Food safety is extremely important to a country’s and its citizen’s health. Administering adultery-free and safe food is very important for a healthier nation. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is significant in regulating food safety and hygiene standards among food service providers throughout the country.
What is FSSAI Registration?
In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a critical role in safeguarding public health by regulating the food industry. To achieve this, FSSAI mandates FSSAI Registration or Licensing for every entity (individual or company) involved in the food business lifecycle, encompassing manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, and sale of food products.
FSSAI Registration is a 14-digit registration or a license number obtained from FSSAI and printed on food packages. The 14-digit registration number provides details about the assembling state of the product and producer’s permit. Furthermore, the requirement to display the FSSAI registration number on food packaging serves as a nudge for Food Business Operators (FBOs) to prioritize food safety and quality. The Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011 form the bedrock for FSSAI’s registration and licensing procedures. These regulations establish clear guidelines regarding the eligibility criteria, application process, and documentation required for FBOs to obtain the necessary authorization.
These retailers must maintain FSSAI compliance under the following terms:
- Food must be packaged and labelled with the food licence number.
- Prescribed quality criteria must be met.
- It is necessary to keep proper records.
Why Is FSSAI Licence Required for Retailers?
wholesale and retail establishments making and selling food goods must obtain a food licence in order to stay in business, but many online giants have also entered the food market these days. Buyers can purchase a wide range of culinary products offline as well as online. Because the customers utilise and consume these food products, it was important to bring these retailers and online sellers inside the food norms and regulations umbrella. The FSSAI has recently said that in order to operate a food business, even e-retailers must obtain a registration/licence. They must also follow all food regulations.
Benefits of FSSAI Registration for Retailers in India
- Enhanced Customer Trust: FSSAI registration instils confidence in customers as it signifies that the retailer is following the food safety regulations set by the government. This trust encourages customers to make repeat purchases and build a strong and loyal customer base.
- Credibility and Reputation: The FSSAI logo is recognised as a symbol of quality and safety. Retailers displaying the FSSAI logo on their products or premises gain credibility in the market, which can attract more customers and strengthen their reputation.
- Legal Compliance: FSSAI registration ensures that retailers comply with the legal requirements related to food safety and hygiene. It protects them from potential legal issues and penalties due to non-compliance.
- Business Expansion Opportunities: With FSSAI registration, retailers can explore opportunities to expand their business. Many large institutions, such as schools, hospitals and corporate offices, prefer to source food products from FSSAI registered retailers, opening new avenues for growth.
- Competitive Advantage: Having an FSSAI licence gives retailers a competitive advantage over non-registered competitors. Customers tend to prefer products with the FSSAI logo, leading to increased sales and market dominance.
- Consumer Awareness: FSSAI’s focus on promoting public health and safety through the logo and awareness campaigns creates a well-informed consumer base. Retailers benefit from this awareness as consumers actively seek products with the FSSAI logo.
- Product Quality Assurance: FSSAI registration involves periodic inspections and quality checks. This constant monitoring ensures that retailers maintain high product quality, reducing the risk of selling substandard or adulterated food items.
- Access to Export Markets: FSSAI registration is often a prerequisite for exporting food products. Registered retailers have an advantage in accessing international markets and expanding their customer base globally.
- Support from Authorities: FSSAI-registered retailers receive guidance and support from the regulatory authorities. They can seek assistance in complying with the latest regulations, resolving issues and staying updated with industry standards.
- Consumer Health Protection: By following FSSAI guidelines, retailers actively contribute to public health protection as providing safe and hygienic food products reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses and other health related issues.
- Business Sustainability: Staying committed to FSSAI’s guidelines promotes sustainable business practices. Retailers can build a positive and responsible image, attracting environmentally conscious customers.
- Collaboration Opportunities: FSSAI registration opens doors for collaboration with other registered food businesses, leading to potential partnerships and joint ventures for mutual growth.
- Ease of Obtaining Licences and Permits: FSSAI registration streamlines the process of obtaining other licences and permits required for the food business, saving time and resources.
Different Categories of FSSAI Registrations for Retailers
- Central License: If you are a food business operator falling under Schedule 1 of the Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011 and operate in multiple states, you are required to obtain the Central FSSAI License. This licence is also mandatory for e-commerce operators and retailers. Additionally, businesses with an annual turnover of 20 crore rupees or more must also apply for this licence. The Central License is issued with a flexible validity period ranging from 1 to 5 years.
- State Licence: For small to medium-sized food business operators that operate within a single state, the FSSAI State License is appropriate. Businesses with turnovers between 12 lakhs to 20 crores are mandated to obtain this licence. Similar to the Central License, the State License also comes with a validity period ranging from 1 to 5 years.
- Basic Registration: Food business entities with an annual turnover of up to 12 lakhs are eligible for Basic Registration. This category is designed for smaller-scale businesses. The Basic Registration has a maximum validity period of 5 years and a minimum validity period of 1 year.
Documents Required by Retailers for FSSAI Licence: Basic, State and Central Licences
For Basic Licence:
- Form A: Application for Registration / Renewal of Registration under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This form A is for FSSAI Basic registration.
- Photo ID Proof: Any government-issued photo ID such as PAN card, Aadhaar card or Voter ID card.
- Address Proof: A copy of any utility bill, bank statement or rental agreement as address proof.
- Food Safety Management Plan: Submission of a Food Safety Management Plan outlining the food safety measures adopted by the business.
- Declaration Form: A document affirming compliance with FSSAI rules and regulations.
- Authority Letter (if applicable): If the applicant is not the proprietor, an authority letter must be submitted.
- NOC from Municipality (if applicable): If the business operates in a municipality area, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the municipality is mandatory.
For State License and Central License (Additionally):
- Form B: In addition to the above stated documents, another form that is Form B is needed for state and central Registration / Renewal of Registration under the Act.
FSSAI Registration for Retailers
Step 1: Access the FSSAI Portal
- Go to the official FSSAI website: https://www.fssai.gov.in/
- Review the eligibility criteria for State License, Central License or Basic License based on your business turnover.
Step 2: Registration on the Portal
- Click on the ‘sign-up’ link provided on the website.
- Fill in the necessary details in the sign-up form, including a valid phone number and email address.
Step 3: Account Creation
- Create your personal account by selecting an appropriate username and password.
Step 4: Login Using Confirmation Message
- Utilise the confirmation message sent to your phone or email to log in to the FSSAI portal.
- Remember that your account remains valid for 30 days, so it’s essential to apply for the FSSAI licence within that time frame.
Step 5: Complete the E-Form in One Go
- After logging in, carefully fill in all the required information in one go.
- Pay close attention to accuracy, as errors may lead to cancellation of the application.
Step 6: Print a Hard Copy of the Form
- Before submitting the form electronically, take a printout for your records.
Step 7: Note the Application Reference Number (ARN)
- Upon successful submission, the portal will generate an Application Reference Number (ARN).
- Keep the ARN safe, as it will help you track the progress of your registration.
Step 8: Await Approval
- The authorities typically take usually 7 days for the registration to get approved and the applicant receives a registration certificate with the licence number. In case of application rejection, the applicant will be notified of the reasons.
- If the verification is successful, you will receive a registration certificate with an assigned FSSAI registration number.
FAQs
When can my license be suspended?
The FSSAI Designated Officer has the authority to suspend your license if you fail to address the issues highlighted in an improvement notice within the given timeframe.
Can I modify my FSSAI license information?
Yes, you can apply for modifications to your license information, such as a change of address. However, processing fees might be applicable.