FSSAI Registration Process – Documents Required, Benefits, Penalty

What is FSSAI?

FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India which is an organization that monitors and governs the food business in India. It ensures the food products undergo quality checks thereby curtailing the food adulteration and sale of sub-standard products.

It is responsible for the registering and licensing of the food business operators (FBO) in India and it lays down the rules and regulation for running the food business in India.

Why is FSSAI Registration Required?

Every food business operator involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage distribution and sale of food products must compulsorily obtain FSSAI Registration or License. FSSAI Registration is different from FSSAI License in the sense that depending on the size and nature of the business, FBO should obtain the necessary registration or license.

It is a 14-digit registration or a license number which is printed on all the food packages. This registration procedure is aimed to create more accountability on the FBO to maintain the quality of the food products.

FSSAI Registration/ License Procedure

FSSAI registration or license is based on the business volume and premises. Depending upon the installed capacity or turnover or location, applicant premises are eligible for the license such as central license, state license, registration, railway etc

FSSAI Registration Requirements

FSSAI Registration is a basic license and it is required for all the FBO involved in the small-scale food business. This category covers the following business

1. Any FBO with an annual turnover of not more than Rs. 12 Lakhs
2. Petty retailer dealing in food products
3. Any person who manufactures or sells any food article by himself
4. Food sale is done by the temporary stall holder
5. Any individual who distributes food in any religious or social gathering except a caterer
6. Small-scale or cottage industries dealing in the food business and the following:

Procedure for Obtaining FSSAI Registration

1. FSSAI registration is initiated by submitting Form A (application) to food and safety department.
2. This application can be accepted or it may be rejected by the Department within 7 days from the application date and the fact has to be intimated to the applicant in writing
3. If the application is accepted, then the department will grant a registration certificate with the registration number and the photo of the applicant.
4. FBO should prominently display the certificate of registration at the place of business during the business hours.

Common documents required for obtaining FSSAI registration

1. Form B – completed and signed
2. Photo Identity of FBO
3. Proof of possession of premises (eg. Rental Agreement )
4. Partnership Deed / Certificate of Incorporation / Articles of Association etc
5. List of food products to be dealt with
6. Food safety management system plan

FSSAI License Requirement

For all other FBO apart from small-scale business, FSSAI license has to be obtained. FSSAI License can be classified into two categories i.e. State FSSAI License and Central FSSAI License based on the size of the business whether it is a medium scale or large scale business.

Generally, FBO who are large manufacturers, importers, exporters dealing in large-scale food business need to obtain FSSAI registration from central government and FBO with small to medium sized manufacturing units, transporters, marketers, traders, etc., need to take FSSAI registration from the state government.

Documents required for the obtaining the Central license:

1. Form B duly completed and signed
2. Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation    
3. List of Directors/ Partners/ Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID
4. Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity
5. List of food category to be manufactured
6. Authority letter from manufacturer nominated a responsible person name and address
7. Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability
8. Source of raw material for milk, meat etc
9. Recall plan wherever applicable
10. Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU
11. NOC/PA document issued by FSSAI
12. IE code document issued by DGFT
13. Form IX
14. Certificate from Ministry of Tourism   
15. Proof of possession of premises
16. Partnership deed/ affidavit of proprietorship
17. NOC and copy of License from the manufacturer
18. Food safety management system plan or certificate
19. NOC from the municipality or local body
20. Supporting document for proof of turnover  and transportation
21. Declaration form

Documents required for the obtaining the state license:

1. Form B duly completed and signed
2. Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation    
3. List of Directors/ Partners/ Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID
4. Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity
5. List of food category to be manufactured
6. Authority letter from manufacturer nominated a responsible person name and address
7. Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability
8. Proof of possession of premises
9. Partnership deed/ affidavit of proprietorship
10. NOC and copy of License from the manufacturer
11. Copy of certificate obtained under Coop Act 1861/Multi state Coop Act 2002
12. Food safety management system plan or certificate

There are different forms and documents which are required to be submitted conversion, renewal, and modification of license.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Any registered or licensed person under the FSSAI has to adhere to the rules and regulation under the FSS Act, 2006. Food safety officer generally conducts the inspection of the food business operator’s facility and identifies the level of compliance with the regulation using a checklist. Based on the compliance level, the food safety officer marks it as:

1. Compliance (C)
2. Non-compliance (NC)
3. Partial compliance (PC)
4. Not applicable/Not observed (NA)

Based on the above, the food safety officer might issue an improvement notice where ever required per Sec 32 of the FSS Act, 2006. If the business operator fails to comply with the improvement notice, the officer after giving the licensee an opportunity to show cause may cancel his license.

Any food business operator aggrieved by an improvement notice can appeal to the State Commissioner of Food Safety. The decision thereon can be challenged through appealing to Food safety appellate tribunal/high court.

The penalty for Non- Compliance

Listed is the penalty for various type of non-compliance: