The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) grants FSSAI Registration/Licence certificates in line with the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 to Food Business Operators (FBOs). Any individual planning to launch a food business, including home-based ones, is mandated to secure the FSSAI registration or licence certificate before commencing operations. Understanding how to get a fssai license is essential for ensuring regulatory compliance. This requirement is pivotal for maintaining regulatory compliance and ensuring the safety of food products, thereby fostering consumer confidence. Obtaining an FSSAI certificate is crucial for businesses aiming to establish a reputable presence in the market.
What is an FSSAI certificate?
An FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) certificate is a mandatory license for food-related businesses in India, ensuring that the food products meet safety standards and are fit for consumption. This certificate is issued by the FSSAI, a regulatory body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. It ensures compliance with food safety regulations, promoting public health. Businesses involved in manufacturing, processing, packaging, or distributing food must obtain this certification. It enhances consumer confidence, facilitates legal operations, and helps maintain hygiene and quality standards across the food supply chain.
Types of FSSAI certificates
FSSAI certificates come in three primary categories, each designed to accommodate the varying scales of food businesses, from small to large enterprises:
- Basic FSSAI Registration is suited for small-scale food business operators with an annual turnover under Rs. 12 lakh and a daily production capacity not exceeding 100 litres/kg.
- State FSSAI Licence caters to medium-sized FBOs with yearly revenue between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore, and is issued by the state government.
- Central FSSAI Licence is required for large FBOs generating over Rs. 20 crore annually and is provided by the Central Government.
Benefits of having an FSSAI certificate
Holding an FSSAI certificate offers significant advantages for food businesses:
- Ensures legal adherence to food safety laws: For example, a restaurant in New Delhi successfully passes its FSSAI compliance audit, showcasing its commitment to the Food Safety and Standards Act. This not only keeps it free from legal troubles but also establishes a foundation for operational excellence.
- Enhances consumer confidence by assuring product quality and safety: For example, a consumer chooses an FSSAI-certified brand of packaged foods over a non-certified competitor, trusting that the certification indicates higher quality control and safer consumption standards.
- Supports business growth by fulfilling the criteria for various licenses and permits: For example, a startup food processing company applies for a loan to expand its operations and overall business growth The bank gives preference to the company's loan application due to its FSSAI certification, considering it a marker of reliability and long-term viability in the food industry.
The process of issuing an FSSAI certificate
The process of issuing an FSSAI certificate involves several steps:
- Determine eligibility: Identify the type and scale of your food business to determine the appropriate FSSAI license (Basic, State, or Central).
- Registration or licensing: Small businesses need to register, while larger businesses require a license.
- Complete application: Fill out Form A for registration or Form B for licensing, providing details about the business.
- Submit documents: Provide necessary documents, including identity proof, address proof, food safety management plan, and business details.
- Application fee: Pay the applicable fee based on the type of license and business size.
- Inspection (if required): The FSSAI may conduct an inspection of the premises to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Approval and issuance: Once verified, the FSSAI issues the certificate, which is valid for 1-5 years, depending on the application.
- Renewal: Apply for fssai license renewal before the expiry date to continue operations without interruption.
Steps to download the FSSAI certificate
After receiving the FSSAI license or registration via email, Food Business Operators (FBOs) can download their FSSAI certificate by following these instructions:
- Go to the FoSCos website and click on the ‘Login-Businesses’ section on the main page.
- Input your login details, such as ‘Username’ and ‘Password’, along with the ‘Captcha’ code, then click on the ‘Sign-in’ button to proceed.
- Upon accessing your dashboard, find and click the ‘Issued’ button.
- Choose the ‘Issued-Licence’ option if you are downloading an FSSAI license, or select ‘Issued-Registration Certificate’ for an FSSAI registration.
- The screen will display your FSSAI certificate with all pertinent information. Look for the ‘Reference No./Registration No.’ section and click on the number pertaining to your FSSAI certificate.
- When your FSSAI certificate is displayed, click the download icon or link on the page and choose ‘Save’ to download your FSSAI registration or license certificate successfully.
Importance of the FSSAI certificate
Upon receipt of the FSSAI certificate, Food Business Operators (FBOs) are obligated to prominently display it within their food premises and feature the FSSAI registration number on all packaged food items. Additionally, FBOs have the option to utilise the FSSAI logo on their product packaging. This certification and logo serve as assurances of verified food quality, guaranteeing safety for consumers. The FSSAI certificate enhances the trustworthiness of the food business, attracting potential investors, partners, and customers. Adhering to FSSAI standards is frequently perceived by financial institutions as a sign of dependability and dedication to quality, which can improve the business loan eligibility of a food business. Thus, obtaining FSSAI certification can serve as a strategic step for food businesses aiming to obtain business financing, as it demonstrates a solid basis in regulatory compliance. For further details, you can find out how to check fssai application status.
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining an FSSAI certificate is not only mandatory but also beneficial for businesses in the food industry. It ensures compliance with regulatory standards, builds consumer trust, and opens opportunities for business expansion. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in executing your business plans on time, as financial institutions often consider FSSAI certification as a criterion for eligibility when applying for a business loan. Therefore, businesses should prioritise obtaining and maintaining their FSSAI certification to thrive in the competitive market.
