FSSAI Central License

Apply for FSSAI central license with GST Wala. Know Process, Central FSSAI License fees, documents required and more details.

• Consultation Eligibility
• Drafting documents for FSSAI Central License
• Filing of FSSAI Application
• Follow-Up with Department

FSSAI Central License

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) stands as a paramount government agency dedicated to the holistic well-being of the masses through the rigorous implementation of pertinent food safety standards. At its core, FSSAI’s mission revolves around the formulation of comprehensive guidelines and norms designed to cultivate a culture of heightened food safety awareness throughout India. Vigilantly overseeing every facet of the food supply chain, from production to retail, this institution plays a pivotal role in safeguarding public health. A significant milestone within the regulatory landscape is the FSSAI Central License, a coveted accreditation obtained by Food Business Operators (FBOs) with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 20 Crores or those engaged in the import and export of food products within India. This accreditation underscores a commitment to the highest standards of food safety and places FBOs under the purview of stringent regulatory oversight, ensuring the integrity of the nation’s food supply and fortifying the health and well-being of its citizens.

Central to FSSAI’s mandate is the cultivation of consumer awareness, a facet of its work that it approaches with utmost seriousness. Regularly initiating diverse initiatives, FSSAI remains committed to keeping the public informed about the perils associated with substandard and low-quality foods. In alignment with the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, FSSAI meticulously crafts food safety norms and various guidelines, providing a robust regulatory framework for the food industry.

Fundamental Duties and Functions performed by FSSAI

Formulating Guidelines and Norms for Food Safety and Hygiene:

Meticulously crafting comprehensive guidelines and norms to establish benchmarks for food safety practices and hygiene standards. Ensuring a robust regulatory framework that prevents and mitigates risks associated with unsafe food practices.

Launching Initiatives Nationwide for Food Safety Awareness:

Spearheading nationwide initiatives to educate and sensitize the masses about the critical importance of adhering to food safety norms. Fostering a pervasive culture of awareness to empower individuals and communities to make informed choices for enhanced public health.

Granting Mandatory Food License and Registration to Food Business Operators:

Issuing mandatory food licenses and registrations to food business operators (FBOs) engaged in the production, distribution, and sale of food. Reinforcing accountability and compliance within the food industry to guarantee the quality and safety of food products in the market.

Facilitating Recommendations to GOI for New Policies:

Functioning as an advisory body to facilitate recommendations to the Government of India (GOI) for the formulation of new policies related to food safety and standards. Engaging in continuous research and collaboration to propose innovative measures responsive to the evolving landscape of the food industry.

Rolling Out Directions and Guidelines in View of FSS Act, 2006:

Disseminating directives and guidelines in adherence to the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. Providing a compass for entities within the food sector, outlining requisite standards and protocols to ensure compliance with the legislative framework.

Taking Legal Actions Against Illicit Practices:

Vigilantly taking legal actions against food businesses allegedly involved in illicit practices such as food adulteration. Operating within a stringent legal framework to uphold the integrity of the food supply chain and safeguard the interests of consumers.

In summary, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, through its multifaceted duties and functions, emerges as a stalwart guardian of public health and safety, actively shaping and regulating the landscape of the nation’s food industry to ensure the well-being of its citizens.

Requirements for Obtaining FSSAI Central License

The FSSAI Central License, a crucial legal authorization granted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), is available to food businesses meeting specific criteria:

Mandatory Criteria:

• Annual turnover exceeding Rs 20 crores, or
• Operations spanning multiple states, or
• Monthly or annual production surpassing the prescribed threshold limit.

Special Conditions for Application:

• Initiating a business in Nutraceuticals and Health Supplements.
• Engaged in transportation with a fleet of more than 100 vehicles.
• Operating a hotel with a 5-star or 7-star rating.

Additional Criteria for FSSAI Central License Include:

• Dairy facilities producing milk solids with an annual production of 50,000 liters or 2,500 megatons.
• Processing facilities involved in vegetable oil production with a daily volume of 2 MT.
• Slaughter facilities with a daily capacity of:
• 50 large animals,
• 150 small animals,
• 1,000 poultry birds.
• Meat processing facilities with a daily production capacity of 50 KG or 150 megatons.
• Food processing facilities with a daily production volume of 2 megatons.
• Food businesses engaged in shipping food articles abroad.
• Facilities with refrigeration or cold storage having a storage capacity of 1,000 megatons or more.
• Wholesalers in the food business with an annual turnover exceeding Rs 30 crores.
• Retailers and distributors of food articles with an annual turnover exceeding Rs 20 crores.
• Catering services or food marketing businesses with a yearly turnover exceeding Rs 20 crores.
• Restaurants and eating houses with an annual turnover of INR 20 Crore.
• Food catering services operating in government-based agencies, including seaports, airports, etc.

Adhering to these comprehensive criteria ensures that businesses obtain the FSSAI Central License, emphasizing compliance with food safety standards and regulatory measures.

Required Documents for Obtaining FSSAI Central License

Ensuring a smooth application process for the FSSAI Central License necessitates the submission of essential documents. Here is a comprehensive list

Form B

• Duly filled and signed by the applicant.

Floor Plan

• Layout of the production or processing facility, detailing critical areas with accurate measurements.

Key Management Personnel (for Companies)

• Complete list with names and residential proofs if seeking registration for a company.
• Copy of MOA (Memorandum of Association), AOA (Articles of Association), and COI (Certificate of Incorporation) for private limited companies, OPCs (One Person Companies), and public limited companies.

Partnership Deed (for Partnership Firms)

• List of partners with names, contact details, addresses, etc.
• Copy of the partnership deed.

Co-operative Society Information

• List of serving members in a co-operative society.
• Registered Trust Information:
• Copy of the trust deed.
• Record of trustees.

Registered Trust Information

• Copy of the trust deed.

Address Proof for Business Place

• Utility bills (electricity bill, rent agreement, registry).

Food Safety Management Plan (FSMS)

• Implementation details or an equivalent protocol.

List of Machines

• Names and details of machines present at the plant.

Raw Material Suppliers

• List of active raw material suppliers.

No Objection Certificate from Local Authorities

• Confirmation from local authorities.

Tourism Certificate (for Hotels)

• Issued by the Ministry of Tourism.

IEC Certificate (for Export)

• Issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade).

Import Export Code (for Import/Export)

• Relevant code in the case of import/export activities.

Declaration for Turnover Above Rs. 20 Crores

• Required in case the annual turnover exceeds Rs. 20 crores.
• Ensuring the completeness and accuracy of these documents is vital for a successful application for the FSSAI Central License.Top of Form

Procedures for Obtaining FSSAI Central License

In summary, securing a BIS Certificate offers a myriad of benefits, including:

1: Application Filing Via Form B

Initiate the process by submitting Form B to the licensing authority. It is crucial to adhere to the basic turnover criteria during the application filing.

2: Applicant Scrutiny by FSSAI Officials

The submitted application, along with the required documents, undergoes meticulous scrutiny by FSSAI officials. This step ensures the completeness and accuracy of the provided information.

3: On-Site Inspection by FSSAI’s Officials of the Business Place

FSSAI conducts an on-site inspection of the business place. Designated officials evaluate the level of compliance with FSSAI regulations. Non-compliance may jeopardize the application status.

4: Approval of Application and Grant of the License

Upon approval by the licensing authority, the application proceeds to the next stage. The central FSSAI license is granted, and the certificate is issued to the licensee. The entire process typically takes a few days.

5: Commencement of Business Operations

With the obtained FSSAI Central License, the business owner is authorized to commence full-scale operations. This certification validates the business’s compliance with food safety standards and allows for seamless participation in the food industry

Validity and Renewal of FSSAI Central License

The following are the advantages of getting FSSAI Central License:

1: Validity Duration:

• The Central FSSAI license offers a flexible validity ranging from 1 to 5 years. The associated cost increases in alignment with the chosen validity period.

2. Renewal Process:

• For seamless continuity, the FSSAI Central License must be renewed before the expiration date, ideally within 30 days. Failure to renew within this timeframe may result in penalties.

3. Renewal Requirements:

• The renewal process mirrors the initial application, requiring the submission of specific documents.
• Passport-size photograph
• ID proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, etc.)
• PAN Card
• Address proof (telephone bills, electricity bills, etc.)
• Copy of the Land Deed or Agreement as proof of ownership
• For rented premises, submission of the rental agreement copy and a No Objection Certificate from the Landlord is mandatory.

4. Renewal Application Procedure:

• Initiating the renewal process is akin to applying for a new license. The applicant can efficiently file for renewal by submitting the necessary documentation online.

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