What is FSSAI License and Types
To ensure food safety and
standard in India, food manufacturers and sellers need to have a Food License.
Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates and check for the
quality standard of food manufacture, storage and handling practices and
business dealing in food mandatorily need to have FSSAI registration and
license. It is 14 digit license or registration number, which is printed on all
food packages; even restaurants must have FSSAI registration and license
number.
The licence is valid for
minimum 1 and maximum of 5 years and failing to obtain a license can bring
legal consequences and damage goodwill of the business.
Types of Licenses: -
Food Licenses are acquired
based on their turnover, scale of business and the type of activity. All
businesses have to either apply for simple registration or a license (central
or state).
FSSAI Basic Registration: This is required for businesses and startups with
annual turnover below Rs. 12 Lakhs. The registration is also mandatory for
temporary stallholder and small-scale businesses and cottage industries. The
registration can be further upgraded to state license if the turnover increases
or changes are made in the business for which state or central food license is
required.
FSSAI State License: The license required by the business whose annual
turnover is between Rs. 12 lakhs to 20 crores. Food businesses like mid-size
manufacturers, transporters, retailers etc. needs state FSSAI license. This
license can be further upgraded to a central license if the turnover of
business increases or changes are made in the business central food license is
required.
FSSAI Central License: This license is mandatory for large businesses with an annual turnover of over 20 crores. Big food businesses like large manufacturers, importers, food business operators in Central Government Agencies etc. need to obtain Central FSSAI registration.