In the food industry of India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) registration is a critical milestone for establishing credibility and ensuring compliance with national food safety standards. FSSAI registration is a mandatory compliance procedure for small to medium-sized food business operators (FBOs) in India. It certifies that the food produced, stored, or sold by the business adheres to the country's food safety and quality standards. This registration is the first step for any food business towards a successful compliance journey, ensuring public health safety and consumer trust.
A business loan can be instrumental for food business owners aiming for FSSAI registration and expansion, offering the financial backbone necessary for compliance and growth. It enables businesses to upgrade facilities and equipment to meet FSSAI standards and acquire the FSSAI license, finance the training of staff on food safety practices, and support capital expenditures for scaling production or opening new outlets. Furthermore, the loan can cover the costs of professional guidance for navigating the FSSAI registration process, as well as associated documentation and licensing fees.
Food business operators (FBOs) who require FSSAI registration
FSSAI registration is required for a broad spectrum of FBOs, including:
- Small scale manufacturers and producers
- Storage units and warehouses
- Transporters and distributors
- Retailers, including online food businesses
- Petty food retailers and hawkers
Types of FSSAI registration
FSSAI offers three types of registrations/licenses based on the size and nature of the food business:
- Basic Registration for businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakh.
- State License for businesses with a turnover between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore.
- Central License for businesses with a turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crore.
How to Apply for FSSAI registration online
Obtaining FSSAI registration online involves a straightforward procedure:
- Visit the FSSAI licensing and registration portal.
- Fill in the details in the application form A.
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay the applicable fee online.
- Submit the application and track the status using the reference number.
FSSAI registration eligibility
Eligibility for FSSAI registration varies based on the business's operational capacity and scale:
Business Type | Capacity | Eligibility for Registration |
Food production (excluding milk, meat) | Small scale | Basic Registration |
Milk procurement, handling, collection (without processing) | Small to medium scale | Basic Registration |
Slaughtering capacity | Up to 2 large animals, 10 small animals, or 50 poultry birds per day | Basic Registration |
Storage | Up to 50,000 kg/liters | Basic Registration |
Transportation | Any capacity, without turnover limit | State/Central License based on scale |
Hotels | Up to 3-star rating | State License |
Vending Machines | Depending on location(s) | State/Central License |
Documents required for FSSAI registration
To apply for a new license or registration, go to the official FoSCoS portal at https://foscos.fssai.gov.in.
- Click on “Apply for New License/Registration.”
- New users need to sign up, and existing users can log in.
- Choose the registration type based on your turnover.
- Fill in the online form.
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay the fee.
- Submit your application.
After your application is reviewed, you’ll receive a registration certificate with a 14-digit number. Log in to your FoSCoS account to download the certificate.
How to check and track FSSAI registration status online
Here are the steps for tracking the status of FSSAI registration and understanding the process:
- Submission of application: Submit the FSSAI registration application online through the FSSAI portal.
- Tracking application status: Log in to the FSSAI portal to track the status of your registration application. Updates on the application progress will be available online.
- Inspection: The FSSAI authority may conduct an inspection of your premises to verify compliance with food safety standards.
- Granting of registration certificate: Once the application is processed and found compliant, the FSSAI registration certificate will be issued. This certificate is valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the type of registration obtained.
- Renewal: Ensure to renew the FSSAI registration before its expiry date to continue operating legally. Renewal can also be managed through the FSSAI portal, ensuring ongoing compliance with food safety regulations.
Different status of FSSAI registration
Here are the different statuses of FSSAI registration explained:
- Process yet to be started: Application submitted, awaiting initiation by authorities.
- Application reverted: Authorities have reviewed and requested modifications or clarifications.
- Application rejected: Rejection due to incomplete or incorrect information not rectified within 30 days.
- Inspection: Application processed; premises due for inspection to ensure compliance.
- Registration certificate issued: Certificate issued upon successful verification of compliance with FSSAI guidelines. Certificate downloadable from FoSCoS website post approval.
What is FSSAI licence cost?
The applicant or Food Business Operator (FBO) is required to pay a fee when submitting the FSSAI registration form. The fees for different types of FSSAI registrations are as follows:
- FSSAI Basic Registration: ₹100
- FSSAI State License: ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 (depending on the type of business)
- FSSAI Central License: ₹7,500
Validity of the FSSAI registration / License certificate
The validity of an FSSAI registration or license certificate ranges from one to five years, depending on the type and applicability of the registration. Food Business Operators (FBOs) are required to renew their FSSAI license within 180 days before its expiry to maintain legal compliance. If renewal is delayed beyond the expiry date, a late fee of Rs. 100 per day is imposed. This ensures continuous adherence to food safety regulations and allows businesses to operate legally without interruption.
Conclusion
FSSAI registration is not just a regulatory mandate but a stepping stone for food businesses aiming for growth and market acceptance. It reassures consumers about the quality and safety of the food, building a foundation of trust. For businesses seeking expansion, a business loan can provide the necessary financial support for upgrading facilities, enhancing quality control measures, and achieving FSSAI registration, marking a significant leap towards operational excellence and compliance. Exploring business loan options and understanding business loan eligibility can therefore be instrumental in navigating the path to FSSAI certification and business success