Registration and licensing of food business operators under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations 2011.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the statutory authority constituted under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 for laying down standards for food articles and regulating their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import.
Every food business operator (FBO) is required to either register with or obtain a licence from the FSSAI, depending on the scale of operations. Three categories of authorisation exist: Basic FSSAI Registration (for petty FBOs with annual turnover up to Rs 12 lakh), State FSSAI Licence (for medium-scale FBOs with turnover above Rs 12 lakh and up to Rs 20 crore), and Central FSSAI Licence (for large FBOs with turnover above Rs 20 crore, importers, exporters, and operators across multiple states).
LexWiser advises FBOs on the appropriate category, prepares the documentation and files the application with the relevant FSSAI office.
Engagements in this area generally involve some or all of the following work. The actual scope is set out in the engagement letter once the matter is understood.
Assessment of the FBO's turnover, premises and activities to identify the applicable category (Basic, State or Central).
Collection of constitutional documents, premises documents, product list, and any required declarations or layout plans.
Electronic filing of the application through FoSCoS, with the requisite government fees and supporting documents.
For State and Central Licences, the FSSAI may conduct a physical inspection of the premises before granting the licence.
On satisfaction of statutory requirements, the FSSAI issues the registration certificate or licence, valid for one to five years as elected.
The category is determined by turnover, premises and activities. Filing in the wrong category leads to rejection or cancellation. Where the business is close to a threshold, the higher category is generally advisable.
Registrations and licences may be granted for one to five years at the option of the FBO. Renewal must be sought at least thirty days before expiry.
Each operating premises generally requires a separate licence. A central office of an organisation supplying through several outlets may, however, require a single Central Licence.
The FSS Regulations prescribe detailed requirements for labelling and packaging of pre-packed food. Compliance is mandatory and is enforced through inspections and product seizures.
Yes. All food business operators, including home-based bakers and cloud kitchens, require FSSAI authorisation. A home-based FBO with turnover up to Rs 12 lakh requires Basic Registration.
A licence may be granted for one to five years at the option of the FBO. Government fees scale with the period chosen. Renewal must be applied for at least thirty days before expiry.
Registration is the simpler form of authorisation applicable to small FBOs with turnover up to Rs 12 lakh. A licence is required for FBOs with higher turnover, and involves additional compliance and (for Central Licences) inspections.
No. The FSSAI authorisation is granted to the specific FBO and is not transferable. A new owner is required to apply afresh.
Operating without the required FSSAI authorisation is a punishable offence under the FSS Act, attracting fines and, in serious cases, imprisonment. Authorised officers may also seize stock and seal premises.
Every engagement begins with a confidential consultation. Schedule one to understand the scope, approach and fees for your specific matter.
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