late fee of Rs.100 per day of delay.

If renewal of FSSAI registration or license has not been applied even beyond the 30 days of the registration, then such registration will expire. In order to restart the business, the food operator will have to apply for a fresh registration.

I have two warehouses at different places within a state. Do I need to apply for separate licenses?

In case of multiple warehouses, a single license can be applicable provided all the warehouses should be in the same campus address. You need to apply for different license for each of the warehouses when warehouses are at different locations even if they are in the same city.

Who are exempted from FSSAI registration?

• Primary food producers, i.e. farmers
• Food prepare only for household purpose
• Registered as a member of cooperative society

Does one have to present physically to get the FSSAI registration or License?

No, the whole FSSAI registration process is online. You can send the scanned copy of all the required documents via e-mail. All the forms and documents are filed electronically and even signed digitally. The FSSAI online registration makes the process more easier.