TOP QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE APPLYING FOR FSSAI REGISTRATION/LICENSE

Before applying for an FSSAI registration or licence, here are the top 50 questions you should ask yourself.

Do you want to start a company in the food industry? It may be catering or home kitchen (or) hotels (or) supermarkets (or) bakeries (or) ice cream parlours (or) juice shops (or) milk companies (or) organic stores, and so on. When you go to get your company’s FSSAI registration, you’ll have a lot of questions, such as whether the simple FSSAI registration is enough or whether we need to get a licence, and so on. The top 50 frequently asked questions answered by Chennai Accounts will help you understand FSSAI registration, State and Central Licenses, and more.

1. WHAT DOES FSSAI MEAN IN FULL?

The full name of FSSAI is the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

2. WHAT EXACTLY IS FLRS?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched an online application known as the FLRS (Food Licensing and Registration System). It verifies the eligibility of food-related businesses based on their location and the type of procedure that the business person is familiar with. FLRS is a new system that allows food businesses to apply for FSSAI licences online.

3. WHAT EXACTLY IS FoSCoS?

FSSAI has introduced the ‘Food Safety Compliance System’ (FoSCoS), which was developed using cutting-edge technology with the aim of providing a modern, one-stop Pan-India IT platform for food safety regulatory needs. FoSCoS will also be integrated with other government of India platforms such as GST, PAN, MCA, and others to streamline business processes and ensure 360-degree profiling.

4. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FOSCoS FOOD LICENSES?

• The following forms of FoSCoS Food licences are based on the annual turnover of the food business:
• FSSAI Basic Registration – Annual Turnover Under Rs. 12 Lakhs
• FSSAI State License – Annual Turnover of Rs. 12 Lakhs to Rs. 20 Crores
  Annual turnover of more than Rs. 20 Crores – Central FSSAI License

5. WHAT IS THE FSSAI PROFESSIONAL FEE FOR REGISTRATION AND LICENSING?

• The cost of a FoSCoS Food Registration is determined by the category and length of the Food License (1-5 years) you choose:
• FSSAI Basic Registration – $1,500 for a one-year period (Inclusive of Government Fee)
• Except for government fees, state FSSAI registration costs 2,000 for a year.
• Registration with the Central FSSAI costs 2,500 for a year, excluding government fees.

6. WHAT IS THE FEES FOR A CENTRAL/STATE LICENSE AND REGISTRATION

7. WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO REGISTER FOR A FOSCoS LICENSE BASIC?

• Photo of the applicant with any government-issued identification such as an Aadhaar card, ration card, voter ID card, PAN card, or driver’s licence that has been self-attested.
• Proof of Business Address – Rental Agreement, EB Card

8. WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO GET A FoSCoS STATE LICENSE?

• Form B completed and signed
• Documentation of area allocation for operations to be carried out – where food will be cooked, processed, served, garbage disposal, and so on.
• Address verification, contact information, and photo identification of director/partner/proprietor are included in the list of directors/partners/proprietors.
• The number and the installed capacity of the equipment and machinery used, as well as the name and list of equipment and machinery used
• The following is a list of food categories that will be processed.
• A responsible person was named and their address was given in an authority letter from the manufacturer.
• The water analysis report will be used to confirm the portability of the process.
• Proof of ownership of the property
• NOC from the manufacturer and a copy of the partnership deed/affidavit of proprietorship
• Copies of certificates received under the Cooperative Act of 1861 and the Multistate Cooperative Act of 2002
• Project or certificate for a food safety management system

9. WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED FOR THE FoSCoS CENTRAL LICENSE?

• Form B properly filled out and signed
• The measurements and operation-wise area distribution of the processing unit are shown in this diagram.
• List of Directors/Partners/Owners, including address, phone number, and photo ID
• The number and the installed capacity of the equipment and machinery used, as well as the name and list of equipment and machinery used
• The following is a list of food categories that will be processed.
• A responsible person was named and their address was given in an authority letter from the manufacturer.
• The water analysis report will be used to confirm the portability of the process.
• Source of raw materials for milk, meat, and other products
• Wherever possible, implement a recall plan.
• Certificate from the Ministry of Commerce for 100% EOU
• Form IX is a NOC/PA document issued by the FSSAI and an IE code document issued by the DGFT.
• Ministry of Tourism Certificate
• Proof of ownership of the property
• Affidavit of proprietorship/partnership deed
• NOC and a copy of the manufacturer’s licence
• Project or certificate for a food safety management system
• a letter of authorization from the municipality or a local authority
• Evidence of turnover and transportation with a supporting document
• Type of declaration

10.WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR BEING A FSSAI REGISTERED COMPANY?

• The following are the steps to being a member of the FSSAI:
• Fill out Form A or Form B, depending on the size of your food company.
• The applicant must receive notification from the Department of Food and Security within seven working days if the application is approved, denied, or has issues.
• If you’re rejected, go back to step one, and if you’re accepted, go to step three. The department can come for an inspection, explain any questions, and issue a certificate of registration with the applicant’s number and photo.
• Put the certificate in a nice frame and put it somewhere visible to the public.

11. WHAT IS THE FSSAI FoSCoS LICENSE VALIDITY PERIOD?

For one to five years, the FSSAI FoSCoS License is valid. Following that, the FBO must apply for FSSAI licence renewal.

12.WHAT IS THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN FSSAI REGISTRATION AND FSSAI LICENSE?

• FSSAI registration is a simple registration for food business operators with less than Rs.12,00,000 in annual turnover. If the turnover reaches Rs.12,00,000, they must apply for a food safety state licence or central licence, depending on the situation.
• It is mandatory to apply for a central licence for export and import, regardless of turnover. FSSAI registration is primarily for small hotels and restaurants that need a certificate to be displayed on their premises.

13.WHY GET A FoSCoS LICENSE AND REGISTER WITH THE FSSAI?

The FSSAI Registration is a legal procedure that allows all Food Business Operators (FBOs) in India to apply for a certificate stating that the food they sell is safe to eat.

14. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GETTING A FSSAI LICENSE/REGISTRATION?

• Consumers have a high level of confidence in the protection and quality of food.
• It contributes to the advancement of food product innovation.
• It also prevents multiple laws from being repealed.
• It promotes trade without jeopardising customer protection or resulting in a greater market share.

15. DO I HAVE TO INCLUDE MY FSSAI NUMBER IN MY PACKAGES?

Yes, according to food safety act regulations, mentioning the FSSAI number in packages is required in contrast to the background colour used on the label. It is a one-way signal to the customer that the food is fit for human consumption. And FSSAI-registered food business operators had to follow some of the rules and obligations that come with running a food business for which a licence is granted.

16. HOW DO I CHECK THE STATUS OF MY FSSAI FoSCoS LICENSE RENEWAL?

The FSSAI licence can be renewed for a period of one to five years, and it is required for any food business in India. You should reach out to our FSSAI Registration Consultants to inquire about the status of your FSSAI licence renewal. The FSSAI licence can be renewed directly on the portal by completing Form C.

17. DO I NEED TO PUBLISH DIFFERENT FoSCoS LICENSES FOR EACH STATE?

Yes, a Central FSSAI licence is required for the main branch or head office, as well as State FSSAI licences for each individual state. In order to maintain a stable food business activity across the region,

18. IS AN FSSAI LICENSE Needed FOR 100 PERCENT EXPORT UNITS?

Yes, both the export and import of food products need an FSSAI licence. For your export device, you’ll need to apply for an FSSAI Central License.

19. DO I NEED A FOSCoS FOOD LICENSE IF I AM IMPORTING FOOD ITEMS FOR SALE IN INDIA?

Yes, a Central License will be required for the specific address specified in the Import Export Code (IEC). An FSSAI Central License is required for any import-export related business activity.

20. WE ONLY PRODUCE FOOD ADDITIVES. DO I NEED A FSSAI LICENSE?

Yes, any form of food operation, including processing, trading, distribution, and transportation, requires an FSSAI licence. As a result, you’ll need an FSSAI licence.

21. HOW DO I GIVE MY FSSAI LICENSE TO ANOTHER PERSON?

The FSSAI License may be transferred to the legal representative or any family member of the deceased holder in the event of death. To transfer the licence into his or her name, the legal representative or family member must apply to the appropriate authority.

22. DO I NEED A FSSAI ACTIVATED FoSCoS LICENSE IF I WANT TO SELL HOMEMADE FOOD ITEMS ONLINE ON A SMALL SCALE?

Yes, indeed. To sell homemade goods on an online platform, you need an FSSAI registration, particularly if your business is small and your annual turnover is between 0 and 12 lakhs.

23. WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT RENEW MY FOOD LICENSE ON TIME?

If you fail to renew your food licence within the prescribed validity period, you must pay a penalty of Rs. 100 per day. Following that, your current food licence will be revoked, and you will need to apply for a new one.

24. I AM CONSIDERING STARTING A FOOD IMPORT-EXPORT BUSINESS. DO I NEED A LICENSE FOR FOSCoS?

Yes, indeed. However, you must first receive your Import Export Code (IEC). After that, apply for an FSSAI Central License before starting your business.

25. HOW DO I MODIFY MY CURRENT FSSAI CERTIFICATE?

You must apply for a change with a charge equal to a one-year licence fee if you want to edit/modify/update the details found in a current FSSAI Certificate. Connect with an FSSAI expert for free legal advice on relevant issues.

GST and Non-GST Net Indirect Tax Collections Increase by 12% to Rs 10.71 Billion.

26. IS A FOSCoS LICENSE NEEDED FOR A CENTRAL GOVERNMENT APPROVED CATERING BUSINESS?

It is a legal requirement in India for all catering establishments. This licence is also required by the Indian Railways, Defense Forces, and Airports.

27. DO I NEED TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR FSSAI REGISTRATION FOR EACH OF MY FOOD PROCESSING SITES?

Yes, you must apply for a separate food safety licence for each venue, even though they are under the same business name. Additionally, each location’s paperwork and fees should be submitted and charged separately for each food safety registration application.

28. WHAT WOULD THE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS BE IF WAREHOUSES ARE LOCATED IN MORE THAN ONE PLACE BUT WITHIN THE SAME LOCALITY (SAME MUNICIPALITY AND CITY)?

Even if the warehouses are in the same city but in different locations, each location requires its own licence. If several warehouses are located on the same site, however, a single licence with the campus address is valid.

29. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF FSSAI NON-REGISTRATION?

Operating a food company without first obtaining FSSAI approval is punishable by up to six months in prison and a fine of up to five lakh rupees.

30. WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY?

• If an FBO does not meet the requirements, it will be penalised based on the following criteria:
• If the FBO continues to operate without notifying the FSSAI, the penalty may be up to Rs. 5 lakhs.
• If you serve food of poor quality, you could face a fine of up to 5 lakhs.
• A fine of up to Rs. 1 lakh may be imposed if the food product contains any defective ingredients or additional ingredients that are not mentioned.
• Based on this, a notice of progress should be submitted to the FBO, detailing the improvements that need to be made in order to comply. This notice also includes a time limit for making this move. If the FBO fails to comply with the changes within this time frame, a show-cause notice will be issued, requiring the FBO to appear before the state’s Commissioner of Food Safety to demonstrate why they failed.

31. WHEN DOES AN IMPROVEMENT NOTICE GO OUT?

Any company that has obtained an FSSAI licence must keep up to date in order to comply with the FSSAI’s regulations, which are introduced and revised on a regular basis. The Authority also performs inspections, both anticipated and unanticipated.

The level of compliance is stated at the time of inspection using the following criteria:

• Observance
• Complying in Part
• Noncompliance with the law
• This is not applicable.

Based on this, a notice of progress should be submitted to the FBO, detailing the improvements that need to be made in order to comply. This notice also includes a time limit for making this move. If the FBO fails to comply with the changes within this time frame, a show-cause notice will be issued, requiring the FBO to appear before the state’s Commissioner of Food Safety to demonstrate why they failed.

32. WHAT DOES A FOOD RECALL MEAN?

Any food item that is marketed, shipped, or consumed with an FSSAI licence but later causes harm or is discovered to be harmful to consumers may be recalled from the market under the food recall policy.

33. WHAT KIND OF BUSINESS SHOULD BE CHOSEN?

If you’re a producer, repacker, or relabeller, you can choose from these types of businesses based on your products.

• Milk chilling units are used in the dairy unit. (for the dairy industry)
• Unit for the extraction of vegetable oil. (In the case of edible oil, refined oil, solvent extracted oil, and edible fat products)
• Unit for Slaughter.
• Unit for the production of meat
• All food processing equipment is included, including relabellers and repackers. (except for the above-mentioned food processing units)
• Select suitable business from the available list for other business that will be carried out at the premise for which the licence is being sought. It may be a variety of businesses.

34. A FOOD BUSINESS OPERATOR REQUIRES WHICH LICENSE TO RUN A FOOD BUSINESS IN MORE THAN TWO STATES?

If a food business operates in more than two states, it must obtain a central licence for its registered office/head office and a separate license/registration for each unit based on capacity/turnover from the relevant State/Central Licensing Authority.

35. WHO IS GOING TO GIVE LICENSES TO FOOD BUSINESS OPERATORS ON RAILWAY PROPERTY?

The Railways Designated Officers/FSO notified by the Food Authority from time to time issue FSSAI license/Registration for food premises under the Railways.

36. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ISSUING LICENSES TO FOOD BUSINESS OPERATORS ON AIRPORT/SEAPORT PROPERTY?

FSSAI licences for food establishments in airports and seaports are provided by APHO/PHO as notified by the Food Authority via the Online FLRS system from time to time.

37. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES WILL The APPLICATION BE REJECTED?

If the necessary information is not given within the time limit of 30 days, the Licensing Officer has the authority to refuse the application.

38. DO MEDICAL STORES NEED A LICENSE TO SELL DIETARY FOODS AND NEUTRACEUTICALS?

FSSAI license/registration is required for all FBOs, including medical stores.

39. IS AN EXPORT NOC FROM THE FSSAI REQUIRED?

For exporting food products from India, no NOC is needed from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

40. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSING VARIOUS KINDS OF ACTIVITIES AT THE SAME PREMISE?

A premise-based FSSAI licence is available. A single FSSAI licence may cover a variety of activities carried out on the same premises.

41. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF COMPLAINTS AND DISPUTES THAT CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE FSSAI OR STATE AUTHORITIES?

• Violations of the Act and Regulation were the subject of the complaint.
• Adulteration of food.
• Poisoning from food
• Contamination of food
• Labelling and packaging that are deceptive
• Advertisements that are misleading
  Complaints about licencing and registration.
• Products that are fakes
• Product quality that isn’t up to par
• FBOs’ sanitary conditions and malpractices.
• Complaints against state and federal police officials
• Questions/suggestions on the prohibition of such foods (e.g. soft drinks, pan masala etc.).
• Using food products without permission.
• Miscellaneous, such as reduced weight of food items, special offers on specific products, and those relating to other agencies.

42. IS AN FSSAI LICENSE NEEDED FOR WHICH FOOD BUSINESS?

Any form of the food business must have an FSSAI registration or licence (state/federal) if applicable. i.e. whether you work in the following industry

• Food and food-related products manufacturing
• Food preparation
• Food is distributed.
• Food for sale/resale
• Food repackaging
• Feed imports
• Food exports, for example.

43. How do I add a second business location to my FSSAI licence?

Any changes to your address, type of company, production size, product category, or formulation, for example. FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) allows Food Business Operators (FBOs) to fill out a modification application form

Modification to Type C: Assumed based on the details printed and the modification.

Non-Form C Modification: Changes to supporting documents and details are implied.

If the FBO has a central licence, it can also modify its branch licence and vice versa.

44. If I buy a bag of pulses and repackage it under my own name, how do I mention the manufacturer’s information to the FSSAI because I’m just packaging it?

You can apply under the “Relabeller” category, as this is where you best fit in. The manufacturing address must be present in order to trace the product’s roots, whereas when you relabel it under your own name, you will be considered a relabeller.

45. Will an FSSAI registration number be printed on a label?

Yes, under regulation 2.2.1.7 of the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Regulation, 2013, it is required to be declared on the label.

46. What happens if we open a restaurant without first obtaining an FSSAI licence?

According to Section 63 of the FSSAI Act, the violator will be sentenced to a minimum of six months in prison and a maximum fine of Rs. 5,00,000.00.

47. Is commercial address proof needed to obtain an FSSAI licence for home-based foods?

An FSSAI registration does not require evidence of a commercial address. You can get the registration by providing your home address.

48. Does an FSSAI registration (rather than a licence) necessitate a facility inspection?

Yes, indeed! Even if you are just applying for FSSAI Registration, you must undergo a physical inspection as part of the procedure. However, the relevant authority can decide to conduct prior inspections before issuing you a registration certificate at their discretion.

49. Is it necessary to obtain a GST licence before applying for an FSSAI licence?

Both the FSSAI licence and the GST registration are separate entities.

If your food company has an annual threshold turnover of 40 lakhs / 20 lakhs in small states, you must register for GST. However, if your annual turnover is less than this, you can still apply for an FSSAI licence. However, registering for GST will help your company gain recognition among your customers. It adds value to your business.

50. What is the procedure for obtaining an FSSAI registration or licence?

To apply for a basic registration/state or central licence, contact FSSAI registration consultants. They’ll assist you with the registration process.

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