Process of Obtaining Food License in India

Are you planning to do a food business in India? If yes, then you need to follow certain guidelines and seek a food license to start food business. In each country there are certain laws & regulations regarding food license to ensure the safety of consumers and to protect the interest of consumers.

For all the businesses engaged in activities related to food are required to obtain food license from the prescribed authority based on turnover, scale of business and the type of activity.

In India, to start any food business, it is required to comply with the guidelines set by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It ensures smooth functioning of a food business. Food license by FSSAI ensures the standardization and safety of food products produced, manufactured and sold in the country.

Role of Government

In India, food businesses are monitored by FSSAI. It is a government authority which handles food business in India. It is the responsibility of the authority to make sure that there is no compromise with its quality.

The government has made strict rules and regulations for food operators. Thus, when planning to set up a food business, it is imperative to apply for a food license. Food businesses must ensure that the food sold by them is not harmful for the consumers in any way. At the time of registration proper verification process is conducted to ensure safety. After completion of the registration process, food license is issued.

Food operators has to apply for the food license. Here is the following criteria specified under the rules & regulations of the government:

• FSSAI Basic registration

FSSAI Registration is required to obtain for those businesses whose turnover is below 12 Lakhs Annually.

• FSSAI State license

It is required to obtain for those businesses whose turnover is more than 12 lakhs but below 20 Crores annually.

• FSSAI Central license

It is required for those businesses whose turnover is more than 20 crores annually.

Procedure for Food registration

An application form (Form B) mentioned in Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses), Regulations 2011 is required to be filed.

Following documents are required to be attached with an application form:

• Declaration according to format given in Annexure I and it should be self-attested.
• Copy of all the documents provided in Annexure 2.
• Fees prescribed in Schedule 3 and it will depend upon the food business category.

Required Documents:

• In case of proprietorship, Identity proof & Address proof of the proprietor.
• List of concern food categories.
• A complete layout of the manufacturing, storage or distribution facility.
• Name of the business.
• Food Analysis Report.
• Source of Raw Material.
• NOC from local municipality.

Application Number

An application Id number is issued after receiving the complete application including additional information from the authority. This ID number is used for future correspondence and for other references.

License is issued within 60 days of the issue of such application ID number.

Inspection Report

Licensing authority may direct an officer to inspect the premises at the place of business, after issuing the application ID number. Inspection is done according to the regulations prescribed.

An Inspection officer may issue a notice to take necessary steps on your premises to ensure general sanitary and hygienic conditions. After receiving the notice one need to take the required steps for any changes or alteration on premises and then intimate to authority within 30 days or specific time allowed for it.

License Approval

Licensing authority may either grant a license or will reject the application within 30 days from the receipt of inspection report. An opportunity of being heard is given to the party before rejecting an application.

Licensing authority issue the license in format C, schedule 2 of the regulations. A copy of license is required to be displayed on a prominent place of business premises.

Once FSSAI license is issued, it needs to be renewed on annual basis. The Process of FSSAI License renewal can be found on Enterslice Blog.