What is FSSAI Central License?

FSSAI functions as an autonomous entity under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, established under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, which comprehensively addresses food safety and regulation in the country. FSSAI is responsible for regulating and supervising food safety practices across India, collaborating with recognized organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The primary objective of FSSAI is to protect and enhance public health by ensuring food safety. An integral component of this effort is FSSAI Registration, a unique 14-digit number imprinted on food packages. This number not only indicates the state of origin but also conveys information about the producer's permit. The registration process serves to hold food business operators (FBOs) accountable and ensure the quality of food products. The regulations governing this process are delineated in the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations of 2011. FSSAI registration is particularly significant for those planning to establish restaurants, bakeries, hotels, or food stalls in India. FSSAI license has three categories namely: Basic License, State License and Central License. Import-Export Oriented Units, large-scale manufacturers, Central Government agencies, airports, and ports fall under this category. Central FSSAI Registration requires units to have an annual turnover exceeding 20 Crores and is issued by the Central Government, with a validity of up to 5 years. In this article we will know about FSSAI Central License and how to register for it via ApkaTax.

What is FSSAI Central License Registration Regulations?

• Registration Mandate: FSSAI mandates that individuals engaged in the manufacturing, production, processing, packaging, transportation, distribution, or storage of food products must either complete registration with or obtain a license from the authority. It is imperative that a genuine copy of the FSSAI registration be prominently displayed at the premises of food establishments after the registration process is concluded.
• Universal Obligation: All organizations operating in the food sector are compelled to possess a valid FSSAI registration or license. The term "food business operator" encompasses individuals involved in the management, fabrication, production, distribution, sale, service, storage, transportation, or importation of food (FBO). This category also includes individuals operating food cart businesses. Engaging in food-related trading activities without proper registration is strictly prohibited.
• Significance of FSSAI Registration: Obtaining an FSSAI registration is an essential initial step for any enterprise operating in the food industry in India. It is equally crucial for those intending to operate online home kitchen businesses, necessitating the possession of a valid FSSAI license. FSSAI license serves multiple key functions:

1. It serves as a comprehensive hub for all legal and administrative regulations and controls.
2. It acts as a centralized authority for addressing various matters related to food safety, standards, regulations, and more.
3. It functions as a unified licensing authority for one or multiple food products.

What is FSSAI Central License Eligibility?

Businesses engaged or wanting to start the following activities must secure an FSSAI Central License: 

• Annual turnover of more than rupees 20 crore. 
• Daily production capacity of food products more than 2 MT per day (excluding milk and meat products) 
• Procurement, handling, and collection of up to 50000 liters of milk per day or more than 2500 MT of Milk Solid Per annum.
• More than 2 MT per day capacity of veg oil processing
• Slaughtering capacity of more than 50 large animals, more than 150 small animals,  more than 1000 poultry birds per day.
• Meat processing capacity of more than 500 Kg Meat per day or More than 150 MT Meat per annum
• Production for Proprietary Food, Food or Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals, Non Specified Food and Radiation processing of food. 
• Hotels with 5 star and above facilities. 
• Food Vending Agencies More than 100 Vending Machines 
• Departmental canteens above 12 lakh of sales, food importers and food business activities at central government agencies. 
• Setting up a food business at airport. 

What are the Benefits of FSSAI Central License?

• Legal Compliance: FSSAI central license ensures that food businesses operate within the legal framework and comply with the regulatory requirements established by FSSAI.
• Global Exposure: Obtaining an FSSAI Central License provides global exposure to the licensee as they can export and import globally; their production and processing quantity is also enhanced after applying for central license. 
• Easy Expansion of Business: After acquiring the FSSAI Central License, extending your food business to newer locations and opening new outlets becomes comparatively easy. It also helps in getting loans. 
• Goodwill Establishment: Holding an FSSAI central license enhances the reputation and credibility of a food business, signaling compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Consumer Awareness: The FSSAI license raises consumer awareness regarding a business's adherence to food safety practices, instilling confidence in the products they purchase.
• Regulation of Imported Food: The FSSAI central license covers the regulation of manufacturing, storage, distribution, and sale of imported food items, ensuring their compliance with safety standards.
• Investor Attraction: Possessing an FSSAI central license simplifies the process of securing funding from investors, as it demonstrates the business's commitment to quality and regulatory compliance at the national and international level, thereby establishing trust with customers and giving an edge over competition.
• Quality Assurance: The presence of FSSAI logos and prominently displayed registration number on food products assures customers of the product’s quality and adherence to food safety standards.

What are the Documents Required for FSSAI Central License?

The necessary documents for obtaining a license or registration from the Food Safety and Compliance System (FoSCoS) are as follows:

• Applicant’s Photograph.
• Government-issued photo identification documents such as AADHAAR card, PAN card, Voter ID, etc.
• Proof of address for the business activity 
• Duly filled and signed Form B by the applicant.
• A floor plan of the production or processing facility
• A comprehensive list of key management personnel with their names and residential proofs, if applying in the name of a company. 
• Copies of MOA (Memorandum of Association), AOA (Articles of Association), and COI (Certificate of Incorporation) are required in case of OPC and private limited company, 
• A complete list of partners with their names, contact details, addresses, and a copy of the partnership deed is required. 
• A list and details of serving members in the case of a cooperative society.
• If the applicant is a registered trust, a copy of the trust deed and the record of trustees.
• Utility bills (such as electricity bills, rent agreements, or property registry) for address verification of the business premises.
• Documents of a Food Safety Management Plan (FSMS) or a similar safety protocol in place.
• A list of machinery present at the manufacturing or processing plant.
• A list of active raw material suppliers.
• An NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the local authorities.
• A tourism certificate from the Ministry of Tourism, if the applicant is the owner of a hotel.
• An IEC (Import Export Code) certificate from DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) if the applicant intends to export food products.
• A declaration if the annual turnover exceeds Rs. 20 crores.
• List of food category desired to be manufactured. (In case of manufacturers)
• Analysis report (Chemical & Bacteriological) of water to be used as ingredient in food from a recognized/ public health laboratory to confirm the portability (mandatory only for manufacturing and processing units)
• Source of milk or procurement plan for milk including location of milk collection centres etc. in case of Milk and Milk Products processing units.
• Source of raw material for meat and meat processing plants. 
• Pesticide residues report of water in case of units manufacturing packaged drinking water, packaged Mineral water and/or carbonated water from a recognized/public health laboratory
• Recall plan wherever applicable, with details on whom the product is distributed.
• Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU
• Supporting documentary proof for Turnover

What is FSSAI Central License Procedure?

The detailed process for obtaining an FSSAI License and Registration through the Food Safety and Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal is as follows:

• Access the FoSCoS Website: Access the official webpage of the Food Safety and Compliance System (FoSCoS) and click on the signup option.
• Complete Registration: On the signup page, provide all the necessary details such as Name, Email ID, Mobile Number, Login ID, and Password. Then, click on the “Signup” button.
• Verification: A verification code will be sent to the registered email and mobile number. Enter the verification code in the provided box and click on the “Submit” option to verify the details.
• Application Submission: After successful signup, enter the portal using the provided username and password.

Upon submission of the online form, the applicant will receive a Unique Application Reference Number (UARN) for identification purposes.

Within 7 days of form submission, the Food and Safety Authority will review the application and either grant or reject the FSSAI registration. In the case of rejection, the authority is obligated to provide a recorded explanation for the decision.

An inspection of the premises is conducted by the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with standard health and safety guidelines. This inspection typically takes place within 30 days following the online form submission.

Once the premises inspection is successfully completed, the Registering Authority issues the FSSAI Registration Certificate to the applicant.

What is the FSSAI Central License Fees?

Are you looking for FSSAI Central License Fees then here the details for you. The FSSAI Central License cost start from ₹13030 to ₹20000 along with Government Fee ₹10030 and Professional Fee ₹3000.

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