"A Summary of the FSSAI Central License"
The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is a prominent government body dedicated to ensuring public health through the enforcement of food safety regulations. Its primary goal is to develop comprehensive guidelines and standards that promote awareness of food safety across the country. Additionally, the FSSAI continuously monitors all stakeholders within the food supply chain, from production to retail. Consumer education is a top priority for the agency, which frequently launches campaigns to inform the public about substandard and unsafe food products. The FSSAI creates food safety protocols and other directives in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.
A Food Business Operator (FBO) with a turnover exceeding Rs. 20 Crores, or one involved in the import and export of food items in India, is required to obtain an FSSAI Central License.
"The Function of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India"
“The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is responsible for ensuring food safety to protect public health. The main responsibilities of FSSAI include:”
- Developing guidelines and standards for the food industry
- Launching programs to raise awareness about food safety
- Issuing instructions for food business operators
- Establishing standards and regulations for food testing laboratories
- Collecting data on contaminants found in food products
- Providing recommendations to the Indian Government for creating new regulations
- Using a rapid alert system to quickly identify problems in food products available to consumers
- FSSAI has established strict regulations for proprietary food businesses, as many of these operate without set standards. It requires these businesses to obtain an FSSAI state license, with no exceptions.
FSSAI has introduced mandatory regulations for food businesses (FBOs) covering the manufacturing, storage, sale, and distribution of food to ensure safety and hygiene. The authority has also created a reliable information network to help the public access accurate details about food safety and hygiene.
Advantages of the FSSAI Central License
The FSSAI Central License is crucial for food businesses operating in a particular state in India. Some of the main advantages include:
- Enhances brand visibility and trust among customers and the general public.
- Boosts the credibility and reputation of the business.
- Helps businesses attract a larger customer base.
- Provides legal protection that unlicensed businesses do not have.
- Promotes the adoption of food safety best practices for the business owner.
Who Requires an FSSAI Central License?
The following types of businesses mentioned below mandatorily require the Registration of FSSAI License:
Food businesses that are medium-sized and involved in manufacturing, processing, packaging, storing, distributing, or selling food need to get an FSSAI Central License. Specifically, this license is required for businesses in the following categories:
- Annual turnover more than Rs 20 crores or
- Various units running in multiple states or
- Monthly or annual production more significant than the prescribed threshold limit
- Must have an annual turnover of more than Rs. 20 Crores who wants to start a business of import/export of food items and a business for selling food items on their own e-commerce website.
- Establishing Business of Nutraceutical and Health Supplement.
- Transporting Business with more than 100 vehicles.
- Running hotel with 5-star or 7-stars.
- In addition to these fundamental requirements, the FSSAI Central License also includes the following:
- Dairy facilities produce milk solid with an annual production of 50000 litres or 2500 megaton
- Processing facilities producing vegetable oil with a daily production volume of 2 MT
Slaughter facility with a daily capacity of:
Penalty for Not Following FSSAI's Rules
In India, food businesses face strict penalties for not following FSSAI’s rules. If a business does not comply, they could face serious consequences.
FSSAI officers can visit the business unexpectedly to
check if they are following the rules. If they find any issues, the business could be fined according to the FSSAI Act of 2006. Here are some of the penalties for not complying:
| S.No | Issue | Fine (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Food quality violations | 2 Lakh |
| 2 | Selling food not of the nature or substance or quality demanded ,Substandard food | 5 Lakh |
| 3 | Misbranded food/Mislabelled food | 3 Lakh |
| 4 | Misleading Advertisement or a label/False advertising or incorrect description | 10 Lakh |
| 5 | Foreign objects in food | 1 Lakh |
| 6 | Not following food safety officer’s instructions | 2 Lakh |
7 | Unhygienic or unsanitary processing or manufacturing of Food/Unhygienic food production | 1 Lakh |
| 8 | Punishment for carryingout the bussiness without license | 5 Lacs and/or Imprisionment upto 6 Month |
| 9 | Punishment for false information (Any Person as per dircetions under FSS Act | 2 Lacs and/or Imprisionment upto 3 Month |
"Documents Needed to Apply for FSSAI Central License"
Following is the listicle of fundamental Documents required to be submitted at the time of application filing for the FSSAI Central License:
Import Export Code: (In case of Import export).
Declaration: In case of turnover more than Rs. 20 crores.
Process to Get an FSSAI State License
To get an FSSAI Central License, follow these steps:
Filing an Application Using Form B
The first step for obtaining a license is to submit Form B to the relevant licensing authority. During this process, the applicant must ensure they meet the required turnover criteria.Examination of the Application by FSSAI Officials
After submission, the application along with the necessary documents will be forwarded to the appropriate FSSAI officials for detailed examination.On-Site Inspection by FSSAI Representatives
Next, FSSAI officials will conduct an on-site inspection of the business premises to assess compliance with the recommended standards.Any deviations from the required standards may increase the likelihood of the application being rejected.
Approval of the Application and Issuance of License
Once the licensing authority approves the application, the license will be issued to the applicant within a few days. Following this, the business can begin full operations.Note: It is mandatory for the license holder to display the certificate at the business location.
Validity and Renewal of the FSSAI Central License
The FSSAI Central License is valid for a flexible period ranging from 1 to 5 years, with the cost increasing based on the chosen validity period. The license must be renewed at least 30 days before its expiration, or penalties may be imposed.The renewal process is similar to the initial application process. To apply for renewal, the following documents must be submitted:
- A recent passport-sized photograph
- ID proof (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Voter ID)
- PAN Card
- Address proof (e.g., utility bills such as electricity or telephone bills)
- A copy of the land deed or an agreement for property ownership
- If the premises are rented, a copy of the rental agreement and a No Objection Certificate from the landlord must also be provided.
Why Choose GIPL for FSSAI Central Food License Registration?
Make your FSSAI state food license registration process easier with GIPL! Our simple and effective approach turns the licensing process into a valuable business advantage.
Our expert team ensures a smooth and quick experience, giving you clear guidance to improve your compliance and business growth. Here’s why entrepreneurs choose us to help with their FSSAI State License application:
- We carefully check to make sure your business meets state-specific regulations.
- Benefit from our years of experience in FSSAI services.
- We have a 99% success rate in getting FSSAI applications approved on the first try.
- Build your brand’s trust and market presence with a valid FSSAI State License.
- Enjoy smooth application processing and a stress-free licensing experience.