FSSAI Registration

In India, any business involved in food manufacturing, storage, transportation, distribution, or sale must obtain an FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) License or Registration, depending on the scale and nature of operations. FSSAI registration provides a 14-digit unique identification number, which must be displayed on food packaging, menus, and invoices to ensure traceability and compliance with food safety regulations. This certification enhances consumer trust, minimizes legal risks, and promotes standardized practices in food handling. It also facilitates business expansion by building credibility, enabling partnerships with major retailers and e-commerce platforms, and ensuring adherence to hygiene standards. Securing an FSSAI license is essential for any food-related business aiming for long-term growth, legal security, and a strong market presence in India's competitive food industry.

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Understanding the FSSAI Regulatory Framework

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing food safety and licensing in India. Under Section 31(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, every Food Business Operator (FBO) must obtain an FSSAI license. The FSSAI licensing and registration process is governed by the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011.

Who Requires FSSAI Registration?

Food Business Operators (FBOs) involved in the following activities must obtain FSSAI Registration or a License:

Retail shops, snack shops, bakeries, and confectionery stores.
Food stalls, vendors, and hawkers.
Dairy businesses, including milk chilling units and vendors.
Slaughterhouses, meat processing, and fish processing units.
Food manufacturing and repackaging businesses.
Cold storage and food transportation services.
Hotels, restaurants, bars, and catering services.
Importers and exporters of food products.
E-commerce food suppliers and cloud kitchens.

Types of FSSAI Certifications

FSSAI certifications are categorized based on business size, turnover, and production capacity:

1. FSSAI Registration (Basic Registration)

This registration is mandatory for small-scale food businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakh. It applies to:

Food businesses producing up to 100 kg/liters per day (excluding milk and meat products).
Dairy units handling up to 500 liters of milk per day.
Slaughterhouses processing up to two large animals, ten small animals, or 50 poultry birds per day.
Small retailers, hawkers, and home-based food businesses.

2. FSSAI License (State & Central License)

FSSAI licenses are issued based on business size and scope:

State License : Required for medium-sized businesses with a turnover between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore. Issued by the respective state government.
Central License : Mandatory for large businesses with a turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crore, including those engaged in food import/export, large-scale processing, and interstate food supply.

Key Differences Between FSSAI Registration and License

Benefits of Obtaining an FSSAI License

Acquiring an FSSAI license offers several advantages:

Legal Compliance: Ensures that food businesses adhere to government regulations.
Food Safety Assurance: Guarantees quality and hygiene standards in food production and distribution.
Business Credibility: Enhances consumer trust and brand reputation.
Consumer Awareness: Demonstrates the authenticity and reliability of food products.
Ease of Expansion: Facilitates market growth and access to investors.
Eligibility for Government Schemes: Qualifies businesses for various financial benefits and government support.

Validity and Renewal of FSSAI License

FSSAI licenses are issued for a period of 1 to 5 years. Businesses must apply for renewal at least 30 days before expiry to avoid penalties and operational disruptions.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration and License

To apply for FSSAI certification, businesses must provide:

A passport-size photo of the Food Business Operator.
Government-issued ID proof (AADHAAR, PAN, Voter ID, etc.).
Business address proof.
Details of food products handled.
Manufacturing unit layout (for factories and processing plants).

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating without an FSSAI license can lead to severe consequences, including:

Fines of up to Rs. 5 lakh.
Imprisonment for up to six months.
Business shutdown orders.

Simplify Your FSSAI Registration with Axeurtax

Axeurtax provides end-to-end support for FSSAI Registration and Licensing, ensuring a hassle-free process. Our expert team assists with:

Choosing the right registration type.
Preparing and submitting the necessary documents.
Ensuring regulatory compliance and timely approvals.
Offering ongoing support for license renewal and modifications.

By partnering with Axeurtax, food businesses can streamline compliance requirements, focus on growth, and gain credibility in the market. Contact us today to obtain your FSSAI certification effortlessly!