FSSAI Registration is a process of getting a 14-digit number that is printed on all the food packages in India. FSSAI Registration is mandatory for all food business operators (FBOs) in India that manufacture, store, transport, or distribute food products. The type and category of FSSAI Registration depends on the size and nature of the food business. There are two types of FSSAI Registration: Licence and Registration Certificate.
Licence is required for FBOs that have an annual turnover of more than 12 lakhs, or are involved in high-risk food activities, such as manufacturing, processing, packaging, importing, or exporting of food products. There are two categories of Licence: State License and Central License. State License is applicable for FBOs that operate within a state, and Central License is applicable for FBOs that operate across multiple states or are involved in the import or export of food products.
Registration Certificate is required for FBOs that have an annual turnover of up to 12 lakhs or are involved in low-risk food activities, such as petty retailing, hawking, itinerant vending, or temporary stall holding of food products.
Before commencing the registration process, it is crucial to determine the category under which your business falls. The categories include businesses involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, and sale of food products. Businesses that provide services such as catering, event management, or food delivery services. Businesses involved in importing food products into India.
To register with FSSAI, you will need to gather the documents include, PAN card of the business entity, proof of ownership (such as partnership deed or incorporation certificate), and valid address proof. If your business requires a trade licence, it should be submitted along with the application. Prepare a detailed plan outlining your food safety management system, including production processes, quality control measures, and employee training.
Provide certificates of any food safety training conducted by recognized institutions, if applicable. Provide accurate details of your business premises, including address, layout plan, and equipment details. Provide a comprehensive list of food products you manufacture, process, distribute, or sell.
To initiate the registration process, you need to access the FSSAI website and click on the “Registration” option. In the first step of the registration process, you need to provide your basic details such as trade name, address, email address, and phone number. In a further step, you need to enter the details of the food products you intend to manufacture, distribute, or sell. This includes the product category, name, description, and quantity. Then you need to provide the contact details of the responsible person in the business, such as their name, phone number, and email address.
After that, you need to provide scanned copies of the address proof documents such as the electricity bill or rent agreement, if the business premises are rented. Property Tax Receipt or Sale Deed, if the business premises are owned by you. Then you need to provide a scanned passport-sized photograph of any authorised signatory of the business. After providing all the necessary information, you need to pay the registration fee online. The fee amount varies depending on the category and turnover of the business.
After submitting the registration form and documents, your application will be reviewed by FSSAI. Once approved, you will receive an activation code via email, which you will need to activate your FSSAI licence. Once registered, it is crucial to adhere to the food safety laws and regulations prescribed by FSSAI. These include maintaining proper food handling practices, regular inspections, and obtaining necessary approvals for any changes in business operations.
FSSAI licences are typically valid for a specific period, after which they need to be renewed. It is the responsibility of the business owner to keep track of the licence expiration date and initiate the renewal process well in advance. Failure to renew on time may result in penalties and legal consequences.
Conclusion
As we all know, efficiently registering FSSAI is vital for food businesses. Seamlessly complementing this process is the Register Trademark in India service, offering trademark searches services in India and GST registration services in India. This integrated approach ensures comprehensive legal compliance and protection for businesses in the food industry, marking a significant step towards robust and secure operations in the Indian market.