FSSAI Registration

Description

In India, registration with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India(FSSAI) is mandatory for every person involved in the food business. It can be food processing, food manufacturing, packaging, or distributing. FSSAI registration is a must to run a food business.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India(FSSAI) checks the quality of food products being produced or processed by various food operators. Food license/registration is based on the following parameters – 1. Turnover. 2. Scale of business. 3. Type of activity.

FSSAI issues three types of license based on the nature of the food business and turnover:

• Basic Registration: For Turnover less than ₹12 Lakh
• State License: For Turnover between ₹12 Lakh to ₹20 Crore
• Central License: For Turnover above ₹20 Crore

Other criteria like the location of the business, number of retail stores, etc., are needed while evaluating the nature of the license application.

Normally the license is granted for a period of one year to five years.

In 2021, to benefit industries involved in manufacturing, handling, packaging, and selling food items, FSSAI decided to grant perpetual licenses to restaurants and food manufacturers to file their returns every year.

If a Food business operator fails to register themselves with FSSAI and continues to manufacture, trade or distribute any food article/item, then they may be fined, which may extend to Rs. 5,00,000. and imprisoned for a term of 6 months.