Introduction

FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India which is an organization that monitors and governs the food business in India. It is an autonomous body that is established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.

The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act) which is a consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation 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.

FSSAI launched Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) w.e.f. 1st June 2020 replacing the existing Food Licensing and Registration System. This system replaces the existing online Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS: https://foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in). Users of these States/UTs are now required to visit https://foscos.fssai.gov.in. The technology on which the FLRS was built was outdated with technical support no longer available. Thus the migration from FLRS to FoSCoS was mandatory.

Food License Registration certificate is required to run a food product business.

One has to register under Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to manufacture, distribute and transport food products. FSSAI is established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. FSSAI Certificate and FSSAI License are the same which ensures the quality, purity and other important factors the customers can rely upon.

The FoSCoS offers licensing, registration, inspection and annual return modules for food business operators (FBO’s). It is a one-point stop for any regulatory compliance transaction for all FBO’s. FSSAI License is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.

FSSAI License or FSSAI Registration is mandatory before starting any food business. FSSAI Registration is required for all food related businesses such as manufacturers, traders, restaurants, small eateries, grocery shop, importers, exporters, home based food businesses, dairy farms, processors, retailers, e-retailers who are involved in food business must obtain a 14-digit registration Number or a Food license number which must be printed on food packages or Displayed in Premises. This 14 digit FSSAI license number gives data about the producer's permit or enrollment subtle elements, and the assembling state.

FSSAI checks for food license of food business operators on random basis and takes strict actions against those businesses whose licenses have expired or businesses who don’t have FSSAI license. There is a high degree of consumer confidence in safety and quality of food. It helps to promote innovation in foods products. It helps in removal of multiple regulations. It facilitates trade without compromising consumer safety and a larger share.

Thus it has become mandatory to possess a food license for everyone who is in the chain which requires the food handling at any stage. License or registration with FSSAI is necessary for everyone who is doing a food business. Whether a FBO requires a License or registration depends upon the factors like capacity of production, handling nature of food business activities and area of operation.

Non – Vegetarian Logo	Vegetarian Logo
Every package of Non-Vegetarian Food containing ingredients including food additives, processing aids of animal origin shall bear a declaration to this effect made by a symbol and color code as stipulated below. The symbol shall consist of a brown color filled triangle inside a square with brown outline having the sides not less than the minimum size specified in the Table mentioned in the regulation 5 (4) (c), below: Refer Point 6	Every package of Vegetarian Food containing ingredients including food additives, processing aids of plant origin shall bear a declaration to this effect by a symbol and color code as stipulated below. The symbol shall consist of a green color filled circle inside a square with green outline having the diameter not less than the minimum size specified in the Table mentioned in the regulation 5 (4) (c), as indicated below: Refer Point 6

S. No. Logo	Area of principal display panel in cm. square	Minimum size of the diameters of circle in mm	Minimum size of each side of triangle in mm	Minimum size of each side of triangle in mm
1.	Upto 100	3	2.5	6
2.	Above 100 to 500	4	3.5	8
3.	Above 500 to 2500	6	5	12
4.	Above 2500	8	7	16

S. No.			Minimum height of numeral and letter in mm
		Normal case	When blown, formed moulded, or perforated on container
1.	Upto 100 cm2	1	2
2.	Above 100 cm2 to 500 cm2	2	4
3.	Above 500 cm2 to 2500 cm2	4	6
4.	Above 2500 cm2	6	8

3. Mid-Day Meal:It is a government-designed and supported scheme launched nationwide for school age children in order to provide them better nutrition. This scheme provides free lunches on working days for school-going children supported under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, and National Child Labor Project schools run by the ministry of labour. There are two categories of FBO’s under this scheme as mentioned below:

i. Importer: Import of food means bringing to the domestic market from a foreign country in the course of trade food products including food ingredients and additives for food.

ii. Exporters: FBO as an exporter means an individual or an entity sending an Exporter FBO who sends food products including food ingredients and additives for food to the foreign country in course of trade. The exports are further classified below categories:

iii. Caterer: Caterers are those FBO that prepares and transport food to educational institutions under the Midday meal scheme

iv. Canteen: A canteen or Cafeteria is located inside the institution covered under a mid day meal scheme to serve food to individuals associated with or visiting the institution. They may prepare food on the premises or procure the food from another location or source.

FDI Business

100% FDI is allowed in India’s food manufacturing and food processing sectors under the automatic approval route. No prior permission for FDI is required in India to set up a food manufacturing or food processing unit. Our startup team shall help you with the formation of a company with foreign investment. However, for retail and e-commerce businesses, the FDI is also permitted up to 100%. However, under the approval route, the concerned ministry grants approval for the FDI in retail and e-commerce on a case-to-case basis.

a. 100% FDI under Automatic Route

i. Manufacturing

ii. Food Processing

b. 100% FDI Under Approval Route

i. Retail (Including Wholesale)

ii. E-commerce

Significance of FSSAI license number format- 14 digit number

FSSAI Registration

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 the 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 that is printed on all the food packages. The 14 digit registration number gives details about the assembling state, producer’s permit. This registration procedure is aimed to create more accountability on the FBO to maintain the quality of the food products. The licensing and registration procedure and requirements are regulated by Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS).
FSSAI Registration Requirement

Any FBO with an annual turnover of not more than     12 lakh.

Petty retailer dealing in food products.

Any person who manufactures or sells any food article by himself.

Food sale is done by the temporary stall holder.

Any individual who distributes food in any religious or social gathering except a caterer.

Small-scale or cottage industries dealing in the food business and the following:

S. No. Business Capacity

1. Food production capacity (other than milk and meat) Up to 100 kg/ltr per day

2. Procurement, handling and collection of milk Up to 500 ltr per day

3. Slaughtering capacity 2 large animals or 10 small animals or 50 poultry birds per day or less/td>

Benefits of Procuring FSSAI Food License

Obtaining a license can provide the food business with legal benefits, build goodwill, ensure food safety, create consumer awareness, and assist in business expansion. Also, it helps regulate, manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of import food.

Difference between Food license and Food Registration

S. No. Food Registration Food license

1. It is required by petty food manufacturers or the FBO having a turnover of less than     12 Lakhs unless the FBO is covered under mandatory licensing. It is typically required for the businesses having a turnover of more than     12 lakhs or by the FBO engaged in food processing and manufacturing.

2. The government fee for registration is     100 for each financial year The government fee for a food license ranges from ₹2000 to     5000 Per Annum for a State license and     7,500/-Per Annum for the Central License.

3. FSSAI registration number also carries 14 digits in it, but the first digits starts with 2. FSSAI license carries 14 digits in it wherein the first digit starts with 1

4. Food Registration It is always granted by the State Licensing Authority It is granted by state Licensing Authorities in the case of State license and central Licensing Authority in case of Central License.

5. FSSAI Registration Form A FSSAI Registration Form B

Applicability of FSSAI Registration/Licensee

Every Food Business Operator needs to seek either registration or license from the food department. The applicant’s eligibility for food registration and the license is determined based on turnover, production capacity, nature of business and area of operation cumulatively. Even if an FBO falls in the category of registration as per turnover, its nature makes him eligible for licenses. The FBO has to apply for a license (State/Central License).

A petty manufacturer who manufactures or sells any article of food or a stallholder, petty retailer, hawker, itinerant vendor or a temporary stallholder or small scale or cottage, or other industries relating to food business or tiny food business operator; requires registration only. The golden rule is “One premise one license”.

FSSAI Applicability Based on Turnover

FSSAI yields three types of license based on the essence of the food business and turnover:

Note: An exception here is the catering business. Irrespective of their turnover, they have to apply for a state license and not a basic FSSAI license.

FSSAI Applicability Based on Production Capacity

Basic Registration:-
A Petty food business that has an annual turnover of not more than    12 Lakhs or falls under the following criteria; Eligible individuals/entity to obtain FSSAI Registration-

S. No. Business Capacity

1. Food production capacity (other than milk and meat) Up to 100 kg/ltr per day

2. Procurement, handling and collection of milk Up to 500 ltr per day or upto 2.5 Metric tonnes (MT) in case of milk solids per annum

3. Slaughtering capacity 2 large animals or 10 small animals or 50 poultry birds per day or less

4. Vegetable Oil or Process Production up to 100kgs/ liter per day or Turnover upto    12 lakhs

5. Other food units 100ltr/kg per day or Turnover upto    12 lakhs

6. Wholesalers/ Retailers/ Distributors/ Suppliers/ Dhaba Owners/ Club/ Canteen/ Hotel Restaurant/Transporters/ Cold Storage Turnover up to    12 lakh per annum

State License:-
FSSAI State License is applicable for Food businesses whose turnover is more than    12 lakhs but below    20 crore annually or falls under the followings criteria; FSSAI State License:-

S. No. Business Capacity

1. Manufacturing units capacity up to 2 MT per day or Turnover above    12 lakhs

2. Dairy units handling up to 5000 ltr per day

3. 3 star and above Hotels Turnover more than ₹12 lakhs but up to    20 crore

4. Re-packers, Relabeling, club, canteens, all catering business Irrespective of their Turnover

5. Slaughtering Units up to 50 Large animals, 50 small animals, 1000 poultry birds per day

6. Vegetable oil processing units and units producing vegetable oil by process of solvent extraction and refineries including oil expeller unit Upto 2 MT per day and Turnover above    12 lakhs per annum.

7. Meat Processing Units Upto 150 MT per annum

8. Hotels Hotels with a 3-star rating and above

Central License:-
Turnover more than 20 crore

S. No. Business Capacity

1. All food processing/ Manufacturing units including re-labelers and re-packers having capacity upto 2 MT per day

2. Dairy units handling up to 50000 liter per day or more than 2500 MT of milk solid per annum

3. Vegetable oil processing units and units producing vegetable oil by process of solvent extraction and refineries including oil expeller unit More than 2 MT per day

4. Meat Processing units 150 MT per annum

5. Slaughtering Units more than 50 Large animals, 150 small animals, 1000 poultry birds per day

FSSAI Applicability Based on Area of Operation

Registration

(Petty Food Business)

A petty manufacturer who himself manufactures or sells any article of food can do business at one location only and thus requires registration with the concerned food authority.

State License

(Medium Food Business)

Suppose FBO is operating within the state, and its limit does exceed the turnover and production capacity enumerated above for central licence. In that case, it requires a state licence or registration at each location at which it carries its food activity. In simple words, if an FBO has ten outlets in a state, it will require ten state license or registration based on its turnover and/or production capacity, i.e. separate state licence or registration for each location.The golden rule is “One premise one license”.

Central License

(Large Food Business)

FBO carrying business in more than one state need to apply for the central license in the state in which its head office is located

FSSAI Applicability Based on Nature of Business

Registration

(Petty Food Business)

Registration is required for Petty Milkman, Milk Vendors. A producer of milk who is a registered member of a dairy Cooperative Society registered under Cooperative Societies Act and supplies or sells the entire milk to the Society does not require registration with FSSAI

State License

(Medium Food Business)

All Cereals, Grains, units of Pulses Milling without any limit on Production capacity require a state FSSAI license

Central License

(Large Food Business)

Irrespective of the turnover, production capacity and area of operation following food businesses require the central license: -E-commerce operators like Swiggy, Zomato etc. -Importer/exporter -FBO manufacturing the food which is being introduced in the country -Food catering services in establishments and units under Central government -Agencies like Railways, Air and airport, Seaport, Defense etc.

FSSAI has bifurcated FBO(food business operators) altogether in following categories viz. Dairy and Dairy processing, Food manufacturer who manufactures and sells the food products like biscuits and ready to eat products, processor like pickle, dry fruit maker will fall under this category, retailer is the any shop or establishment who has a retail outlet in India, same goes for wholesaler and distributor, even a transporter transporting the food needs to get a food license, then there are storages and warehouses who also needs food license or registration, basically any business or individual who handles or operates the food between farm to plate needs to obtain food license.

Now the businesses which do not fall under the above two categories, they need to go for FSSAI Central License, the importer and exporters mandatorily needs central license, in case you are in a business having multiple outlets across the country then you need to go for central license for your registered address and also need to get basic state or central licenses depending on the turnover of each outlet.
FSSAI instructions

Food Business Operator must be registered. It is just a 14-digit License number which is printed on all the food packages. The objectivity of the FSSAI registration procedure is to create more accountability on the FBO to maintain the quality of the food products.

If Food Business Operator is operating in more than 1 state, one additional Central License for Head Office is necessary

Importers are allowed to take one single central license at their Import Export Code address.

One presumption with various types of businesses is eligible for one registration only

Food Business Operator must obey the rules and conditions of registration.

Who Need FSSAI Food Safety License?

FSSAI for Pizza & Sandwich Outlets

FSSAI for Bar & Beverages

FSSAI for Coffee Shop

FSSAI for Vehicle Food Business

FSSAI for Packaged Drinking Water Company

FSSAI for Juice Shop

FSSAI for Cake Manufacturers

FSSAI for Hospitals

FSSAI for Food Manufacturers

FSSAI for Food Importers & Exporters

FSSAI for Corporate Companies- In a large Size of corporate company, large number of people are working daily, more people depend canteen inside the corporate Company. They should have FSSAI registration compulsory in India.

FSSAI for Sweet Manufacturers

FSSAI for Vegetables Dealers

FSSAI for Fruits Dealers

FSSAI for Dairy Product Manufacturers

FSSAI for Vegetables importers

FSSAI for Grocery- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) lays down the hygiene and safety standards that ensure the availability of safe and quality food in any food business

18. FSSAI for Fruits Importers

19. FSSAI for Chocolate Manufacturers

20. FSSAI for Vegetables Exporters

21. FSSAI for Fruits Exporters

22. FSSAI for Home Based Food Business

23. FSSAI for Bakery Products- the Bakery sector comprises the largest segment of the food processing sector in India and offers huge potential for growth FSSAI-Food safety license Registration.

24. FSSAI for Meat Shop-According to FSSAI all meat shop and slaughter houses are needed to apply for FSSAI license to run their business. FSSAI license or registration.

25. FSSAI for Mess-Commonly students in college hostel, Paying Guest students and working peoples depend Mess daily to have food in cheaper and Tasty.

26. FSSAI for Canteen- More students now widely depend their school/college canteen for having food. So it is essential to keep hygiene and provide quality foods to students

27. FSSAI for Food Transporters-Food transporters help to transfer the food product from production unit to place of consumption. FSSAI-Food safety license Registration also very much mandatory.

28. FSSAI for Hypermarket-A hypermarket is a big-box store combining a supermarket and a department store. The result is an expansive retail facility carrying a wide range of products.

29. FSSAI for Re-packers- Re-packer is the business who takeover products from manufacturing unit and do packing on their own brand name and marketing the product.

30. FSSAI for Food Business Operators - FBO-Food business operators (FBO) as per Food safety act 2006 have been defined as any undertaking, whether private or public, for profit or not, carrying out any food business.

31. FSSAI for Small Food Manufacturing Unit-Manufacturing different food products in small infrastructure facilities comes under this category. It’s essential for small food manufacturing unit to take FSSAI basic registration.

32. FSSAI for Milk Chilling Units-Milk is chilled by ice to a temperature of 40o C or below. It is an intermediate processing before heat treatment of milk.

33. FSSAI for Amazon Warehouses-The FSSAI is a governmental body tasked with ensuring food safety in India.

34. FSSAI for Hotels- Hotel business industry is one of the fastest growing business segment in india.lot of new entrepreneurs have choose hotel business due to this positive growth.

35. FSSAI for Online Home Kitchen- FSSAI food safety license or registration is the most important parameter for a business operator who deals with the prepared foods from home kitchen.

36. FSSAI for Essential Food Products- Maintaining a good food standards system has been always main concern of the Indian government. For the Safety of health and public they have established FSSAI registration.

37. FSSAI for Railway Premises- Every business operator involved in the food business–manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution and sale should compulsorily have an FSSAI registration

38. FSSAI for Tea Powder Manufacturers- Tea business is one of the most profitable businesses in India. There are larger number of tea manufactures, re-packers and traders in different regions of India.

39. FSSAI for Coffee Powder- Coffee business is one of the most demanded businesses in India. There are larger number of coffee manufactures, re-packers and traders in different regions of India.

40. FSSAI for Food Vending Machine- Every business operator involved in the food business–manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, and sale should compulsorily have an FSSAI registration.

41. FSSAI for Importers- Food Business Operators related to manufacturing, importing, exporting, storage, transportation, or distribution of food products must obtain FSSAI Registration.

42. FSSAI for Herb life Products- the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a legal authority that offers a food license to all food business operators (FBO) in India.

43. FSSAI for Food Marketing Company- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is an authority to provide FSSAI license to every food business and made compulsory to have a food license before initiating the business.

44. FSSAI for Airport Premises- the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006 introduced to improve the hygiene and quality of food has brought about tremendous changes in the food industry.

45. APEDA License Registration for Agricultural Products- the Agricultural and Processed Food products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is an export promotion organization under Ministry of Commerce.

46. FSSAI for Cashew Exporters- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have been established under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 govern by Ministry of Family Health & Welfare.

47. FSSAI for Restaurants- Restaurant business industry is one of the emerging business segment in india.lot of new entrepreneurs have choose hotel business due to this positive growth.

48. FSSAI for Supermarket- A supermarket offers a wide variety of food and household products such as meat, fresh produce, dairy, groceries, vegetables, canned and packaged goods, etc.

49. FSSAI for Zomato- Zomato is an Indian restaurant aggregator and food delivery start up founded in 2008.

50. FSSAI for Swiggy- Swiggy is India's largest and most valuable online food ordering and delivery platform. Founded in 2014, Swiggy is based out of Bangalore, India.

51. FSSAI for Uber Eats- Uber Eats' parent company Uber was founded in 2009 by Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick. The company made its foray into food delivery in August 2014.

52. FSSAI for Amazon Sellers- Amazon is an American multinational technology company based in Washington that focuses on e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming.

53. FSSAI for Foodpanda- Foodpanda (stylized as foodpanda) is a German mobile food delivery marketplace headquartered in Berlin, Germany. Every Online Food Selling Business Mandatory to take FSSAI License in India.

54. FSSAI for Flipkart Sellers- Flipkart Internet Private Limited is an e-commerce company based in Bangalore, India.

55.FSSAI for Online Sellers- Online business in India showing a very high growth rate recently. More people are now preferred to choose online mode of purchase than the offline purchase.

56. FSSAI for Catering- Catering is the business of providing food service at a remote site or a site such as a hotel, hospital, marriage function, aircraft, cruise ship, park, filming site or studio.

57. FSSAI for Events Management- Event management is the application of project management to the creation and development of large-scale events such as festivals, conferences.

58. FSSAI for College- More students now widely depend their school/college canteen for having food. So it is essential to keep hygiene and provide quality foods to students..

59. FSSAI for Fish Retailers- India is very much enriched by wide variety of fish resources. Thus the fish retailer business here also shows a high growth rate. FSSAI-Food safety license Registration.

60. FSSAI for Fish Exporters- India is very much enriched by wide variety of fish resources. Thus the export from here to different countries is also showing a high growth rate.

61. FSSAI for Agricultural Products- Agricultural products means crops, livestock and livestock products, including but not limited to field crops, fruits, vegetables, horticultural specialties.

62. FSSAI for Chips Manufacturers-There are different types of chips available in market in different packing. Chips are very popular and demanded product among children

63. FSSAI for Coconut Oil Manufacturers- Coconut oil is one of the main commercial products in India today. It is made from the coconut fruit and its oil is said to be much better than groundnut oil to the health.

64. FSSAI for Olive oil Manufacturers- Olive oil is a liquid obtained from (the fruit of Olea europaea; family Oleaceae), a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean Basin. The oil is produced by pressing whole olives

65. FSSAI for School- More students now widely depend their school/college canteen for having food. So it is essential to keep hygiene and provide quality foods to students.

66. FSSAI for E-Commerce- Online business in India is showing a very high growth rate recently. More people are now preferred to choose online mode of purchase than the offline purchase.

Documents Required For Obtaining the Registration/License

Documents required for Obtaining the registration

Passport Size photograph
Photo ID Proof of the Concerned Person (Aadhaar Card / Driving License / Passport / Voter ID)
Form A duly completed and signed

Authorized person address proof

Business name and address

Nature of business details

Documents required for Obtaining the State License

Passport Size photograph

Photo ID Proof of the Concerned Person (Aadhaar Card / Driving License / Passport / Voter ID)

Rental Agreement of Business Premises.

If any Government Registration Certificates ( Company Incorporation Certificate / Firm Registration / Partnership Deed / Pan card /GST Registration Number/Shop and Establishment Registration/ Trade License)

If the applicant is private limited company or partnership firm then they should provide MOA & AOA or Partnership deed copy

Form B duly completed and signed

Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation

List of Directors/ Partners/ Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID

Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity

List of food category to be manufactured

Documents Required For Obtaining the Central License

Passport Size photograph

Photo ID Proof of the Concerned Person (Aadhaar Card / Driving License / Passport / Voter ID)
Rental Agreement of Business Premises.

If any Government Registration Certificates ( Company Incorporation Certificate / Firm Registration / Partnership Deed / Pan card /GST Registration Number/Shop and Establishment Registration/ Trade License)

If the applicant is private limited company or partnership firm then they should provide MOA & AOA or Partnership deed copy.

Form B duly completed and signed

Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation.

List of Directors/ Partners/ Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID

Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity

List of food category to be manufactured

Documents Required For Obtaining the Registration/License

Documents required for Obtaining the registration

Documents required for Obtaining the State License

Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability

Proof of possession of premises

Partnership deed/ affidavit of proprietorship

NOC and copy of License from the manufacturer
Copy of certificate obtained under Coop Act 1861/Multi state Coop Act 2002
For applying State License any One of the following certificate is compulsory ( Trade license,Shop and Establishment Registration, Panchayath License, Corporation License , Municipality License )

Food safety management system plan or certificate

Nature of Business.

FSSAI declaration form

Documents Required For Obtaining the Central License

Authority letter from manufacturer nominated a responsible person name and address in the company letterhead stating that he is authorized to file FSSAI application.

Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability

Source of raw material for milk, meat etc Recall plan wherever applicable Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU NOC/PA document issued by FSSAI IE code document issued by DGFT Form IX Certificate from Ministry of Tourism

Proof of possession of premises

APartnership deed/ affidavit of proprietorship

ANOC and copy of License from the manufacturer

AFood safety management system plan or certificate

NOC from the municipality or local body Supporting document for proof of turnover and transportation Declaration form

FSSAI Registration Process

Steps to procure an FSSAI food license in India

➡
Fill in the application: Send the form to authority. The required documents are:

A self-attested declaration as provided in the format in Annexure 1

Copies of documents provided in Annexure 2 of the Regulations.

Fees prescribed in Schedule 3, depending upon the category your food business falls in.

➡
Other mandatory documents needed are:

In case of a proprietorship company, photo ID and address proof of the proprietor, directors, or partners. Proofs should have been issued by the Government of India.

List of items that need to be manufactured, procured, packaged, etc.

Blueprint or layout of the manufacturing, storage or distribution facility

Business name

Food analysis report (as demanded by the FSSAI)

Raw material source and NoC from the local municipality

➡
Additional information:

If the licensing authority requires any additional information relating to the application or if the application is found to be incomplete, the same has to be informed in writing within 15 days of your application. The remaining information has to be within 30 days from intimation, if failed to submit the application for the license would be rejected.

➡
Application number:

Once the complete application is received, including the additional information (if asked for) by the Authority, an Application ID number is issued. This ID number has to be used for reference and in all future correspondence. The applicant can expect the license within 60 days of the issue of such an Application ID number.

➡
Inspection report

Once the application ID is received, the Licensing Authority may direct an officer to inspect the premises in which the business has been opened as per the law. The Inspecting Officer may issue a notice, guiding on necessary steps to be taken or changes to be made the premises to ensure general sanitary and hygienic conditions. All the necessary steps have to be taken and changes to be made. The same need to be intimated to the authority within 30 days or within the time period allowed.

➡
License approval

Within 30 days from receipt of the inspection report, excluding the time taken to comply with the feedback in the inspection report, the concerned licensing authority shall consider the application and may either grant a license or reject the application. However, before refusing the license application, the applicant will be given an opportunity of being heard, and if the authority still decides to reject the application, the reasons for refusal shall be recorded in writing.

Receiving of FSSAI license

Finally, license will be issued in Format C under Schedule 2 of the regulations by the licensing authority

A complete guide to starting a restaurant in India - FSSAI Registration

Step 1: Analyze the diverse restaurant industry
With the changing food habits and the increased number of people interested in gastronomy, it is a key to understand the type of food joints like restaurant bars, cafes, themed restaurants, takeaway joints, etc. Once the type and the concept is finalized, it is important to calculate the average price per customer which means the amount a customer would spend on the restaurant.

Step 2: Calculate the funding and operational expenses
Better planning always leads to favorable outcomes. A well-crafted business plan mentioning the prospects of the business, financial aspects which include a detailed report of the expenses in equipment, advertisement, interiors, overheads like electricity, workforce, gas and more.

Step 3: Get the requied licenses
In India, the mandatory food license to be obtained is from the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI). The license is a unique 14-digit number that ensures the food conforms to the safety standards.
Liquor license
If the restaurant serves both liquor and food, then a liquor license has to be obtained from the state’s local excise commission. It can be downloaded directly from government websites. The sale of alcohol inside the restaurant without legal permit is an offence and the owner is liable to a hefty penalty and the business may also be forced to shut down permanently.
Eating house license
This license can be procured from the Licensing Police Commissioner of the particular city where the restaurant is being opened.

Eating house license
This license can be procured from the Licensing Police Commissioner of the particular city where the restaurant is being opened.
Health/Trade license:
Keeping in mind the well-being of the public, the Municipal Corporation Act, 1957 mandated the Health Trade license for all eateries alike. This has to be issued by the respective state’s Municipal Corporation.
Shop & Establishment Act:
As per the law, all commercial establishments including eatery joints, food trucks and all other types of restaurants have to get the Shop & establishment act within one month of registering the business. This act regulates all the working conditions of the employees like work timings, leave policy, recruitment of children and so on. By hiring a legal expert, availing all these licenses is not a hassle.
GST registration:
Ever since the GST was introduced to avoid double taxation, a lot of changes are taking place. Hence, it is important for the owners to keep a tab on the new rules for restaurants and their implications.
Certificate of Environmental clearance
A restaurant is legally obliged to ensure its operations are not causing a hazard to nature and environment and is required to get the Certificate of Environmental Clearance from the government.

A complete guide to starting a restaurant in India - FSSAI Registration

Step 4: Recruit the right manpower:
Employees are the strength of any business and hiring the right people is one of the biggest challenges. Depending on the type of the restaurant, the workforce has to be a balance of people at all levels, executives, chefs, waiters, stewards and so on. It is also essential to decide whether they would be in permanent or contractual positions and all legal agreement documents have to be drafted well.

Step 5: Design the food menu
Although there might be a fair idea on the type of cuisine, a smart menu can create a significant impact. While ideating new dishes, the cost, sourcing of the ingredients and other raw materials, the expertise of the selected chefs all should be kept in mind.

Step 6: Explore new tech trends
One of the most ignored aspects of the restaurant business is technology. The innovation of technology has been tremendous in the food space ranging from mobile apps, ghost restaurants, and artificial intelligence to robot kitchens and the list is endless. A bit of research on how to use the latest innovations in streamlining the restaurant operations to add a personal touch to the customers can help a way more in branding and popularity.

Step 7: Advertising and marketing
To get a name in the market applying an effective advertising and marketing strategy is needed. One of the traditional methods that still garner a lot of attention is the distribution of pamphlets in newspapers mentioning about discounts and coupons and other offers. Having a dedicated website and social media channels increase the popularity and credibility of the restaurant and reaching out to food bloggers for influencer marketing is another potential way.

FSSAI Annual Return – Form D1 and Form D2

The Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) provides for securing a food license as one of the most essential measures for inaugurating a food industry. After receiving a food/FSSAI license, a business can be inaugurated unobstructed and without any legitimate complexity. But having an FSSAI license is not adequate. As per the FSS (Licensing and Registration) Regulations, 2011, it is correspondingly significant to comply with FSSAI compliances that include filing of the annual returns. All the food business operators (FBOs) who hold a food license and have an annual turnover of ₹12 lakh should deposit the annual return imperatively and within the scheduled period. If anybody slips to deposit the returns within the designated term, he may have to endure severe penalties.
FSSAI Annual Returns
Food Businesses consist of filing two kinds of returns every year. They are as follows:

FSSAI Form D1

To be filed by every food manufacturer, importer, etc. by 31st May

All the food manufacturers, importers, labelers, re-labelers, packers, and re-packers, etc. need to file FSSAI Form D1 mandatorily, either online or in physical form as designated by the Food Safety Commissioner. The FSSAI annual return, Form D1 should be deposited on or before 31st May of each financial year to the Licensing Authority depending on the kinds of food products sold by the FBO in the prior fiscal year.

FSSAI Form D2 (half-yearly return)

To be filed by Manufacturer of milk/milk products by 30th September/30th March

The Form D2 is a half-yearly return and isn’t for each food business operator. Alternatively, this needs to be deposited by each FSSAI license holder who is connected in the business of manufacturing or importing milk and/or milk products. FSSAI annual return, Form D2 must be deposited on a half-yearly basis. The term for filing this return is from 1st April to 30th September and from 1st October to 31st March of each financial year.

Note: A separate return shall be filed for every license issued under the Regulations, irrespective of whether the same Food Business Operator holds more than one license. Merchant Exporter can file Quarterly annual report through online system

Material details for filing of the Annual Returns

Every FBO must provide the following data in the form while depositing FSSAI annual returns:

Name details of the food products which are manufactured or handled or sold or imported or exported

Countries or ports details from where the products are exported.

Size of the bottle or can or any other package or bulk package.

Quantity in Metric Tons

The value

The selling price per Kilogram or unit of packaging.

Quantity of imported or exported (in Kg)

Rate per unit or Kilogram of packaging C.I.F. (cost, insurance, freight) /F.O.B. (Free on Board)

Entities exempted from FSSAI Annual Return

Petty Food Business Operators (FBOs) who are holding FSSAI Registration Certificate (2xxxxxxxxxxxxx) are not required to submit annual return. Only FSSAI Licensed FBOs involved in Manufacturing and Importing of Food Products are required to submit annual returns in form D1 and D2.

Penalty for delaying the filing of annual returns
As per Section 2.1.13 (3) of, FSSAI, 2011, any delay in filing a return beyond 31st May of each year shall attract a penalty of Rs. 100 per day of the delay.

Renewal of Food License

FSSAI regulates these businesses under the guidelines and regulations listed in FSSAI Act 2006. If you own a food business or working in the food business you need have obtained FSSAI license. Most of the people don’t know that FSSAI License renewal is equivalently significant as that of getting the FSSAI License. An FSSAI License is needed to renew in its validity period itself. Any entrepreneur who desires to start a business in the food sector, be it food processing or food manufacturing, packaging or distributing, has to file for FSSAI along with its renewal in every 1-5 years.

How to apply for renewal of Food license?
Every FBO is expected to hold a valid food license to ensure that consumers are given with products that are secure for consumption and comply with the standards set down by the Act and the Authority. As per FSSAI guidelines, all food business operators have to
appeal for renewal of the license 30 days before the expiry of the prevailing food license.
After approval of the food License from FSSAI usually, it is issued with a validity of 1 year- 5 years. As determined by the FBO from the date of issue of registration or license directed to the enclosure of the fee applicable for the time and agreement with all provisions of the license. Before expiry, the license can be renewed for 1 year to 5 as the case may be, not later than 30 days before the expiry date shown in the license years based on the needs of the license holder. Any renewal application filed exceeding the period mentioned after the expiry date shall be followed by a late charge of ₹ 100 per day for each day of delay.
Penalty on FSSAI Registration Renewal
If Renewal of Food registration isn't done within the stipulated time then it will be considered as a gap and a new license would need to be applied by the food business operator to continue the business further.
Penalty on FSSAI License Renewal
If the application for FSSAI License (state and Central) renewal isn't documented in the stipulated time, then ₹100 per day would be fined for FSSAI Licenses. The License or FSSAI registration will keep on being in power till time arranges on the FSSAI renewal application are passed that must be past 30 days from the date of expiry of FSSAI license.

The process to renew FSSAI license is not difficult at all and can be done in either of two ways

Online Procedure for FSSAI Food License Renewal

Offline FSSAI Renewal- by filing up the form A, B, and C based on the eligibility of the food business for a particular type of license i.e state, central or basic license.

Online Procedure for FSSAI Food License Renewal

. Create your user id and password to register with FSSAI (valid for 30 day

. Upload all the necessary documents.

Submission of the application

An application reference number will be provided to keep track of the status of the application for the renewal of a food license

Then will receive the license within 30-60 days.

Offline FSSAI Renewal

. Fill up the form A, B, and C based on the eligibility of the food business for a particular type of license i.e. state, central or basic license.

Attach a self-attested declaration expected to follow with the regulations of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA).

The authority gets your application for examining it and inspects FBO’s operating bases.

When the inspection officer is satisfied with the compliance and regulations of the FBO they will transfer the application along with the report of the inspection.

In about 60 days the authorities will issue FSSAI Renewal License

Points to Keep In Mind While Food License Renewal

The Food License issued to the FBO will be placed in the Renewal Bin before 120 days of expiry. FBOs need to apply for renewal when their license shows up in the renewal bin

If there is an arising of delay, a punishment of ₹ 100/day will be charged on the Food Business Operator

Non - Renewal of the FSSAI or food license could lead a punishment

The extension of the renewal is also for 1 to 5 years. The cost of renewing will also increase depending on the extension period.

A Basic FSSAI registration can be renewed in 7 days. If the FBO has a Central or State License, then it will take about 30-60 days to renew. But, one can continue working in the business if they have submitted the application

Online Procedure for FSSAI Food License Renewal

Important Factors for Food License Renewal Process

An FSSAI registration is valid for a period of 1 – 5 years. One has to apply following Form A or B of Schedule 2 for the application for renewal of registration. One can apply for the license 30 days before the expiry date.

In case the food business deals with meat or milk, the source of the raw material is to be considered

Hotels must get the FSSAI License. Hence, they have to keep a check on renewal date for their license

Non-renewal for FSSAI license ignorance would lead to a penalty.

The status of the FSSAI License renewal application can be verified online.

Documents Required For Food License Renewal- There are different forms and documents which are required to be submitted conversion, renewal, and modification of license

2 Passport size photograph

Identification proof (PAN card, Driving license, Voter id card, Passport, Aadhaar card)

1.PAN Card    2.Address proof   3.Papers of property or rent agreement

4.Form A    5.NOC’s by Municipality/ Panchayat, health Department etc. if any;

6.Form B   7.List of directors, partners, proprieties along with other details

8.ID and Address proofs of directors, partners, proprieties

9.Partnership deed/MOA/AOA   10.Layout plan of the food processing unit

11.Form IX nomination of persons by the company along with board resolutions.

12.Authority letter drafted by manufacture

13.For Manufacturer – List of Food Category

14.Name and amount of equipments installed list by manufacturing and processing unit

15.A canceled cheque &bnsp; 16.For central License a Possession proof – Electricity bill, sale deed etc

17.For central license-Ministry of commerce certificate

18.For central license- EC documents issued by DGFT

19.For central license-Supporting documentary for proof of turnover

20.For central license- Analysis report of water to be used in the food
Benefits of issuing an FSSAI Renewal License

i. Fresh concept is created that can bring improvement to your safety standards and assist you in reaching the benchmark of international organizations all thanks to FSSA act and FSSAI authority.

ii. It gives you with all the laws and department control by a single access point.

iii. It will give your customers some confidence seeing that your brand or business is FSSAI registered, and it will make it more comfortable for them to trust your business with the spirit of goodwill.

iv. As the buyer as you believe that the food you are consuming is licensed as well as safe to consume quality food.

v. The most important part is the FSSAI renewal has the legal advantage the proceeding in the license is done under the various inspects and examinations. Then only the application is forwarded for approval.

vi. Moreover, the license can also make it more relaxed for you to go for business expansion; this will be for feasible for getting a state or central license.

Food License Renewal Procedure

Step-1

The very first step of FSSAI license renewal is to fill the 'Form A' (Basic FSSAI Registration) or 'Form B' (Central or State FSSAI registration) following the previous license along with the self-attested documents as mentioned under the guidelines of Food Safety and Standards Act, Regulations/Laws.

Step-2

On receipt of the filled FSSAI License renewal application the authority will inspect it.

Step-3

The authority must send its responsible officers to lead the examination of the FBOs

Step-4

FSSAI officer conduct a full probe and inspection of the Place of Food Business and completely inspects the standards and other guidelines about your food business and form its report.

Step-5

FSSAI/Food license is expected to be circulated within 60 days by the proper authority. What if you don’t receive any reply from the authority side even after 60 days, then you can keep working your food business without waiting for any reply.

Food License renewal after the expiration and its consequences

If the application for FSSAI license renewal is not registered within the specified time, then ₹100 for per day of delay would be charged. If the application of a renewal license is not been applied within the specified time then it viewed as expired, and a new license needs to be applied in case the business has to maintain operations. So to avoid the penalty, it is suggested to renew the license in time. The Registration of License will remain to be in force till such the time orders on the renewal application are permitted, which must not exceed 30 days from the date of expiry of registration or license. If you do not want to attract any fine, then keep your FSSAI license latest. You are advised to renew your FSSAI license before its expiry and it is constantly better to apply for FSSAI registration renewal, the time you receives the notification.

One must go for FSSAI registration revival 30 days before the expiration of the license to evade the charges of late renewal of food license.
Checking Compliance for Renewal Application Status
When you apply to renew FSSAI license, FSSAI conducts for an inspection of your registered FBO’s premises to inspect for compliance with regulations. In, this procedure the regulations which have been set by FSSAI under the FFSA are monitored by a Food Safety Officer. The officer checks the agreement, quality of products amenities, working provisions and food approach techniques of the operators. In regards to the same, the Food Safety Officer assigns/ checks the FBO’s compliance levels as Compliance(C), Non-Compliance (NC), Partial Compliance and Not Applicable/Not Observed (NA).

FSSAI Rules and Regulations for the Food Industry and Food Businesses

The FSSAI registration and license must be on prominent display on the premises of the business affixed with passport size photo of the person under whose name the license is obtained.

It is the responsibility of the food business operator to inform the FSSAI authorities of any change or modification he/she plans to make in the food business.

It is mandatory that atleast one person with technical skills is employed by the FBO to supervise the production

Annual returns for a period extending from 1st April to 31st March of the consecutive year must be promptly filed before the 31st of May of that year.

FSSAI licensees must strictly adhere to the conditions given for food preparation, processing and storage.

Guidelines to modify FSSAI License and FSSAI Registration

All necessary documents must be duly submitted while applying for a modification approval

Form C is an important document that must be filled with the necessary criteria to seek approval for changes or modifications in the business. Form C can be used to add a new business to the already existing one, change details like addresses, contact numbers, product names, etc.

Designated officers in the FSSAI department can help with the filing process along with some support from professional liaisons

The Non-Form C Modification is to support all other information and documents

The FBO must also submit necessary evidence and proof of change along with all the applications. All submitted documents and forms will be subjected to scrutiny by the Designated Officers (DO). Any query or objection raised by the Designated Officers must be answered by the FBO within 30 days along with additional information and documents if necessary.

Modification of food registration /License

Form C Modification Non-Form C Modification

If there is any change in the particulars appearing in license like name of the applicant, its address, production capacity, kind of business, product, FBO need to apply for modification with a fee of ₹1000 plus a fee equal to the difference in annual fee in case of up-gradation of license. If there is no up-gradation of license Form C modification fee will be ₹ 1000 only. It is a type of modification in which particulars appealing in the license does not change. It could be in case of change of nominee, Change in contact details of authorized person or directors/partners/proprietor of the applicant entity, change in any supporting document attached at the time of grant of license. No fee is required for modification of non-form C details.

Food Safety Inspection Checklists

Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has developed inspection checklist for facilitating Food Safety Officers to efficiently inspect the Food Business Operators FBOs. The inspection checklists are used to identify the level of compliance with each requirement that is set out in the regulation These inspection checklists are based on revised Schedule 4 of Food Safety & Standards (Licensing & Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation, 2011 and have been developed for following sectors –

General Manufacturing

Milk Processing

Meal Processing

Slaughter house

Catering

Retail

Transport

Storage & warehouse

Corrigendum dated 14th May 2020 regarding Implementation of Revised Food Safety Inspection checklists. (uploaded on: 20.05.2020)
Marking and Grading System
The inspection checklist includes food safety observations which will be given marks by the Food Safety Officers. Based on the marking, the FBOs will be graded as A+, A etc. A marking and grading scheme has been developed to facilitate the Food Safety Officers in doing the inspection. The inspection checklist has been divided into five major sections namely –

Design & facilities

Control of Operation

Maintenance & sanitation

Personal Hygiene

Training & complaint handling

The Food Safety Officer will inspect the facility of the FBO according to the requirements as laid down in the inspection checklist and accordingly will mark the finding as compliance (C), non-compliance (NC), partial compliance (PC) & Not applicable/Not observed (NA). All the requirements are allotted 2 marks and there are few requirements which are asterisk marked (*) which are allotted 4 marks. Non observance to any of the asterisk marked (*) finding will lead to Non-Compliance (NC), as they are critical to food safety. Each finding will be awarded marks as mentioned below –

S.No. Finding Marks to be awarded Marks to be awarded in Asterisk Mark (*) question

1. Compliance (C) 2 4

2. Non-Compliance (NC) 0 0

3. Partial compliance (PC) 1 0

4. Not applicable/Not observed (NA) 2 4

Compliance – Yes, the requirement is fully documented and implemented. Adherence with the requirement with no major or minor conformance is observed.

Non-compliance - No, the requirement is not documented and implemented. Non adherence with the requirement with major non - conformance is observed.

Partial Complian-ce - Requirement is partially implemented but not documented or partially documented but not implemented. A non conformity that, based on the judgment and experience of the FSO, is not likely to result in the failure of the food safety management system or reduce its ability to assure controlled processes or products. It may be either a failure in some part to a specified requirement or a single observed lapse.

Partial Compliance is not applicable to asterisk marked (*) requirements as they are critical to food safety.

Not Applicable/Not observed (NA) – Requirements are not applicable to FBO & hence cannot be observed.

Awarding the marks as per the finding against the requirements, total marks are calculated & based on the final marks, grading of the FBOs is done. The grading has been divided into 4 levels, i.e. A+, A, B and no grade.

Grade Status Marks required

A+ Compliance – Exemplar 90 & above

A Compliance – Satisfactory 80 - 89

B Needs Improvement 50 - 79

No Grade Non Compliance Below 50

Mapping of Inspection Checklist with Kind of Business

S.No. Kind of Business Inspection checklist

1. Manufacturer

i Dairy units including milk chilling units equipped to handle or process Milk processing

ii Vegetable oil processing units and units producing vegetable oil by the process of solvent extraction and refineries including oil expeller unit General manufacturing

iii Slaughtering units Slaughter house

iv Meat processing units Meat processing

v All food processing units including re-labelers and re-packers General manufacturing

vi Food business operators manufacturing any article of food containing ingredients or substances or using technologies or processes or combination thereof whose safety has not been established through these regulations or which do not have a history of safe use or food containing ingredients which are being introduced for the first time into the country.(They need to apply for product approval at FSSAI(HQ) separately before applying for license) General manufacturing

S.No. Kind of Business Inspection checklist

2. Other Businesses

i Storage (Except Controlled Atmosphere and Cold ) Storage

ii Storage (Cold/ Refrigerated) Storage

iii Storage (Controlled Atmosphere + Cold) Storage

iv Wholesaler Depending on the activity they are performing; the relevant inspection checklist would be applicable (Transport, retail, storage etc.)

v Retailer Retail
vi Distributor Depending on the activity they are performing; the relevant inspection checklist would be applicable (Transport, retail, storage etc.)

vii Food Vending Agencies Retail

viii Supplier Depending on the activity they are performing; the relevant inspection checklist would be applicable (Transport, retail, storage etc.)

S.No. Kind of Business Inspection checklist

ix Caterer Catering

x Dhaba, Boarding houses serving food , Banquet halls with food catering arrangements, Home Based Canteens/ Dabba Wallas, Permanent/ Temporary stall Holder, Food stalls/ Arrangements in religious gatherings/ fairs etc., Fish/ Meat/ Poultry shop/ seller or any other food vending establishment Catering

xi Club/ Canteen Catering

xii Hotel Catering

xiii Restaurant Catering

xiv Transporter (having a number of specialized vehicles like insulated refrigerated van/ wagon, milk tankers etc.) Transport

xv Marketer Depending on the activity they are performing; the relevant inspection checklist would be applicable (Transport, retail, storage etc.)

xvi Petty retailer of snacks/ tea shops Retail

S.No. Kind of Business Inspection checklist

3. Premises at Central Govt. Agencies

i Food Catering/ Canteen Services in Central Govt. Agencies Catering

ii Storage (Except Controlled Atmosphere and Cold ) Storage

iii Storage (Cold/ Refrigerated) Storage

iv Storage (Controlled Atmosphere + Cold) Storage

v Wholesaler Depending on the activity they are performing; the relevant inspection checklist would be applicable (Transport, retail, storage etc.)

vi Retailer Retail

vii Distributor Depending on the activity they are performing; the relevant inspection checklist would be applicable (Transport, retail, storage etc.)

S.No. Kind of Business Inspection checklist

4 Mid Day Meal

i Caterer Catering

ii Canteen Catering

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:

Compliance (C)

Non-compliance (NC)

Partial compliance (PC)

Not applicable/Not observed (NA)

Based on the above, the food safety officer might issue an improvement notice where ever required per Section 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 the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal/High Court.

Penalty for Non- Compliance

S.No. Particular Fine (in rupees)

1. Food quality not in compliance with act ₹2 Lakh; but for Petty manufacturer– ₹25,000/-

2 Sub-standard food ₹5 Lakh

3 Misbranded Food ₹3 Lakh

4 Misleading advertisement or false description ₹10 Lakh

5 Extraneous matter in food ₹1 Lakh

6 Failure to comply with Food safety officer direction Failure to comply with Food safety officer direction

7 Unhygienic processing or manufacture 1 Lakh

ECO MARK Label Scheme

The Government of India has instituted a scheme for labeling environment-friendly products to be known as ECO Mark. Eco-mark is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as a certification mark for the products which are ecologically safe conforming to the standards prescribed by the BIS. The Eco-mark scheme falls under the ambit of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The scheme first saw its application in 1991.Eco-Marks helps in identifying eco-friendly products in the market. The mark is being issued in around 16 categories like food, medicines, chemicals, electronic goods, paper, lubricating oils, packing materials, etc.
Objectives of ECO MARK Label Scheme

To offer an incentive to producers and importers to reduce the adverse impact of their products on the environment.

To reward good initiatives companies take in order to reduce the adverse environmental impact of their products.

To encourage consumers to be more environmentally aware in their day-to-day lives and urge them to take into account environmental factors also before making a purchase decision.

To promote environmentally-safe products among citizens.

To improve environmental quality and promote sustainable management of resources.

ECOMARK Certificate and Licensing
Manufacturers will have to apply for an ECOMARK label for testing and certification. BIS will carry out the necessary testing and certification process.

Once the product gets a label, it can carry the ECOMARK label for a prescribed time period after which it will have to apply again for a renewed license to carry the mark. The minimum period for which the award is given is one year. The award may be withdrawn by the BIS if they find any misleading information. It can also withdraw the award in case of technology advancement or any other valid reason.
ECOMARK Criteria
The products that come up for certification will be assessed for the following main environmental impacts:

They have substantially less potential for pollution when compared to similar products in terms of usage, production, and disposal.

They are recycled, recyclable, or made from recycled or biodegradable materials.

They make a significant contribution towards preserving non-renewable resources

They must contribute to the decrease in the adverse primary criteria that has the highest environmental impact associated with the product’s use.

Points to be considered while determining the primary criteria for a product:

The process of production including the source of raw material.

The case of natural resources.

Likely impact on the environment.

Energy conservation in the product’s production.

Effect and extent of the waste emanating out of the process of production.

Conclusion

Food standards have been always the main concern of the Indian government. To maintain all these standards for the security and safety of the health of the public they have established FSSAI registration for every type of food business operators in India.

To provide assurance of food safety, Food businesses must implement an effective Food Safety Management System (FSMS) based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and suitable pre-requisite programs by actively controlling hazards throughout the food chain starting from food production till final consumption of food item.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been created for laying down science-based principles for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and healthy food for human consumption.

Food Businesses can now be fined ₹5 Lakhs & 6 Months Jail for not having Food License. FoSCos registration or license is required for all entities involved in the manufacture, distribution and transportation of food products. If a business owner does not apply for a license despite meeting eligibility guidelines, then he or she is potentially losing out on improving the procedures and standards of quality.

Some of the FSSAI Guidelines proves that it is working very efficiently for quality improvement, betterment of the society at large and customer satisfaction like-

Mandatory registration and audit of foreign food manufacturing facilities that import particular food products.

FSSAI set to extend its Cloud-based Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) to the entire Country

FSSAI Directs Sweet Shop Owners to Display ‘Expiry Date’ for Unpackaged Sweet Products

Junk Food Sale Restricted in Close Vicinity to School Campus. Even the advertisement has also been banned. FSSAI aims to promote a safe, nutritious diet among school children.

5. The FSSAI has decided to provide additional time to FBOs (Food Business Operators) and distribution agencies to comply with Food Safety and Standards (Recovery and Distribution of Surplus Food) Regulations, 2019. In a Notification dated June 25th June 2020, the timeline for compliance has been extended till 1st January 2021.

FSSAI is working to improve hygiene at Food And Meat Markets

The Government of India has instituted a scheme for labeling environment-friendly products to be known as ECO Mark

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is FSSAI License?

FSSAI Stands for “Food Safety and Standard Authority of India. FSSAI is an Independent organization under the Ministry of Health. FSSAI Registration is mandatory for every individuals or entity that is eligible for an FSSAI food safety Registration or License.

2. What is the importance of FSSAI License Registration?

Maintaining the food quality levels in order to ensure safety and providing satisfaction to every consumer is the aim of every Food Business Operator. Food safety and standards authority of India (FSSAI Registration) plays an important role in formulating the controlling procedures.

3.What is FSSAI License Registration Procedure?

There are 4 steps including FSSAI license registration procedure that are following:-

Selection of kind of business

Selection of food category

Selection of type of license

Documentation

Issue of certificate

4. What are the Common documents required for obtaining FSSAI registration?

FSSAI declaration

Photo Identity of FBO

Proof of possession of premises (e.g. Rental Agreement )

Partnership Deed / Certificate of Incorporation / Articles of Association etc.

List of food products to be dealt with

Food safety management system plan

5. What are the types of FSSAI License Registration?

Basic registration: It includes business having turnover up to ₹12 lakhs in a year

State license: business having turnover between ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crore in a year comes under state license

Central license: business having turnover above ₹20 crore comes under central license, any business doing export and import also come under central license

6. How to Renew FSSAI License?

In order to continue the business it is required to be renewed before the expiry of the FSSAI License validity. If your food license expiry is keeping close stay attentive and remember you have to apply 30 days prior to the FSSAI License or registration Expiry date. In case you end up missing the date of renewal of the application, you will have to apply for a fresh FSSAI license if you wish to continue your food business operations.

7. For whom it is mandatory to obtain the FSSAI License in India?

It is mandatory for the following individuals or entities to obtain FSSAI Registration or License as per the rules and regulation of the Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006:

All types of Food Manufacturers

Food Packaging unit

Food Storage unit

Wholesale food business operators

Food Traders

Online Food Business Operator

Caters or Hotel

8. What is food and safety Department?

It is related to the FSSAI Department it works to farming rules regarding the food related articles and completion of the policies. It also provide the technical and scientific support to the central government regarding the food related articles and it act as collection of the food related data consumption with general consciousness about the Food Standards and Food Safety.

9. What is FSSAI license number?

The FSSAI license number is a 14 digit number which provides the information about the manufacturer license FSSAI number provides the registration details FSSAI logo will be displayed by the brand owner with his license number on the label of the food package. The importer shall display FSSAI logo and license number along with the name and address of the importer in the case of the imported food product

10. How to get FSSAI License for Online Food Selling Business?

FSSAI has extended its scope to include the applications of e-commerce food services. This category includes delivery services such as Uber Eats, Swiggy and Zomato and online grocery stores such as Amazon, Big Basket, etc. Of late, the food e-commerce sector has grown tremendously. As these platforms operate widely, it is important for these services to ensure compliance with FSSAI. Once we submitted application for basic registration, state license or central license with proper documents as per FSSAI norms and regulations inspector will verify all the documents after that our application will approve.

If any mistakes in the application the concerned food officer will send back the application for editing with the Reason. After that we want to clarify and submit if any further documents required. Then Application will get approved.

11. How to file Annual Return for FSSAI registration?

1. Only Merchant Exporter can file Quarterly annual report through online system

2. FBO manufacturing Milk and/or Milk products shall file half yearly return in the Form D-2 and submit it manually to the to the concerned Central/State licensing Authority for the periods 1st April to 30th September and 1st October to 31st March of every financial within a month from the end of the period.

3. (Manufacturers and Importers) have to file Annual Return (Form D-1) and submit it manually to the concerned Central/State licensing Authority on or before 31st May of each year for each class of food handled by him during the previous financial year.

12. What are the Criteria for FSSAI Registration?

1. Registrations are granted to small or petty FBOs whose annual turn- over does not exceed ₹ 12 lakhs

2. Registrations are granted by the Registering Authority who may be Designated Officer/ Food Safety Officer or any official in Panchayat, Municipal Corporation or any other local body or Panchayat in an area, notified by the State Food Safety Commissioner

3. Documents required while applying for a Registration:-

Go to NGO DARPAN home page

Application in Schedule-1

Fees @₹ 100/- per annum

Address proof (Government documents like Voter ID card)

Photograph of applicant

4. Registration Card should be exhibited at a prominent place of business premise.

13.Which FSSAI License is required by a Food Business Operator to Run a Food Business in more than Two States?

Food Business Operator operating in more than two States has to get Central License for its registered Office/ Head Office and separate license/ Registration for each units depending upon the capacity/ turnover from the concerned State/ Central Licensing Authority.

14. Who will Issue License to Food Business Operators under Railways Premises?

FSSAI license/Registration for food premises under Railways are issued by the Railways Designated Officers/ Registering Authorities (FSO) notified by Food Authority from time to time.

15. Who will Issue License to Food Business Operators under Airport/Seaport Premises?

FSSAI license for food premises in Airport/Seaport are issues by APHO/PHO notified by Food Authority from time to time through Online FLRS system

16. In what circumstances Application can be rejected?

Licensing Officer can reject the application in the case when the required information is not provided within the stipulated time of 30 days

17. What is the fee for modification of license?

Any change that alters the information contained in the license certificate (Form C) shall apply for modification of license with the fee equivalent to one year license fee. No fee is required for modification of non Form C details.

18. Can there be repetition of IEC Code of Importer?

An importer cannot submit another application with same IEC code that he has already submitted until and unless he deletes the incomplete/application already submitted.

19. How can a Consumer register his Complaint or Grievance?

Consumers can connect to FSSAI through various channels. Consumers can register their complaints and feedbacks about food safety issues related to adulterated food, unsafe food, substandard food, labeling defects in food and misleading claims & advertisements related to various food products.

20. For whom it is mandatory to obtain Central License from central Licensing Authority?

Dairy units including chilling units- handle or process more than 50,000 litres of liquid milk per day or 2500MT of milk solid per annum.

Vegetable oil processing units and units producing vegetable oil by the process of solvent extraction and refineries including oil expeller unit having installed capacity more than 2 MT per day.

All slaughter houses equipped to slaughter more than 50 large animals or 150 or more small animals including sheep and goats or 1000 or more poultry birds per day.

Meat processing units equipped to handle or process more than 500 kg of meat per day or 150 MT per annum.

All food processing units other than mentioned under (a) to (d) including re-labelers and re-packers having installed capacity more than 2 MT/day except grains, cereals and pulses milling units.

100 % Export Oriented Units

All Importers importing food items including food ingredients and additives for commercial use.

All food business operators manufacture any article of food containing ingredients or substances or using technologies or processes or combination thereof whose safety has not been established through these regulations or which do not have a history of safe use or food containing ingredients which are being introduced for the first time into the country.
Food Business Operator operating in two or more states.

Food catering services in establishments and units under Central government.

Agencies like Railways, Air and airport, Seaport, Defense etc.

Storage units other than those having controlled atmosphere and cold environment having capacity of more than 50,000 MT

Cold or Refrigerated Storage having capacity of more than 10,000 MT. Controlled Atmosphere + Cold Storage having capacity of more than 1,000 MT.

Wholesalers having turnover of more than ₹30 crores per annum.

Retailers having turnover of more than ₹20 crores per annum.
Distributors having turnover of more than ₹20 crores per annum.
Suppliers having turnover of more than ₹20 crores per annum.

Caterers having turnover of more than ₹20 crores per annum.

Hotels – Five Star & Above

Restaurants having turnover of more than ₹20 crores per annum.

Transporters having more than 100 vehicles or turnover of more than

Frequently Asked Questions

21. What is Improvement Notice & who issues it?

An improvement notice is if a Food Business Operator fails to comply with the food regulations set in the FSS Act, 2006. An improvement notice can be issued by a Designated Officer (DO) of the food safety department.

22. When can a Designated Officer (DO) suspend the license?

If the food business operator has failed to comply with an improvement notice, his license can be suspended by the DO, after allowing him to show cause.

23. Can an appeal be filed against an Improvement notice, suspension/ cancellation of license?

Yes, any Food Business Operator (FBO) can appeal to the State Commissioner of Food Safety, if he/she is aggrieved by the improvement notice or suspension/cancellation of license. The decision of the Food and Safety Commissioner shall be final. Alternatively, an FBO can also approach the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal/ High Court of their respective States/UTs to challenge the notice.

24. What is the time frame for appealing to the State Commissioner of Food Safety?

Any FBO can appeal to the Commission of Food Safety within 15 days from the date on which a notice of the decision was served.

25. How can we convert a manually issued license to online?

Yes, you can convert a manually issued license to an online one during the renewal process. You can approach the concerned Designated Officer of that area. A Designated Officer can then create a USER ID and issue a system-generated license number which can be renewed through an online process to you.

26. If medical stores are selling dietary food, do they need to get a license if they are selling dietary foods and or plant-based supplements (nutraceuticals)?

All Food Business Operators and, including medical stores have to get FSSAI license/registration. It is mandatory, and non-compliance may result in heavy penalties.

27. What is the FSSAI License Validity Period in India?

An FSSAI license can be acquired for a period ranging anywhere from 1 year to 5 years. You can while applying for an FSSAI License, decide for how long you wish to obtain the FSSAI License. Your fee may also vary according to the period chosen.

28. Who needs to register?

Any FBO carrying food business needs to register itself with FSSAI by applying through the online portal of FOSCoS..

29. Who issues FSSAI License and Registration?

Food Safety and standards Authority of India issues FSSAI License and Registration through its licensing at the central and state level. These licensing authorities have designated officers for grant of license /registration in compliance with the procedure laid down under Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses), Regulations 2011.

30. Do I need to apply for a different license for carrying out business in different food products at the same premises?

No, a single license / Registration will be sufficient to deal in different food products as you are caring business from the same premises. The food license /Registration is location specific not food specific, meaning thereby if you have ten outlets of a single food product say ice cream in Delhi, you need to procure license /registration for each outlet based on its turnover.

31. A FBO carrying out food business in different states and having multiple units in these states, can it procure a common license for all?

No, there is no provision of a common license for all the units located in different States. The food license is premise specific. The golden rule is “One premise one license”. The FBO need to choose one place as its principal place of business/head office and for that place it need to apply for Central license for all other units it need to apply for central or state license or registration certificate as per eligibility criteria of each unit in that particular state..

32. Can I manufacture or process any food product from the premise at which license is granted?

A FBO cannot manufacture or process the food products which are not mentioned in the License. So, before starting any manufacturing or processing of food items you need to check whether it falls in the food category for which license is granted and if not you need to file for modification. Once the license is duly modified as per the desired food category you can start the business with the same.

33. What is the government fee for a food license or registration?

The government fee for license /registration will vary as per the term for which an application for food license/registration is made. A FBO may choose a maximum term of five years as a validity period at the time of making application for food license/registration. Government fee for Food license and registration is as under:

Food Registration- ₹100 p.a.

State License- ₹ 2000 to ₹5000 p.a. depending on the production capacity of a processing/ manufacturing food unit, in all other cases fee is ₹2000 p.a.

Central License- ₹ 7500/- p.a.

34. What happens if I close the food business?

The closure of the business is to be intimated to the FSSAI by way of making an online application for surrender of Registration certificate or License through FoSCoS. Once the surrender application is approved the Food business is considered to be closed for FSSAI.

35. Can a food registration /License be modified?

Yes, the food license can be modified if there is any change in the information provided to the licensing authorities at the time of grant of license but the food registration cannot be modified to food license. There are two types of modification. These are:

Form C Modification -If there is any change in the particulars appearing in license like name of the applicant, its address, production capacity, kind of business, product, FBO need to apply for modification with a fee of ₹ 1000 plus a fee equal to the difference in annual fee in case of up-gradation of license. If there is no up-gradation of license Form C modification fee will be ₹1000 only.

Non-Form C Modification- It is a type of modification in which particulars appealing in the license does not change. It could be in case of change of nominee, Change in contact details of authorized person or directors/partners/proprietor of the applicant entity, change in any supporting document attached at the time of grant of license. No fee is required for modification of non-form C details.

36. Are food license /registration cancelled after the death of the proprietor?

No, the food license /registration shall be valid for 90 days from the death of license or registration certificate holder for the benefit of legal heir of the deceased. The legal heir shall file an application for transfer of food license /registration in their favor. If there is a delay in filing the said transfer application the designated office may condone such delay by recording reason in writing.

37. Can I transfer my food license /registration?

No, the food license of an entity cannot be transferred but a food license procured by an individual could only be transferred to his/her legal heir in case of death.

38. How long does it take to get FSSAI registration?

There are three different types of FSSAI registration, the required time for FSSAI license registration differs.

1. The basic FSSAI license will be delivered in 7 working days.

2. State license and Central license will be provided in 30 days.

39. Why you should get FSSAI license?

1. There is a high degree of consumer confidence in safety & quality of food.

2. It helps to promote innovation in foods products

3. It helps in removal of multiple regulations.

4. It facilitates trade without compromising consumer safety & a larger share.

40. What is FSSA, 2006 & why this Act is needed?

Food Safety and Security Act of 2006 is an Act and FSSAI has been established under those sets of standards for food products based on science and regulates their production, storage, distribution, sales and imports. Its main motive was to maintain a particular standard of the food quality and to curb the adulteration and substandard quality of food.

Frequently Asked Questions

41. Does FSSA serve the purpose of a unified food law?

Yes, as the Act consolidates various food laws.

42. Who is responsible for implementation & Enforcement of FSSA, 2006? Or who is the regulatory authority under the Food Act in India?

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India with the help of State Food Authorities are responsible for implementation & enforcement of FSSA, 2006

43. Which Acts/Orders related to food is repealed in FSSA, 2006? Or what are the major elements of the law?

The following Acts/Orders mentioned in second schedule of the Act are going to be repealed in Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006:

1. Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954

2. Fruit Products Order, 1955

3. Meat Food Products Order, 1973

4. Vegetable Oil Products (Control) Order, 1947

5. Edible Oils Packaging (Regulation) Order, 1998

6. Solvent Extracted Oil, De oiled Meal, and Edible Flour (Control) Order, 1967

7. Milk and Milk Products Order, 1992.

8. Any other order under Essential Commodities Act, 1955 relating to food..

44. How consumers are benefited through FSSA?

The representative of the consumer organizations are members of the Food Authorities and Central Advisory Committee. So with the fear of legal actions there is very less chance of food quality being poor amongst the sellers having food safety license. Thus having a Food Business registration gives you a clear advantage to increase the consumer base at a faster rate. The in case of injury of death of consumer there is a provision for compensation to the consumer.

45. What is the procedure for changing standards / regulations?

(i) The new regulations / amendments will be made in the FSSAI standards /regulations from time to time and is ongoing process

(ii) The regulations / amendments will be placed before the Scientific Panels and Scientific Committee for their opinions / recommendation.

(iii) The regulation will be approved by the Food Authority and draft notified after previous approval of Central Government.

(iv) The draft notification is also notified to WTO Member Countries for their comments.

(v) A time period of normally 60 days is given for information of the persons likely to be affected thereby and sending the comments to the FSSAI.

(vi) The comments received on the draft notification are examined by the FSSAI. In case of divergent comments are received on the draft standards / regulations.

(vii) The final notification is published in the Gazette of India giving date of effects of its implementation and simultaneously notified to the WTO Member Countries for information & reference.

46. What are GM foods & organic foods & does FSSAI provides regulations for such type of foods?

GM foods means food and food ingredients composed of or containing genetically modified or engineered organisms obtained through modern biotechnology, or food and food ingredients produced from but not containing genetically modified or engineered organisms obtained through modern biotechnology. The GM foods do not come under the purview of FSSAI. “Organic food” means food products that have been produced in accordance with specified organic production standards.

47. Does packaged & bottled water comes under FSSA, 2006?

Yes.

48. What is a food recall & what is its purpose?

“Recall” means action taken to remove a marketed food from distribution, sale and consumption which is unsafe and violate the provisions of the Act and the rules & regulations made there under. The purpose is to prevent, reduce or eliminate a risk arising from food to the consumer.

The consumer should not consume the product and return it to the shopkeeper from where they have purchase the product or return it to the company representative

49. How do I complain about food bought from a shop or restaurant?

The consumer should complain to the Food Safety Officer / Designated Officer /DC of the area or Food Safety Commissioner of the State.

50. What is the maximum penalty for breach of regulations related to the labeling of food items?

It is upto ₹10 lakhs

51. I am importing food items for selling in India even then it requires FoSCos Food License?

Yes, you will be needed to get a Central License for the specific address that is notified in the Import Export Code (IEC). For any import-export related business operation, FSSAI Central License is necessary.

52. Can I transfer my FSSAI License to someone else?

Only in case of the death of the FSSAI License holder, the FSSA License can be shifted to the legal representative or any family member of the dead holder. The legal representative or the family member needs to apply to the concerned Authority to shift the license in his/her name.

53. Is a license from FSSAI mandatory for the manufacture of food additives alone?

Yes, whether you manufacture, distribute, transport or trade food additives, you will need an FSSAI license in order to do it.

54. Is the FSSAI license needed for a catering business authorized by the Central Government?

It is mandatory for all catering establishments, even the railways; defense and airport require this license.

55. What is the requirement when there is more than one warehouse, within the same locality but separate entities?

Perhaps you have a few separate warehouses within one city, and then you will need separate licenses for each. If all your warehouses are confined to one campus, however, you can apply for a single license citing the campus’s address.

56. Are different Licenses required to conduct different kind of food business activities at the same premise?

FSSAI license is based on premise. All kinds of food business activities which are being conducted at the same premise can be applied for in a single FSSAI license.

57. How to convert manually issued license to online during renewal of license?

FBO can approach concerned Designated Officer of concerned area. Designated Officer will create User ID and issue you a new system generated license number which can be renewed through online process, whenever required.

58. What are the advantages of incorporating you’re manually issued license to the online licensing and registration system?

TIt will minimize the number of documents required during renewal of license. The old license number will also be attached with the new license number. FBOs will be able to track the application during the course of processing through the FSSAI‟s online food licensing and registration system.

59. Who are petty food business operators? What is the eligibility for FSSAI registration certificate?

Petty Food Business Operators (FBO) who himself manufactures or sells any article of food or a petty retailer, hawker, itinerant vendor or a temporary stall holder or small scale or cottage or such other industries relating to food business or tiny food business operator having annual turnover up to ₹12 Lacs and/or whose

i. production capacity of food products does not exceed 100 kg or litres per day, or

ii. procurement or handling and collection of milk is up to 500 litres of milk per day, or

iii. slaughtering capacity is 2 large animals or 10 small animals or 50 poultry birds per day or less

These FBOs are required to obtain FSSAI Registration Certificate by applying on Food Licensing and Registration System. This Registration Certificate is embedded with QR code and has the image of FBO with 14-digit Registration number starting with 2 (2xxxxxxxxxxxxx).

Frequently Asked Questions

60. My License/Registration is suspended or cancelled. Do I need to stop food business activities?

On the suspension or cancellation of his/her License or registration, a food business operator needs to stop food business activities immediately. Carrying out any food business activity on suspended or cancelled License/Registration is an unlawful activity and shall attract penal actions under FSS Act, 2006.

61. Do I need to obtain FSSAI License for utensils/ packaging material meant for serving or packaging of food?

No. FSSAI License/Registration is not required for utensils or packaging material as these are not covered under the definition of food as per Section 3(n) of FSS Act, 2006

62. My License was cancelled. Can I apply for fresh License?

After a period of 3 months from the date of cancellation under Regulation 2.1.8 (3), the Food Business Operator may make a fresh application for Registration or license to the concerned authority if all observations made in the improvement notice have been complied with.

63. My application has been returned back with some queries on it. What to do? Or Status of my application is ‘Application has been sent back for modification/ editing’, how to proceed now?

Respond to the queries raised by Licensing or Registering Authority within 30 days. The application for the editing/modification shall be available on the dashboard of the applicant. If an applicant does not respond to the queries of Licensing or Registering Authorities, the application will be rejected.

64. My License/Registration has been suspended. How suspension can be revoked?

In the improvement notice issued to food business operator (FBO) for suspension, the ground for suspension is given. FBO is required to take remedial action as directed in improvement notice and inform Licensing Authority. If satisfied with the steps taken by the FBO, Licensing Authority may revoke suspension with or without conducting inspection. The FBO may also appeal against the Improvement Notice vide Section 32(4) of FSS Act, 2006

65. How can I check the authenticity/validity of FSSAI License or registration?

Consumers or any stakeholder can access and verify FSSAI Licensed/Registered Food Business Operators (FBOs) through 'Food Safety Connect' App. The information can also be accessed through FBO Search facility available on FSSAI's Food License and Registration System (FLRS)/ Food Safety and Compliance System

66. What is the significance of QR Code on FSSAI License/Registration?

FSSAI is dispatching License and Registration to FBOs online with QR code. On scanning, QR code shows the details of FSSAI License or Registration as available in FSSAI database. This helps in identifying any fraudulent activity.

67. Are there any authorized facilitators/consultants of FSSAI for filing applications of FSSAI License/Registration?

FSSAI has created an ecosystem of Food Safety Mitras (FSM). Under FSSAI‟s Food Safety Mitra Scheme, Digital Mitras are being recognized and trained by FSSAI who provide help to Food Business Operators in filing applications for licenses and registrations.

68. What is the significance of Nomination of person in Form IX? Is it mandatory to nominate a person for a food business?

Every Licensed FBO shall inform the Licensing authority in Form IX, the particulars relating to the concerned head or the person in-charge of such establishment, branch, unit, with due certification that the concerned person has been so nominated for the purpose of compliance under FSS Act and Rules and Regulations made thereunder. Every FBO, other than proprietor needs to nominate a person and convey to Licensing Authorities in Form IX.

69. Is there a mandatory requirement for all Manufacturers/Processors to compulsorily set-up in house food testing laboratory?

As per condition of License, FBOs involved in manufacturing/ processing of Oils shall have in-house laboratory facility for analytical testing of products. Further, FSSAI vide order number 15023/02/2017-QA (pt-2) dated 15th October 2019 has issued directions that all Dairy Processing units should follow a standardized Scheme of Sampling, Testing and Inspection for monitoring of internal controls to ensure safe and good quality of supply of milk and milk products to consumers. Detailed Scheme of Sampling, Testing and Inspection are attached with the order (available at FSSAI‟s website). The scheme came into force from 01st Jan 2020.

70. Do I need to give bill/cash memo to the purchaser?

As per clause 2.1.14 of FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, every FBO involved in Business to Business trade shall give either separately or in the bill, cash memo, or label, a warranty in Form E to the purchaser.

71. I have FSSAI License, can I use the +F logo on fortified food product labels?

Even, if an FBO has the valid FSSAI License, he needs to endorse fortified food in his/her FSSAI License. Only after approval of endorsement of fortified foods in FSSAI License, the FBO can use +F logo on endorsed products.

72. I have FSSAI License,can I use the Jaivik Bharat (Organic India) logo on food product labels?

Even, if an FBO has the valid FSSAI License, he needs to endorse organic food in his/her FSSAI License by enclosing the certification of the products obtained from NPOP/PGS-India. Only after approval of endorsement of organic foods in FSSAI License, the FBO can use Jaivik Bharat (Organic India) logo on endorsed product labels.

73. In how many days advance, renewal of license or registration can be filed?

A License or registration renewal application can be made as early as 120 days in advance.

74. I have submitted the payment/fee of License or registration through offline Treasury Challan. How do I submit the application?

In case license or registration fee is paid through offline treasury challan, the copy of treasury challan should be self-attested by the FBO and a 17-digit reference number shall be mentioned on the top of treasury challan. The details of treasury challan, then, shall be filled and self-attested copy of it shall be uploaded in the application. The application then finally is submitted.

75. I am holding two FSSAI License, one State License and One Central for my food business unit. Is it correct to hold two licenses at single premise?

FSSAI License is purely premised based. No FBO is allowed to possess more than one license for single premise. All kinds of business shall be linked to single License obtained for single premise. If you are holding one State License and one Central License, you shall surrender the State License and apply for modification of Central License to add Kind of Business mentioned in your State License.

76. I get my products manufactured through third party. Do I need FSSAI License? If yes, what is the Kind of Business for obtaining License for such business?

FBOs who get their products manufactured through third party manufacturers need to obtain FSSAI License under “Re-labeler” Kind of Business (KoB). For determining the eligibility criteria, the cumulative production capacity or number of States/UTs where third party manufacturers are located shall be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

77. Is Star-rating certificate issued by the Ministry of Tourism required for obtaining FSSAI License?

Star-rating certificate is not a prerequisite document for Hotels to obtain FSSAI License. In case, Hotel has obtained Star-rating certificate from the Ministry of Tourism (HRACC), the FBO needs to upload the same, otherwise, FBO needs to upload a self-declaration that he has not opted for star-rating from Ministry of Tourism (HRACC). Hotels without Ministry of Tourism’s Star rating are categorized along with one and two star Hotels for obtaining FSSAI License. Further, Hotels rated Five Star and above by Ministry of Tourism need to obtain Central License and rest are needed to obtain State License/Registration.

78. Is there any requirement of NOC from Central Ground Water Authority for FSSAI License?

Yes. If an FBO is extracting groundwater (located in over-exploited areas) to conduct food business activities, he needs to obtain NOC from Central Ground Water Authority, prior applying for FSSAI License.

79. What does ‘food products handled’ mean in context of Annual Returns as specified under Clause 2.1.13 (1) of FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011?

Here the word 'food products handled' means - the food activity for which FSSAI license has been granted.

If the Kind of Business (in FSSAI License) is Manufacturer/Re-packer/Re-labeler, then 'food products handled' would mean ‘all food products endorsed in FSSAI License which were manufactured/processed including repacking and manufacturing by third party manufacturers during the previous Financial Year’.

Similarly, if the Kind of Business (in License) is Importer, then 'food products handled' would mean 'food products imported during the previous Financial Year ' by the FBO. For other Kind of Businesses (Such as Distributor, Wholesaler, Retailer, Storage, Transporter and Food Services etc.) the provision of submission of annual return is not applicable, at present.

80. As per Clause 10.1.2 i.e. Health status under Schedule IV (Part II) of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses), Regulations 2011, arrangements shall be made to get the food handlers/employees of the establishment medically examined once in a year to ensure that they are free from any infectious, contagious and other communicable diseases. This one year is a financial year or calendar year?

In the case of medical examination, the year referred to in Clause 10.1.2 shall be reckoned as a financial year. The FBO may in a given financial year get his employees/food handlers tested at any time. Further in case of new food business, new recruits will have to undergo the medical examination before or at the time of joining.

81. As per point no.12 of Annexure 3 i.e. Conditions of License, testing of relevant chemical and/or microbiological contaminants in food products through own or NABL accredited/FSSAI notified labs is to be done at least once in a six months. Kindly clarify this six months starts from which month of the year?

A financial year has two slots of six months i.e. 1st April to 30th September and 1st October to 31st March, 2020.FBO‟s need to get food products tested within these 2 slots of 6 months as per their convenience.

S. No.	Business	Capacity
1.	Food production capacity (other than milk and meat)	Up to 100 kg/ltr per day
2.	Procurement, handling and collection of milk	Up to 500 ltr per day
3.	Slaughtering capacity	2 large animals or 10 small animals or 50 poultry birds per day or less/td>

S. No.	Food Registration	Food license
1.	It is required by petty food manufacturers or the FBO having a turnover of less than 12 Lakhs unless the FBO is covered under mandatory licensing.	It is typically required for the businesses having a turnover of more than 12 lakhs or by the FBO engaged in food processing and manufacturing.
2.	The government fee for registration is 100 for each financial year	The government fee for a food license ranges from ₹2000 to 5000 Per Annum for a State license and 7,500/-Per Annum for the Central License.
3.	FSSAI registration number also carries 14 digits in it, but the first digits starts with 2.	FSSAI license carries 14 digits in it wherein the first digit starts with 1
4.	Food Registration It is always granted by the State Licensing Authority	It is granted by state Licensing Authorities in the case of State license and central Licensing Authority in case of Central License.
5.	FSSAI Registration Form A	FSSAI Registration Form B

S. No.	Business	Capacity
1.	Manufacturing units	capacity up to 2 MT per day or Turnover above 12 lakhs
2.	Dairy units	handling up to 5000 ltr per day
3.	3 star and above Hotels	Turnover more than ₹12 lakhs but up to 20 crore
4.	Re-packers, Relabeling, club, canteens, all catering business	Irrespective of their Turnover
5.	Slaughtering Units	up to 50 Large animals, 50 small animals, 1000 poultry birds per day
6.	Vegetable oil processing units and units producing vegetable oil by process of solvent extraction and refineries including oil expeller unit	Upto 2 MT per day and Turnover above 12 lakhs per annum.
7.	Meat Processing Units	Upto 150 MT per annum
8.	Hotels	Hotels with a 3-star rating and above

S. No.	Business	Capacity
1.	All food processing/ Manufacturing units including re-labelers and re-packers having capacity	upto 2 MT per day
2.	Dairy units	handling up to 50000 liter per day or more than 2500 MT of milk solid per annum
3.	Vegetable oil processing units and units producing vegetable oil by process of solvent extraction and refineries including oil expeller unit	More than 2 MT per day
4.	Meat Processing units	150 MT per annum
5.	Slaughtering Units	more than 50 Large animals, 150 small animals, 1000 poultry birds per day

S.No.	Finding	Marks to be awarded	Marks to be awarded in Asterisk Mark (*) question
1.	Compliance (C)	2	4
2.	Non-Compliance (NC)	0	0
3.	Partial compliance (PC)	1	0
4.	Not applicable/Not observed (NA)	2	4

Grade	Status	Marks required
A+	Compliance – Exemplar	90 & above
A	Compliance – Satisfactory	80 - 89
B	Needs Improvement	50 - 79
No Grade	Non Compliance	Below 50

S.No.	Kind of Business	Inspection checklist
1.	Manufacturer
i	Dairy units including milk chilling units equipped to handle or process	Milk processing
ii	Vegetable oil processing units and units producing vegetable oil by the process of solvent extraction and refineries including oil expeller unit	General manufacturing
iii	Slaughtering units	Slaughter house
iv	Meat processing units	Meat processing
v	All food processing units including re-labelers and re-packers	General manufacturing
vi	Food business operators manufacturing any article of food containing ingredients or substances or using technologies or processes or combination thereof whose safety has not been established through these regulations or which do not have a history of safe use or food containing ingredients which are being introduced for the first time into the country.(They need to apply for product approval at FSSAI(HQ) separately before applying for license)	General manufacturing

S.No.	Kind of Business	Inspection checklist
2.	Other Businesses
i	Storage (Except Controlled Atmosphere and Cold )	Storage
ii	Storage (Cold/ Refrigerated)	Storage
iii	Storage (Controlled Atmosphere + Cold)	Storage
iv	Wholesaler	Depending on the activity they are performing; the relevant inspection checklist would be applicable (Transport, retail, storage etc.)
v	Retailer	Retail
vi	Distributor	Depending on the activity they are performing; the relevant inspection checklist would be applicable (Transport, retail, storage etc.)
vii	Food Vending Agencies	Retail
viii	Supplier	Depending on the activity they are performing; the relevant inspection checklist would be applicable (Transport, retail, storage etc.)

S.No.	Kind of Business	Inspection checklist
ix	Caterer	Catering
x	Dhaba, Boarding houses serving food , Banquet halls with food catering arrangements, Home Based Canteens/ Dabba Wallas, Permanent/ Temporary stall Holder, Food stalls/ Arrangements in religious gatherings/ fairs etc., Fish/ Meat/ Poultry shop/ seller or any other food vending establishment	Catering
xi	Club/ Canteen	Catering
xii	Hotel	Catering
xiii	Restaurant	Catering
xiv	Transporter (having a number of specialized vehicles like insulated refrigerated van/ wagon, milk tankers etc.)	Transport
xv	Marketer	Depending on the activity they are performing; the relevant inspection checklist would be applicable (Transport, retail, storage etc.)
xvi	Petty retailer of snacks/ tea shops	Retail

S.No.	Kind of Business	Inspection checklist
3.	Premises at Central Govt. Agencies
i	Food Catering/ Canteen Services in Central Govt. Agencies	Catering
ii	Storage (Except Controlled Atmosphere and Cold )	Storage
iii	Storage (Cold/ Refrigerated)	Storage
iv	Storage (Controlled Atmosphere + Cold)	Storage
v	Wholesaler	Depending on the activity they are performing; the relevant inspection checklist would be applicable (Transport, retail, storage etc.)
vi	Retailer	Retail
vii	Distributor	Depending on the activity they are performing; the relevant inspection checklist would be applicable (Transport, retail, storage etc.)

S.No.	Particular	Fine (in rupees)
1.	Food quality not in compliance with act	₹2 Lakh; but for Petty manufacturer– ₹25,000/-
2	Sub-standard food	₹5 Lakh
3	Misbranded Food	₹3 Lakh
4	Misleading advertisement or false description	₹10 Lakh
5	Extraneous matter in food	₹1 Lakh
6	Failure to comply with Food safety officer direction	Failure to comply with Food safety officer direction
7	Unhygienic processing or manufacture	1 Lakh

Food Standards and Safety Authority of India (FSSAI)

Introduction

Procedure for changing standards / regulations of FSSAI

Applicability of FSSAI Licensing & Compliance for Food Business in India

Legal Provisions

Term & Renewal

FSSAI Revised Product Labeling Requirements Norms

FSSAI Revised Product Labeling Requirements Norms

Guidelines on FSSAI License Number

Advantages of Obtaining FSSAI Food License

Consequences of not possessing a valid FSSAI license

Benefits of FSSAI FoSCos Certificate

Trust of the customers

Legal advantages

Government funding and Loans

Use of FSSAI Logo

Brand Value

Expansion of Business

Recognition of Government

Permit of Food Business

Benefits from Government Actions on Non-Compliance

Boost Up Your Business

Benefits of FSSAI FoSCos Certificate

Benefits of FSSAI FoSCos Certificate

Details about various working fields of Food Business Operators FBO

Manufacturer of Food Products or processing (FBO)

FBO as Traders (Wholesaler or Retailers)

FBO as Food Service Providers

Other Categories of FBO

FDI Business

Significance of FSSAI license number format- 14 digit number

FSSAI Registration

Benefits of Procuring FSSAI Food License

Difference between Food license and Food Registration

Applicability of FSSAI Registration/Licensee

FSSAI Applicability Based on Turnover

FSSAI Applicability Based on Production Capacity

FSSAI Applicability Based on Area of Operation

Registration

State License

Central License

FSSAI Applicability Based on Nature of Business

Registration

State License

Central License

Who Need FSSAI Food Safety License?

Documents Required For Obtaining the Registration/License

Documents Required For Obtaining the Registration/License

FSSAI Registration Process

Steps to procure an FSSAI food license in India

A complete guide to starting a restaurant in India - FSSAI Registration

A complete guide to starting a restaurant in India - FSSAI Registration

FSSAI Annual Return – Form D1 and Form D2

FSSAI Form D1

FSSAI Form D2 (half-yearly return)

Material details for filing of the Annual Returns

Entities exempted from FSSAI Annual Return

Renewal of Food License

Online Procedure for FSSAI Food License Renewal

Offline FSSAI Renewal

Points to Keep In Mind While Food License Renewal

Online Procedure for FSSAI Food License Renewal

Food License Renewal Procedure

Step-1

Step-2

Step-3

Step-4

Step-5

Food License renewal after the expiration and its consequences

FSSAI Rules and Regulations for the Food Industry and Food Businesses

Guidelines to modify FSSAI License and FSSAI Registration

Modification of food registration /License

Food Safety Inspection Checklists

Mapping of Inspection Checklist with Kind of Business

Consequences of Non-Compliance

ECO MARK Label Scheme

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions