TYPES OF FSSAI LICENCE REGISTRATION IN INDIA

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established as a part of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (“the Act”). This Authority governs the food standards in all aspects i.e., from manufacturing to distribution and consumption of food articles. Hence, the authority makes it mandatory for all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to get certain mandatory licence/registrations. These licences also act as the quality check for the products being produced and consumed. In this blog, we will focus on the different types of FSSAI licence registration in India

Objective of FSSAI 

The FSSAI was established to govern and regulate the following: 

  • Handle grievances from the public against FBOs; 
  • Protect the health of the general public by setting certain standards for FBOs; 
  • It establishes and updates food safety regulations;
  • Grants registrations and licences to FBOs of India; 
  • Keep an eye out on every stakeholder involved in the Food business; and lastly 
  • To create plans to make India a healthier country.  

Types of FSSAI Licence Registration 

As per section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 it is mandatory for all FBOs in India to get FSSAI licence registration. The applications, granting of a licence, etc. are governed by Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011. 

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India provides for the following types of FSSAI licence registrations: 

  1. FSSAI Basic Registration; 
  2. FSSAI State Licence; and 
  3. FSSAI Central Licence

In this blog, we will take a detailed look at each of these types and also talk about the key differences between each. 

FSSAI Basic registration 

Most people think FSSAI Licence registration is one thing. Mostly the words “registration” and “licence” are used synonymously. However, one should note that these are two different types of registration procedures under the FSSAI. Especially if you are a food Business Operator, you need to make sure that you are aware of the difference between the two. The reason behind this is that the FSSAI even has the authority to revoke FSSAI licence registration. Which will result in the closure of your entire business. 

Understanding FSSAI basic registration will ensure that you are aware of the key difference between FSSAI licence/registration. 

FSSAI Basic registration applies to petty food business operators, whose annual turnover does not exceed Rs.12 Lakhs. 

This includes: 

  • Petty food manufacturers; 
  • Vendors; 
  • Retailers;
  • Temporary food stalls; 
  • Food trucks; 
  • Itinerant vendor;
  • Distributors; 
  • Cottage industries; 
  • Small scale industries
  • and more

The fee for obtaining an FSSAI registration is Rs. 100/-. Once you apply for registration, the application is processed and an inspection is conducted if needed. As a food business operator, you can start your business only after getting the registration. 

FSSAI Licence

Now that you are aware of the key difference between FSSAI registration/licence, we can easily understand when FSSAI licence is applicable, and the types of FSSAI licence. 

For all food businesses with an annual turnover of more than 12 lakhs, it is mandatory to get an FSSAI Licence. 

FSSAI Licence is further divided into two categories, namely: 

  1. FSSAI State Licence; and 
  2. FSSAI Central Licence. 

FSSAI State Licence  

This is a mandatory licence applicable to food business operators with a turnover exceeding the limit of Rs. 12 Lakh but not over the limit of Rs. 20 crores, in a year. However, this licence is only applicable to businesses that only operate in one state.

The process to get this licence is to gather all mandatory documents, visit the FosCos portal and apply for a licence using form B. The authority that issues this licence is the state government. 

The FSSAI state Licence applies usually to the following: 

  • Small and medium enterprises; 
  • Transport facilities; 
  • Storage houses;
  • Logistics; 
  • Distributors; 
  • Marketers; 
  • And such. 

The validity of FSSAI State licence is valid for one year. 

FSSAI Central Licence

This is a mandatory licence for huge enterprises that produce food products on a large-scale basis. This registration is mandatory for enterprises that have an annual turnover of more than Rs. 20 crores and are operating in more than one state of India. This is a mandatory licence applicable to exports, imports, and inter-state trade of food products. 

This licence is issued by the central government agencies operating in different locations throughout India. The issuing authority is known as FoSCos FSSAI which is the Food Safety Compliance System. 

The entities that can opt for FSSAI central licence include: 

  1. Large Scale industries; 
  2. E-commerce operators (no matter what turnover);
  3. Importers and exporters; 
  4.  Vending machines; 
  5. Food marketing companies; 
  6. Food products created from Herbals; 
  7. Manufacturers of powdered tea; 
  8. Cloud kitchens./online home kitchens; 
  9. Seller of essential food products; 
  10. FBOs working with the Indian Railways; 
  11. Operators associated with various airlines; 
  12. Restaurants; 
  13. Amazon Warehouses; 
  14. Hotels; 
  15. Supermarkets; 
  16. Online food marketplaces, such as Zomato and Swiggy; 
  17. Caterers; 
  18. Event management companies; 
  19. Colleges having canteens;
  20. Businesses in export, import, or trade of fisheries; 
  21. Manufacturers of packaged foods;  
  22. Manufacturers of agricultural products; and more. 

Conclusion

The above-mentioned three types of FSSAI licence/registration cover all kinds of food business operators in India. There are many benefits of obtaining a FSSAI. Even though these licences are mandatory, they can also prove to be beneficial for your brand.  If you have the FSSAI registration mark on the food products that you aim to produce or sell, it will help you in generating more revenue, as your clients will surely trust the registered food products.