The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a regulatory body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. It ensures food safety and quality in India by setting standards, regulating manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food products to protect public health.
What is an FSSAI license?
An FSSAI license is a mandatory authorization issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for food business operators (FBOs). It ensures that food products meet the prescribed safety and quality standards. The license is categorized into three types: Basic License for small businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs, State License for medium-sized businesses with a turnover between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crores, and Central License for large businesses with a turnover above Rs. 20 crores or involved in import/export.
- Full form: FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
- Establishment: FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, of 2006.
- Purpose: The primary aim is to regulate and supervise food safety to protect and promote public health.
- Authority: FSSAI operates under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
- Standards: It sets science-based standards for food articles to ensure their safety for consumption.
- Licensing and registration: FSSAI is responsible for licensing and registration of food businesses, ensuring they adhere to prescribed standards. FSSAI registration is a mandatory compliance for food business operators (FBOs) in India, ensuring the food produced, stored, and distributed meets quality standards.
FSSAI registration
- Understanding FSSAI registration:
- FSSAI registration is a mandatory compliance for food business operators (FBOs) in India, ensuring the food produced, stored, and distributed meets quality standards.
- Eligibility criteria:
- Small food businesses, petty retailers, hawkers, and temporary stallholders must obtain FSSAI registration.
- For larger businesses, FSSAI licenses (State or Central) are required.
- Application submission:
- FBOs must submit Form A for FSSAI registration through the online portal (https://foscos.fssai.gov.in).
- Fill in the details about the business, such as name, address, and food category.
- Documentation required:
- Passport-sized photo of the applicant.
- Proof of business premises (e.g., utility bills, rental agreement).
- Identity proof (e.g., Aadhaar card, Voter ID).
- Fee payment:
- A nominal fee must be paid, which varies based on the type and scale of the food business.
- Inspection (if applicable):
- For certain categories, an inspection by an FSSAI officer may be required to verify the business premises and operations.
- Issuance of FSSAI registration certificate:
- Upon successful verification, the FSSAI registration certificate is issued, typically within 7-10 working days.
- The certificate contains a 14-digit registration number which must be displayed on all food packages.
- Renewal:
- FSSAI registration must be renewed before its expiry, generally valid for 1 to 5 years depending on the registration type.
Incorporating FSSAI registration ensures compliance with food safety norms, building consumer trust and credibility in the market.
Types of FSSAI Registration Renewal
There are three categories of FSSAI registration renewals, detailed below:
1. FSSAI Basic Registration Renewal:
This type of renewal is mandatory for Food Business Operators (FBOs) with an annual turnover of less than ₹12 lakh. Businesses need to submit Form A for this renewal.
2. FSSAI State License Renewal:
FBOs with an annual turnover ranging from ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore fall under this category. For this renewal, Form B is required.
3. FSSAI Central License Renewal:
FBOs with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore must apply for a central license renewal using Form B.
Documents required for FSSAI license renewal
- Previous FSSAI license
- Application form
- Proof of business premises:
- Photo ID and address proof of FBO
- List of food products
- Annual turnover statement
- Food safety management system plan
- No objection certificate (NOC)
- Photographs of authorized signatories
FSSAI license renewal online procedure
Renewing your FSSAI license online is a straightforward process that ensures your food business remains compliant with regulatory standards. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the online renewal procedure:
- Access the FSSAI portal:
- Visit the official FSSAI portal (https://foscos.fssai.gov.in). Log in using your existing credentials. If you are a new user, create an account by registering your food business.
- Navigating to renewal section:
- After logging in, select the 'Renewal' option under the 'License/Registration' tab. This will redirect you to the renewal application form.
- Filling the renewal application:
- Complete the renewal application form by entering your existing license number and business details. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid processing delays.
- Uploading required documents:
- Upload the necessary documents, including a copy of the existing license, proof of business premises, photo ID and address proof of the proprietor, list of food products, and any other relevant documents as specified.
- Calculation and payment of fees:
- The system will automatically calculate the renewal fee based on your license type and validity period. If renewing after the license expiry date, a late fee of Rs. 100 per day will be added. Proceed to pay the total amount using the available online payment options.
- Submission of application:
- After completing the payment, submit the renewal application. Ensure all details and documents are correctly uploaded to avoid rejection.
- Application review and inspection:
- The FSSAI authorities will review your application and may conduct an inspection of your business premises to ensure compliance with food safety standards. You can download the FSSAI certificate from the FSSAI portal.
- Issuance of renewal license:
- Once approved, the renewed license will be issued. You can download and print the renewed license from the FSSAI portal.
- Maintaining records:
- Keep a copy of the renewed license and payment receipts for your records and future compliance checks.
- Timely reminders:
- Set reminders to renew your FSSAI license well before its expiry date in the future to avoid penalties and ensure continuous compliance.
Following these steps will help you renew your FSSAI license efficiently, ensuring uninterrupted business operations and compliance with food safety regulations.
Renewal of FSSAI license after expiry date
Understanding the expiry and penalty:
- FSSAI licenses should ideally be renewed 30 to 60 days before the expiry date. If the license expires, FBOs have an additional 30-day grace period to renew with a penalty.
Penalty for late renewal:
- A late renewal penalty is levied at Rs. 100 per day after the license expiry date. It is crucial to calculate the penalty based on the number of days elapsed since the expiry.
Accessing the FSSAI portal:
- Visit the FSSAI online portal (https://foscos.fssai.gov.in) and log in with your user credentials. If you do not have an account, create one using the FBO's details.
Filling the renewal application:
- Select the 'Renewal' option under the 'Apply for Renewal' section. Fill in the required details, including the expired license number, and attach necessary documents such as the previous license copy and updated business information.
Calculation and payment of fees:
- The system will calculate the renewal fee along with the applicable late fee penalty. Pay the total amount using the available online payment options.
Submission of renewal application:
- After completing the payment, submit the renewal application. Ensure that all details are accurate and documents are correctly uploaded to avoid delays.
Inspection and verification:
- Post-submission, the application may undergo a scrutiny process, including inspection by FSSAI officials to verify compliance with food safety norms.
Issuance of renewal license:
- Once approved, the renewed license will be issued. You can download the renewed license from the FSSAI portal.
Maintaining records:
- Keep the renewed license and payment receipts safe for future reference and compliance checks.
Continuous compliance:
- To avoid future delays, set reminders for the timely renewal of the FSSAI license, ensuring continuous compliance and smooth business operations.
Validity of FSSAI license/ registration
The Food Safety and Security Authority of India (FSSAI) license remains valid for a duration of 1 to 5 years from the date of issuance. Food Business Operators (FBOs) are required to initiate the renewal process at least 30 days before the license’s expiration. The renewal application can be submitted using either Form A or Form B.
If the renewal is not completed within the 30-day window, a late fee of ₹100 per day will be charged in addition to the renewal fee. Delays in renewal beyond the expiry date can lead to further penalties:
- Within 90 days: Three times the standard annual fee
- Between 91 and 180 days: Five times the standard annual fee (including a two-time penalty)
Benefits of FSSAI license renewal
- Compliance with legal requirements:
- Renewing the FSSAI license ensures continuous compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, helping FBOs avoid legal penalties and maintain their business integrity.
- Uninterrupted business operations:
- A valid FSSAI license is crucial for the smooth operation of food businesses. Renewal helps prevent interruptions that could arise from regulatory actions against expired licenses.
- Consumer trust and confidence:
- Regular renewal of the FSSAI license reinforces consumer trust in the brand, assuring them of the consistent quality and safety of the food products offered.
- Avoidance of penalties:
- FBOs can avoid hefty fines and legal consequences associated with operating without a valid license by ensuring timely renewal.
- Market access and expansion:
- An active FSSAI license is often a prerequisite for entering new markets, securing contracts with large retailers, and expanding business operations.
- Enhanced brand image:
- Holding a renewed FSSAI license enhances the brand image, portraying the business as responsible and compliant with food safety norms.
- Better business opportunities:
- Many corporate clients and customers prefer dealing with licensed FBOs, ensuring better business prospects and collaborations.
- Inspection and audit readiness:
- Renewing the license keeps the business prepared for regular inspections and audits by FSSAI authorities, ensuring ongoing compliance with food safety standards.
- Financial benefits:
- Timely renewal can save costs associated with last-minute renewals, penalties, and potential business downtime.
- Improved product standards:
- Renewing the license ensures that the FBO stays updated with the latest food safety standards and regulations, leading to improved product quality and safety.
By renewing their FSSAI license on time, FBOs can maintain regulatory compliance, foster consumer trust, and leverage numerous business advantages, ensuring long-term success and sustainability in the competitive food industry.
Conclusion
Renewing your FSSAI license online is essential for maintaining compliance and ensuring the smooth operation of your food business. Timely renewal avoids legal penalties and enhances consumer trust. Additionally, an active FSSAI license is often a prerequisite for obtaining a business loan, as it demonstrates regulatory compliance and business credibility. By following the straightforward online renewal process, you can secure your business's future and continue to provide safe, high-quality food products to your customers. you can check FSSAI application status and secure your business's future, continuing to provide safe, high-quality food products to your customers.
