FSSAI Online Registration | Food License Eligibility, Documents, Procedure with Fee

FSSAI Online Registration | FSSAI License Check | Food License Eligibility | FSSAI Procedure with Fee | FSSAI Registration Types

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established to set science-based standards for food articles and to regulate their manufacture, distribution, storage, sale, and import in order to assure the availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption. The article is equipped with FSSAI Online Registration details that will be coming further.

What is FSSAI?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a government organization. It was founded under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which consolidated different acts and rules that dealt with food-related issues under various Ministries and Departments previously. FSSAI is an autonomous body that manages and monitors the food industry in India.

It ensures that food products are subjected to quality checks, reducing food adulteration and the sale of substandard goods. It is in charge of registering and licensing Food Business Operators (FBO) in India, as well as establishing the laws and regulations for operating a food business in the country.

FSSAI Online Registration

FSSAI Online Registration & License Procedure

FSSAI Registration is different from FSSAI License. FBOs should get the appropriate registration or license based on the size and nature of their operation. The Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, govern the licensing and registration process and standards.

It’s a 14-digit registration or licensing number that appears on every food package. Containing information on the assembling state and the producer’s permit. Every food business operator who manufactures, processes, stores, distributes, or sells food must get an FSSAI Online Registration or License. The purpose of this registration procedure is to make the FBO more accountable for maintaining the quality of the food goods.

Every individual or entity that is eligible for an FSSAI food safety registration or license must register with the FSSAI.

  • FSSAI Online Registration begins with the submission of Form A (application for Registration) or Form B (application for State and Central License) to the Food and Safety Department, or by applying online through the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System).
  • The essential supporting documents must be submitted along with the application to the Food and Safety Department or uploaded online to the FoSCoS portal.
  • The Department has 7 days from the date of receipt of an application to accept or reject the application, and the denial must be communicated to the applicant in writing.
  • If the application is approved, the department will provide a registration certificate that includes the applicant’s photo and registration number.
  • During business hours, the certificate of registration shall be conspicuously displayed at the FBO.
  • A passport photo and a photo ID proof are common credentials required for Basic, State, and Central Registration.

GSTIN Number 

FSSAI Registration Types

There are different types of FSSAI Registration or license based on the size of the firm and the location. Applicant premises may be eligible for a state license, basic license, and central license or depending on their installed capacity, turnover, or location.

FSSAI Online Registration

How to Do FSSAI Online Registration / License

To obtain FSSAI Online Registration/ License, you need to sign up first if you are a new user. Read below to know the step by step process of obtaining FSSAI Online Registration/ License:

GST Online Registration

Sign up Process for New Users

  • First of all, go to the new website of FOSCOS i.e https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/. A page will appear on the screen as shown below.
  • Click on the link ‘CLICK HERE FOR FoSCos’ on the screen.
website of FOSCOS
  • After clicking of the link you will land on the home page of the website as shown below.
FSSAI Online Registration
  • Now click on the ‘Sign Up’ option present at the top right corner of the screen to register for new liscense. A new window will open.
  • Here you need to fill the form by proving some details like Name, working e-mail Id, secondary e-mail Id (optional), name of the person to which the secondary e-mail Id belongs to (again option), mobile number, secondary mobile number (option), name of the person to which the secondary mobile number belongs to (again option), login Id, password, captcha.
  • Points to remember:
    • length of login ID should be min 5 characters.
    • Whitespace not allowed in Login ID.
    • Password length should be min 6 to max 21 characters and should be alphanumeric with at least one uppercase character and one special character (!, @, #, $,%, ^, *,?, _, ~, -).
Sign Up
  • After filling up the details correctly, click on sign up option.
  • A small wimdow will appear on the screen asking you to write a code.
  • Type the code which is sent to your registered mobile number and e-mail Id. Then click on submit option.
OTP Code
  • Now, a message will appear on the screen ‘ Thanks for successfully registering with Food Safety and Compliance System of FSSAI!!! Your user ID is your user name to login’. It means your account is successfully created.
Successful FSSAI Online Registration
  • If you want to log in to your account, simply click on login option on the screen.
  • Now type your user name, password and captcha and click on sign in option.
  • Your dash board will appear on the screen where you can do registration, apply for new license, renew or modify your license, surrender or transfer your license etc.

Applying for FSSAI Online Registration/ License

  • First of all,to log in to your account, by clicking on login option on the screen.
FSSAI Online Registration Login
  • Now type your user name, password and captcha and click on sign in option.
  • Your dash board will appear on the screen as shown below.
Applying for Registration/ license
  • Go to the License/Registration option in the menu on left side of screen. A dropdown menu will appear.
  • Click on ‘Apply for new License/Registration’.
FSSAI Online Registration
  • Select your location.
Location
  • Choose your business category and your business turnover and click on proceed option.
business category
  • Now choose the option of Registration or License.
Registration or License
  • For registration, click on Registration option and fill the details like name of the applicant or company, designation, Kind of business, address details, contact details, years you want to apply for (max 5 years), food category, FSM number(not mandatory), other details and click on ‘Save and Next’.
Details
  • Upload the required documents and pay your fee as per your business type (online/ SBI challan) and click on pay button.
Upload the required documents
  • After successfully paying your fee, a receipt will be generated. Save or print it for future reference.
  • Also, you can check your status with the help of reference number on the receipt.

Documents Required For Obtaining the State License

Following documents are needed to obtain the State License:

  • Form B duly completed and signed
  • Plan of the processing unit indicating the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation
  • List of all Directors / Partners / Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID
  • Name and list of equipment used and machinery used with the number and installed capacity
  • Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability.
  • List of food category to be manufactured.
  • Authority letter from manufacturer nominated a responsible person name and address.
  • Food safety management system plan or certificate.
  • 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

There are many forms and documents that must be provided when converting, renewing, or changing a license.

Documents Required For Obtaining the Central License

Following documents are needed to obtain the Central License:

  • Form B duly completed and signed
  • List of Directors / Proprietor / Partners along with contact details, address, and photo ID.
  • Plan of the processing unit indicating the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation.
  • List of food category to be manufactured.
  • Name as well as the list of machinery and equipment used in the business along with the number and installed capacity
  • Authority letter from manufacturer nominating a responsible person name and address
  • Recall plan wherever applicable
  • Source of raw material for meat, milk etc
  • Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability
  • Supporting document for proof of turnover and transportation
  • Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU
  • NOC / PA document issued by FSSAI
  • Proof of possession of premises
  • IE code document issued by DGFT
  • Form IX
  • Certificate from Ministry of Tourism
  • Partnership deed / affidavit of proprietorship
  • Food safety management system plan or certificate
  • NOC and copy of License from the manufacturer
  • Declaration form
  • NOC from the municipality or local body

MSME Online Udyam Registration

Businesses that Require FSSAI Registration / License

Each of the below-mentioned business types requires a different sort of FSSAI License/Registration according to their eligibility conditions. The FSSAI lists the eligibility requirements for each type of business and license/registration. An FSSAI Registration/License is required for the following types of businesses.

  • Petty retailers and retail shops such as Retail Shop, Confectionery or Bakery Shop,Snacks shop, etc.
  • Hawkers who sell packaged or freshly prepared food while traveling from one place to another.
  • Fixed stall or temporary stalls or food premise involved in preparation, storage,distribution and sale of food products such as chat stall, Golgappa stall, fruits / vegetables vendors, snacks stall, Samosa stall, Bread pakoda stall, Tea Stall, Chinese food stall , sweet stall,South Indian food stall, juice shops, etc.
  • Slaughtering house such as mutton shop, lamb meat, meat shop, chicken shop, etc.
  • Dairy Units including Petty Milkman,Milk Chilling Units and Milk Vendors.
  • All Food Manufacturing / Processing units that include Repacking of food.
  • Vegetable Oil Processing Units.
  • Refrigerated /cold storage facility.
  • Meat Processing and Fish Processing units.
  • Wholesaler, supplier, distributor and marketer of food products.
  • Proprietary food and Novel food.
  • Cafeteria and Canteens including mid-day meal canteens.
  • Transporter of food products having a number of specialized vehicles like insulated refrigerated van / wagon, food wagons, milk tankers, food trucks, etc.
  • Dhaba, Banquet halls with food catering arrangements, PG providing food, Home Based Canteens and Food stalls in fairs or religious institutions.
  • Hotels, Restaurants and Bars.
  • E-Commerce food suppliers including cloud kitchens.
  • Food Vending Agencies and Caterer.
  • Exporters and Importers of food items including food ingredients.

Who needs to do FSSAI Registration

FSSAI Online Registration is a necessary license that all FBOs operating in the small-scale food sector must-have. People working in the food industry must obtain an FSSAI license. This includes not just those who prepare food, but also those who handle it at various stages before it reaches the customer, such as raw materials, production, processing, restaurants, packing, and distribution, as well as those who have the authority to sell it. The following businesses are included in this category:

  • Any FBO having a minimum yearly turnover of Rs. 12 lakh.
  • Any individual who manufactures or sells food on his or her own.
  • Food products sold by this petty retailer.
  • Except for a caterer, someone who distributes food during a religious or social gathering.
  • The temporary stall holder who is in charge of selling food.
  • Food-related small-scale or cottage enterprises, including the following:
BusinessFood production capacity (other than milk and meat)Slaughtering capacityProcurement, handling, and collection of milk
CapacityUp to 100 kg / ltr per dayUp to 500 ltr per day2 large animals or 10 small animals or 50 poultry birds per day or less

Mudra Loan Scheme

FSSAI License Requirement

  • Apart from small-scale businesses, all other FBOs must obtain an FSSAI license. FSSAI Licenses are divided into two categories: State FSSAI Licenses and Central FSSAI Licenses, depending on the size of the business, whether it is small or huge.
  • FBO with large manufacturing units, exporters, importers, and other large-scale food businesses must obtain FSSAI Registration from the central government, while FBO with small to medium-sized manufacturing units, transporters, marketers, traders, and other small to medium-sized manufacturing units must obtain FSSAI Online Registration from the state government. To be eligible for a State License, an FBO must have a turnover of between Rs 12 lakh and 20 Crore.
  • Other requirements include manufacturing equipment with a capacity of 2MT per day and dairy units with a daily volume of up to 5000 litres. 3-star hotels, repackers, relabeling units, clubs, canteens, and any other catering businesses, regardless of turnover, must apply for a license. The license is valid for a maximum of 5 years and a minimum of one year.
  • Other requirements include manufacturing equipment with a capacity of 2MT per day and dairy units with a daily volume of up to 5000 litres. 3-star hotels, repackers, relabeling units, clubs, canteens, and any other catering businesses, regardless of turnover, must apply for a license. The license is valid for a maximum of 5 years and a minimum of one year.

Benefits of Obtaining FSSAI Food License

Obtaining a license can bring legal benefits, ensure food safety, develop goodwill, raise customer awareness, and aid in business expansion for a food business. In addition to this, it also aids in the regulation of import food manufacturing, storage, distribution, and sale.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Any person who is registered or licensed with the FSSAI must follow the FSS Act’s rules and regulations. A food safety officer inspects the food business operator’s facility and uses a checklist to determine the level of compliance with the regulations. The food safety officer assigns a grade based on the level of compliance:

  • Compliance (C)
  • Non-compliance (NC)
  • Partial compliance (PC)
  • Not applicable / Not observed (NA)

According to Section 32 of the FSS Act, 2006, the food safety officer may issue an improvement notice if necessary. If the business operator fails to comply with the improvement notice, the officer may suspend or revoke the license after giving the licensee an opportunity to show cause.

Penalty for Non-Compliance

The following is a list of penalties for various types of non-compliance:

DetailsFine
Unhygienic processing or manufacture1 Lakh
Misleading advertisement or false description10 Lakh
Failure to comply with Food safety officer direction2 Lakh
Food quality not in compliance with act2 Lakh Petty manufacturer – 25,000/-
Extraneous matter in food1 Lakh
Misbranded Food3 Lakh
Sub-standard food5 Lakh

Expiry and Renewal of FSSAI License

The FSSAI license is required to start a food business, and it is also required to renew the license. The license is valid for one year or five years, thus the business must apply for renewal 30 days before the existing license expires. Before the validity time of your FSSAI Registration/license expires, you must renew it. If you miss the deadline for renewing your application, you will need to apply for a new FSSAI license in order to continue operating your food business.

PMMY Scheme

FAQ’s

When is an Improvement Notice issued?

An improvement notice will be issued if a Food Business Operator does not follow the food regulations set forth in the FSS Act, 2006. A food safety department’s Designated Officer (DO) issues an improvement notice.

How many types of Licenses are issued in the food business?

Food Business Operators are issued licenses and registrations in the three-tier structure under the FSS (Licensing & Registration) Regulations, 2011:
Registration
Central License
State License

Can I appeal a notice of improvement, suspension, or cancellation of a license?

If you are a Food Business Operator (FBO) and you are dissatisfied with the improvement notice or suspension/cancellation of your license, you can file an appeal with the State Commissioner of Food Safety. Also, you can appeal the notice to the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal/High Court in your State/UT.

Is there a deadline for filing an appeal with the State Commissioner of Food Safety?

Within 15 days of receiving notice of the decision, any FBO can file an appeal with the Commission of Food Safety.

Can I change my license? What is the cost of such a change?

You can make adjustments to your license if you want to. A modification fee equal to a one-year license fee may apply if you desire to make changes to the information on Form C. Changes to other portions of the license are not subject to fees.

I am a food business owner, can my license get suspended?

If you are a food business owner and you fail to comply with an improvement notice, the DO can suspend your license after giving you a chance to show cause.

Is it possible to convert a manually granted license to an online license? How?

Yes, during the renewal procedure, you can convert a manually issued license to an online license. You can speak with the Designated Officer in charge of your area. He will create a USER ID and issue you with a system-generated license number that you can renew online.

If medical stores sell dietary foods, do they need a license? If they sell dietary foods and/or plant-based supplements (nutraceuticals), do they need a license?

FSSAI license/registration is required for all food business operators, including medical businesses. It is required, and failure to comply may result in severe fines.

In India, how long does an FSSAI license last?

An FSSAI license can be obtained for a duration ranging from one year to five years. Once you apply for an FSSAI License, you can state how long you want to hold the license. Your cost may also change depending on the length of time you choose.

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